Review Summary: Ex- Nightwish frontwoman releases her solo album, but it is not in the same league as her enstranged bandmates' latest effort.
We all remember it. That infamous last gig, the End of an Era DVD. The controversial letter and the news that Nightwish, one of the most well loved Operatic Metal bands ever, had parted ways with iconic frontwoman Tarja Turunen.
It wasn't long until both factions were going their seperate ways, working on their own projects. Nightwish released the largely well received Dark Passion Play album with new vocalist Anette Olzon. Not long after, the lovely Tarja appeared on the scene again after a themed Christmas album with this, her solo full length. The fact that it was released not so long after that of her estranged band's would only square the two albums off against each other. The fact of the matter is that, sadly, Nightwish still have the advantage over her. It would be hard to write a review without comparing this with other bands of the genre- one of them Nightwish. So, why not compare and contrast?
There is no disputing Tarja's vocal ability. She demonstrated this talent time and time again on various Nightwish material and earned her herself the affectionate nickname of 'supergob' with my friends and family. Howwever, vocal talent means nothing if you don't have the songs to back it up.
Forgetting the tiny intro musical interlude, opening track "My Winter Storm" sets off in the right direction. It clearly demonstrates the Nightwish formula, mixing metal guitars with that of an orchestra. The only difference here is perhaps that the song doesn't feel as grand as that of Nightwish. Yes, it sounds great, the opening being very enjoyable. Yes, the chorus is well written. Overall it's a fairly enjoyable song but you can't help but feel that the passion is lacking slightly.
To sum it up briefly, there are two sides to this album. One side is the operatic metal and the other is just, well, opera. In fact, Tarja would have done herself more favours in taking her musical career down one path or the other. Trying to do both on one albums will lose fans of both genres. The opera songs on this album are by no means awful, but they offer an awkward change of pace from the metal songs. The album storms through two opening tracks that could be right out of Nightwish' back catalogue, before suddenly dropping the pace and grandiose for a gentle jaunt through "The Reign". It's a very nice song, well written, but just seems out of place on an album that is a mish mash all the way through. The only song that really works out of the 'less metal' ones are "Boy and the Ghost", which successfully mixes tne pomp and circumstance of opera with the chruning guitars of metal.. It's essentially a Nightwish ballad without Nightwish. 'Oasis', written by Tarja herself, is a wonderful instrumental with a haunting quality to it. The cover of Alice Cooper's classic, Poison, is original but is also pointless, possibly the worst song on the album. It's a nice effort to bring the musical influence into a song from another genre somewhat, but it doesn't work. It doesn't really sound too different from the original, other than slightly heavier gutiars and female vocals. There are two many gentler songs after this, such as 'Damned and Divine', ;Our Great Divide' and 'Minor Heaven'. These songs are also very well written melodies but are awkwardly.
The highlight of the album has to be 'Sing For Me', which gets the balance exactly right between metal and opera. However, the songwriting is nothing special and Tuomas Holopainen masterpieces they are not.
The fact of the matter is that despite fan's opinions, Tarja was simply the voice of Nightwish and little else. She offered very little if any writing inspiration and this album proves it. It's an admirable attempt and is a very pleasant listen, but it won't stand up too many playthroughs. If Turunen had focussed on either Opera or her metal side, she could have created an album to rival her former bandmates. Instead, she tries to put both together and it doesn't work. It seems that Nightwish are still winning the battle between these two factions, and quite convincingly.
This isn't a bad attempt, by any means. It would be wrong to write Tarja Turunen off, as there is genuine signs of potential in this album. She just needs to decide on a style and stick to it.
A pleasant enough listen, but not in the same league as the band she once fronted or even other Operatic metal outfits.
Good points
- Some of the songs genuinely work
- Some great vocal work throughout by Tarja
Bad points
- Too many songs that creat an awkward change of pace
- The songwriting doesn't stand up
- The cover of Poison. Enough said.
