NIGHTWISH: CENTURY CHILD

SCORE: 97/100

'Century Child' isn't quite as textured as what the band brought to the table in 1998 with 'Oceanborn', but it's a striking change in pace that keeps the band's discography fresh and exciting while providing a breath of life into their catalogue. It has more straight-metal sounds while still keeping the symphonic tone very much alive, and Turunen brings a light into this album that no band could ever come close to.

Both heavy, sharp edges and soft, blissful elements come together into one stunning soundscape within this album, with Turunen's vocals bringing light into the darkness, leading into an album that feels both heavy and hopeful through stunning guitar and drum work alongside gorgeous operatic vocal performances.

The transition from 'Bless the Child' to 'End of All Hope' showcases the raw talent and ear for sound that this band clearly has, their style potent and highly enjoyable while constantly bending the curve of what is expected. This is a hugely satisfying follow-up after listening to 'Oceanborn' and loving the sound it had, and it doesn't stray too far from the sounds of that album while still keeping things fresh and different.

'Century Child' manages to be both fast and calming in a way that only symphonic metal could be. The compositions within this album are simply stunning, with each and every one being full of life and depth - leading to songs that feel rich and lush at every turn. It's exactly what anyone could want from a Nightwish album - but 'Oceanborn' is still the album that feels like the best introduction to the band.

It's clear that the band wasn't running short on ideas whatsoever when this album came around, and it's yet another stunning victory lap that only Nightwish could pull off this exceptionally well.

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