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I appreciate reactors who are REAL. If you like something, say you like it. If you don’t, say you don’t. I’m so tired of reactors trying to lie to fan bases to not upset anyone. Good job Tank.

He also forgot about 15 years ago that he actually has an incredible guitar player, but insists on using him as a background instrument.

The worst part is you can hear Floor putting so much pure power into such a quiet vocal track

Love when reactors are genuine and honest. They don’t just say they like this and how awesome it is to not offend someone, and then a couple months down the road offhandedly remark of how it wasn’t my favorite and it was just ok…

The diver isn't CGI if anyone thought that. His name is Guillaume Néry (some images might be his wife Julie Gautier) and the images is from his film "One breath around the world"

Thanks for the opinion, Tank! I don't feel lonely now that someone has translated my thoughts into the right words. And yes, I repeat here that if something is done for a reason, it doesn't mean that it is good.

I totally understand you feeling this way. I’m a huge Nightwish fan and have been since the early 2000’s. Their music has always meant so much to me and shaped how I listen to music growing up. I so want to love this song because all the elements are there but I just can’t. The mix throws me off so much. I gave it multiple tries and I have accepted it for what it is. That way I can pick apart the pieces I like but I’m not in love. It hasn’t made my playlist. Normally when a Nightwish song comes out I play it to death on repeat but I haven’t with this one. I was excited for the new album and now I’m nervous. I can respect that this was Tuomas choice and he wanted to do something with this and he has this right. But I just can’t connect and I’m glad it’s not just me that is disappointed.

A lot of people are saying the vocals are deliberately low in the mix but I honestly think hearing the vocal tracks more clearly would make it better. It being a deliberate choice doesn't free the song from criticism. Hopefully we get to hear Floor a bit louder on other songs.

This song is a great example why live Nightwish is so much better than recorded Nightwish. At least in my humble opinion.

Tbh. out of context Nik Nocturnal comment "I want to watch this without sound" unintentionally sums it up the best

“Buh…buh…but the mix is intentional!!!” (Rant Incoming)- I’m really getting fed up of the Nightwish fanbase constantly deluding themselves into thinking that Tuomas can do no wrong. The guy’s a musical genius don’t get me wrong (Dark Passion Play is one of my top 10 favourite albums by any band ever), but even he is capable of making dumb artistic choices. This mix is a prime example. Not to mention that the guy’s ego has been getting bigger and bigger for years at this point. He completely went up his own ass on the Human Nature album. As for this song? While it is an improvement on most of what was on the last album, it still has the same air of pretentiousness that has been steadily building in Nightwish’s music ever since Tuomas got a boner for evolution (and Troy) on Endless Forms Most Beautiful. Funnily enough, Endless Forms is also the point when their albums’ mixes started to get worse (especially in terms of the vocals). FFS they have an absolute powerhouse of a singer in Floor and they’ve been misusing her ever since she came into the band. Pop on either of the Nightwish albums she’s been featured on and then go spin After Forever’s self titled record from 07. It’s night and day with how amazing she sounds on that album compared to how buried in the mix she is on her Nightwish studio recordings. Rant Concluded. #AndJusticeForFloor

Melody: great Singing: great Drums: great If only we could hear it.

It doesn't really feel like a nightwish song with an orchestra, it feels like an orchestra featuring nightwish

It sounds like a movie mix that needs to be played in 5.1 with the centre speaker cranked to get the vocals.

If you go to the Nightwish Arena KZfaq channel, they have put up a re-done version with the vocals pushed up in the mix. It sounds pretty good to me, and is well worth a listen.

First truly honest music reaction I've ever seen. I love Nightwish but this sounds like rejects from their Greatest Show On Earth recording.

“Hey let’s minimize the entire reason that people listen to our band in the final mix” Bold choice Cotton

Oh man the hardcore nightwish people are going to HATE tank after this one 😂

I have every Nightwish Album and based on this song I am not pre-ordering this album I am now in a wait and see mode because damn they messed up on the technical side of things they took Great Instrumentals and Great Vocals and then mixed them together with a cement mixer and all of the grace and precision that entails.

Looks like its Epica's time to take the crown of best symphonic metal band for awhile.

