'Poet and Pendulum;' that's one hell of an introduction to Nightwish!!

Folks, try to remember, he's already listened to and reacted to all the songs he's introducing to others. I think it's wonderful that's he's so into this music that he's going out of his way to bring it to others in the industry. When I was younger, my friends used to constantly bring new music to the circle to share. I haven't had any one do that in years. Seems it's a dying trend and I really wish it wasn't. This is great :)

Mr. Hoyle's so perceptive to've been able to pick out how meaningful this song was. Well-done!

O my gosh Joel, going into this song without any knowledge.....the army will soon flood in to enlighten you! This is such an important song to the band and the fans. I love the fact that Ryan did get it. This is a personal song and it matters. Nightwish always perfoms from the heart. It is what gives them such power makes each song great. Enjoy the ride!

I find it interesting that Ryan immediately picked up on how much meaning is in the song and the sincerity the band plays with. It was the first thing he said when the song ended.

I discovered Nightwish about 6 months ago and they have impacted me more than any other band I have heard in a very long time. I have immersed myself in their music, watching all their live performances and I bought Decades Live in Buenos Aires on vinyl recently, but this is the first time I have heard The Poet And The Pendulum and I am gobsmacked. And Floor's performance, good God, she is amazing - so much heart and emotion (and the same from all the band). Although I respect Tarja and Annette for their talent and contributions to the band, it is definitely Floor for me, she's on a whole other level

This is one of three nightwish songs, that are reactions to definitive band drama. It is highly personal to Toumas, it tends to rip open wounds, in this case it refers to the depression, sadness, dispare in the aftermath of firing Nightwishes first singer and childhood friend Tarja from the band at the finish of a "end of a era" concert, there is a great deal of backlash from this decision that was blamed on Toumas, driving him to the point of suicidal thoughts. Note that members of the band are checking on home through out the performance. Other songs about this situation are "Bye bye beautiful " and The Anger part of the situation is in Nightwishes heaviest song, " Master Passion Greed" so heavy Toumas and Marco wrote death metal. The this song is never played live, and was only recorded, the band is not those people anymore and refers to some pretty petty angry words and people. It still awesome though.

Sometimes i think how many lives this song have saved...

He get it without knowing anything about the history of the song or history of this band very good enjoy this God bless

The amazing thing about this song is that even though it's about very personal circumstances, it's written in such a way that anyone who's ever experienced severe depression or despair can relate to it without knowing anything about the events that inspired it. That's the sign of a masterful composer, and Floor's performance here wrings every last bit of emotion from the piece.

I can't believe that there are still people in music business unaware of Nightwhish.

Wow! You threw Ryan right into the Nightwish deep end without a preserver. It’s a lot to take in. Probably my favorite Nightwish song, one with a great deal of meaning and emotion.

I think it’s safe to say Joel is one of us 😂Love the enthusiasm mate 🤘

Very cool that you introduce your friends to NW. We appreciate this very much. Thanks. as we know NW has two great drummers: Jukka (powerhouse, sad he was forced to leave) and Kai (Machine gun)

This is a very important and emotional song for Tuomas.... and the fans. In this song he, well... he pasically committed a suicide so he didn't have to do it in real life. This song was written after Tarja left and Tuomas fell into very dark place and he wrote this.

What a great reaction and he was dead on with his comments......im loving these guest rock star reactions .

Amazed that your guest was able to sense the importance of this song to Nightwish, and to us the Army as well. Obviously the majority must go to Tuomas for writing this song. But Floor needs to be given major credit here . If you watch this song performance with Annette, it is just a cool song. But with Floor it is an emotional journey. Floor’s ability to reach us beyond just our ears is what truly makes here the best vocalist for Nightwish.

Very cool to see this reaction. Poet and The Pendulum was the second Nightwish song I ever heard and it really hit me. That feeling is so personal and priceless.

The history of the band will make this hit even harder. For an amazing long song check out The Greatest Show on Earth 🌍 Thanks for a great video and have a fantastic day 🤘😎

the time from the point in the speaking part where the boy says "....I have but 3 minutes and counting" up to the point where Tuomas slashes at his throat is exactly 3 minutes. Absolute brilliance!!!! Going into this song without a lot of background is quite a thing to do. This is one where research enhances the experience greatly! You reactions with other musicians are the best on KZfaq my friend!! BTW, The Greatest Show on Earth is 21 plus minutes long. Ryan had never heard of NW and recognized the emotion behind the song...priceless!

