NIGHTWISH "An Ocean of Strange Islands" // Audio Engineer & Wifey FIRST-TIME Reaction & Review

[@davidellinsworth3299]

The slide notes on the Uilleann pipes are achieved by moving your fingers slowly towards the note instead of instantly covering the hole with your finger. Troy does the same thing with his tin whistles also.... Watch Last of the Wilds live at Wacken to see examples of both

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you very much - we'll definitely check it out. I think the issue is Jer wasn't visualizing the correct pipes. I think he thought of Irish bagpipes, which wouldn't allow you this same ability, right?!?

[@davidellinsworth3299]

@@musikbyjh Uilleann pipes are Irish bagpipes, and they do allow it. The main difference between Uilleann pipes and traditional Scottish bagpipes is that the latter are inflated by mouth, whereas Uilleann pipes are bellows inflated, with the bellows inflated under the arm (though I believe some variants are inflated by foot operated bellows). Last of the Wilds is an instrumental by the way, and was performed while Floor was undergoing an outfit change backstage

[@skeezesmith7954]

Troy is a master on the pipes. You bend a note by rolling/sliding a finger across the hole. You can also bend up by increasing the pressure on the bag. I'm not an expert on pipes, but I am a master on Google. Sometimes people will comment that Nightwish music videos have Floor's vocals low in the mix. However, Tuomas spent a long time creating the music so it should be heard. Therefore, Floor and Tuomas share the mix equally. Whenever they get back to live performances, you can be sure that Floor's vocals with be higher in the mix. 😄🤘

[@musikbyjh]

You rock, Google master! Thanks for the knowledge!

[@billattercliffe8655]

I've come to the conclusion that those of us who have a vocal focus don't have a problem with the mix. People with an instrument focus struggle with it. Tuomas has produce a melange of an auditory experience which immerses the listener. Think classical music where all of the instruments in an orchestra blend together into a single soundscape.

[@skeezesmith7954]

@@musikbyjh 👍

[@musikbyjh]

@@billattercliffe8655oh I totally get that. That’s why I mentioned Maynard from Tool. They do the same thing. But Maynard’s lower vocals tend to enhance or meld with the music better to me. This just sounded low. I get that people spend a long time on mixing music…but it still sounded low to me. It was good…just could have been a bit higher. And it still wouldn’t have competed with the music in my opinion. Either way though…great song. 🤘🏽😎🤘🏽

[@Bonovin]

Troy is a wizard on the uillamn bagpipe!! Greetings from NW army ... Sweden

[@user-Rockmagix]

I love the whole album. If you get yourself to listen from beginn to ending several times - maybe you will get the same result I did This is the album of the year and especially the last song/video Lanternlight is my song of the year and top 3 Nightwish song. Greetings from Germany

[@kevingunning7569]

Guys, those of us who have purchased the CD have noticed a remarkable improvement in the audio mix. I believe that this YT mix is highly compressed, and you are not the first reactors to make this comment. Kind regards from England.

[@musikbyjh]

Super helpful to know, thank you kindly @kevingunning7569! Great to see you here.

[@WardDorrity]

The YT experience cannot prepare you for your experience of this masterpiece when heard through an audiophile grade system. THERE IS SO MUCH HERE. My system comprises a pair of Magneplanar 3.7i speakers on Mye Engineering stands driven by Bel Canto electronics. The system just disappears and the room is filled with... I can't describe it. Tuomas and his engineers have surpassed themselves.

[@stpfs9281]

The album doesn't suffer in the same way, even on rubbish speakers :)

[@nickgraham2506]

Yeah, I agree. It's definitely a youtube thing. I have listened through KZbin, Spotify and on the CD. The C.D. is definitely a better mix, by a long shot. I love that you can hear everything on C.D., especially the orchestral parts without it all becoming muddy.

[@christinaalgate4899]

The Retiree is Marko. Floor did 99% of the vocals 6 weeks after having Lucy. Tuomas thought it would take 2 weeks but they finished in 6 days. Between Floor taking time taking care of Lucy and stopping for the pain of standing

[@robertsheeler321]

The ending was Troy playing his Irish Uilleann pipes . Nothing live from this album, the band has taken a few years off from touring they have been touring for 25 years and need a break .

