Nightwish - Once

[LORDEJAILBAIT]

I was very disappointed with this record because I feel that Nightwish just didn't try hard enough on this one. I noticed that they don't really use their symphonic elements as much in this album as their previous works, and Tarja doesn't use her opera style singing voice as much either; those two elements are what make them unique, in my opinion.

I was, however somewhat impressed with The Siren. I've never heard anything like it before, it's very different from what Nightwish usually produces. Although I am not a huge fan of the male vocals in Nightwish, the song was still enough to catch my attention rather than do nothing more for me than to cause a yawn out of my throat.

White Night Fantasy is also an impressive song. The lyrics and the music sound beautiful together, and it really gives you that peaceful feeling of walking alone in a quiet forest with snow underneath your feet.

In conclusion, this album is not bad...but it could be much better

 

[Evican]

This album is definitely not their best album. However, Ghost Love Score and Creek Mary's Blood more than compensate for the lack of 'Nightwish' we hear on Once. But this album was meant to be more mainstream to reach more fans and it did that. I do hope the new album sounds something like a cross between Angels Fall First and Century Child. Oh and lets hope the new singer can hold up her end of the bargain.

 

[Eyesore]

No offense, but this is probably their most symphonic album. And Tarja used the operatic vocal style much more on this one than she did on Century Child or Wishmaster.

 

[SheisMySin]

This is one of their best CD's to date, I don't know what you're smoking. It's definitely their heaviest too. Funny how some people want them to be more operatic, and others want them to be heavier. MAYBE some of the songs appeal to mainstream, but that's just because they are good...it's not like they are selling out by producing songs that aren't their style.

This is a perfect blend of opera and metal. I'd say Once is tied with Wishmaster, Century Child and Oceanborn as their best. They are a quality band, and gave nothing less than 100% on this one.

And yeah...let's hope the new singer can hold up her role! Tarja will be tough to follow!

 

[Son of Evil]

It was OK, but just not as good as Century Child (their best) or their other albums.

And as far as appealing to mainstream goes, I am sure it has nothing to do with changing their style purposely. Nightwish has always been a fairly accessible band.

 

[Ocean]

I was mixed on this album. I wanted to love it like all past Nightwish albums but I couldn't. I think I disagree with what was said about not trying hard enough, I think they tried TOO hard on this album and it lacked what Nightwish was. Tuomas just made a soundtrack sounding album with a bit of Nightwish in it. The guitar tone went downhill since Wishmaster, and its basically lost in in the mix somewhere now.