Hey, if Tank didn’t like this what is the problem. Greetings from Finland. Music lives and goes to atmosphere. Somebody likes somebody don’t like. Hey people, relax…

The Drummer said that the choices made with the mix were intentional, and they know people aren't going to like it, and they're fine with it.

Wow. I didn't even know NIghtwish had a new single out... now, having heard it, I wish I *still* didn't know that...

I am a huge Nightwish fan and good lord I’ve never been so disappointed by a release. This song had so much potential but the mix 😩 You said everything I’ve been feeling since this released.

whew, I'm glad you and Chase said something, I thought it was just me, I couldn't figure out why I felt so sad YET everyone was "raving" about this. Don't get me wrong I love, love Nightwish and listen to them every day, but to be honest I was kinda hoping they'd veer a little toward my favorite "Master Passion Greed" but this one, I don't know. Glad you're honest in your assesssments.

All three NW singers are great and it's hard to say if Floor or Tarja is better. But I think Tarja really had something that inspired Tuomas to write music. After all, even Dark Passion Play is an album mainly inspired by her. Today, the band is apparently mainly a company, and Tuomas sees the people in it only as his instruments. Anette changed the sound of the band and they certainly benefited from it. Floor is great, but it's sad that people mainly associate her with a 10+ year old performance for Ghost Love Score, a 20 year old song that wasn't even written for her voice. The direction of Nightwish is completely opposite to the direction of Epica. Epica cut back on the orchestra and added guitar and heavy sound. Today, Tuomas buried everything with the orchestra, thinking he was the second Hans Zimmer. But ok. Nightwish is his, he can do what he wants with it and probably already does.

since marco left nightwish the band is just a shadow of itself, even floor can't change this anymore.

I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like this as much as I wanted to. Since I'm not a musician or sound guy thanks for pointing out the mix. Now I understand.

I like it. No problem whatsoever.

I love when the very few and far between big name commentators I actually like criticize stuff. Not because I like hearing negative reviews. But because I know they're authentic and don't just pretend to like everything. You ain't gonna see Nik making anything like this. I usually am more inclined to watch smaller time reactors cuz I know they'll be more real cuz they're still doing it for themselves, not for the monetization and fanbase they cultivated. For the big dawgs to be real, you don't see that too much on KZfaq. I always knew Tank was different from the rest of the pack. I hate pandering.

It could be that the wrong recording was given to someone or some other mistake/miscommunication happened along the way. To quote Einstein, "there are two things I know to be infinite; the universe and humanity's potential to screw up, although I'm not 100% sure about the first."

I had the same thoughts when i first listened to it. But after i have listen to it for a couple of times it has grown on me

I like the Song, I don't love it as much as other of their Songs, but it have grown on me. That being said, Nightwish are a Band that is so much better live, than on Studio Albums, and I prefer that to the other way around, of course i would love both to be amazing.

This sounds like someone asked AI to make a Nightwish song

I don't get all the issues people are having with the mix. I've listened to this song dozens of times in the car, on my phone with Beats headphones, and on my iPad with the iPad speakers and it sounds great. I can hear the drums just fine, and Floor's voice is easily heard throughout the entire song...for me. I've even listened to it with the sole purpose of trying to identify what people are complaining about and I just don't get it. I can hear the harmonies during the chorus with Floor riding over them, although I can't tell if they're 3- or 5-part harmonies. Admittedly, the song is heavy with the orchestra, so that might be what's distracting people from hearing Floor.

I agree with you 100% Its sad that its so muddy😢

11:57 Exactly. This Mix is 100% intentional. Tuomas haven't suddenly gone deaf. Floor is supposed to be a part of the whole here, and not the usual Floor show casing. The band even stated that they expected reactions because of this choice. In an Interview, though, Kai didn't seem very happy about it. "It is what it is", he said. After a few listenings and learning the lyrics, I don't mind that Floor feels like a part of the choir, and not the star in front.

Met you at Sweden Rock, was so nervous to yell out to you. Glad I did. So happy gor you to Work for the band I first saw your channel covering, Hypa Hypa. The guys were great and amazing live.

When I first heard it I thought something was off, you pointed it out, the symphonics takes control of the song.