[@musikbyjh]

Good for them, they deserve a break!!!!

[@richardgoddard37]

Floor is doing some solo concerts and album number 2, Tuomas & Troy are working with Johanna on AURI III, and Wintersun just released a new album so I guess Jukka & Kai will be busy too.

[@toltect3744]

@@richardgoddard37 Only Emppu at home with his brandnew EV1

[@chriso6719]

Tuomas said the song is about people you meet throughout your life, each person is an island. This ended up being the 3rd , of 4, singles from the new album ,Yesterwynde( pronounced like (yester wind), as in wind a watch). Think this was a bonus single, hence just a lyric video. The other 3 singles all had a music video, "Perfume of the Timeless" , "The Day of..." , and the ballad "Lanternlight". The entire album came out in September. "Children of 'Ata" and "The Antikythera Mechanism" are my favorite of the non singles. The album is the 3rd in a trilogy of albums with Endless Forms Most Beautiful and Human:II:Nature, all with themes of life, nature, time, evolution, science, etc. Floor recorded the vocals for the entire album, in her home studio, about 6 weeks after 2nd daughter Lucy was born. Tuomas said they allotted 2 weeks for those, Floor did them all in 6 days. If you want a good look at Troy's Uilleann pipes, check out "I Want My Tears Back" from the Buenos Aires 2018 show (2019 Decades DVD) and "My Walden" from the Wembley 2015 show. They are not touring this album, taking a break. Rumor says maybe 2026 before they hit the road again.

[@musikbyjh]

Great info, thanks very much Chris!! @chriso6719

[@progbass56]

Thanks for confirming for me that the Islands are people we meet. That's what I took it to mean. ❤ 🎉

[@lettyalday7879]

The one and only Floor. As always amazing. Floor + Nightwish =🤘🏻

[@RonHiegelsberger]

Let’s not forget the insane double bass work from the incredible Kai Hahto on the drums!!… the whole band is just so in tune with each other!… it is so obvious that they rehearse so much!! This new album is absolutely phenomenal!!! 😊

[@Edogg-c7t]

It is clear that Tuomas has chosen this mix here, the orchestral and band is 50/50. Nice response, thanks

[@silverblack5475]

In my opinion Floor is mixed low on all 3 of her albums .....but as you said about Maynard, Tuomas mixed Floor to be part of the instruments an orchestra.....this is why i love Nightwish live because Floors vocals will be in the front where they belong .

[@raunohamalainen9667]

i think if you`re not half deaf sounds pretty good😃

[@DrockDrack]

When I was in high school, every angsty and goth teen I knew LOVED these two bands. I definitely appreciate them more as an adult than I did back then. It took me a little while to find my darkness. 😊 And thanks for the details on the audio design. That’s so fascinating to find out!

[@musikbyjh]

All good bro, you got there!! 🤘🏽

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

I never considered Nightwish (or Epica) particularly dark or “gothic”. In fact, Floor Jansen really hated that term and was very vocal about it back in the days. She really didn’t want to be associated with the whole goth thing. But people kept calling this genre "gothic metal" for quite a while, and still do sometimes...

[@DrockDrack]

@@noneofyerbeeswax8194 Okay. But I wasn’t necessarily commenting on the band itself. I’m just relaying my personal experience with my actual friends.

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

@@DrockDrack Yeah I know. I just wrote this for no particular reason...😊

[@TheWaldoking]

Indeed its great

[@dolla3975]

Really nice take on type of reaction, really nice to get the small nuances you guys pointed out, keep up the good job and please more Nightwish ;)

[@musikbyjh]

We're glad you liked our take on it! More Nightwish is coming soon!

[@Thorgrim247]

There is no live performance of this yet! I can't wait to hear it when it happens. Great musicians can do their music in a live performance. True talent happens on stage. You cannot bend bagpipe notes. You can bend get vibrato uilleann (Irish pipes. Much more expressive. More like a human voice. Watch Troy play them live and you will see his amazing talent on those pipes.

