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Your reactions combine deep technical knowledge of music with taste, passion and emotion. Just like the music of Nightwish.

You said it, Emppu is following the path laid by David Gilmour and is the Heavy Metal David Gilmour - Agreed 100%. Good to hear your analysis over all, but especially of Floors end part singing, thanks for these. Keep up your reactions! Sounds were perfect, yours and the video's.

I love how you notice every little thing! I have always admired Emppu’s solo and how he holds that one particular note. Emppu’s solos in this song and the latter solo in ”High Hopes” have just so much feel in them that I just feel like crying

Now you understand that this is Tuomas self-written musical obituary or epitaph, you will notice a very unusually serious Emppu, he knows exactly what this piece is all about.

When I recieve a notification to one of your reactions, I go make myself a coffee first. This was a 2 coffee listen! You spoke about Floor's masterclass in vocals, and I would like to give you kudos for your masterclass in how to react and analyse. Fascinating and educating. Keep 'em coming!

I always understood this to be about his childhood self... the 10 year old version of you that's now long dead and gone. The innocent version of you before adulthood that enjoyed sitting on your mother's lap... or looking out the window and daydreaming... or finding interest in simple things. it's solemn in that I think he's looking back on that version of himself with an adult's amount of regret and reflection of the way things were, the way they could be, and acknowledgement that the past is in the past... this is the poem for that dead boy.

Mike, I have to be honest, you are Master Class! The name you were looking for, is Wintersun. I think Tuomas has gathered the allstars of music around him. Someone wrote, that the difference between Jukka and Kai, is like Sith Lord and Jedi Master. Thank you Mike!

Marko started out as a classical guitar player- and Warwick built that for him.

Tuomas wrote this song, playing with the thought “what would I write if I were to die tomorrow”. With boy or dead boy he is always referring to himself in his innocent state. The swans in the background seem to be the transfer to the afterlife. And it sounds like the crowd is chanting “Floor, Floor” like they did in 2012

This was the Decades tour, with a lot of older refurbished songs, Troy asked the audience at some point: “ do you like our time machine?” There are like in Wacken 2013 no bad songs here, one of my favorites is “Elvenjig/Elvenpath”: headbanging on bagpipes!😄 And ofcourse all the songs mentioned in the comments🤓

Great analysis! Marko plays a Framus & Warwick Infinity / Panthera Double neck Bass and Guitar that was handcrafted for him. He has commented that it is incredibly heavy, believe he calls it The Beast. There's a video on KZfaq of one being built with some specs at the end (make of pickups etc). Here's a link to it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g52mrKaX3cy8oqM.html . Stay safe.

Brilliant analysis. Pure masterpiece as always. Don't let Emppu see this or he won't stop grinning for a week!

Troy is playing a bouzouki - it has such a cool sound. I think it's a greek instrument that was adopted by traditional celtic musicians (which is what Troy is FYI) as it fits into their vibe He's using an 8 string version (western scale) vs 6 strings (eastern scale). He also plays the Uilleann pipes (aka Union Pipes ie Irish pipes which are quite different to Scottish Bagpipes), tin whistle, pump organ, cittern, bodhrán, mandola, harmonium, aerophone. He mainly plays the whistle, pipes and bouzouki with Nightwish though - he gives them a folk/celtic vibe.

Excellent analysis - you are spot on 👌. These 6 people are some of the most skilled, talented - and powerful musicians ever. And Tuomas's ability to make them express and enhance the songs, are incredible. Tuomas really knows how to compose, so you get the full effect of how great musicians the all are. Floor is using her voice as the ultimate instrument it really is.

It's a very emotional song: the music, the vocals, the lyrics. I agree with your point about the simplicity of the guitar solo, etc. All the band members just do exactly what is needed to make the song perfect; they don't overdo it. "Less is more". I like your combination of enthusiasm and knowledge. Excellent analysis/reaction!

Mike, I love your analyses. Bravo!

I don't think I've ever seen ANYONE make such an effort to a reaction video 🤗 Great job 🤗🤗 Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰🇩🇰

@Mike Nakoda Did you notice how serious and concentrated Emppu looked during that solo? That also adds much to the feeling and delicacy of that solo.

You've seen Kai and the latest bassist Jukka, Wintersun. Jukka is the bassist in Sons of Winter and Stars and Kai drums. Both are now also in Nightwish.

