[8/10] Already megastars in their homeland of Finland, opera metal's premier band will be exposed to a much larger audience now that Roadrunner has wisely decided to pick up the option for Once. For those of us who have followed Nightwish's career extensively, Once is an instant pleaser; more immediate than 2002's Century Child, but not as bombastic as 2000's Wishmaster. A practical, yet provoking display of symphonic metal, Once is exemplary of a band firing on all cylinders.

Forays into orchestral movements is nothing rare these days, considering how Therion, Dimmu Borgir, and Cradle Of Filth have already ravaged such territory, but Once is Nightwish's first album with a full arrangement. Fitting for a band that presents its songs in such a grand nature, songs like ‘Nemo’, ‘The Siren’ and ‘Higher Than Hope’ is elevated past typical realms thanks to the thoughtful arrangements courtesy of band leader / keyboardist / primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen.

Lead vocalist Tarja Turnonen doesn't turn in an earth-shattering performance like she has in the past, instead relying on the softer elements of her voice that are just as pleasing. Tarja's throat and phrasing are still as shimmering as ever, usually bursting at the seams to let out a full-throated scream, but somehow finding a way to restrain herself. Combined with bassist Marco Hielta's throaty delivery, there is plenty of variance of the vocal department, which comes across quite well in the bouncy lead single ‘I Wish I Had An Angel’ and ‘Planet Hell’. In fact, Hielta's vocals could be one of the decisive factors in keeping Nightwish in touch with the current metal crowd, for the added 'male' edge Hielta brings to the table is enough to convince the more stringent of listeners.

There is little, if any Euro-bombast that was so prevalent on Wishmaster and some parts of Century Child. Replacing the classical influence keyboards and guitars are more down-tuned, heavy guitars that are occasionally reminiscent of Rammstein. Holopainen's keyboards are still at the front of the mix, but aren't as pounding as prior efforts. Holopainen's real strength lies within his songwriting skills, which have gotten more resourceful and less indulgent as the years have gone by.

Not as operatic and symphonic as so many have made them out to be, Nightwish is now venturing into more streamlined territories, territories that could earn them new fans that are into Evanesance, Lacuna Coil, and the like. Tarja's voice is still very much capable of gorgeous things, as witnessed on several occasions on Once, but let us hope Holopainen will turn her loose and allow her to sing more freely. Once is luscious, pure, and as tasteful as symphonic/opera will come, still setting new standards while picking up new followers by the handful.

Related Link: nightwish.com