[@Mars-is4un]

🤗🍒🤘🏻😘 Great great job again And yes at the end that's Troy, great instrument!!

[@griffinjg1]

Apparently if you listen to the atmos mix with a surround sound system the mix makes sense

[@musikbyjh]

Oof. I’d love to do that. But you have to have a room setup for Atmos. It’s WAY more spatial than surround sound. Unfortunately we definitely don’t have the capabilities to listen in Atmos. But if I get the chance, I’d love to!

[@WardDorrity]

It also works on an audiophile grade system capable of projecting a huge sound stage. What they've done here is jaw-dropping.

[@SuperMoofie]

The drumming on this is insane! Wow! Great reaction and really informative. Greetings from New Zealand :)

[@pdutchie4924]

Love this musical journey ❤❤❤ After Lanterlight, for me the best track on the new album! Great concert opener or closer 😁 Would be awesome live with a full orchestra and choir❣️

[@anitabons6034]

please do "Lantern Light" next

[@musikbyjh]

Hey Anita! Is "Lantern Light" from the new album?? Thanks for the suggestion!

[@davidellinsworth3299]

​@@musikbyjh yes it closes the album

[@Aenea-de9vy]

I concur!

[@hansv.d.hooven5232]

I concur as well ❣️🔥❣️

[@dksilber9500]

I concur 🙂

[@EdwardOnion]

Lantern Light bring your hankies.very emotional but it's not a sad song👍

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Troy does also some great work on the uillean pipes in the Greatest Show on Earth

[@JStephens_73]

It has probably been mentioned at least once somewhere in the 120+ comments (as of mine here) but their latest music video for Lanternlight, to me, is one that I have listened to many many many times over since its release, much in the same way my first listen of Storytime instantly made me a fan-for-life of Nightwish

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you, we've added Lanterlight to the recording schedule!

[@eTraxx]

More .. To bend a note on a flute, you can use a combination of techniques, including: Rolling the flute: Roll the flute inwards for a lower pitch, or outwards for a higher pitch. Moving your head, jaw, and embouchure: Move your head, jaw, and embouchure to change the angle of your air. Covering and uncovering the embouchure hole: Use your lips to cover and uncover the embouchure hole. Sliding your fingers: Slide your fingers off of open holes and slowly release the keys. Using alternate fingerings: Use alternate or "fake" fingerings, especially in the upper register. Here are some tips for bending a note on the flute: Relax your jaw. Have space between your upper and lower molars. Let your upper lip extend over your lower lip. Aim your air down. Blow less. Only move your head at the end. Gradually bring the pitch up by reversing the procedure you did to bring the pitch down. Pitch bends are a great way to develop your tone, intonation, dynamic control, and register control.

[@musikbyjh]

EXCELLENT instruction - thank you very much for this info, very very helpful!!!

[@eTraxx]

@@musikbyjh Call me Google Man .. !!

[@LarryHolmack-c1j]

Troy is the master of many instruments.... and his ability on the Irish Bag Pipes is freaking amazing! I have heard Troy create many different sounds. You would probably need to search for Tuomas Holopainen's KZbin interviews...as I know some people complained about Floors vocals in "Perfume of the Timeless" we blended into the choir in some parts...but it was done intentionally because the song is about humankind...that everyone has ancestors...and they are the ones that allowed those of us currently alive to actually be born! This is a very deep Album...I listen to the CD in my SUV...and the lyrics are very deep!

[@cynthiamiller483]

I listened again and heard all the nuances you pointed out. And the Irish bagpipes have a more pure sound. I love it more the second time! 🎶 Cyd

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks Cyd - we’re glad you enjoyed it again. 😎

[@IAMisLove]

👍Cool performance. 🖖❤

[@jompuusi]

Greetings from Finland 🤘🤘

[@musikbyjh]

Welcome friend!!! Thanks for joining us!!!