I have listened to night wish a little but I never really cared much for them till this song. So for me it's a great song. The first several times I listened to it I thought vocals were too low but as I repeatedly listen to it I don't really notice. Just sounds epic. Wouldn't hurt for vocals to be higher but it's only during piyd parts that they are low in the mix

I'm still hoping that the mix that's being pressed on CDs is clean as a whistle and they're just fuckin' with us with this clip.

I haven’t given a crap about Nightwish since the album “Once.” The garbage movie soundtrack vibe lost me. They should’ve just kept the epic power metal vibe and fought to keep Tarja. Which is sad, because I love Floor.

Yep. Like you said the best thing that can come of this is they remix it before it is released.

The song could be so good, but the mix sucks. Nightwish says the mix is ​​intentional, which disappoints me even more. Tuomas tries too hard to show off his art and forgets that he has amazing musicians and a talented singer.

Yes, the same people mixed it. There is a post on their IG from February 29 with the picture of Tuomas and engineers after the album was mixed and mastered. It says they were the same people they’ve used for 25 years.

Finally great and not a fanboy review!!! Thanks for this!

I guess I just took it as what they wanted to put out. I enjoyed it when I listened to it

Are you going to do Wintersun reactions when Time 2 comes out?

Yes it seems that chorus is little drowned under ocrhestral parts and I was dissapointed at first too. But after few more listenings I don't care anymore, I understand it and it is fine with me. It also depends a lot on your system at your home how is it tuned. Actually I have kinda those problems with all Floor era abums, that I am not sure what to think after first listening, but they all grown on me very fast. Like this song.

I am a NW fan for 22-23 years now and I feel 100% just like you. At this point I feel like, NW cannot bring anything new to the table and this song in particular is a disappointment for me too. I sincerely hope, the other songs will be better.

I find it crazy that both positive and negative comments are like 90% about the volume of Floor's voice. I personally don't have a problem with her voice being in the background for the song. But I don't enjoy the song overall because either half of the mix is too quiet and I barely hear it or the other half is so loud and aggressive that I get a headache. If I am not supposed to hear the drums in some parts, why are they even playing?

Please, I’ve been disappointed since 2016.

The first two times I watched and listened to the video, I thought it was my ears that were off because the treble sounds so muffled to me too. Watching this here confirms that it was not my ears.

Floor's probably mixed low so it sounds better on all the live versions that won't be happening for two years

Imagine you are at school concert as a Singer and too shy to really give into the music and sing "loud and proud". This is the vibe I get with this song's vocal mix. If that makes sense.

I heard this song on Spotify and immediately listened to Wish I Had an Angel right after that and the difference is stunning. Nightwish hasn't had that kind of intensity in years!

Seems like they focused way more on the video than the actual track. Cool video 👍

What I found was that after a couple of listenings Floor's voice started to "pop" easier in those choruses. I haven't tried to listen to those drums, have to do that to see if the same happens with them. That "heavy" part is chaotic though, but knowing it's written by Tuomas, there's most likely a reason.

To me, Tuomas should have finished composing The Greatest Show on Earth, close the book called Nightwish, put it on the shelf and move into something else. Is not "bad" per se. It just feels so aimless.

Lmao i just watched the podcast with you and Fin. Let's hope shit doesnt go crazy again

Finally, a reactor that's not kissing their ass because they're Nightwish!!!!

How do we submit songs for you to checkout. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my band

I have the impression that the music video with its additionnal SFX and probably the YT compression made the mix worse. The mix of the single version sounds better.

A lot has been said about the mixing, but i don't find it THAT bad. Sure Floor's vocal could be a tad louder in the chorus. But otherwise for me it sounds absolutely amazing. Massive sound, as we're used to from Nightwish. And don't get me wrong, i'm not listening through some laptop speaker. But high end B&W speakers. What puzzles me, is that Tank seems to have some really nice in ears. Which should be more than capable. And yet he feels so strongly about the mix. I guess we all hear differently🤔

How dare you have an opinion young man.😂😂never stop

I admit that initially I found Floor to be back in the mix but having listened several times it has become a grower. Thank goodness for her versatile vocals and diction as she doesn't need to overpower the music but be part of it. Never mind you've been working with the best female metal singer according to the current poll. LOL

I was also wondering at first too. And the sunken-in vocals goes against the grain, and… Love it, on repeat.

