Nightwish - Imaginaerum CD

"Imaginaerum" is the heavily anticipated and long awaited seventh studio album by the iconic and world renowned symphonic Finnish metal band Nightwish. This follows on from their previous album "Dark Passion Play" released in 2007, meaning fans have been waiting four long years for this album.

This record is a concept album, as the music tells the story of an old composer reminiscing of his youth whilst on his deathbed, for which a feature film of the same name based on the album will also be released. The music shows more development since their previous release, as Nightwish draw more inspiration from influences such as film scores, as well as directors such as the legendary Tim Burton, whilst still keeping their signature sound, riding greatly on their use of a live orchestra in (most of) their songs.

The music is slightly heavier, yet still beautiful and somewhat transcendant in a melodic metal style, as the orchestrations encapsulate the lyrics and lead on to incredible and ethereal sweeps of melody, heavy on the strings and piano to somehow create a cinematically thunderous, twisted score. Featured on the album is the lead single "Storytime", an umptempo, mysterious and haunting creation, allowing heavy guitar riffs and drum beats to blend effortlessly and flawlessly with the orchestrations, and allowing lead singer Anette Olzon's enchanting singing style and incredible vocal range to shine through.

Despite making fans wait over four years for this album, "Imaginaerum" truly brings home just how talented and extroardinary Nightwish are, and this concept album is genuinely incredible. Well worth the wait. (Cat Emerson)

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