[@EdwardOnion]

And nightwish never lets you down and Queen🤘

[@andyohil7465]

Great ❤ And next „Lanternlight“…

[@elvwood]

Great reaction, love hearing the audio engineering perspective with someone alongside to ask the questions I would need to ask! After two singles which didn't knock my socks off (even though I enjoyed them), this one instantly sold me on the album, and I even think the other songs work better in the context of the album. You really _have_ to do _Lanternlight!_

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for the comment, @elvwood! We'll definitely add "Lanterlight".

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Haha, maybe you can't, but Troy can. Great reaction, thanks. 😅👍

[@musikbyjh]

Right!?!

[@ImrevanSanten]

Watch I want my tears back in Buenos Aires

[@Tony14095]

Loved the reaction guys 😍This, IMO, is the best song on an amazing album. I've read several reviews suggesting the mix isn't quite right...and we would all love to hear Floor belting it out louder, but I respect what you guys said. I think a review on ANY NW song live has always been better than the album version...this song, and many others on their new album, will be epic!!! I can't wait for them to tour again in UK...🤘

[@tarmotyyri6733]

Thanks for sharing your reaction to a song that for me explores themes of solitude, self-discovery, and ones existential journey through life's trials. The imagery of the ocean, islands, and mariners reflects a metaphorical exploration of the human experience of connecting with other individuals. The song captures the essence of navigating life’s uncertainties and finding one's place in a vast, often unwelcoming world. It suggests a longing for connection and understanding while grappling with the weight of past experiences and the isolation they can bring. P.S. The reason for the many butterflies in the music video is most likely that in many cultures they show us how we can go within ourselves to dissolve old forms and morph, rebuilding and evolving ourselves,. They show us the importance of surrender and trust as part of the essential process of growth and renewal. Floor recorded her vocals after only six weeks of giving birth to her 2nd daughter & told in an interview that it was painful to stand behind the microphone.

[@musikbyjh]

Love this comment and your interpretation of the butterfly significance. Thank you!!

[@tarmotyyri6733]

@@musikbyjh My pleasure.

[@renejensen7799]

Troy plays Uilleann pipes, the diffrence from normal bagpipes, is the you got aair bellow under you albow you press, instead of blowing it, it should be a tough intrrument to master, so that way its also easier to bend notes, cause youre right, you cant do that on normal bagpipes..

[@jeffreyphipps1507]

Bagpipes are blown, Uilleann Pipes are squeezed from the bag - you can't blow (it doesn't work that way). You can gradually open a hole or gradually close a hole in the pipe(s), same as on whistle type flutes.

[@BigzampanoXXL]

Good insights. thanks. Well done. please do more NW and Floor. Mix was intentional. many time critized...But Tuomas wished it.

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you and we respect the band's decision on the mixing. It's definitely very personal, we "get" it! And more coming, promise!!! Just need to decide WHICH to do next - any advice??

[@damoncher]

@@musikbyjh The whole album is an excellent example of versatility and creativity. There are no boring songs at all. Every song has something unique and intriguing. I would gladly see and hear your reactions for every song from this album. Greetings from Ukraine

[@BigzampanoXXL]

@@musikbyjh you can not go wrong, even you go to the old songs (for me with Floor). But lanternlight is outstanding from the new album (IMO).

[@black4pienus]

Troy said it's a pain in the arse to learn to play the Uillean pipes. But you made me curious now too about the note slide.

[@paisa20]

Thanks

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoyed the video!

[@iliastheo6399]

its the album s concept.all must be mixed equally including the voice of the queen. as an instrument too.

[@progbass56]

Who made that rule. I'm 68yo and have been listening to Heavy music since the late 60s. 50+ years. I've Never Ever heard that thought before. I'm thinking it's your idea. 🤔

[@iliastheo6399]

@@progbass56 troy and tuomas mentioned in an interview.its not a rule.thats how they wanted it

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for the comment!! We definitely do not think this was mixed “equally”. Not at all.

[@progbass56]

​@iliastheo6399 Right. And the artist can do it hiw they wish. But on Spotify I don't think Floor is buried at all. In fact, the more one listens the more her vocals stand out.

[@youaremysecretstream]

🤘❣️ Enjoyed this, thank you!

