I just watched the live version with Floor and it was unreal 🙏 thank you all for letting me know about it. AWWWRIGHT!!

Full disclosure: Classically trained bassoonist here, as well as saxophonist and guitarist here. I agree that it is hard for those so musically inclined to turn off the scientific, analytical part of a musician's brain and just listen without wanting to figure out what was done by who and where, and the intricacies. But once you're able to shut that down, it's a wonderful listen, especially when you realize that you can get caught up in the STORY being told in the song, which if you're an English Literature nut, is another entirely amazing rabbit hole to go down.. The references to Stephen King, the Raven, the Last Supper, the crucifixion of Jesus, and inserting yourself into Edgar Allen Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum, while telling the story of how the "old you" died, while the "new you" is beginning.. that takes some serious compositional chops. I'd love to play every part from the instruments I can play on this.. no part would be spared! but to answer a couple of questions for you: just the mixing alone of this album took over 75 days, because of how much was added to this. For the orchestral parts, the London Session Orchestra was brought in, led by Pip Williams.. the same conductor who composed and led the orchestra on the Star Wars soundtracks. Also brought in were the London Metro Voices Choir.. and to top that off, both the choir and orchestra were recorded at Abbey Road over the period of 8 days, so you know no expense was withheld for this. This came out so well that Nightwish has the London Philharmonic on permanent retainer for all of their albums going forward. About the vocals: as everyone already mentioned, on the album track, the female vocals were sung by Anette Olzon, who was their second singer. Marko Hietala provided all of the male vocals on this album. Live. Nightwish has never played with a live orchestra. I would pay good money to see them do that, however! The venue would have to be big: the orchestra used had 66 musicians, another 32 members of the choir, and 12 gospel singers, so to add them onto the stage with still enough room for the band would be HUGE. That's why it's okay for them to use backing tracks, because that symphonic feel is a huge part of their show and who and what the band is. Finally, have a listen to this again, and recall your last reading of the Pit and the Pendulum, especially how the subject is recalling his life as the pendulum is swinging lower and lower. When you get to the whispered voice saying "Now I only have 3 minutes and counting", either note the time in the track when that is said, or start a timer. Exactly 3 minutes from that part, you hear the blade strike, killing the Poet. When was the last time you heard someone compose their own death DOWN TO THE EXACT SECOND, including his own eulogy? That... is the amazing composition of Tuomas Holopainen.

There's a reason why Tuomas is known as the Mozart of metal.

I'm glad you did the album version because it gives you the best feel for the depth of the composition. All those orchestral sounds here and there that can't be distinguished live, you can hear in the studio version and they matter. Small details really really matter when it comes to songwriting.

The studio version is great, and Annette certainly does a fine job vocally, but the live version at Wembley with the dynamism of Floor's vocals is the gold standard.

Powerful song, made in the aftermath of the firing of their first singer, Tarja. Many in the public blamed Tuomas. He was unable to grieve because his friends were hurting more (I cannot cry, for the shoulder cries more). Drove him to the point of contemplating suicide....fortunately, he just did it in song. The higher singing in this one is a boy's choir, Annette didn't have this range. The live version with Floor Jansen is epic though. Definitely check it out....the whole stage presence during the song is one not to be missed!

with Annette it's a song, but with Floor it's an emotional rollercoaster, you can feel it to the bone. you should always look up their live performances, they are 1000 times better with an audience

Check out the live version from Wembley 2015 with Floor Jansen .

Certainly one of Annette's best performances on this studio version but the best live versions with Floor are unreal.

Great reaction, I love your videos! You asked if this is based on any pre-existing works and the answer to that is mostly not. It's true that he invoked the imagery present in Edgar Allan Poe's work "The Pit and the Pendulum", but this song was created as an outlet for all his emotions in regards to the departure of his childhood friend Tarja from the band, how the general public turned against him and how he was mourning the whole situation as if it were a major death. He was even driven to the point of having suicidal thoughts, and used this song as a means to artificially kill himself, so he could experience relief. "I only have three minutes and counting, I just wish the tide would catch me first and give me a death I'd always longed for"

