Ah now here's a band that has been close to my heart for some 12 years.
A friend of mine from Finland got me into them, when the first album came, who would later author the Nightwish Biography.
I don't think they have ever made a dud, some albums I enjoy more than other, but for most they have been pretty
consistant throughout their career so far. Given that Tuomas is the sole songwriter for most, that is a pretty good record.
Oceanborn is my favourite album, I played it to death when it came out, at the time I was at sea in the Navy and helped me get through some frustrating times. But Once is their best worst to date, has two all time greats in, Creek Mary's Blood and Ghost Love Score.
Marco has brought a lot to the band, a great frontman, bass player and singer, in his own band, Tarot, for more than 20 years.
He took charge of the stage and took the spotlight away from Tarja's lacking presence in front of a crowd.
His bass playing also added to the Nightwish sound, giving things a real heavy bottom end for the first time.
The whole Tarja thing has been well discussed, all I will say is, that, without Marcello, her manager and husband, she would probably still be singing for Nightwish. Anette, is a great person, sings well live and has fitted in pretty good. I've seen her twice, her voice wasn't suited to a couple of the older songs. But she is a lot of fun on stage and has made the band more relaxed and they are enjoying themselves again.
Dark Passion Play, is a great album, better than I had expected. Yes it will be interesting to hear songs composed specifically for Anette's voice, on a new album that might come out towards the end of next year.
A couple of other Nightwish related bands worth checking out;
Tarot, Marco's band of many years, the recent double live CD/DVD, 'Live Undead', is well worth checking out.
Brother Firetribe, Emmpu's back to the 1980's melodic rock/AOR trip.
For My Pain, Tuomas plays keys and I think writes a couple of songs, dark goth rock.
Live DVD's, 2 official full concerts, the aformentioned End Of An Era (Iwas at the show, one of the best I have ever seen).
From Wishes To Eternity, a good snapshot of the 'old' band, with bass player Sami.
There's a few good bootlegs, mainly shot for European TV, not full shows, but good enough to release officially.
My favourite cover song is, 'Crimson Tide/Deep Blue Sea'.