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for the sweet compliment!! ❤️🥷🏻

[@Tarkus_]

With all due respect (seriously), I think 99% of listeners don't have a clue how drums are normally ordered, but if watching a performance, they certainly get bass player on the left, guitarist on the right (or whatever). So for a live performance, sound placement is very important, but I'm not sure it's so important in a studio recording (aside from just sounding cool). I think this is probably the most popular single, and perhaps the most popular song on the album, and for good reason. When they get back to touring, this has to be on the setlist, and I think it will be one of their iconic live songs, like "Ghost Love Score" and "The Greatest Show on Earth." I think Troy gets vibrato from wiggling his fingers, as you'd do on a flute instrument or even a keyboard. It's not a binary on/off switch, but something in between. (But I'm just guessing.)

[@musikbyjh]

Great comment- thanks (and you are right on the audience, noted!). Any suggestions on which Nightwish song we should cover next? We need to get this on our recording schedule - missed Nightwish for sure!!

[@Tarkus_]

@@musikbyjh Thanks, I need to go back and see what you've covered from Nightwish. For now, I would recommend Floor's new stripped audio and live version of her solo song "Fire." They might be better than the original album version (which I also love).

[@musikbyjh]

@@Tarkus_ Awesome, thank you!! And if it helps, here's our Nightwish playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLYrkTp-j9yalXPU2Um5SF_J1CFpAauqqh&si=9SM4d5N75VdewcBu

[@Tarkus_]

@@musikbyjh Thanks, that does help. I've probably seen all of your Nightwish reactions, but I do need a refresher on what you've done and what you've missed. 👍🤟

[@makispertse3073]

it's a guitar with different sounds. He explained it at Wembley ( The Greatest Show on Earth (with Richard Dawkins)

[@stpfs9281]

They were a bit more careful with KZbin compression problems. Tuomas déjà vu themes. Did you catch the shout-outs? "The Butterfly Effect"? Verse 1 “A Mariner under a sky Moonlit” [GLS?] “Crewless ship” [The Islander? “Shipless crew”, Yesterwynde] A "Siren"? “A few decades” [Endlessness?] “A one-man crew for a one-way trip” [The Islander?] “Every shore I land”, (A painter, on the shore). [Storytime, Devil and the Deep Dark Ocean?] “Steep cliffs” Where the cliff greets the sea... [Élan?] "Not Waving but Drowning" is a poem by Stevie Smith. The Butterflies looking like a Galaxy, or 3D animation of cells. More Metal, old skool! Verse 2 The spelling to amuse the Americans, Cay, then Quay. “Jokers, jesters” [Raving harlequins, gigantic toys? Tricksters, magicians: Last Ride Of The Day?] “Goddesses, hominidae” Floor, humans. “Deep delicious blue beneath” [TPATP, H:||:N: The Blue] “Light a homefire for the sad man with a begging hand” [Song of Myself?] "Bring Me to Life"! [For the Reactors! Don't mention "Eva…”. Also Élan] “Dancing, in the daylight” [Dancing in the dark?] “Saaail and seeeek!” [Hide and seek] Calling you, calling me [sounds like Northward] To be a part of your story [Never Ending Story?] Those smiles and grins! Is it building? [Set the Dolphins Free!] Ominous horns The Butterfly Effect, the sail lining up with the clouds, forming a twister (three times). Verse 3 “Raining ash” [Pompeii?] "An island of past wrecks"; The Antikythera mechanism (the next track). “Endless sundown” [Sleeping Sun?] “Meadows” [Of Heaven?] “Mirrors, mirrors, everywhere” [Noise? The Black Mirror] "Mad despair!” [Scaretale!] Yay! "Friends, who were for a time Now grapes of sour wine” [Sour grapes is a phrase that means acting meanly after a disappointment. An idiom that means being angry or resentful because you have not achieved something you wanted.] “Lords of a single fly” [Lord of the Flies, William Golding, Children of 'Ata didn't regress, they were here] "Let it be"... [Nice reference to Abbey Road Studios] Film scores (Tuomas and Floor both like the music of Hans Zimmer). “Saaaaail and Seeeeek!” As John Wick once said: “Yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!" That was crunchy and chunky... Is it over? "Titanic" vibes from Troy, letting his Uilleann pipes speak across the centuries. How does it have that effect on us? The calm after the storm.

