This, their fourth, is the first with bassist Marco Hietala, who also provides some... er... vocals, which are a matter of taste, I think. They certainly can't compare with Tarja's voice (although comparing male singing with female is a bit unwise anyway), but having said that, she's less dynamically operatic this time around, as the record itself has a more symphonic, ethereal, slightly slower style.
It's certainly good though, from the "Wishmaster"-like "End Of All Hope" to the three-part conclusion, the haunting "Beauty Of The Beast", while there's also a version of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "The Phantom Of The Opera", where Turunen and Hietala share vocals, and it's not too bad although, ironically, the former doesn't seem to have the range for it.
As usual with Nightwish, I'm not really sure what I think about this one. There are weak moments, like the forgettable "Ocean Soul", but it remains undeniably impressive, and the band has a power and dignity that pulls the listener in.
****
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