Nightwish has always been a band that thrives on defying expectations and pushing the boundaries of symphonic metal. With their tenth studio album, “Yesterwynde,” the Finnish ensemble continues this tradition, delivering an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. After a four-year hiatus following the release of “Human. :II: Nature.”, the anticipation for their new work has been palpable, and Nightwish does not disappoint.
The opening track, “Yesterwynde,” immediately sets a contemplative tone, diverging from the explosive beginnings of past albums. The track features an ethereal blend of choir, acoustic guitar, and uilleann pipes, gradually building up to Floor Jansen’s delicate vocals. This serene beginning contrasts strikingly with the heavier material that follows, cleverly drawing listeners into the album’s thematic depth right from the start.
The second track, “An Ocean Of Strange Islands,” is a quintessential Nightwish epic, clocking in at nearly 10 minutes. It boasts massive guitar riffs, roaring orchestral arrangements, and dynamic transitions. There are echoes of “Once” and “Imaginaerum” in its grandiosity, but it also introduces new elements, making it feel like both a homage and an evolution. Floor Jansen’s vocal range is given full reign here, soaring over the intricate soundscapes created by Emppu Vuorinen’s aggressive yet melodic guitar work.
“The Antikythera Mechanism” is a track that surprises with its eerie and somewhat industrial intro. This song, inspired by the ancient Greek analog computer, blends dark atmospherics with progressive rock elements. The vocal interplay between Floor Jansen and Troy Donockley is particularly noteworthy, adding a rich texture to the already complex musical arrangement. The haunting spoken-word segments by Floor add an unexpected but welcome layer of depth.
In contrast, the pre-released singles “The Day Of…” and “Perfume Of The Timeless” have sparked much debate among fans. The former introduces an 80s disco vibe that initially feels out of place but gradually integrates into the album’s diverse sonic palette. The latter, a more traditional Nightwish track, suffers slightly from production choices that bury Floor Jansen’s vocals under the orchestration, yet it remains a powerful and evocative piece, especially considering its rich lyrical content.
“Sway” offers a soft interlude, highlighting Troy Donockley’s pipes and gentle vocals. This track stands out for its simplicity and atmospheric beauty, providing a moment of calm in an otherwise intense album. It’s a testament to Nightwish’s ability to balance heavy compositions with lighter, more introspective pieces, adding to the overall emotional range of the album.
One of the most intriguing songs on the album is “The Children Of ‘Ata.” Merging Tongan native chants with a disco beat is a bold move, but it works astonishingly well. Inspired by the true story of Tongan castaways, this track brings cultural richness and a fresh perspective to the album. The integration of different musical genres within a single track showcases Nightwish’s willingness to experiment and innovate.
“Something Whispered Follow Me” may initially come across as one of the more straightforward tracks on the album, marked by a doomy atmosphere and a strong guitar presence. However, it reveals its complexity over multiple listens, particularly through Floor Jansen’s emotive vocal delivery and subtle instrumental layers that build towards a crescendo.
Comparatively, “Spider Silk” is a lyrical and musical highlight, blending a variety of influences. The song traverses from jazzy interludes to a powerful chorus, epitomizing Nightwish’s ability to weave different styles into a cohesive whole. Floor Jansen delivers an exceptional performance, although Troy Donockley’s vocal contributions feel slightly overshadowed by the sheer intensity of the piece.
“Hiraeth,” a term denoting a deep sense of yearning and nostalgia, lives up to its name. This track features Troy Donockley’s soulful vocals and melancholic instrumentals, creating a poignant listening experience. Its folky essence contrasts with the heavy orchestral elements found elsewhere on the album, adding emotional depth and diversity to the overall sound.
As the album progresses towards its conclusion, “The Weave” offers an epic symphonic arrangement that stands out for its sheer scale. The contribution from bassist Jukka Koskinen is particularly prominent, providing a solid backbone to the track. The interplay between the orchestra and the band members is seamless, exemplifying Nightwish’s mastery in blending symphonic and metal elements.
The album’s penultimate track, “Hiraeth,” is a hauntingly beautiful composition. The word “Hiraeth” is a Welsh term that describes a sense of longing and nostalgia, and the song perfectly encapsulates this feeling. Beginning with Troy Donockley’s gentle vocals and acoustic guitar, the track gradually builds into a powerful crescendo, with Floor Jansendelivering an emotionally charged performance. The use of traditional folk elements, such as uilleann pipes and whistles, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the song, making it one of the standout tracks on the album.
The album closes with “Lanternlight,” a track that provides a fittingly tranquil and reflective end to the musical journey. The song revisits the calmness introduced at the beginning of the album but with a more conclusive and introspective tone. Floor Jansen’s tender vocals, accompanied by sparse yet emotive instrumentation, leave a lasting impression, emphasizing the album’s themes of reflection and gratitude.
“Yesterwynde” is a multi-faceted album that showcases Nightwish’s ability to marry complex themes with equally intricate musical arrangements. Each track offers something unique, be it groundbreaking genre fusion, lyrical depth, or sheer musical prowess. The emotional and musical range displayed in this album is truly impressive.
Favorite Tracks: “An Ocean Of Strange Islands,” “The Antikythera Mechanism,” “Spider Silk,” “The Children Of ‘Ata,” “Hiraeth”
Brett’s Rating: 9/10
Order Yesterwynde here.
Track Listing:
1. Yesterwynde
2. An Ocean Of Strange Islands
3. The Antikythera Mechanism
4. The Day Of…
5. Perfume Of The Timeless
6. Sway
7. The Children Of ‘Ata
8. Something Whispered Follow Me
9. Spider Silk
10. Hiraeth
11. The Weave
12. Lanternlight
Band Members:
Floor Jansen | Vocals
Tuomas Holopainen | Keys
Emppu Vuorinen | Guitars
Jukka Koskinen | Basses
Troy Donockley | Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistles, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Bouzouki, Bodhrán, Aerophone, Vocals
Kai Hahto | Drums & Percussion