Holy shit Joel I can't believe I had forgotten about this band. I used to listen to them in like 2002 and just kinda fell off my radar. Thanks 😊

Oh I love how you take your friends along. This song is quite a bit as a first touch of Nightwish though. A bit of the background would make it even bigger experience. But musicians as he can feel it, like he did. Give us more like this please 🙂

Hey Joel and Ryan. Terrific reaction to this moving performance of a significant piece of Tuomas's and Nightwish's low point in the band's history. The entire performance was spectacular and Floor expresses so much emotion in both her voice and in her mastery of the stage and the audience. Absolutely incredible. Ryan was so insightful in his comments throughout. Loved it and thank you.

Blind reaction to Poet is a strong choice....cudos for the reaction!.

NIGHTWISH is ALWAYS SINCERE and plays with nothing but heart. Loved both reactions. But they're definitely not like Evanescence (And I love them). The only thing they got in common is a female lead. NW released their first album, Angels Fall First, in 1997. Evanescence released their first album, Fallen, in 2003. Nightwish if they can be compared to anyone, its Within Temptation. Another iconic amazing Symphonic Metal band. He has no idea what hes in store for yet if he continues to explore Nightwish!! :)

The last two minutes of this song is so hauntingly beautiful!! I’ve heard this a million times but every single time it rattles me to the core! It’s great that you could have the actual drummer of Collective Soul as a buddy you can show new stuff to. I think he truly enjoyed it. Keep on doing what you do, Brother!

I love it when you react with your friends in the music industry! It's nice to experience so many points of view. Thanks!

❤ this was such a lovely reaction.. thank You both ❤

Floor plays such a major role here that’s it’s easy to skip over what the rest of the band are doing, especially Marko. Listen again and see what he’s doing (and the others). This is just an epic thing what they’re doing.

The brilliance, nuance and mastery of Tuomas’ songwriting lyrics and composition never ceases to amaze me. 3 minutes exactly from where he says “I have 3 minutes and counting “ is when he simulates with his hand the pendulum cutting his throat. Amazing!🤘🤘

A stunning masterpiece Thankyou x

The holy gral of all Nightwish songs. Always tears at the end 😀

Maybe your drummer friend would enjoy Nightwish - Weak Fantasy, live at Tampere. Those drums are amazing.

Great reaction. You where talking about long songs and then Telegraph road of Dire Straits comes to mind. Especially because the build up of the song reflects the story perfectly. Keep up the good work.

This is the big one Joel..... So much emotion and history behind this song. I would recommend you having a bit of research about it to fully grasp the full picture.

On a side note, I was at a McDonald's last night and Collective Soul's "Shine" played on the background music. In fact, the playlist was on a loop and I heard it twice.

Goosebumps...every time!

Great understanding of this song from your friend at first listen. I’m sure he would also enjoy “The List” of Nightwish songs to work through - but at least he should go to Wacken 2013 show and listen to Song of Myself, Romantacide & Ghost Love Score. Enjoy these talented musicians!

I like that Ryan liked Nightwish. One of those cross over moments, I liked Collective Soul back during school days before Nightwish was even around to become my fav band. Hopefully he listens to more and maybe checks out drum iso vids of both Jukka and Kai. He would appreciate both of them I think.

Great job again Joel. Wonderful to meet Ryan. A man with obvious great musical taste and knowledge. So special how you bring different musicians and support staffers into the world of Nightwish. You are basically doing what we are all doing on YT. You are sharing an experience with someone you respect and also validating or not, you feelings about Nightwish. Keep up the great work spreading the love. #1 mission of the NWA is to spread the word, especially in America. Nightwish deserves world wide acclaim and enough popularity to be able to book much larger venues in the States. It goes to show the difference of types of music which is promoted over here. In Europe they have huge festivals for rock and metal music throughout the summer every year. We only get those style show occasionally and mostly for more pop or mainstream music.

I love your concept to let people that are in 'the business' react to acts they do not know, they can see through any facade and give an honest opinion on what they hear and see.

Ryan's insights are so on point.

Two bits of info ...Marco sang the ENTIRE song as Anette not hired at the time, and the Pendulum falls on Tuomuses neck EXACTLY 3 minutes after the line in the voiceover

Great reaction !

You see emppu and Marco standing by Toumas they check hiis Mental helth . By this song

VERY SINCERE...that's spot on my friend 👍🤘

Loved your reaction ❤❤ Nightwish is amazing ❤❤❤❤ Thank you.

I always liked Collective Soul. They do one of my favorite songs, but I could honestly see them touring together back in the day it would be one hell of a show.

The Greatest Show on Earth is even longer. Great reaction by the way 👍🤌💗 Greetings from the Netherlands ❤❤

Haha, yes, Evanescence, Within Temptation, Nightwish started around the same period 1996. Only on a different continent. The Gathering (prog metal) with Anneke van Giersbergen started around 1986. Anneke van Giersbergen is also called the mother of metal since a lot of female front men from metal saw her as an inspiration. Thank you for reacting to this. Warm greetings from The Netherlands 👍💜🍀🤘💪🇳🇱🌷🤗

nothing beat your first floorgasm

Great reaction from people who know what they're talking about.

