Oceanborn

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Customer reviews

review by: Axe Victim date: 2008-06-24 rating:
Highly accessible Symphonic metal
I was blown away the first time I heard this band, and now months later, after delving into the genre in a big way, I've yet to hear better.Nightwish are a Finnish 5-piece with standard rock line-up except they use an operatic soprano as lead vocalist.First released in 1998 this is exceptionally powerful and colourful music. The soprano vocals may take a little getting used to (I've been raised on classic rock) but Tarja sounds absolutely wonderful on the big ballads (one of which is a great version of "Walking in the Air")On some of the more metal-type numbers I can't help wishing from time to time that Ronnie James Dio or Glenn Hughes was singing that material.In other words she has a beautiful big voice but I'm not always convinced it suits the music.Where she really scores is when she turns on the power when a song has a key change.Tuomas the keyboard player writes all the material but somewhat surprisingly it is very guitar-oriented with great riffs that fairly leap out at you, and are driven along at quite fast tempos by their drummer Jukka. Drum sounds are excellent,the machine-gun bass drum is not overdone and the group are augmented from time to time by strings(orchestral accompaniment was to be enlarged in later releases especially "Once" and "Dark Passion Play")The best tracks are "Stargazers" "Sleeping Sun" (Tarja's vocals doubled up are sublime)"Walking in the Air", "Sacrament of Wilderness", "Gethsemane" and Swanheart" (the first 4 are also on their "Best of").The longer tracks are not quite as good as on later releases and some of their endings aren't as well thought out as their intros so I've docked a star from what is an exceptional album.

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review by: Twitch date: 2008-06-23 rating:
Born of the Waves
Oceanborn is officially Nightwish's second album although I consider it more their proper debut as Angels Falls First sounds a bit under developed at times and comes across as a demo (don't get me wrong it's a good album that I treasure in my collection), just not as polished as it could have been. Oceanborn however feels like a properly produced album with not a single weak point, apart from it only lasts 53 minutes and let's face it, its Nightwish so you're going to want more.

On Angels Fall First Nightwish had no bassist; here they have recruited Sami Vanska a good player that adds an extra layer of music. All of the music here seems boosted and more powerful than before. Overall I consider Nightwish albums to be in the following order:

Overall best albums by my own average ratings. I get the average by adding all the individual track ratings together and dividing by how many tracks there are: (Note the main reason for Dark Passion Play being so low are the vocals which by Annette are s**t).

· Once 8.86
· Oceanborn 8.73
· Wishmaster 8.00
· Angels Fall First 7.39
· Century Child 7.25
· Dark Passion Play 7.05


There is a very strong fantasy based theme on this album as is evident on all Nightwish albums. The lyrics are very good and the music sounds very upbeat. You will find everything from soft ballads to fast aggressive arrangements as well as everything in between. Nightwish in only 11 songs show everything that they are about, at least back in 1998. Like all good bands they have evolved and changed over the years whether for the good or for the bad is up for individual interpretation.

1) Stargazers- A song about the stars and the moon, I enjoy the lyrics to this song as the universe has always fascinated me. It starts with a strong upbeat rhythm from Tuomas's Keyboards and is backed by the drums before picking up the speed. The lyrics are good and beautifully sung. The song seems it's about to end before a flute gently stars the rhythm again and there is one more blast from the chorus. A good song for the start of an album. 8.4/10

2) Gethsemane- This is one of my favorite songs from the album not because of what it's about but because it's beautiful vocally and the musical arrangements just make me feel good. The song is about a story in the bible when Jesus spent time in the garden of Gethsemane. 9/10

3) The Devil And The Deep Dark Ocean- This is the first of 2 songs to feature Wilska on vocals. I like the vocals by Tarja and the musical melodies, I especially like the final verse it always gives me the Goosebumps. I however don't like the male vocals that much because of the way they are done. I like the idea of having a duet between a male playing the devil and Tarja and the contrast would be interesting however I think they should have got someone that could actually sing in that style though Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth). Overall though I like this song. 8.8/10

4) Sacrament of Wilderness- This is another good song that has very good keyboard play from Tuomas. The song gradually builds to an epic end. The lyrics are very good. 8.2/10

5) Passion and the Opera- This has a great guitar riff intro from Emppu that continues through the song and is the best thing about it. 8.2/10

6) Swanheart- This is the softest song on the album that may be to slow for some people but is worth its place on the album. The song slowly gets more powerful and as the drums come in and then the guitars form Emppu play a nice slow melodic solo. 7.8/10

7) Moondance- This is an instrumental track that is really good and is as good as the brilliant Savatage and Trans Siberian Orchestra compositions. This song has been described as sounding Russian by many other reviewers, however I imagine a land of natural beauty being covered in snow as the moon light illuminates the ground and as morning breaks the local people who live in the forests and meadows of Lapland praise the heavens for the fall of snow. This is a truly brilliant song 8.8/10

8) The Riddler- One of the best songs from the album. The lyrics are really well written and make you think, shows of Tuomas's poetic ability, intelligence and subtleness. They are also accompanied by a great riff from Emppu and melodies from Tuomas. A hugely under rated track. 9.6/10

9) The Pharaoh Sails to Orion- This is another great song that could have been 10/10 if one of the above mentioned vocalists was on guest vocals or at least someone better. The song has really good melodies that have a really good ending. 8.5/10

10) Walking in the Air- This is a cover version of the original song from the movie the Snowman by Howard Blake, only difference is this is better is has more guts with the guitars used towards the end. Tarja is amazing on vocals. 9.3/10

11) Sleeping Sun- This is a beautiful ballad that for some bizarre reason was not included on the very 1st release. It has some of the best Nightwish lyrics ever and also a moving guitar solo. Tarja is amazing again. The song is about the eclipse in Germany, simply a fantastic song. 9.5/10

12) Nightquest- A good song that should have been included on the original release. 8.7/10

Overall Rating 8.73

A great album that is a great place to start for someone new to Nightwish. Anyone that doesn't like this album clearly has problems when it comes to musical taste and therefore opinions based upon music are irrelevant. I highly recommend you get this album.




review by: Symphonic Metal Fan date: 2008-02-24 rating:
Nightwish's best release/Tarja's best ever vocals
Excellent album! Great songs & arrangements, top notch musicianship and a crystal clear production. The much missed Tarja really pushes her operatic lungs to bursting point on this 1998 release - before adapting more standard 'power metal' vocals on later releases (and sadly losing the Scandinavian accent, so wonderfully present here!). Solid guitar and bass work adds bite with powerful drumming. And special mention of the sterling keyboard work which creates a majestic and symphonic atmosphere.
Highlight tracks:
Gethsemane, Devil And The Deep Dark Ocean, Riddler, Pharaoh Sails To Orion.
Also The cover of Walking In The Air is 100% Nightwish

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