Imaginareum (Film)

First came the album, then came the score; the final outcome? A visually beautiful film with a strong story line that has the greatest impact on whoever sees it. The film I am talking about is Nightwish's Imaginareum.

It was 2011 where there came news from Nightwish about a new album in the making and a film to go alongside it. Naturally being a fan of Nightwish I was very excited as no other band has made a film to go with their album, the album itself was fantastic as you can read here in a previous post. So seeing the video Storytime where there was behind the scenes action and various trailers different feelings of anxiety, excitement and curiosity welled within me.

The film's plot revolves around an elderly composer who is suffering severe dementia that has regressed him into his childhood state. He cannot remember anything from his adult life including his estranged daughter and his friends, he goes into a coma that allows him to try and find his lost memories.

So today I watched the film for the very first time; the first thing I hear is the beautiful music of the authentic Finnish track Taikatalvi whilst a winter scene which consists of the main character Tom Whitman building a snowman is shown. Coincidently Taikatalvi means magic winter so to have this tune play over this sequence was a remarkable idea. You are than taken into the surreal world of Tom's memories as he tries to take back his memories before they are lost. The film most certainly has a hypnotic effect on you as like the character of Tom, once you have entered Imaginareum you have to find a way out.

Performances of album tracks Slow Love Slow and Scaretale were brilliantly added to the plot; particularly Scaretale being performed in the circus sequence showed in Storytime. So naturally we saw appearances from Nightwish themselves.

I don't want to give too much away so I will conclude that this film was most certainly very moving and I believe the music played a huge part. So my journey to Imaginareum is now complete.

My top albums of 2012

Hello everyone!!! I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, I am now in my final year at university so I have been very busy with uni assignments and my reviews for Loud Stuff.com which is still going incredibly well. Without further a do I will list you my top five albums from the previous year!

5) We Are The Others - Delain

Get The Devil Out Of Me was the first song I heard from this album. I thought it was haunting and powerful like most of Delain's tracks usually are, it was a great album to relieve stress and calm me down as this was the album I listened to when I had finished my second year at university early last year.

4) Weapons - Lostprophets

I went to the album launch for this and rather enjoyed it. The album itself was rather good in places, considering I felt their previous album The Betrayed was quite weak compared to Liberation Transmission. So this album really suprised in terms of how anthemic some of the songs were such as We Bring An Arsenal and Better Off Dead.

3) Imaginareum (Score) - Nightwish

Alongside the release of the film a lot of Nightwish fans had the eagerly awaited the release of the score to go with it. I like how this album takes the songs from Imaginareum released a year before and made into beautiful soundtrack pieces that you just imagine what could be happening in the film. 

2) Amaryllis - Shinedown

An album that took me by absoulute surprise in 2012. I had booked a ticket to see them locally and was intrigued as I hadn't really heard them before until recently. I loved this album from beggining to end as it consists of a great collection of songs and a lot of these sounded great live. From the energy fuelled Enemies to the heartfelt I'll Follow You this album has a great package to it and it was definitely a favourite of mine in 2012.

1) Raining Rock - Jettblack

'I hear the drumming of thunder and the running of rain' is the very anthemic song lyric that will be remembered for years to come. This legendary song comes from Wycombe, hard rockers Jettblack in the for of their second album Raining Rock. I actually went to the launch for this in London and loved every minute of their show. So much in fact it made me look forward to the release a lot more. With an eccletic selection of music from the thunderous title track Raining Rock to the beautiful ballad Black Gold, Jettblack have certainly come back and they mean business. I leave you with a video of my favourite song on the album Prison Of Love.

Top 10 Albums of 2011 - Part 2

Now it was a very tricky choosing the top five for this year but I have made the decision to cast these albums below as the top five.

5. The Treatment - This Might Hurt

Now I love this album a lot; the catchy guitar riffs, lead singer Matt Jones sounding like a dead ringer of Aerosmith legend Steve Tyler and some smashing tunes are the reasons why this album has made it into my top five. The Treatment as a band have been another highlight in my musical findings this year; first coming across them in Kerrang! and their music influences are what got me interested. Full of sexy husky vocals, slick guitar solos and songs you could just listen to again and again this album definitely has the whole package of a great rock album.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

4. My Darkest Days - My Darkest Days

First hearing these guys via the song Porn Star Dancing featuring Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger on vocals and guitar god Zakk Wylde playing a sick guitar solo I thought I'd have a listen to the album. It was much better than I was expecting; I did not see myself get drawn into their upbeat, catchy songs as quickly as I did for this album. It is an album I can listen and dance to again and again for sure.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

3. Theory Of A Deadman - The Truth Is...

When I heard Canadian rockers Theory Of A Deadman were to produce a new album for this year I was very excited; I loved their previous album Scars and Souvenirs so was very eager to find out what this album had to offer. I had very high hopes for the album when the single Lowlife was introduced, the song was on four to five times a day on my iPod when it was released. Was very happy with the final outcome of the album as the songs were just as amazing as Lowlife; including personal favourites Bitch Came Back and Hurricane. Looking forward to seeing them live again next year.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