If you watch more NW, you'll notice that Emppu has quite some spare time on stage. He and Floor are often alternating and since Floor does quite some singing ... Emppu sometimes is just roaming the stage, chatting with other band members, drinking beer, pulling pranks (like switching off Floors in-ear monitor). The less is more is exactly what makes NW so great. There is a time and a place for all...sometimes together, but often one at a time. It's is not about the performer, it about the song. If you're not adding to the song...shut up...

Hey all, let me know what you think of this reaction! Also, if you want to support the channel, you can pick up a copy of my new record Outside The Box right here: bit.ly/2q7sKco Thank you to each and every one of you who have picked up a copy, I'll be putting the money towards getting myself a new webcam, hopefully by year's end! You all are amazing, thank you for your love and support of me, my music and this channel :)

"Sing what you can't say, forget what you can't play". Possibly my favorite line of any song. Tuomas absolutely needs music to process and express his emotions. If you can't express it through music, it's not worth thinking about.

Just keep them coming, reactions or analysis, all the same to me and basically just great fun as long as you bring them! Thanks Mike.

Hi Mike! I just wanted to let you know I truly enjoy your reactions. You’re very insightful when it comes to music and I tend to learn a lot while watching. On top of all that you have a great personality and energy! keep up the content!

Love the insights you give!😊I read somewhere that «According to Tuomas, the song is the “mother of all Nightwish songs,” about himself and how he wants people to remember him as when he passes away.» Emppu is always fun to listen to, and a genius on the guitar.

Hi, Mike. I believe you would also like Weak Fantasy by Nigtwish they did in Tampere (Finland). I a way similar vibe to this one having that change of a feel in the middle of the song. Anyways - brilliant reaction/analysis. Thank you.

I positively love your analysis. You never need to apologize for that. It is always insightful.

There are no words. Floor is not of this world.. beyond the stars...

Thank you!

I love your reactions and analysis. You always point out things I don't normally hear in a song and then it just makes the song that much better for me so thank you. And your passion for Nightwish is always a joy to see.

Ya know ..... as much as I enjoy your reactions, I think I like your analysis' more! You can catch on to "things" you didn't the first time around because you were too blown away, and your explanations of the technicalities of the songs is interesting and easy for thick-headed people like me to understand.

I really like the comment someone posted on a Nightwish video about Jukka and Kai. "Jukka plays like a Sith, Kai plays like a Jedi" :D

Great to see you again, Mike! Audio is very good IMHO. If you want to see Troy really go off, check out I Want My Tears Back from the same concert. Audience go absolutely nuts to this fun folk song, too. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iqh_l8qpz8iUm4E.html

If you watch Marco sing Islander at Tampere you can see the guitar better...

Each time I hear Empu's solo in this song the following words keep running through my mind Black velvet and that little boy's smile Black velvet with that slow southern style

Marko uses Warwick guitars and basses. Warwick Infinity / Panthera Double neck Bass and Guitar. I think you are correct Mike. He uses this as an acoustic vibe. Marko has had classical guitar training. He is quite good on the six and twelve string guitar. Many times, Emppu's solos tend to mirror the vocal melodies. He actually approaches solos as an extension of the vocals. He make it sing. He checks his ego at the stage door. I think Jukka has almost a swing feel to his playing. I find myself moving back and forth to his drumming. Just like he moves behind the drums. have you hear Nightwish' tribute to Floyd? "High Hopes" from their 2005 dvd "End of an Era". You will really hear Emppu do his Gilmour feel. See link. This is a very emotional and personal song for Tuomas, based on a hypothetical situation. The small child's voice represents Tuomas' inner child speaking. When asked what this song was about "Tuomas has said about this song, that it's about if he were to die tomorrow, what would he want to say to everyone that he loves, and that love him..." Notice the small boy on the screen reaching out to the flying swans on the screen. The swan is the guide to the afterlife in Finnish mythology. He is reaching out to implore them to take him with to the other side. A beautiful song filled with sadness from an unfulfilled destiny. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/atV1d9GHyr-9qYE.html - High Hopes - Nightwish

As usual I loved your analysis. You help me to appreciate the songs and artists so much more, although I already totally love Nightwish. Thank you 💚👍

Excellent, detailed analysis, as ever Mike - great stuff! Not sure about the piezo pickup (a possibility), but he has loads of wires and boxes attached to the guitar, so perhaps the acoustic sound is midi-controlled. He uses it ('The Beast')when performing The Islander at Tampere, 2015. Troy does play various guitars on certain tracks (acoustic and a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24), though, on this, he is playing his custom-built bouzouki.

