I know I said this blog would be only about cosplay, cosmetology, and everything in between that. xD But then again, I'd like to usually post random dabble that are relevant to my interests. I am an unusual person, pessimistic (at times), and very opinionated; I also like to write ^ ^; So today, I will be writing about something I am very much in love with:
Music.
I was in band since Middle School. Sure I did quit my senior year, due to personal reasons. But I continued my love of it, along with performing through taking vocal classes, and relearning the piano. But even then, I was following many different artists and bands that I am very much in love with,
I love all genres of music. I grew up listening to the Beatles, the Stones, Classic Country, Judy Garland, the Rat Pack, and of course, the occasional Mexican/Ranchero music. So I ain't picky when it comes to what I listen to. Food and music are the two things I ain't horribly picky about. I even listen to the occasional Hip/Hop and Rap song.
But my first love has always been Symphonic Metal. It's a great combination of guitar riffs, fast beat drumming, soft and melodious pianos, unique storytelling-esque lyrics, an entire symphony, and of course, a beautiful woman (or a very sexy man xD) trained operatically, singing with power and grace.
In high school, I was a big Evanescence fan. I blame Pandora for getting me into Van Canto, Epica, Apocalyptica, Kamelot, and of course, my ultimate favorite, Nightwish.
Now, let us not get into a "Who's the better lead singer" crap. I am really tired of this "epic rap battle" of Tarja Turnen VS Anette Olzon. While yes, I got into Nightwish in 2007, two years after "End of an Era" and the decision the band took on firing Tarja. I do love Tarja (very, very much), she has the voice of a goddess, along with the grace and beauty of one. So she was fired for being a "diva", but here is so much more than that. It was personal (and private) matters that lead to the band's decision of firing her. So, if you want to "blame" anyone, "blame" the band. But she is much better off without them. Her two solo albums (My Winter Storm (2007) and What Lies Beneath (2010) ) definitely prove that she does not need them. She is a force to be reckoned with on her own.
How can you not love this beautiful and talented woman!? :O!
Now, the new singer (though not much new anymore), Anette Olzon. I personally like her. Her style is definitely more "punk/metal" sounding. Combined with Nightwish's beautiful melodies, unique storytelling lyrics, and powerful chords. She adds a great and edgy sound to finish it off. She belongs in Nightwush, and the great thing about her personally, is that she is one of the "brozies" :D!
She is so totally me! Always changing her hair and one of the "bros". I wanna drink with her! :D
So, now the album itself.
LOVE the album cover! It's. So. Awesome. I. Has. No. More. Words!
Imaginareum was recently released, and I finally got it on iTunes. This is Nightwish's seventh studio album, and it's a concept album (Meaning that the songs, played in order, are part of a much bigger story). I love concept albums! From Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare (1975), to Kamelot's Epica (2003), and The Black Halo (2005).
I've always thought all of Nightwish's songs put together could make a musical, since Tuomas Holopainen (the main songwriter and the band's keyboardist), writes the same "characters" and themes all the time. "The child...", innocence and childhood, "the wishmaster...", "the poet...", love and longing, etc. etc. So for them to write a concept album, was not a surprise to me, and a bit delayed xD
The story of Imaginareum is about a songwriter, who is a slowly losing his memories due to dementia. In his mind, he is reverted to being a child. He remembers his life before. Long lost loves, combined with beautiful ballads, and dreamlike melodies, makeup the soundtrack for this story,
Also, Imaginareum is going to be a musical/music video.movie. I am very excited about this, and anxious to see it. Holopainen himself has said that one of his major influences was the great movie composer, Hanz Zimmer. Even my mum felt that Nightwish's songs sounded like movie soundtracks. This is yet another example of how much I wasn't surprised about this movie.
LOOK HOW EVEN MORE AMAZING THIS IS!!! D:!
So I am not going to review each song, nor am I going to the said story line. But I will list the most important songs, along with my personal favorites with little comments:
Note/Disclaimer: I do not own the right to Nightwish, nor to Youtube. Used for edumacational/entertainment purposes only. Like the music? Please support Nightwish and iTunes by buying the album! Thank you.
"Storytime"
The first single/music video, and we are shown a tidbit. I do laugh at Tuomas' costume being Erik, the Phantom, but Anette's Dark!Snow White was beautiful :) The song serves as a sort of intro to the story, It's a great example and reminder of Nightwish's awesome musical style. With the orchestra and choir, and showing off the band as a whole.
"Slow, Love, Slow"
Now, like I mentioned my love of Garland and the Rat Pack, I am very much in love with Jazz. It's also the only genre of music I can sing in range to (oh how I am okay with being a Contra Alto xD). It was odd to hear Nightwish taking a jazz route, but very interesting, and Anette pulled this off well. Very 1930's Clubby music. Plus, the song itself reminded me of a very good SerasXAlucard fic. Oh me xDD
"Scaretale"
Oh Anette, how we love your voice when it gets creepy! XD This song is suppose to be about children's nightmares. Not that this gave me a nightmare, but it did remind me of "Master Passion Greed". Anette's voice changes dynamics, tones, and chords. It's pretty unique and a bit frightening ^ ^;
"Turn Loose the Mermaids"
A "celtic, ballad, sad, melancholic" song. I hear a slight Clint Eastwood/Spaghetti Western in C Key part. An odd combination, but it was made to work :) And I do love me some Celtics :)
"The Crow, the Owl, and the Dove"
This song was written by the male vocals and bassist, Marco Hietala. He did write "The Islander" in Dark Passion Play (2007). So I wasn't surprised at his songwriting skills. But for him to write something softer and less metal-y? This was quite unexpected. I also love the duet between him and Anette. To me, it also sounds a bit alternative sound-y xD.
"Song of Myself"
Nightwish is notorious for writing long ballad/songs (Though probably not as long as this blog entry xD). With "Ghost Love Score" (a personal favorite) at 10 minutes. And "The Poet and the Pendulum" at 13 minutes. This song is at the same length, divided into 4 "parts:. Much inspired by the poet Walt Whitman. I feel it is the climatic song, and it explains the ending of the story.
"Imaginareum"
The outro track and supposedly the song that will run into the credits of the movie. A medly of all the songs in the album. And it wasn't composed entirely by Tuomas Holopainen. He gave orchestral arranger, Pip Williams creative license to do whatever he wanted with it. It really remind me of musical entr'actes, where all the main songs are basically put together.
Imaginareum is definitely one of Nightwish's best albums to date! As I mentioned, my personal love for the band, it's style, and storytelling like elements :) I couldn't have been more proud and amazed with them.
I cannot wait to see them live again, along with seeing the movie!
Thank you so much for reading!
<3 Much Love,
Natalie P. Moisa
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