2. Within Temptation - The Unforgiving

Dutch symphonic metallers did not surprise with a majestic new album that was released this year; I loved all the songs on this album and Sharon den Adel's voice is still very charming. They are also known for creating a variety of songs and this album is no exception; from the upbeat Faster to the heartfelt Lost. I still listen to this album again and again now, it really has made 2011 a great year. There's rumours of a film in the creating process from the band too; keep your eyes peeled.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

1. Nightwish - Imaginareum

The build up to this phenomenon has been incredible; for two years this album has been in the making process and I can definitely say that the hard work has payed of immensely. This is the fourth time I have listened to since I got in the post this week and I love every second of it; I also love how it is set up like you were watching a film. The closing track Imaginareum acts as an overture for the closing credits and you can just imagine each song as different scenes; there is a film to be released soon as the final step. All I can say is Well Done Nightwish you have really worked hard to produce this spectacular masterpiece known as Imaginareum. Possibly their best album to date; being why it is my album of 2011.

Purchase the album now on iTunes or Amazon

Well there you have my top ten albums of 2011; there have been some truly remarkable works here and I only hope for more as good as these in the new year.

Nightwish - Imaginareum

After taking a two year gap from the spotlight; Finnish/Swedish symphonic metal gods Nightwish had been hard at work on a brand new album known as Imaginareum. If you remember I took my first step into this journey a few weeks ago with the iconic new single Storytime that really had me wondering what the new album would consist of. I was very impressed with the album; Nightwish have really gone out of their way to experiment with brand new genres and it works amazingly well, yet the magic lyrics Tuomas Holopainen writes contribute immensely with the new sound. It's incredible how they produce a jazz inspired track called Slow Love Slow and pull it off so well; I had never heard that from Nightwish before so I was greatly surprised. I love how the album opens with an authentic Finnish song sung by the heavenly voice belonging to Marco Hietala which then smoothly transforms into album's first single Storytime. My personal favourite songs on this album are I Want My Tears Back and Turn Loose The Mermaids; I love the melody of I Want My Tears back and it's amazing to hear the familiar pipes provided by Troy Donockley, he provided the pipes for The Islander and Last Of The Wilds. Turn Loose The Mermaids is a relaxing celtic track that gives the ears a break from the heavy distortion from the electric guitars. Scaretale also came as a shock to me on the album; sounding very dark indeed and Anette Olzon's voice sounds incredible, it also has a very Tim Burton feel to it; reminding me of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Not just on this song but the whole album; it has been six years since long term vocalist Tarja Tururnen was sacked via an open letter; there has been many years of debating whether Anette was the right choice for the band and I can honestly say this album says she is. It really has been one magical journey in the Imaginareum and I have enjoyed every step of the way.

Stand out tracks:  I Want My Tears Back, Scaretale and Turn Loose The Mermaids

Tuomaslotte rates:  TTTTT

Find Nightwish on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Nightwish - Storytime

Very happy this morning that I found somebody had streamed Nightwish's brand new single Storytime from the radio and I got to listen to the full song for the first time. Only having seen and heard a teaser I can tell that Nightwish are trying a whole new concept in their music; in the past where it had been oceans and forests so I like how here they are trying like an alternate universe known as the Imaginareum. Anyways I love how this single opens with a keyboard tune from the musical genius himself Tuomas Holopainen accompanied by choirs, then the heaviness of the electric guitars and drums enter the song. It's been six years since long time vocalist Tarja Turunen was replaced with Swedish born Anette Olzon and I think the band have done incredibly well with Anette; I think this song particularly shows the band's growth with Anette as their singer. One of the things that attracts me to Nightwish like a moth to a flame is the beautifully written lyrics and this song is no exception; Tuomas is one my inspirations for writing and I have the biggest amount of respect for him.

Overall a fantastic new single from Finnish/Swedish metallers Nightwish; I now only eagerly await the new album to complete my adventure to the Imaginareum since I think my first step into this journey has been a magical one.

Tuomaslotte rates it:  TTTTT

Find Nightwish on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Where are they now? - Issue 5

Yes I understand this is a few days late; I apologise. Artists this week include Mika, Nightwish and Drowning Pool.

I'm sure we remember the high pitched voice singing Grace Kelly and us trying to beat him at his game. He had two very iconic albums since then but exactly what happened to Mika? I remember watching him live in concert too; he was very theatrical and had so many props on stage, it was magical. He is currently writing new material for his next studio album that'll be released sometime next year; Mika himself says 'It'll be more simple and less layered than the last album'. Shall take your word for it Mika and shall see what else you can produce.

Finnish/Swedish symphonic metal gods have taken a break from touring to work on something spectacular for their new album that is due for a release next year. There will also be a film based on the brand new album; this will definately be one spectacular unique moment in music history. Also singer Anette Olzon has released some demos taken from a brand new solo album, still playing the waiting game for a brand new single releases from the album but will hopefully get an inkling soon.

