Page 88 - Metal Hammer Issue 334 - UK (May 2020)
P. 88
ALBUM REVIEWS
NIGHTWISH
Human. :II: Nature.
NUCLEAR BLAST
Finland’s symphonic behemoths let their ambition run wild
NIGHTWISH’S NINTH ALBUM is spellbinding territories with a few scattered instrumentals and a gorgeous operatic
a formidable double-headed hydra: one part homages to their illustrious 24-year career. sequence. Harvest may not address the most
gargantuan symphonic metal album, one The surreal symphony of Music retraces metal topic, but its hearty folk adventure is
part balls-to-the-wall orchestra-standard Nemo-esque vibes, the punchy industrial every bit as enthralling as you could hope.
instrumentals. It puts their talents to every energy of Planet Hell echoes amidst Noise and How’s The Heart? is the album’s standout,
test going, and they emerge utterly victorious. the contagious roots of Wish I Had An Angel a fresh singalong number pitting Floor
Exploring a multitude of themes relating to seep through the humongous Pan – a full-on Jansen’s stunning range against the flawless
humanity and nature, Human. :II: Nature. theatrical performance from the first note that drums of new permanent member Kai Hahto.
expands the richly produced sound of 2015’s seamlessly shapeshifts between a storming No sooner has Procession dished out its own
Endless Forms Most Beautiful into new, chorus, heavy chugging riffs and Floor’s heavenly brand of chills like candy thanks
glittering vocals. to a terrific performance from mastermind
“NIGHTWISH HAVE unassuming Tuomas Holopainen, the phenomenally
The initially
menacing Tribal flips proceedings on their
LET LOOSE INTO VAST music box tinkling head with enough energy to charge a circle- PRESS/TINA KORHONEN
on Shoemaker soon
pit of seriously epic proportions. In similar
ATMOSPHERIC WORLDS” bursts into their devastating fashion, disc one closes on the
seven-minute Endlessness, a cinematic treat
trademark towering
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