DEMO

A year before releasing "Angels Fall First", they gathered here for the launch of "Demo", which also features the song "Nightwish". A wolf howling under the moon, the cover was chosen. Only three tracks and only three members. You could say that everything began with: "Tuomas Holopainen," "Emppu Vuorinen" and "Tarja Turunen".

"The Forever Moments" as the very "Demo" have only as instruments, the keyboard and an acoustic guitar. The soprano voice "Tarja" with the fingerings acoustic guitar and keyboard arrangements create a good atmosphere for music. The letter somewhat fanciful and sorrowful at the same time is an attractive part. The letters were improved as the album although the band is not the best in art.

"Nightwish" continues the concept of indirect "Demo", the sense of loss indirectly mentioned in "The Forever Moments" here to stay, and death is the inevitable result, the end in itself.

"Etiäinen" ends the "Demo". We must move forward after reflection done in your own handwriting. Voice whispers, acoustic guitar and gentle sound of a keyboard. Thus closes this work, and so begins the band "Nightwish".

In summary, the "Demo" is very brief, showing quality in the compositions, arrangements and giving us an idea of what was to come. Highly recommended.

Given the ever present if sometimes suppressed folk interests of Tuomas Holopainen, it shouldn't be a total surprise that he originally conceived NIGHTWISH as an acoustic formation. This demo is their only recording conceived completely in that mode before drums, bass and electric guitars were added within the year.

From the start, Tarja's crystalline operatic voice infuses a sophistication to these gentle pieces played mostly on acoustic guitar and piano, with guest flute. Nonetheless, it's unmistakably ethereal folk in the vein of, say, LOREENA MCKENNITT, later CORDE OBLIQUE, and just as hypnotic, progressing through the subsequent two tracks. The last was reprised as part of the "Lappi" epic on "Angels Fall First", the first album proper.

A demonstration of an immense and budding talent, this offers a glimpse into an alternative future, though I'd guess if you are reading this review that you are more than satisfied with the timeline that unfolded, thank you.