Now I heard only heard about alternative metallers Drowning Pool briefly on superhero film soundtracks and Guitar Hero. Doing some research I had had they have four studio albums and regularly tour; they are due to go on tour with fellow alternative rockers Trust Company. Maybe a brand new album could be in the making; I don't know but hopefully they'll do something amazing to get back in England at least.

Vithor Moraes

This post is all about a very talented young Brazilian keyboardist; I mentioned him briefly at the beginning when he did an outstanding cover of Nightwish's The Poet And The Pendulum. Browsing through his YouTube channel I can see he has covered a lot of songs by Nightwish, After Forever, Epica and Within Temptation. I also love how some of the videos are edited; very much like professional music videos. I hope his musical career esculates; it's clear he could be the next master of the keys a.k.a Tuomas Holopainen. Here is one of his covers.

Find Vithor Moraes on Facebook and YouTube

Tarja - What Lies Beneath

I must admit I was putting off listening to this album; after hearing My Winter Storm and not liking it that much I had my doubts about this album. After hearing the first song Anteroom of Death on the album I had to hear the rest of it; I love how it started with a harpsichord and her voice alone then went to disstorted guitars and her voice over the top. I had heard the songs I Feel Immortal and Falling Awake before which I really like a lot so I was pleased to hear those songs on the album. What I also love about this album is the variety of songs; you have the fast, heavy tracks such as Until My Last Breath and Dark Star, you also have the soft tracks such as Underneath and The Archive Of Lost Dreams. It is incredible how Tarja's beautiful voice suits every single song and the string instrumentals introducing some of the songs, the one from In For A Kill reminded me of Jaws for some reason. This album is a lot better than My Winter Storm, definately shows another level to Tarja's solo career since being fired from Nightwish nearly six years ago and Nightwish are doing incredibly well; their Imaginarium project is coming together nicely.

Stand out tracks:  Until My Last Breath, Underneath and Dark Star

Find Tarja on her official website, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter and LastFM

Imaginarium tour will kick off in LA

Reading Anette's blog yesterday the exciting news of a tour kick off in LA caught my eye; I can honestly say that I am very tempted to go. However being a student it is hard to find the money for it because I have to save pennies to pay back my student loan etc, also finding someone to come with me to LA. Although it should be an interesting experience since I have never seen a band in another country before, it is something I would like to do one day.

I think I'll save money and wait for some UK tour dates, since I would like to see Nightwish in my home country first before spending hundreds of pounds to travel abroad.

For more details read Anette's blog here

Imaginarium Update

This video was posted on Anette's blog yesterday, it is an interview with Tuomas and Stobe about the film Imaginarium. It was featured on a TV channel in Finland, it has been subtitled so those of you who can't speak Finnish don't worry. Here it is enjoy.

Imaginarium Update and Spring is in the air

Hi guys 

How we all doing this lovely Friday?? I thought you would like to see the latest news about the new Nightwish album, click here.

It's such a lovely sunny day outside today, I definately think Spring is in the air. Spring is my favourite season; not too hot, not too cold, it's my birthday this month and I love all the new life that is created in the Spring. I also love the fact you can shed some of those winter layers that keep us warm and EASTER!!!!!

Happy Friday

Tuomaslotte :) x

More Imaginarium news from Nightwish

OK guys with the realease of Imaginarium by Nightwish looming, there are more details from Nightwish's musical maestro Tuomas Holopainen, the film's director Strobe Harju (who also directed the band's video The Islander) and the film's producer Markus Selin. It's very exciting that Strobe Harju is directing this film; he did an absolutely wonderful job with The Islander, one of my favourite songs by the band, the visual aspects are just phenomenal and the song is beautiful. Click the video below to watch what I think is one of the spectacular music videos.

Click here to read the interviews

If the film is going to look as beautiful as this video then I am not worried in the slightest.

Nightwish Studio Recordings

Here's a treat for Nightwish fans all over, you may have seen this already but I am so excited about this. Here's the video for the studio recordings in London. You can see the photos from this event on lead singer Anette Olzon's official blog. Click here to view the photos.

Enjoy!

Nightwish revealing the concept for their new album

Hello lovely readers

How you keeping? This piece of news I found out cannot go unnoticed being it's about a band I love and respect tremendously, everyone has been buzzing about the new concept that Finnish metal gods Nightwish have revealed. In the midst of making this album they have also been making a film called Imaginarium that will be based around the new album; the story is about a songwriter with an extraordinary imagination, he is an elderly man with the mind of a young boy. When he falls asleep this man travels to his dreams that come mixed with the young boy's world of fantasy and music, he also fights those memories most important to him.

I think this is a unique way to promote an album, I have not seen it done before by any other musician and I cannot wait to see it for myself. That's one of the things I love about Nightwish, they are not afraid to try new things and I think that's what makes them stand out.

Take care now

Tuomaslotte