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Tarja vs. Nightwish Edition

For those not familiar with Nightwish, Tarja was the singer for the Finnish symphonic power metal since their debut album Angels Fall First in 97. Apparently the rumor is she became a diva and the band kicked her out of the band by letter instead of in person. Since then Nightwish acquired a new cute singer Anette Olzon and is charging on full force. In the meantime Tarja has started her own band and just released her debut album. From online talkbacks it seems more people are on the side of Nightwish and in support of them more than Tarja. I personally dont give a damn and I think the single best part of Nightwish was Tarja's operatic smooth singing. So recently I acquired both albums and here's my take on how they turned out.

Dark Passion Play by Nightwish

I really wasnt anticipating liking this album. I had always liked Nightwish music but the driving force to me had always been Tarja. Also it didnt help that I read some negative reviews about the vocal capabilities of new singer Anette Olzon. While I admit she is not even close to Tarja she still is very capable especially with the new direction Nightwish is going in. On songs like "For the Heart I Once Had" with a more pop feel to it, she is perfect. On a song like "Eva", a very moving ballad, would have sounded unbelievable with Tarja handling the vocals.

First off the production value on the album is skyhigh. Every instrument sounds crystal clear and the 120 piece orchestra used on most of the songs sound amazing. The album is pretty dynamic with ballads, mid tempo rockers, instrumentals and a few "heavy" tunes. One of my favorite tunes, "7 Days to the Wolves" with an awesome catchy as hell chorus and some symphonic riffing similar to Cradle of Filths "Midian" album. Both singles "Bye Bye Beautiful" and especially "Amaranth" are also very infectious. Im not a huge fan of the instrumental tunes but "The Poet and The Pendulum" a 15 minute instrumental opus is jaw dropping. The cello part in the middle of the song had me grinning ear to ear. The only throw away track for me is "The Islander" which sounds like a renaissance festival jam gone wrong.

Overall the album keeps on growing on me with every listen. It seems to be getting excellent reviews despite the huge difference without Tarja. From the few live clips ive seen Anette sounds just as good in person as the album.

My Winter Storm by Tarja Turunen

I friggin loved this album since the first listen. This album is a lot slower than Nightwish with some piano ballads, acoustic ballads and the rest are mid tempo rockers with the exception of Ciarans Well which is a speed metal rocker. From the first vocals to the end Tarjas beautiful voice has you transfixed for the whole album. I know a lot of people who are not familiar with her voice would probably be turned off by her semi-operatic style. But to those who are fans her voice has never sounded better. Also like Dark Passion Play the orchestra parts sound amazing.

Some highlights include the atmostpheric song "Oasis", sung in Finnish or whatever language they speak, and also the kick ass ballads "Boy and the Ghost" and "Calling Grace". She also does a unique cover of Alice Cooper's hit song "Poison". Probably the highlight that most people would like is her single "I Walk Alone" which you can see the video below.

Overall a fantastic debut album by the former Nightwish singer. I just hope the next album has some more rocking songs on it like they prove they are capable of. Even though I really like the Nightwish album I actually love Tarja's album even more.

The bottom line and final verdict is both albums are must acquires. Its a close bout so far but I give round 1 to Tarja and I hope it turns out to be a long match for both bands.

***Update***

This is one of my most popular articles so I thought I should update it. After a half a year since release I actually think the Nightwish album stands out more. It definitely has more of a replayability factor to it but nonetheless if you are a fan of old school Nightwish then both albums are still a must have.

Tarjas new Video "I Walk Alone"

New Nightwish video Amaranth


Bye Bye Beautiful