Nuclear Blast [Release date 30.01.15]

Delain’s April Rain (2009) was my introduction to symphonic rock/metal, and Within Temptation The Unforgiving (2011) completed my education.  I’ve subsequently discovered that a little ‘symph’ goes a long, long way.  Metal meets Eurovision is a brittle combination, and the lack of distinction between the purveyors a little alarming.

Formed in 1996, some might say ‘accept no substitute’ as far as Nightwish are concerned when it comes to ‘symph’.  They more or less invented the genre and were the first to conquer America with their 2004 release, Once.  A metal machine, not even the departure of lead singer Tarja Turunen in 2005 could stop the juggernaut, although fans were mixed in their appraisal of replacement Anette Olzon who fronted Dark Passion Play (2007) and Imaginaerum (2011).  But falling pregnant in 2013, she found her services no longer required.

While I’ve only dipped into earlier Nightwish releases and found them a little ‘formulated’ Endless Forms Most Beautiful introduces Dutch singer Floor Jansen as Olzon’s replacement and Troy Donockley (uillean pipes) as a permanent member.  Jansen is less operatic and more ‘earthy’ than her predecessors and has, I think, the talent to take the band to new levels – if they’re prepared to compromise their modus operandi.

There are aspects of Endless Forms Most Beautiful that still raise my hackles – the passé narration and the worst excesses of the genre – ‘orc’-like grunted male vocals, excessive shredding, rib rattling riffs, and unrelenting symphonic punctuation.  But, hey, I’m a grumpy old fart, and thankfully they’re deployed only intermittently.

What perhaps impresses most – Jansen’s performance apart – is the sheer cinematic power of the combined band and orchestra.  The dramatic ‘Weak Fantasy’ is a prime example that would enhance any blockbuster movie – something like Terminator 2, for example.

No question, Endless Forms Most Beautiful is a polished product – as good as, and probably better than, any symphonic release you’ll hear in 2015.  It puts pretenders to the throne to the sword and will, unquestionably, sell by the ship load.   ****

Review by Pete Whalley

---

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

---

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 24 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 26 November 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

---

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

---

---

Popular (last 10 days)

---