Annette Olzon, the second singer and replacement to Tarja is on vocals on the album track. Some of the dynamics were adjusted for her voice. A fuller/richer version would be with Floor Jansen live, and there is a much darker version with Marco (Bass player/male vocals) on vocals. The backing track is done by the London Philharmonic, with Floor's version there is not the doubling of voice in the second, chorus, and final section. The literary aspect is based from E.A. Poe. Pit and the Pendulum. I could write a book about this song, but that will give you the basics... the third section... Dark Passion Play, was originally a piece written for Tarja, that was placed in here as part of his dealing with his depression after the break up of Tarja from Nightwish. The final section is quotes from his parents, from the conversations Tuomas had that helped him get through the very nasty breakup. (Yeah it got stupid) I'd take a listen to the live version off screen just to see the differences in dynamics with the same music. The composition was done in three parts... First with Tuomas doing the base writing... about 3 to 6 months according to interviews. Then he sent it to Marco for additional input and first round editing. Another 3 to 6 months. Then to Philharmonic, where the orchestral arrangements were done, another 2 months. Again all according to interviews with Tuomas.

Please check out the Wembley performance of this with Floor as well. It's incredible!

🤘🇫🇮 Nightwish army Finland 🐻‍❄️ No matter which version you listen, it's the composers child, from his experiences and from depth of Tuomas imagination and brain. I'm glad you took this one. Mainly because the live version would have distracted you even further from the following and the composition itself. It was filmed with captivating talent and seeing Floor and others stage performance would have made your valuation more difficult. Stay healthy and safe...

Fun fact, the album was recorded with 66 members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, 32 singers from The Metro Voices and twelve gospel singers. The final mix took 75 days

I believe Tuomas drew from the story of The Pit and the Pendulum by Edgar Allan Poe for some of the imagery in this. The overall theme does have a huge back story but grief and betrayal feature largely. That great bass line you were enjoying when Marko is singing, he plays that while singing live and just doesn't glance at his hands which blows my mind. Love how much you appreciate this composition.

Have you ever thought of reaching out to Tuomas and see if an interview would be possible. I would be extremely interested in seeing a composer discuss that side of Nigthwish with Tuomas. Another possibility would be to interview Pip Williams which is the co-arranger with Tuomas when working with the orchestra.

Very cool never heard of them. I am not a fan of orchestra/metal mix but I can definitely appreciate the amount of talent and teamwork must go in to creating such a beautiful production. I love reading the comments from the "die hards" on each group. That gives me more songs to focus on from some of these amazing artists. So glad I stumbled upon this journey!

Just watching your reaction to this was awesome! There's much going on with this song and your facial expressions and inability to sit still were a clear indicator of your feelings and the need or want to respond and exclaim! Dude, you're one of us now :D Love your input as a composer. Every Nightwish song is a thrill ride! I see you found the live 'Floor' version....I was going to recommend it too!!!

An old “on paper” and drop the needle composer here, too… this track is out of this world, I’d love to comb over the score as well! The cross-genre instrumentation, layering, dynamics, etc… this is a full package and I’m a little embarrassed to have just first heard.Thank you.😉👍

Most reactions to this are very focused on the lyrics, it's really nice to get a more music-focused insight!

This is their middle singer, Annette. This is one of those songs that the Nightwish diehards will say it should be listened to after you have listened to a few other songs as it has a pretty strong history in the band, but I think this song is worthy of an earlier listen just for the composition of it.

Great reaction! Your observations are really interesting and thank you for sharing them with us. I'm pleased to see that you have now watched Floor perform this live, I find it so powerful and yet tender at the close.

this song and version was my entrance into Nightwish, While I like this version Floor is just stunning. She was meant to sing the song her range and power di it a justice Annette lacks.

