SONG OF THE WEEK: Amaranth by Nightwish

SONG OF THE WEEK: Amaranth by Nightwish

Hello all, Shiningbind here. We took a week off due to health issues, so I do apologize for that. However, I am back. Anyways, we are introducing a new segment here on Shiningbind Band Talk called “Song of the Week”. This week’s song is called Amaranth by Nightwish.

Before we dive in, let’s talk more about Nightwish. Nightwish is a symphonic metal band that formed in 1996 in Kitee, Finland by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Empuu Vuorinen, and former vocalist Tarja Turunen, and Amaranth is their second single off their sixth album release, Dark Passion Play. However, this is around the time Tarja was replaced by Anette Olzon as this is also the second single recorded with her. Along with the song Bye Bye Beautiful, both songs were directed by Antti Jokinen, and it was filmed in Los Angeles back in 2007 costing a whopping 270,000 euros which is about a little over 300,000 in dollar amount.

The meaning behind Amaranth means Imaginary Flower which means that no matter what happens or how dark it gets emotionally, there is always that bright spirit within. The spirit will never fade including to those who have their spiritual beliefs. The lyrics are deep, yet can be uplifting. As for the instruments, it gives that orchestral feel to it like one can hear the angelic voices in the background which really brings out the deepness and fullness of the song along with the guitar riffs. Moreover, the drums beats are not too simple, but not too complex either where it has a nice balance. I felt the mixing was nice and balanced where nothing sounded off or the instruments not sounding too drowned out over the other. Moreover, Anette has a nice voice, but I can tell the difference between hers and Tarja’s voice. For example, Anette’s voice sounds like it was recorded from a studio as it comes in very crystal clear while Tarja’s voice is more that angelic feel where at times, it can be hard to understand the lyrics because it sounds like one is at an opera. One example of that song I can give is Wishmaster.

Overall, I really enjoy all Nightwish music whether it’s Tarja or Anette. For Amaranth, I do give it a 8/10 because the lyrics are powerful, great voice and it’s very deep with meaning. I do recommend Nightwish to friends and family.