I always thought that Century Child was more of that change point. Once sounds way more like DP and Imaginareum than the albums before. Century Child still has some of that old style with songs like Dead to the World and End of All Hope, but had some songs that were more of what they sound like now such as Phantom of the Opera and Ever Dream.
Yeah - I agree, totally, I'd group Century Child in with that too! That's why I said Column A stopped at Wishmaster. It's part of the same movement, and it's probably a little more balanced than Once, but if Once is H's only reference point I didn't think there was much point telling him how some album he hasn't heard yet is a very good balance between two styles he hasn't heard isolated either. q:
You're right, though, Century Child is the metamorphosis. Probably a Marco thing - male vocals help. Broadly, though, Once still has the operatic passages, the hooks, and the speedy power metal of The Spirit of Nightwish Past, and the mid-tempo orchestral vibe of the later stuff. It's an album written for Tarja, and while it hints at what was yet to come, probably teetering on the brink of the next phase, it still remains in Tarjaville.
Tell me if you're getting any of this, H! Tarja's their original vocalist.
I'd also say that most Nightwish songs have enough of a hook to make them memorable live, even if you've never heard them before. So this might not be entirely surprising from a Nightwish fan, but I say go to the gig!
Rob Webstertonville is correct, mostly.
Genuinely tempted to change my name to that. I'd make a good Webstertonville.