Band Review :: Nightwish

Band Review :: Nightwish
Posted :: May 27, 2004 by Haggs

Artist :: Nightwish
Genre :: Operatic Rock
Locale of Origin :: Finland

Nightwish is probably one of the most unique bands that I have ever heard. They have managed to successfully blend heavy rock with operatic vocals to create both upbeat and energizing, as well as slow and easy songs. While many of their songs discuss sorrow, sadness, and pain, they also focus on life, rebirth, and love. The incredibly unique mix of darkness and light, and rock and opera makes Nightwish stand out like a bright moon on a cold winter night.

The band was formed in July 1996 around a campfire by three of its five current members. They later found a drummer, and switched from an acoustic guitar to an electric guitar. Then, in early 1997 they went to the recording studio and created their first seven tracks. Later that year, Nightwish signed a recording contract with the company Spinefarm, and took off from there. Since then, Nightwish has released six unique albums: Angels Fall First (1997), Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000), Over the Hills and Far Away (2001), Century Child (2002), and their latest Once (2004). Nightwish graciously provides a sampling of MP3s available for download on their official site for you to try.

Band Members
Tarja – Female Operatic Vocalist
Toumas – Keyboard
Marco – Bass & Guitar
Emppu – Guitar
Jukka – Drums

Tour Dates for United States and Canada on the 2004 world tour:
8/16/2004 TORONTO, ONT - Opera House
8/17/2004 MONTREAL, QUE - Metropolis
8/19/2004 PHILADELPHIA, PA - Trocadero
8/20/2004 WORCESTER, MA - Palladium
8/22/2004 MANHATTAN, NY - B.B. King´s
8/23/2004 CLEVELAND, OH - Phantasy Theater
8/25/2004 CHICAGO, IL - House Of Blues
8/26/2004 MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Quest Club
8/28/2004 DENVER, CO - Cervantes
8/30/2004 PHONIX, AZ - Cajun House
8/31/2004 ANAHEIM, CA - House Of Blues
9/2/2004 HOLLYWOOD, CA - House Of Blues
9/3/2004 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Slim´s
9/5/2004 SEATTLE, WA - Graceland