Really great reaction again 💪 Love that you also had a listen to the live version with Floor. This song really gets me every time…. So much emotion in it

Thank you for checking out the studio version! Of course the live is fantastic but no one ever listens to Annette

Great stuff Geebz, congrats on the 200k! As killer as the studio production is on this, I actually think the live version has a better blend of the heavy and orchestral. There are a couple nuances that aren’t included in the live version, but the blend hits so much richer. Both sonically in terms of mix as well as compositionally. I know you listen to vocals as an instrument (whole heartedly agree). The live version has that instrument much more present in the cohesiveness of the blend. I highly, highly recommend you check out the live version. Like I mean that as a human to human, not as a subscriber to a content creator. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hJqGmdxm3qndXZc.html

Reporting for duty from Nova Scotia. You've still got such a great Nightwish journey ahead of you Geebz. As masterful as the engineering is on the album versions, with Nightwish you almost always want to pick a Live version. I can't wait to see which one you pick next time you make it to Nightwish. The last of the big multi-act epics is "Greatest Show on Earth". That one's even longer, but I think you'll get a lot out of it. (Pick Tampere live. It'll blow your mind.)

Everytime i get this song on my playlist i ready myself, cause this song is a whole journey!

Once the full context of the song is known, this song is incredibly powerful

hands down one of the greatest cinematic compositions ever created. been a fan of nightwish since my early childhood and when this album came out, aw man. the nostalgia doesn't cloud how great this still is.

awwriighhtt! So hyped when I heard your clue in the last video about a pendulum and a band being big in Europe, Nightwish was literally my first thought and I absolutely adore Nightwish! Super glad you made this reaction and dissection. My thanks from Sweden!

The voice in the beginning is a young boy. Later on in the song another young boy sings as well. The orchestra and choirs you hear is the same that was used in the Lord of the Rings movies. I think it's called The London Symphony Orchestra or something like that. The recording of the orchestra may have been recorded in Abbey Road studios- not sure about that though.

The version with Floor is just way better, but this is still great. They really did a good job fitting Anette's range into the song on the album.

Take a chance at Diablo Swing Orchestra, you can start out with "A tap dancers dilemma". But you'll get a unique musical experience, but perhaps not so much of a complexity of musical composition, nonetheless amazing band. Their newest album is amazing too

This song ws made to Anette to sing, and she sang it beatufully, Floor sang this OK but that was only a cover of an original.

A masterpiece. Not my favorite version, but others have already stated that.

Floor Jansen's live version blows this out of the water 10 fold Floor's vocal performance compared to this is in a different universe AS STATED IT IS LIVE TOO. FLOOR FAR FAR MORE POWER, ENERGY, EMOTION AND SKILL

Nightwish was my first favorite band growing up, Dark Passion Play is one of the best albums ever! Your reaction was perfect lol, I was super overwhelmed too when I heard this song for the first time, but more like "What am I hearing right now this is amazing".

One of the things to note is that when Tuomas wrote this song, Nightwish did not have a singer. None of this album was written with Anette's range in mind as she was yet to join the band. When we listen to this song on the album, we hear boy sopranos and a choir. At least some of the reason for them was to fill in the places that Anette couldn't reach. Floor can reach these high notes and offered to sing all of these passages. Tuomas opted to keep the first passage and the spoken segments with the boy sopranos to retain the sense of innocence. Floor also adds her own flourishes that don't exist in this version, so that when we listen to this version after hearing Floor's, it's like there are little bits missing here and there. One of the most noteworthy differences between a Floor version vs. the original performed by either Anette or Tarja, is how much less prominent the choirs on the backing track have become. With Marko having left, Floor is singing the original vocal track, plus the choir tracks and now Marko's tracks as well.

I could see that you really felt the music. And I enjoyed watching it. Greetings from Finland :)

There is a demo version of this where Marko sings the whole song which is much darker but still amazing. Glad you are focusing on the music and the composition which is phenomenal as too many people focus too much on the backstory. Its obviously important to understand the story so you can understand why it was written as it was, but I like that you are reacting to the music and its great to hear your thoughts on the arrangements etc. You can absorb the back story yourself. :)

Fun part is that the blade slices exactly 3minutes after that dramatic voice said earlier "now i have 3 minutes"

You are correct, there is a huge, pivotal story behind this song for the band. Worth reading up on. Agree with the comments on the live Wembley performance.

Really would like to see a reaction to "Master passion Greed", same album. Probably their heaviest song. Looking forward to more!

It's been awhile since I've listened to album version. Forgot how good it was!

17:50 That was a great timing for a reaction! :)

i cannot hear this without loosing at least a single tear ... damn ... they know how to grab your soul with their musik

Nightwish makes me feel like I'm Conan the Barbarian, running across the plains, with the open sky above...the wind in my hair. CRUUUUUUUM!