A very enjoyable reaction/analysis as always...keep'em coming!

Thanks for another great video, enjoyed this :)

Try "While Your Lips Are Still Red" from the Wembley concert. You will _love_ Troy's use of e-bow. (Also, Marko's singing...)

Great analysis Mike, keep them comin'

Hi there thanks for your great reaction to another nightwish song! Can't wait for the next one 🤟

Great video, loved it Mike!

I just love how Floor sings with her entire body. Loved your reaction to this great song!

Amazing analysis.

Loved your reaction again Mike😊🤘😍 Awesome!Greetings from Finland 🤩 Take care...

I wanted going to bed, but this is one of my favorite songs. So I will sleep at work tomorrow

Great Performance and top reaction…as ever…

Great reaction, love it.thank you.

Thanks for the reaction! It is always interesting to hear someone with experience to analyze these songs. Hearing more about Troy playing I recommend My Walden (official live) and more about Marko playing (and singing) The Islander (live at Tampere). These are not as heavy songs as some others but show their music from another perspective. Floor's more operatic singing can be heard in Stargazers (official live). It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on these if you have the time.

Nailed it as always Thankyou Mike.

Happy snowy day from Finland. From yesterday it snowed over 3pcm.

Love your knowledge about music! ❤

Troy's banging on his bazouki, btw

WOOOO..THANK YOU!...you know...

Nobody evokes emotions better than Floor.

Great Anaysis! I enjoy your reactions very much. Your knowledge, passion and insight make them interesting and entertaining. I think though, that Troy plays an electric, Irish bouzouki, here. Not a guitar. He also is a very skilled guitar player, as you can see and hear, in the acoustic version of "How's The Heart".

Nightwish First US 2022 tour date, Lowell, MA 5-7-2022 Tickets on sale now!

Great song and performance. This might seem strange to you, but the vibe of the vocals in the faster section of the song make me think of Constant Craving by k.d. lang. I'm totally with you on the guitar solo. Love the snare sound too.

I _believe_ you're right, yes, that would be Troy XD And yes, this song makes me tear up some too.

Great analysis as usual. It’s a humbucker of a song! My favorite Emppu solo. Wish it were a bit longer. It is Troy on the Irish bouzouki here. Kai is the drummer for Wintersun, as well.

Wow Mike, what a great analysis and breakdown of this song and performance. You assigned a lot of accolades to individuals and performances, but you dodged hyperbole brilliantly. I really enjoyed your insights!

Happy Flebluari to you too.

great reaction

you did it welll...i thinke better than many others....great job

Always enjoy to listen en watch your analyses.... I hope that someday Tuomas will watch your video's. I think he would appreciate it! Just as we do!!!!! Thanks 🥰

Saw you the first time today. Deeply impressed. Subbed.

Yep. I agree with others.....great reaction...ooopps....analysis!

Wonderful analysis and reaction Mike. Very detailed. Don’t worry about stopping and going back to listen again to a part of the song you want to focus on. Two points: notice how serious Empuu is when playing this masterful solo. Part of is he know how personal and important to Tuomas. 2nd Troy is in the process of learning this setlist beyond the notes on page jamming with Marco. Troy is a multi-instrumentalist . I enjoyed your comparison between Kai and Jukka drumming styles. For me Jukka is more intense while Kai is more laid back but very precise.

Ask Tank about the guitar!

🤩👍💥💯 🤘😎 🇫🇮 💙 Must be the longest reaction video of "Dead Boy's Poem" and there's nothing wrong about that. Yea, they definitely have listened their Classic Rock albums broken at the younger age. Anything and everything gives you influence as growing up as musicians, wether you get it intentionally or not. Huge breakdown for this awesome track 'duud'! 😈👍 Keep on rockin with them. Cheers from Finland 🇫🇮 🥶, the Mother Land of Nightwish 🤟😎

Troy was playing the Bouzouki

Marco's bass/guitar is Warwick.

Mike, let us know if you are playing any gigs in the GTA. I'm in the Hammer and would love to see your music performed live!

