Since the departure of Tarja Turunen, Nightwish has been a band that seemingly everyone has had their eyes on, with current vocalist Annette Olzon being the primary reason.  The band’s first album since the vocal change Dark Passion Play was a great way to begin the new era.  However, rumors of Olzon’s abilities in a live setting began to surface, causing some of the luster to fade.  Four years later, Nightwish returns with a new album in tow called Imaginaerum.  The results can be best described as mixed.

For Imaginaerum, Nightwish tries to diversify their sound by alternating between their traditional grand sound and the slow, blues-like ballads.   Their traditional sound is good, and certainly, having a folk music influence has helped the band develop sound further, as evidenced by “I Want My Tears Back.”  However, the ballads tend to fall flat, as they lack feeling that had been on some of the band’s previous albums.  “Slow, Love, Slow” is a prime example of where Imaginaerum seems to come to a crashing halt, and that’s only the first quarter of the album.  Songs that immediately stand out on first listen include “I Want My Tears Back” and “Song of Myself,” the latter of which is a near 14 minute epic that showcases Nightwish at their absolute best when it comes to telling a story.  The vocals are what one would expect from the band, particularly after having them established on Dark Passion Play to the point that Olzon is not going to be or try to be Turunen.  Where Imaginaerum takes a dive is the songwriting, as it comes off as rather uneven, with the best parts being really good and the worst parts coming off as really bad.  The closing title track is an instrumental that basically describes the album in six minutes, which means if you couldn’t remember what the songs sound like (and you probably will have that problem), it gives you a riff or two as a reminder.

A new Nightwish album these days seems to be an event onto itself, and Imaginaerum is no exception.  However, the reception for it will be mixed, as while there are parts that will amaze, there are parts that will frustrate.   It’s no sure thing that Imaginaerum is going to be universally liked by even the most ardent Nightwish fans, but it will provide some interesting moments, if nothing else.

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Taikatalvi
2.  Storytime
3.  Ghost River
4.  Slow, Love, Slow
5.  I Want My Tears Back
6.  Scaretale
7.  Arabesque
8.  Turn Loose the Mermaids
9.  Rest Calm
10.  The Crow, the Owl,
        and the Dove
11.  Last Ride of the Day
12.  Song of Myself
13.  Imaginaerum

Total playing time:  74:50

Release Date: November 30, 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Nightwish - Imaginaerum

Reviewer: Peter

February 3, 2012