Wow i'm so impressed how many Amazing people you do know. I hope Floor get the chance to interview with you like Tank the Roadie did with the likes of Sabaton including Hannes Floors husband. Thank you for your great work you deserve recognition.

Should show him one with Jukka on the kit

The Nightwish army is coming....💥💥

Thanks

Nigthwish created the genre of symphonic metal and other bands have imitated the symphonic influence in their own music. Greetings from Finland ;)

🎉

He was holding back tears. The Nightwish Army is satisfied. It is indeed a very important song for the band and especially For Tuomas. Instead of committing suicide in real life, he did it in this song. It was after the backlash he got for firing Tarja.

I love that you are so bold to just jump to this. 💪There is no wrong way to react, but honestly this is hard song to take without any background.

Great

As a fan of both Collective Soul and Nightwish. Collective Soul being a big part of my 90s era of music. Nightwish fans should check out Collective Soul.

Of all the things. Of all the songs. He just threw this man in there. Joel you know better.

Nice reaction and kudos for not using the bog standard Nightwish song "Ghost Love Score" that everyone else uses for reactions. Ryan was spot on that the song has intense meaning and is the keyboard writer's lyrical suicide about firing the old singer. They have also not played this song again for that reason. I'll let someone more versed in the details than me fill in the details.

I think it’s great that some people go into this song without knowing all the history. It leaves the possibility of new and interesting interpretations.

Heavy song. Musically brilliant. Emotionally a rollercoaster! Long story - goes back to the early 2000's. I'm sure another Nightwish Army will have explained. Tarja, Tuomas, blame, he-said/she-said.... All in the past but important as the inspiration of this and at least a couple of other songs on the album "Dark Passion Play" by Nightwish. Starts with "The End" and finishes with "The Beginning".

Emppu and Marco were checking in to see how Tuomas was doing.

So sad you didnt know the story behind this song and Toumas commiting cuicide here. This song is a MASTERPIECE and even though I’ve heard it so many times it still makes my eyes wet. The last piece being home and safe with mom and dad and feeling their love despite all you’ve done just wakes a lot of emotions in me 🥰😢❤️ Your “reactor-for-a-day” guest did dig it and the song is played with heart yes !! This is such a fantastic MASTERPIECE ❤️❤️🎸🎤

Fun thing he mentioned Frampton Comes Alive album. Because we ofc have that one in our Vinyl collection also from back in 70s 😁( Do you, you feel like i do ? 😋 )

She is our 6 foot 1 Valkyrie .

Worth starting with Wacken 2013 to get an idea about Floor as only with the band ten months but absolutely nailing 15 songs written for the previous two diverse singers.

Great reaction, thanks. Evanescence and Nightwish were founded about the same time, though Nightwish released their first album in 1997, whereas Evanescence released their first album in 2003 and Amy Lee was still a child when they started up. So yes, Nightwish has been around longer and had already international recognition with their second album in 1998.

Romanticide would be a fun one for him to hear

Awwwwwsh*t...Shots Fired!... Comparing Floor to Amy...It was nice knowing OF you...😖...Other than both are in bands...well...you'll probably find out in the comments... Nice Reaction! 👊

My oldest son spent time as a WNBA practice player for Seattle Storm and said 'Would not want to take a charge from her." That from a guy who has had some of the best in league history bash him around. for the record Floor is a solid six foot and then wears two inch heels on the stage boots.

They usually don't play "songs" they play "stories"

Poet and the Pendulum is like a Book with 5 Chapters. In the last part Mother and Father tells toumas over a real Conversation with his Mom . Remember the 3 min Acount .

Im yet to hear anything by Nightwish that remotly sound like ANYONE nvermind Evanes 🤘🦁 pleez excuse my spellin, im stoned.

She is 6-6 on stage in her 4inch boots and she has wings.

🤩👌💥💯🎼 Utterly great track to introduce this magical band to some one, any one. Despite the back stories let the music do the talking... 😉 🤘😎 🇫🇮 💙

This is such a masterpiece, weather or not you know the back story doesn't really matter. Like "Bohemian Rhapsodie", wich was Freddie's baby, this one' s Tuomas' brainchild. The thing both songs have in common is; that no one really understands what they're really all about. (Just by listening to the song on itself).

I wish you would give some background on this particular song. Not necessary, but to know that essentially it’s Tuomas suicide song and they don’t play it anymore, would make it more impactful. And seeing the guys go up to Tuomas at the end to support him / make sure he is ok-stunning

If you love long songs, you should check out doom and funeral doom metal. It's slow moving music, but beautiful. 15-20+ minute songs are easy to find. 2 of my fav funeral doom metal bands are Mournful Congregation and Shape of Despair.