I've been a Nightwish fan for over 20 years, I have gotten to the point that they're just such a fixture of my life and I love everything they do. I'm not hardcore or weird, I don't consider myself part of the "Nightwish army" (I find most of those people are weirdo Floor stans and I prefer to distance myself from them). I am one of those people who thinks Tuomas is a "once in a generation" genius composer. I saw them live for the first time back in 2000, in a venue of 900 people. They are at a point now where they can just do whatever the fuck they want, it's all good. They make the music they want to make (well, Tuomas wants to make), not what they think fans might want to hear. And that's good for them right? A lot of musicians wish they had that luxury. Chris Bowes from Alestorm said on Reddit recently that he tried a different sound on one of their recent albums, but fans just want "old school Alestorm", so he felt forced to go back to that saying "I have bills to pay so I hate my life now". I think it is awesome for Nightwish that they don't have those kinds of concerns, good for them. edited to add: the song grows on you btw. It's an acquired taste, so to speak.

I respect you not liking it. Personally I think it is ethereal and i love it very much. To me it is art and gets more beautiful every time i listen to it. :)

I knew what the critique would be. In chorus I noticed the same. I hope they fix this and mix it again. I wish the keyboards were lower. Verses are fine. They've always had this problem.. not in all songs, but that's why I prefer the live versions. When floor sings louder, it should sound louder. Simple as that.

Is the lack of Marcus effect. This is how Planet Hell sounds to me now.

I believe most people agree. the song itself is great, the drumming is great, Floor's vocals are great, the message from Tuomas is great... but it sounds like I mixed it on a 16-track in my basement... and I did the best I could, lol.

My grandson doesn't even like it.. and he's 12

Hi Tech ! It´s obvious that Tuomas used Floor´s voice as instrument in between his music. When they, if Nightwish come on stage with this, then Floor´s time is to lead this an other way.

You are right, even previouse album they started to "dim" vocals, but also distorting deep tones, makes it so flat instead expected outbursts,and interchange of intensity, they were once best at...

I feel like I'm crazy but I have zero issues with the mix on any system I've listened to it on. I don't think a band like Nightwish makes "mistakes" with mixing and mastering

i see an interview with the guy who are mixt the album ,Mika and he said all that are intentional. They want to the all instruments make 1 and the voice be part of the songs. Its the moove of the band. i think you over exagerated

It sounds like it’s mixed with Dolby atmos or the new apple format in mind. Remember how some stereos would have a vocal mix setting or a spread setting. This seems like it’s set up for that.

I think people don't get that this is the final album in a trilogy of albums (EFMB, Human Nature and then this one). If someone hasn't been involved in the previous 2 in this trilogy, some may not get it. I think it will be interesting to hear this song amongst the others in the new album. They just finished a huge tour last year that was postponed by COVID. I think if it hadn't been postponed they would be torturing. Remember Floor also had a cancer diagnosis and surgery and then last year gave birth to her second daughter. I think they deserve a break 2026 will be their 30th Anniversary and I'm sure they will be planning a big tour :) Still nice to see you back doing Nightwish 😃

I don’t understand the issue at all. I have no problem hearing her voice. I like it as I think it signifies her and her line of “ancestors” they are singing with her.🙂

This song is definitely a GROWER not a SHOWER, if you get my drift

I agree. The high-hat is super dominant washed in reverb. Certainly the entire mix is an esthetic choice, but I don't think this is their best work in this department.

Great review as always. I agree on the mixing and unnecessary chaos. It’s like “what is the goal here?”. It doesnt sound good. And if you listen close it’s very similar to amaranth.

