WISHMASTER

Nightwish has had an interesting history. The band may not considered to be particulary progressive, but they have unique elements to their music. Complimented by composing of great depth, and a variety of tones, Nightwish has their spot on this website.

Wishmaster is an earlier piece of work from the Finnish Symphonic band. Before the blockbuster sales, Nightwish has made excellent music on a smaller budget. Though their earlier matierial like this album is not as progressive as later albums that they have rode to suprising big sales there is still some very interesting music techniques.

Tuomas Holopainen is the focal point of this band. As the composer, he is responsible for the overall quality of the band. As the lyricist he has as much control over the band as any musician could have. His performing role as a keyboardist is easily the most important in the band. Unlike many metal bands, Holopainen and Nightwish are focused on keyboard tones and melodies to bring their music to light. Holopainen though not virtuoso, shows impressive melodic skills. Songs like Fantasmic and Crownless show off Holopainen's abilities at their best. The songs aren't very long, but they still manage to strike an epic and emotional atmosphere throughout the album. Holopainen truly put his heart and soul into this album.

The Femme Front of the band is vocalist Tarja Turunen. Turunen's vocals are not exactly the finest examples of operatic performances in metal, but they aren't necessarily a downer. She can create a great contrast of atmospheres which make up for the lack of natrual vocal ability.

Empuu Vuorinen puts in much more melodic performance than he does on later albums. Those opposed to the riffing style on Once could certainly appreciate Vuorinen's tasteful playing on Wishmaster. Like the rest of Nightwish, he isn't a virtuoso, but still manages to make a statement with tasteful melodic playing. His tone isn't overpoweing, and constrasts well with Holopainen's keyboards.

Sami Vanska does a less than admirable performance on bass. It's better than those by succeeding bassist Marco Hietala, but still unimpressive. Nightwish could very well have made this album without a bass player, and it wouldn't have made an audible difference.

Jukka Nevalainen is unimpressive as well. That being said, Nevalainen does his job and holds the beat, but never goes beyond abilities of an average drummer deserving of praise.

The production is mediocre. The keyboard tones are all but stark, although they lack variety. The guitars are well balanced with the keyboards. The vocals are clear, but lack dynamics. The bass and drums are an important part of this band, and that is apparent in the mix.

It's a decent album, nothing to write home about, but reccomended to anyone in desire of metal with a melodic symphonic influence.