[@MrMond-pc5mw]

Regarding the Uilleann pipes which Troy is playing magnificently, the bending of the notes is due to the skill of the musician. Here is a video of Davy Spilane doing just that. The bending is integral to the expression of Irish music. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6jbmJRuqsl8n9Efeature=shared

[@MrMond-pc5mw]

And here is a video explaining the instrument in dept with examples of playing kzbin.info/www/bejne/an7bd6ahadiMg5Yfeature=shared

[@musikbyjh]

Awesome, thanks for the link. We love learning!!!

[@Sonyc456]

The mix vocals are lower when I listen to youtube with a headset, and is much better when using Amazon Music/Apple Music with Dolby enabled using 5.1 Dolby audio equipment. I thought people who told me this were probably insane but then I tried it and youtube version is certainly different and or my headset on the PC does really have an effect making the vocals lower for some reason!

[@musikbyjh]

It’s true!!! Audio can be compressed on version platforms. You are NOT crazy, friend!! ❤️🥷🤘🏽

[@Pterodactylus548]

She got 2months of enjoing her newborn - she went back to studio after nine days... Talking about work fixation, LOL..

[@paulriddle7818]

Well the studio came to her. Tuomas and producer came to her old home and studio and they recorded her vocals in 2 weeks.

[@musikbyjh]

Incredible!!! I hope she does get more time to enjoy her precious baby though!!

[@paulriddle7818]

@@musikbyjh Lucy just turned 1 a few weeks ago.

[@ecbftl]

Lucy born in early Oct 2023, and Floor was on stage Dec 8 doing a full solo concert, after completing the vocal recording at home 6 weeks after giving birth.

[@Pterodactylus548]

@@ecbftl The Floor Jansen Tea Time Interview You ALL Have Been Waiting For!!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKuVYoWcf5iisNU

[@EdwardOnion]

Watch nightwish last of wilds live your see Troy on the keys

[@davfive]

In the outro, Her: embracing the zen Him: how does this dang zen thing work? :)

[@musikbyjh]

💯 😭❤️🥷

[@ascensionenergetics85]

The whole album is mixed that way, so that’s not getting any better. Lanternlight probably has the best mix since it’s largely vocals & keys.

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for the tip - we needed it!

[@progbass56]

It's entirely Awesome!

[@zbygniewprlwytzkofsky6614]

Not Hurdy Gurdy, outro is Troy on Uilleann pipes! And I think that playing with the pressure on the second bag can cause that bending sound. Who can explain the Uilleann pipes better than the best player on them in the world? From the documentary "Please learn the setlist in 48 hours" (about Floor joining Nightwish) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJmoqZ6jjLCAe7c And if you like Floor higher in the mix: Nightwish arena did a great job in that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnqnq2iHg76Imqcsi=0tf66fcAXRlw-axa

[@musikbyjh]

Awesome, thank you for the link!!! We need to check this out!!!

[@cynthiamiller483]

I’m not listening with my Beats now, but I’ll have to check it out later. The song is interesting in that it keeps changing. The bagpipe sounds more like a synthesizer than a bagpipe. Bagpipes usually have only that loud droning sound. Yes, you blow into the bag to keep the sound moving. When a bagpipe is played, the fingers are flat. It’s just not an easy instrument to play. (I think I explained everything bass ackword.) But the song is beautiful! I will be listening again. Later… 🎶 Cyd

[@KristiinaBerg]

An Irish bagpipe not Scottish.

[@musikbyjh]

Always love your comments, Cyd!!

[@musikbyjh]

@@KristiinaBerg I'm (Jillian) not smart enough to know the nuances. But thanks for watching and the comment!!!