Hardcore Nightwish fan here. Hope you will survive the Nightwish army after this one😆 But seriously, thank you for being honest with your opinion and reaction! I have to say, that I am very happy that their new song is more heavy again. Floor's vocals are a bit drowned by the orchestration, but I think it's on purpose in connection with the lyrics and meaning of the song. The part where the "chaotic" guitar part drops in makes more sense in connection with the music video, it's important to have this visuals. I listened to the song a lot since it released and I honestly think it's okay, I like it, but I can understand some of the criticism regarding the mixing. However, some people here making up points about AI or whatever or that they throw out music just to throw out music... Nightwish has been working on the album for the past three years, Tuomas had a clear picture in mind of what's it gonna be. For some of that time they didn't even had an official label because the contract with Nuclear blast ended. They had renewed their contract with them just recently, so there was no presure from Nuclear Blast during the album production. Also in an interview regarding the choosing of Perfume of the Timeless as first single, Tuomas stated that Nuclear Blast is letting Nightwish basically do what they want, ( it's not exactly how he said it, but if you read between the lines it basically means they're so big by now they're going to make good stats and sales anyway, wich is in fact true). Also remember, Nuclear Blast records is also the label for Wintersun, wich are finally going to release Time 2 after more than a decade, while the album was technically finished the whole time, only the mixing wasn't "perfect" in the ears of Jari^^ So I don't think Nuclear Blast records put pressure on Nightwish at all. All of that being said, including that I basically like almost everything Nightwish ever released, no Nightwish album will ever again be on the level of Imaginaerum, my favourite album, and for Yesterwynde I expect no ground breaking stuff, just a solid Symphonic Metal record about some beautiful topics created by my favourite band. Although I am pretty hyped to be honest.

I can't speak to the objective technical quality - I just don't really have an ear for that. But as far as the creative choice of having Floor's voice further in the background for the chorus... I mean, I think it works! I like the idea of having the vocalist being just another instrument in the song, rather than always having to be front and center - and I think it works for this song specifically. I can only speak for myself of course, but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the song at all.

I'm just a simple small casino sound guy, but to my ears...Tank's right! Also it should be noted, your ears change the older ya get, and that can really change the sound of bands later Lp's, and often does! Great tune nonetheless.

I get the same feeling from this one that I got the first few times I heard "Elan". I like it, but not my favorite thing they've done. I get the feeling it'll be better in the context of the album

Why I’d never make it in the music industry: I couldn’t hear what Tank was talking about.

I have heard many opinions in the last 2 weeks, both from some reactors and from some of the fans, that mixing or mastering would not be good. But what matters most to me are the opinions of the band members and those from Finvox (I just saw a revealing interview in this regard, with Mika Jussila from Finvox, the one who handled the mastering of all Nightwish albums) - it seems obvious to me that this was the intention of the band members, because I understand that they gave their feedback permanently in this process. For me, the discussion on this topic is collateral. So I enjoy this creative manifestation of the band I love. Besides, I am convinced that the mixing will be completely different in their future live performances, years from now.

As much as I love nightwish and this single, you made MANH good points that I clearly ignored due to my fanboying 😂 love your vids tank thanks for reacting.

and I wonder why I didn't play this on repeat like every time they release something, I guess I subconsciously had the same feeling about this song, Floor really was just way back there

I really agree with you I'm disappointed It's like could have been a really great song but it's seems lacking, like where the big vocalist moment that we had in every song from tarja era to now ? I know that Marko quitted but it's also lacking the raspy counter voice that also gave it's magic to Nightwish Hearing this song feels like I'm waiting for something and it's never appears, Floor buried the whole time by the instru, nothing raspy to give an countervibe, feels like eating white rice without even salt, comestible but not great Hope the whole album isn't like this

Well , I think it is fantastic. And my JBL speakers agrees with me.

Appreciate an honest opinion, as long as it's not biased.

Reminds me of the Overproduction of some Blind Guardian Albums, i love "somewhere far beyond' and then i got lost somewhere on the way.

I will hold off until the album drops. It's not the most exhilarating single (and agreed about the mix, though I have to think that is intentional), but Tuomas is still the rare writer who writes albums, not singles, and much of Human:Nature was not really "single" material, so I want to hear it in album context.

Their done! Tarja and annete putting out solid music

First time i didn't like this song but it's growing in me

true, Floor's voice sounds almost lost in the music..still love this song alot. true fans also needs the hear negative reactions and deal with it. thank you Tank for your reaction.. can't wait to hear it live..sadly they don't tour for 2 years..greets from the NW Army in the Netherlands.