Nightwish – Angels Fall First - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Finland

Genre : Symphonic Metal

Release : 1997 (Reissue 2012)

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The nascent roar of Nightwish’s debut, “Angels Fall First,” erupts from the subterranean depths of Finnish metal, a raw and unpolished testament to the symphonic power that would soon engulf the globe. Released in 1997, this album is not the polished jewel of later years, but rather a potent, almost primal, incantation. It’s a sonic excavation, revealing the foundational elements of their distinct sound: the operatic vocalizations of Tarja Turunen, the driving force of Tuomas Holopainen’s keyboards, and the muscular, yet often melodic, backbone provided by the guitars and rhythm section. This is the genesis, a storm brewing before the full tempest unleashed itself, imbued with a gothic melancholy and a nascent grandeur that foreshadowed the epic landscapes to come. It’s an album that demands to be heard not just for its historical significance, but for the sheer, untamed passion that bleeds from its every note.

Track Analysis:
**1. “Elvenpath”**: The album’s overture, a blast of symphonic power metal. The iconic keyboard intro, a galloping, almost martial melody, immediately sets a high-octane pace. Turunen’s vocals, though less refined than on subsequent albums, possess a captivating urgency, a clear soprano soaring over the driving guitar riffs and emphatic drumming. The song’s structure is classic power metal, with a memorable chorus that, even in this early stage, hints at the anthemic quality Nightwish would later perfect. The interplay between the keyboards and guitars is already a defining characteristic, a dynamic dance of orchestral flourish and heavy aggression.

**2. “Beauty and the Beast”**: A pivotal track, showcasing the band’s burgeoning penchant for dramatic narrative. The contrasting vocal styles are immediately apparent, with Tarja’s soaring operatic delivery juxtaposed against the guttural growls of a guest male vocalist (later identified as Tapio Wilska). This duality creates a visceral tension, mirroring the lyrical theme. The keyboards are more atmospheric here, weaving a darker tapestry, while the guitar work becomes more intricate, weaving around the vocal lines. The song builds to a powerful, almost operatic climax, demonstrating a clear ambition beyond conventional metal structures.

**3. “Underneath the Waves”**: A more melancholic and introspective piece. The keyboards adopt a more somber, almost ethereal tone, evoking images of submerged ruins and forgotten lore. Turunen’s vocals are delivered with a newfound vulnerability, her soprano laced with a poignant sadness. The guitar riffs are more restrained, offering a melodic counterpoint rather than outright aggression. The drumming provides a steady, almost mournful heartbeat, underpinning the song’s brooding atmosphere. It’s a testament to the band’s early ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads within a metal framework.

**4. “The Carpenter”**: This track leans into a more folk-infused symphonic metal sound. The introduction features a distinct acoustic guitar melody, setting a slightly different sonic palette. The keyboards retain their symphonic grandeur but are employed with a more subtle hand, allowing the folk elements to breathe. Turunen’s vocals are strong and clear, carrying the narrative with a determined grace. The song’s pacing is measured, building to a powerful, albeit brief, crescendo that leaves a lasting impression of defiant resilience.

**5. “Astral Romance”**: A grand, sweeping ballad that showcases the full potential of the Nightwish sound. The keyboards are at their most orchestral here, creating a vast sonic landscape reminiscent of a medieval court. Turunen’s vocal performance is particularly striking, her operatic prowess fully unleashed, conveying both majesty and deep emotion. The guitar work is melodic and expressive, weaving intricate solos that complement the keyboard’s grandeur. The drumming is powerful and precise, anchoring the song’s epic scope. This is a clear precursor to the anthemic power ballads that would define their later work.

**6. “Call of the Wild”**: A return to a more aggressive, driving sound. The opening riff is instantly recognizable as classic Nightwish, a powerful, galloping rhythm that propels the song forward. Turunen’s vocals are more forceful, her soprano cutting through the sonic density. The keyboards provide a symphonic counterpoint, adding layers of grandeur to the aggressive guitar work. The song’s structure is straightforward but effective, delivering a potent dose of symphonic power metal with a relentless energy.

**7. “Angels Fall First”**: The title track, and a fitting conclusion to this initial sonic journey. It’s a more atmospheric and introspective piece, with a prominent use of piano and subtle keyboard textures. Turunen’s vocals are delivered with a delicate, almost fragile beauty, conveying a sense of loss and yearning. The guitar work is understated, providing a melodic undercurrent rather than overt aggression. The song builds slowly, culminating in a powerful, yet ethereal, vocal climax that leaves the listener suspended in a state of contemplative awe.

**8. “The True Way of All Flesh”**: A more experimental and darker track. The keyboards are employed to create a sense of unease and foreboding, with dissonant harmonies and unsettling textures. The guitar riffs are heavier and more angular, adding to the song’s oppressive atmosphere. Turunen’s vocals are more restrained, at times almost whispered, enhancing the song’s mysterious and haunting quality. This track demonstrates an early willingness to explore the darker, more experimental corners of their sound.

**9. “Lappi (Weaver of Worlds)”**: An instrumental interlude that showcases the band’s compositional prowess. The keyboards dominate, creating a vast, evocative soundscape that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The guitar and drums provide a subtle, rhythmic foundation, allowing the orchestral textures to take center stage. It’s a moment of pure sonic immersion, a brief respite that allows the listener to absorb the album’s overall atmosphere.

**10. “Nightquest”**: The album’s closing track, a powerful and anthemic conclusion. The keyboards return with a triumphant, driving melody, while the guitars deliver a relentless barrage of riffs. Turunen’s vocals are at their most commanding, her soprano soaring with an unbridled power. The song builds to a massive, epic crescendo, leaving the listener with a sense of exhilaration and a clear understanding of the symphonic metal force Nightwish was becoming.

Conclusion:
“Angels Fall First” is a foundational text in the symphonic metal canon. While lacking the meticulous production and refined vocal delivery of their later masterpieces, it possesses an undeniable raw power and an unbridled creative spirit. The album is a sonic blueprint, meticulously laying the groundwork for the symphonic grandeur and operatic narratives that would define Nightwish’s trajectory. It’s a testament to their early vision, a collection of tracks that, despite their rough edges, resonate with a potent blend of gothic melancholy, power metal aggression, and nascent operatic beauty. For any serious student of the genre, or indeed for anyone seeking an unadulterated glimpse into the birth of a titan, this album is an essential listen, a journey into the very crucible where symphonic metal was forged.