Ryan popped the moment Marko started screaming. He would enjoy Master Passion Greed, High Hopes and Phantom of the opera. They also have a longer song, The greatest show on Earth.

You should get in touch with Gabriel Bardac. He is the leader of the Nightwish Army and will be happy to guide you through their music. Also This video is better with the lyrics shown and an understanding of what the song is really about.

Yeah, well Frampton comes Adrift (as we used to call it) does have long versions of songs but those songs are just extended versions repeating a lot (I love that double album). Nightwish songs are a continuous story. The Greatest Show on Earth is even longer. This was a hell of a way to introduce someone to Nightwish! Amy Lee is good, but a much lower level...

🤗🍒🤘🏻great hey guys

Nightwish has a song, The Greatest Show On Earth, that is over 23 minutes but the song you just reacted to has a history with Tuomas the keyboardest and composer.

What a song to start on. Its impossible not to crush on Floor even for women

I would have chosen "Devil and the Deep Dark Ocean" as it is more of a workout for Kai... But fine. :)

"I've been in some bands that should've been called that" 🤣🤣🤣 Just for the record, I don't have anything against Baby Metal, but that sentence got me 😂

This is a big one Joel, but i think you realized that yourself when the spoken word part came, telling about Tuomas. And the title of the song is chosen for a reason, Tuomas is the poet. So, that makes this song not really a first-time-hearing-nightwish song, similar as "Greatest show on earth" it is too big a song to be the introduction to the band. "Greatest show on earth" is not dark, but it is a HUGE song, figuratively and literally. (you will love it, do have lyrics with you.. it helps lol) Ryan seems a great guy, he seemed to really enjoy that, and he picked up on the personal message as well so that's an instant 5* rating there hehehe. Nightwish does not have many songs that are as dark as this, less than a handful i think.. but ofc all beautiful/powerful songs. Back to "Greatest show" one last time, you love long songs? that's your song Joel, it's over 20 minutes of Nightwish awesomeness. You have 2 video options for that song, "Tampere" and "with Richard Dawkins", people will tell you to watch the Tampere version, i tell you to watch them both, you do not want to miss out on either ending of those videos. (oh, and when it seems the song is over... it is NOT over.. lol)

I think that you should go one up on Kai as the drummer, with Ryan, and watch Sons of Winter and Stars - Wintersun…. A wee little blast beat…..

Floor I believe is 6'-2" tall!

Ghost Love Score!!!

This song is no longer played live, you really have to find out what this song is about. It means a lot to Tuomas Holopainen.

Uriah heep used to play long songs as well

For The drummer, I'd like to have his insights to some Kai stuff out there E.g. -Tribal (he had to get some 5 pieces of drums More to his kit to Be able to do The latest albums) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rb6KaNCUqLbdnJc.html - insane blast beats and sweat (Wintersun: Sons of winter and stars) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qsiSa9Bk3LS8kqc.html - Just a laid Back rehearsal (before that he talks about jazz influences and mental training) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ed91aqec2tSypXk.htmlm25s - Drum talk (in depth long talk, just if it interests him -nothing to React to. One note: he's originally left-handed and plays a bit different each time to not to get bored and thinking about shopping lists etc) kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lZ19mKZo0qjUop8.html

This is Tuomas' suicide by song instead of really committing suicide. This was in the aftermath of them firing Tarja their original singer who actually decided to go solo. However the band "Fired" her in a public letter. Tuomas got a lot of hate from fans, media and even some Finnish politicians for firing her even though she wanted to leave the band. Toumas fell into a deep depression and this song is the result of a great composer with depression.

The Poet and the Pendulum was written after firing Tarja the original singer in 2005 . She was the face of Nightwish at the time, and Tuomas considered her a muse to many of the songs he had written at that point. They had also grown up in the same city and knew each other since early childhood. All the band members decided together to fire her for acting too much of a diva And her husband & Manager was stepping way outta bounds concerning the band business He always wanted more money , only big paying show but the band did it for the love of music and there fans . According to all the band members, Tarja was missing lots of rehearsals and would not even travel with the band anymore. Tuomas was painted as the devil by many fans, and went through a deep depression. . He tells you at the 7:00 min timestamp that he only has 3 min & counting and actually kills himself in the song at the 10:00 min time stamp . He said he killed himself in the song, as to kill the pain he was going through . To this day every time he plays it, it takes him back to those feelings, and shows on his face. In the last part, Mother and Father, words are said to him that his real mother and father said to him at that time of his deep depression. One part that touches me at the end when the guitarist Emppu and bassist Marko, the only other two left involved with firing Tarja (that were still active with the band)were standing with Tuomas at the end in solidarity and love., NOTE : the 1st two words are (The End) and the last two words are (The Beginning) representing the end of the 1st era of Nightwish and the beginning of the next era