Album Review

Nightwish – Imaginaerium – The Score

• 27th Nov 2012

Finnish symphonic metal group Nightwish return with their full-length ‘Imaginaerum – The Score,’ the soundtrack to the musical fantasy film ‘Imaginaerum.’ This is a bonus version of the original record, with tracks from the release being reinterpreted by the critically acclaimed composer and producer Petri Alanko.

‘Find Your Story’ opens the record, a track that begins with a dark, enchanting lullaby that increases in intensity as it prolongs. Almost fairy tale like featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the gentle sounds of the Metro Voices choir, this opens ‘Imaginaerum – The Score’ on a very tense and atmospheric note. Followed by ‘Orphanage Airlines,’ the gentle piano builds up with empowering percussion which soon kick into an inspiring orchestral ensemble that really encapsulates the fantasy genre of the film.

Continuing in the creation of this masterpiece, ‘A Crackling Sphere’ has been the most intense track on the record so far with foreground bellowing percussion keeping at a steady but dark beat throughout. Later on is the introduction of a faster paced orchestra, focusing on the strings and with the brass section making few but impacting visits. ‘Wonderfield’ hosts a beautifully tranquil piano section which follows onto gentler percussion and strings less intense than in previous tracks.

Eight tracks into the record and despite there being the occasional distant choir, there have been no foreground vocals yet featured on ‘Imaginaerum – The Score.’ This soon changes with ‘Deeper Down,’ where Anette Olzon’s soft and soothing vocals are finally welcomed and complimented by the gentle strings to create a peaceful ambience. She is joined by a harmonic choir which reiterates the softer sides of the record in comparison to those deeper, darker ones previously present.

‘Heart Lying Still’ and ‘G To E Minor’ slow the record but keep in line with the dark and fantasising nature of the release. The haunting piano is dominant in both tracks, with a smooth transition from one to the other. Along with the return of the powerful orchestral ensemble during ‘G To E Minor,’ this final track ends the record on a very bold and abrupt note.

‘Imaginaerum – The Score ‘ is a beautifully crafted record and although completely different to what I would usually listen to it is incredibly inspiring and takes you on an emotional journey. The record as a whole is a perfect compliment to a musical fantasy film, with its enchanting nature exploring light and dark elements to create a very powerful ambience. ‘Imaginaerum – The Score’ is an orchestrated masterpiece and Nightwish are a truly talented group of musicians.

Venue: Imaginaerium – The Score
Support Band: Nuclear Blast, Roadrunner Records