This week I am focusing on the latest batch of "pretty frock metal" releases filling the shelves of your local good metal store. It's a bit of a change; one band sounding like a better version of previous fallen one, while another band has released a CD that sounds like a sequel to that last band's epic release. Confused? Well you won't be, Just hang on as I guide you through the changes in genre.

CD Reviews

Nightwish: Dark Passion Play

Tarja, their previous frontwoman, was unceremoniously fired after their triumphant end of the tour in their homeland (found on End of an Era). She is now a solo artist with a new album coming out this winter. The woman with the task of taking over is Anette Olsen, who was last scene fronting an Abba tribute band... oh dear. What is instantly recognizable is the fact Olsen does not have the power or range of her predecessor. At least on this CD, she also seems to lack the passion of her predecessors. At times she almost sounds like she barely knows the songs.

The musical side of it has not changed; it has the same passion, power and musicality we have come to expect from Nightwish. The combination of Anette and Nightwish first made me think of Evanescence; if all the instruments were actually played and not programmed. Anette has a better voice than Ms Lee as well.

There are probably some who welcome the lack of operatic histrionics on this release. I prefer it quite frankly to the pop-like Abba meets goth metal of some of the tracks. Why they included "Meadows of Heaven" on here is beyond me, as its dire in extremis. The singles "Eva" and "Amaranth" are typical of the fare on here. There are some interesting side-turns including them doing Jethro Tull on "The Islander". It's probably the most interesting song on the whole album, with Marco (bass) taking lead vocals.

That said this is not a bad album by any means at all. It's just not the Nightwish we have gotten used to. They have moved even closer to the pop world. Considering how many countries they are number 1 or near number 1 in; probably not a bad idea financially. I just miss Tarja's abject vocal power. It will be interesting to hear what Olsen sounds like live. She certainly uses a hell of a lot of help on CD.