[@cynthiamiller483]

@@musikbyjhI only know what I’ve seen about the Scottish bagpipes. We had a couple of kids playing them in the marching band. They were the Highlanders. I’m glad someone else knew what they were talking about and let us know. I never mean to give false information. Also, it’s shred face, not stank face. My words get mixed up sometimes!

[@EyesOfGehenna]

Her voice is lower than usual but it's on purpose. So love it or hate it, but it's what Tuomas wanted and so we are left pondering what the reason is behind it 😉. Personally, when I heard the first song from this new album it was a bit jarring to me as well, but ever since it somehow clicked for me and I love it.

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

Every time I hear anything from the new album, I remember Kmac2021’s “every metal band’s studio video”. I’m pretty sure that was the exact thought process behind this album.😂

[@marianonicoletti7422]

From Buenos Aires, Argentina, I hope you react to the song "Lanternlight" from the same album. Greetings.

[@RolfMeyer-cl7ou]

That is Tuomas wants. The Mix is perfect. Floor dont overpowerd the Band and Orchestra and Choire. Look Troys interview with A/P reactions.

[@iainmackie6421]

Yes, it was a deliberate move.....but a bad one. The mix is bad. Vocals too low, Emppu's solo too low. Kick drums too low. Too many people out there who think that Tuomas Holopainen can do no wrong. It's a brilliant album with great songs and performances hobbled by a bad mix.

[@RolfMeyer-cl7ou]

@@iainmackie6421 Sorry, i totally disagree. But, erveryone has his own opion. For me, Yesterwynde is the best Nightwish Album ever. Grettings from northern Germany 🤘

[@paulr1193]

@@iainmackie6421 Couldn't have put it better myself. 100% concur! Thank heavens for a certain KZbinr out there who has boosted the vocals a little higher on the entire album (sorry, can't give a link as YT will probably delete this comment). Now much better for my ears. Oh and before anyone says anything, I also bought the album hard copy so NIghtwish get their dues. But for my best experience listening pleasure to this brilliant album I definitely know which is my go-to version...and it's not the CD!

[@Columbasta]

@@iainmackie6421 Exactly, this horrid mix being a deliberate artistic choice makes it even worse. The Troy interviews in which he invokes the image of a NW "tapestry" as an excuse is hilarious since most of his parts - even the ones where he tries his luck as a vocalist - are crystal clear. Tapestry for thee, but not for me ;)

[@musikbyjh]

Yeah, I can’t agree it’s “perfect”. That is very subjective. Tuomas might think it’s perfect…to me, it certainly is not. It’s not terrible, but that’s the thing…mixing is VERY personal. And VERY subjective. I’m glad you like the mix…but it’s definitely not “it” for me. Good things were happening though.

[@eTraxx]

A pitch bend is created by rolling the flute inwards (for lower pitch) or outwards (for higher pitch), in combination with movements of the player's head, embouchure and jaw in order to create the maximum alteration in air angle. My assumption is that Troy is doing something similar. The bagpipe is basically a flute on steroids (IMO). Flutists can 'bend' notes. The bag is filled by pumping the bellows (or blowing if in Scotland) .. like the tank on your air compressor. As long as you have more air in the bag than being used then that flute on steroids' is played by the musician .. and uses that stored air.

[@musikbyjh]

Love both of your comments, thank you so much for the education. We really do appreciate learning from all our friends here in the comments. - jillian

[@clivematthews5296]

Such a pity that this album might not ever be performed live. Troy played Uilleann (elbow) Irish pipes at the end. Bellows pumped under right arm inflate bag which is squeezed under left arm to regulate air flow. He is a master multi instrumentalist on wind and string instruments. Plus if you listen to the beautiful Lanternlight from the Yesterwynde album, you will hear him in a different role.

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you for the info. We definitely will bring more from Yesterwynde very soon!!

[@lucreziatrevellyan5499]

The mix makes sense when listening to the album as a whole, but admittedly feels a bit odd outside that context. I do think Tuomas made the right choice over all. It’s very Devin Townsend-y, wall of sound, which works for this album quite well.