There's a great documentary series that Nightwish released in the run up to releasing their last album, Endless Forms Most Beautiful. It's available on KZfaq and definitely worth a watch if you'd like some insight into their recording/arranging process. Great reaction, been waiting for this one for a while . Thank you for brightening my morning!

The great part of the studio version that the instruments are much clearer than the live version. The live version is indeed superior thanks to Floor, but also Markko's delivery of his lines is much better.

Yes! That was an oboe! i think the other comments covered everything else. Side note, how about that cimbasso part?

Sounds like final fantasy music. It's like the sound track to a whole game. The long format with it changing so much remind me of Geinoh Yamashirogumi's music from akira. You'd love his work Requiem and illusion from it. It's like japanese orchestral with a church vibe.... if that makes sense. 11:09 a wilhelm scream lmao! Gummy bear... uh huh.

Tuomas composed the music, The London Philharmonic Orchestra with composer and conductor Pip Williams added the orchestral parts with Tuomas' guidance.

Thanks for what you do with the channel you provided us many hours of entertainment cheers 🥂

Nightwish Army from Brazil!!!

One of those rare bands that sound even better live than in the studio. Watch the live version from Wembley

There is a third version of this masterpiece that is often overlooked, The original version was sung almost entirely by Marko. Some slight lyric differences but more pain also.

This is the song that first got me into Nightwish! I love Floor so much, but this album is still probably my favorite and because of that, Annette holds a special place in my heart.

First off, I hope the shoulder is fine... I see you massaging it throughout the video. Floor version (live) far superior to this. But you already commented on it... Now, if this was sung by Tarja. How incredible it would have been. It would have taken the whole band to another level. Anette just doesn't have the power needed to front this band. She is a fine vocalist on her own right, this is just too overwhelming for her... And eventually the reason why it didn't work out too well with Anette. Basically they were locked out of a lot of the Tarja songs as Anette just could not do them. And some of those attempts just failed miserably... It is sad that it took the Tarja firing to get Tuomas to this place and to really push the limits with the music. Tuomas was in love with Tarja, at least musically if not completely romantically, she was his muse and inspiration to write the songs. And this song is about how dead Tuomas felt after they did what they did after "end of an era" concert.

DUUUUD!!! Since you checked out the live version why in the heck you didn't do a reaction video of it??? 😮 Coz I kinda know you appreciate great live performances aside any well composed music from your point of view... 😉 And you Know how high the production value is on any Nightwish gig. Would like to see your reaction on that particular Wembley live of "The Poet and the Pendulum"... Even though you already have watched it... Just a suggestion män. Anyways... Cheers from Finland 🇫🇮, the Mother Land of Nightwish 🤟🥶

Congrats on 200k.

Fun Fact: The Song was the most hardest for Tuomas to write and is highlighting the issues that he had preparing the early album ideas. Mostly because he fall into deep depression after they had to kick out their original singer Tarja Turunen. Originally the composition was 26 minutes long. But after many rewriting he shortened it down to "just" 13 minutes.

Nightwish Army New Zealand Chapter haha. Also Opeth, Jinjer, Spirtitbox, Epica, Radiohead and Tool army - and a few more. Kind of glad you did this version as Floor doing this song really hits me in the feels a little too much. Glad you did watch her do it live as per the comments though. But too much for me tonight.

This a great song written by, at that time, a tortured soul.. I hits u in the heart when lyrics like these resonates in ur soul. Great reaction, as always. Gd luck with ur surgery. Stay well my old friend

Everyone rags on Anette, but she is an incredible singer.