One small thing - please, try to let the recording run to the fullest... with NW, if something is recorded, it's probably not worth skipping/cutting... there is one nice small thankyou by Floor, that gets me all the time... its so warm, so gratefull...

5:00 To get more information about Marko's guitar/bass instrument, check this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqYhs6Xx668epc.html

😊🇫🇮❤️🎶🎹🎸🥁✨🤘

People are saying The Islander Tampere my personal and admittedly biased favourite is Rock in Rio The Islander same with Last Ride of The Day Rock in Rio.

For watch Marco guitar better you see "Islander" i love you reaccion. Saludos desde Chile

I really think you need to react to Nightwish’s cover tribute of High Hopes from Pink Floyd. It was part of the End of an Era dvd, which was also the last concert performed with the original singer, Tarja(tar-yuh). She’s not part of this song’s performance though. You just get Marko, Tuomas, Emmpu and Jukka rocking out with all the emotions of knowing this is the end of the current band lineup. On top of that, Jukka was dealing with a massive migraine most of the concert as well. Hope you’ll get to this eventually. Keep on keeping on!

Very nice reaction, thanks! NIGHTWISH AND MEGADETH?? 🔥 MARCO SINGING HEAVY SOLO? 🤘🏻 My suggestion is another cover of them, which we HARDLY see on KZfaq.🇳🇱 And if you like a HEAVY Nightwish sound, this will be a very nice one! 🔥🤘🏻😎 Marco is singing solo on this one. Check out their cover of Megadeth, symphony of destruction. (Montreal 2004) AND A HEAVY SIREN FLOOR & MARCO? The second also hardly on KZfaq, is a heavy Siren, The Siren performed live of course by Floor Jansen, and also again a very good singing Marco🔥❤️🤘🏻 Enjoy it, and I with you!

Did you get the message at all? The words? Very heartbreaking story from Tuomas.

Ah, great choice. Been waiting... you're going to love it. Won't comment on the Warwick/Framus as others will have done that below. It has a great acoustic sound when he chooses. It's called "The Beast". Troy is a multi-instrumental magician. In fact I think Tuomas is not the only genius in this band. Every onenof them is a genius in his/her own field. You picked up on pretty much every little nuance of this that I love so much and puts it in my top 5 NW songs. Isn't Floor stunning in that lower register? Floorgasm time. One of her youngsters I love about Floor is thecway special often sing a note straight and add vibrato progressively as the note is held, adding do much to the emotion. One thing I would add is that as far as I can recall this is the only NW song in which Emppu doesn't smile. Says something about the emotional commitment to the music. It's really nice to find someone who shares my view of Emppu as one of the unsung guitar Greats - a GOAT. Very underrated. Really liked this analysis. I wish you had time to do this depth of analysis more often, it's really what I'm looking for. Superb video. Thank you, Mike, so much. Oh and BTW, liking your record!

By the way, I think that Troy is playing an 8 string Bouzouki.

🎵👍👍🇳🇱🤘🤘🎵

I’m only a fan of pausing if you have some interesting technical observations to tell us about, which you do. So kudos.

This was great, thank you. If you could just fix your microphone so that it's not quite so loud and distorted at times, e.g. 11:53, that would be even better ☺

Wintersun?

Hi Mike, Oh, you'd like to see the gear set up, fascinating behind the scenes, with "Gear Gods": kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqYhs6Xx668epc.html Your intro to Troy! Kai keeping busy. Emppu! Floors lower register, how low do you want to go? Hehehe; Wembley, "Yours is an empty hope" a reaction to internet trolls. Kai with the Phil, fills. The tone colours of Floor, oooooh! "An Oceeeaan soouul!"

but there is no headvoice, it is at the end only belt.......my opinion....but by side, nice reaction

Great, but maybe do the breakdown after you've watched it, not every 20 seconds

It is a bit depressed indeed. The dead boy is a nickname for Tuomas. It is about Tuomas having to loose his childhood innocence (killing his inner child in the process) in order to progress in life. As the band grew bigger so did his responsibilities and he was forced to make very adult decisions. Also (at the time) he never was in a significant relationship, which (he felt) was impacting his songwriting; how could he write a love song if he never experienced true love? So now he lost his innocence, did not find love and he is crappy writer.... Of course we know better, but he did not...