The fans had to
wait very long for this moment. The expectations
were high, everyone wanted to know how well new
vocalist Floor Jansen does in Nightwish, this time
with "her own" songs. On 13th February, the first
single off the new album "Endless Forms Most
Beautiful", "Élan" was released and it was time to
figure out if the goods are delivered?
The first time I listened to it I honestly was
disappointed. Maybe my expectations for a single
were to high, but "Élan" was just weak. I forgot the
melody right away and the song doesn't really show
Floor's mettle. But I gave "Élan" at least a hundred
chances and now I am in love with this song. I think,
you first have to understand that "Élan" is more
like a feeling, you have to feel the song, let all
the emotions flow and let them carry you with them.
Then you also understand the theme of the song,
which is described by Tuomas Holopainen, the
mastermind of Nightwish, as the meaning of life
itself, being different to everyone of us.
On the other hand, the bonus track "Sagan" got me
at the first listen. It's really catchy and
Floor can show a bit more just how great she is.
"Sagan" somehow conveys a nostalgic feeling, since
it reminds of the good old "Oceanborn" times
with a folk metal twist. I'd like to know why
"Sagan" ended up as just a bonus track?
"Élan" is not the best first single Nightwish could
have chosen. But in the end, a single only gives an
idea of how the whole album will sound like. I just
hope that "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" will kick
ass and I'm so looking forward to it.