You should definitely do a deep dive on Nightwish! Definitely the kind of band with seemingly endless musical territory to traverse like Opeth or Mastodon. Also probably my favorite. Definitely the lineup with Marco, Floor, and Kai, most of my faves in one band. Marco was a severely underrated power source in their music. I don't know what the other soldiers have recommended, but my list for a slow burn review would probably be: Dead to the World Ever Dream Creek Mary's Blood Planet Hell The Siren Master Passion Greed The Islander Ghost River Fantasmic Pharaoh Sails to Orion Astral Romance The Greatest Show on Earth (probably their most important/impressive song to date) Rest Calm Turn Loose the Mermaids Last Ride of the Day And any songs on side A of their most recent full length, Human :II: Nature (I really like Music, Noise, Pan, Endlessness and Tribal myself). Hopefully enough of my faves overlap with the songs your other viewers wanna see you review =P

The best Nightwish reaction I have seen. As 'Just a listener', I've often wondered if those with musical education and background can still just enjoy music for what it is without over analyzing. Thank you for bringing that up and showing some of your frustrations with that. I think it's time for more Nightwish!

So, Annette gets a lot of.... dislike (lol) from the fandom, but I honestly believe that her being less operatic FORCED the rest of the band to compensate and refine their sound. Modern Nightwish is not JUST Floor, but the whole band, playing and composing. Look at the work they did with Tarja. The only album that is even close is Once, but that is still a far cry from any song on this album. And you can see this evolution through Imaginarium and into Endless Forms. Not saying Annette is not the weakest (also not agreeing that is a reason to dismiss her) but only by being forced to grow themselves did they become the band they are now

beautiful song

Geebz cannot cry ‘cause his shoulder cries more.

Please please please do the greatest show on earth 🤟

One of my favorite albums ever. Wish people would stop obsessing over the vocalists and let it stand on its own.

There is some really interesting behind the scenes type of videos on KZfaq where you can see how the band works in studio - and how they work with London Philharmonic and the choirs in London (Angel Studios I think?). So if you would like to dig deeper in that rabbit hole, I recommend to check that stuff, it's fun to see how the music comes to life!

oh gosh how I love this song!

glad you did Floor's performance, just a tad bit of difference.....lol

I love listening to your technical breakdown of these songs . Please react to Floors version at Wembley 🔥

React to the live version, at wembley, with Floor, blows your mind.

The easy way to show the difference between Annette and Floor. Listen to the original Annette. Watch the live version with Floor . THEN listen to the Annette version again... This version is actually great. The live version with Floor is...

Slaughter to Prevail - Demolisher!!!! You're ready!

a think I saw a tear rolling down and tripping on Geebz beard.

Oh and love the green glow that ,at first glance, looks like it is coming from inside the coffee cup! Nuclear coffee!!

You asked about the details of composing and orchestrating this piece. Here is a small behind the scenes clip of the recording the orchestral track for The Poet and the pendulum from Abbey Road Studios kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gqeBhbd0sciqf6M.html

Thanks for your insights.

Wow. Cirque Du Soleil meets metal! 👄🎶🤘🏼

Love Nightwish!

I would really love you reacting to Shoemaker, also by Nightwish with Tuomas as composer. Ik think you will love it. Maybe dig up little info on Eugene Shoemaker before your reaction. Doesnt have to be much, but it will add a little to understanding what is happening in the song and the composition.

Ohh awwwright! Geebz this is a stupid deep song. You'll definitely need to do some research on the background. Great choice. Lots more to come from Nightwish. Also check out live version at Wembley. You might have to do another reaction to that lol. It's even better than this version. AMAZING

Live with Floor immensely better,missed opportunity

I didn't know about this! Orchestral Rock is my favorite! It's why I request The Dear Hunter so much, haha.

Such an epic song.

This was my first time listening to this song. I don't think I've ever experienced as many, or as strong emotions listening to a song before. I definitely think I have a new band obsession for awhile

Always here mate.

Heared the live version a few dozen times, never heared the studio version... but sounds really great too.

Kamelot - Memento Mori

Amazing choice Geebz! Please do the reaction of this: The Contortionist - The Parable (Rediscovered)

Thank you Geebz

Well....we sure hear the pendulum in the studio version. Would have liked to see the Wembley video reacted to as well. Have missed you reacting to Nightwish.

the intro sounds like siren singing for me

Thank you so much. Nightwish army here and fellow surfer. Have you hurt your rotator cuff? Saw wincing and shoulder grab. Been there. Hope for swift healing.

I wanted to let you know about the song, but the i realized the NIGHTWISH ARMY is present! So everything I wanted to inform you on....has already been said :) Best fancore on the planet!