"Imaginaerum" CD by Nightwish

by Adam Weishaupt (29.09.2011) Tuomas Holopainen is a visionary, a musical genius who has left behind all musical boundaries. "Imaginaerum“ goes one step beyond again, leaving the impression of an epic, big, orchestral Hollywood soundtrack. The 13 tracks on "Imaginaerum“ follow a concept and are the basic material for a film with the same name planned for April 2012. It includes some trademark Nightwish compositions, hard and epic, such as the first single "Storytime“ which is almost an anthem, or the Speed Folk track "I want my tears back“ (spiced with some Riverdance feel). The carnival atmosphere of the great artwork is reflected by the cineastic "Scaretale“ - the listener is carried off to other times and worlds. "Slow, love, slow“ is a convincing piece, with a touch of old-school varieté, and develops real ear candy qualities due to Anette Olzen’s great vocal performance. Also riveting: melancholic "Ghost river“, and the Rock song "The crow, the owl and the dove“ written by Marko Hietala. Another highlight is the "Song of myself“ (an epic, emotional, and very turbulent composition which is over ten minutes long). The instrumental "Imaginaerum“ is the finale, featuring and merging all melodies the CD contains - a brilliant ending! Nightwish open the doors to their very own carnival, carrying the listener off to other times and worlds. "Imaginaerum“ is an orchestral, visionary opus - created by genius minds.