[@paulriddle7818]

Within Temptation and Epica are both Dutch Symphonic Metal. WT more rock and Epica more Death Metal. Nightwish being in between WT and Epica. Check out WT on the channel. Theres alot of good stuff. Nightwish is taking a break from touring... They wont say it directly but i think Tuomas wanted to pause NW touring for a few years citing burnout with the heavier side. That said theres also Toumas and Troys other project with Tuomas wife called Auri that will tour next year. Plus Floor has alot of solo tour stops and another album in the next year or 2.... And it was just announce by Loudsound mag that Thrash icon Testement will feature Floor on a track soon. Most likely NW will tour again in 2026 or 2027. .... and P.S more Epica is never a bad thing.

[@helli0n824]

and to the Uilleann Pipes sliding: "You need to be slightly insane to play that instrument" - Troy Donockley ;) In fact, no one is able to play these notes on a "bagpipe" like Troy ... and until Tuomas forces Troy to play like this, he even doesn´t know it is possible ;) god i love this band, the musicians are all top notch edit: watch Troy open the show with the Uillean Pipes: "Swanheart" - Live in Buenos Aires, Decades Tour

[@jakubfranek9995]

Down beat / up beat, meaning on beat / off beat?

[@musikbyjh]

Nope, just the playing technique. 👍

[@tirronen]

So, have you done wintersun yet?

[@musikbyjh]

Not yet, this is our sixth Nightwish song on our channel. Here are the others when you have time: kzbin.info/aero/PLYrkTp-j9yalXPU2Um5SF_J1CFpAauqqh&si=02Y1fOJZnreW9EQ_

[@tirronen]

Thanks for the link, I will definitely check them out. But. I should probably point out that Wintersun is a band (not a Nightwish song). Should you ever get to them, check out the live studio recordings first (Time, Sons of winter and stars e.g.). The current drummer and bassist of Nightwish were playing for Wintersun at the;time.

[@unkelib4391]

on a Irish back pipe you can bend the node bey pressing the end of the pipe more or les on to a leather pad on your nee a d there is a sound hole for the Lidle finger making the vibrato at side of that the drones ( bas pipes ) is played bey tangents and the wrist on the arm that simultaneal pumping the bellow and the hand playing the upper part of the pipe so as troy seis you haw to bee a Lidle weird to chose a instrument like that

[@musikbyjh]

Thank you for this!

[@Kelsi_the_lamentation]

🤘🖤🔥

[@EdwardOnion]

The studio is fine.if you play live better .that's how I rate singers and bands,then I know there good🤘

[@helli0n824]

as a good musician, composer, or beeing Tuomas Holopainen, you should ALWAYS think about how to play your work LIVE on stage ? =) or WHAT ?

[@ImrevanSanten]

Just one thing...🫶

[@jaskau2462]

🤩👍💥💯🎼 🤘😎💙🎶

[@kristianlantz3513]

An epic song with a not so epic mix.

[@musikbyjh]

Great way to characterize this one!

[@naatti21]

Different mix on Spotify st least. And left and right be vice versa 😅

[@musikbyjh]

Oh interesting!!!!

[@kbyeutter]

** Troy is playing the Uilleann pipes. Similar but different to the bagpipes.

[@guidoheuts]

I'm sorry (Refering especially to Jeremy), but how many Nightwish recordings have you heard? I think it's kind of bold (and that's an understatement), for you to determine what's right or wrong in this mix as you can't know what the original composer is going for. You're simply stating your favorite sound mixing settings, trying to force them on us. This fact alone tells me, you're just an amateur trying to be; Mister "know it all". And to Jillian, it's okay to be a little more contrary to your boyfriend/partner because to me he comes across as if he has reinvented the wheel, whereas to me he comes across as only moderate. Anyway, Tuomas Holopainen the composer, in this case goes for the bigger picture, “No one is special, whether it's the voice or any other instrument; ”They are all part of the bigger picture.” And that's what he's trying to convey. I do like this we are dealing with a band, so multiple musicians, who all have to adapt to each other, so not individuals. If you don't understand this, you're not a good sound engeneer.

[@musikbyjh]

Hey @guidoheuts , thanks for sharing your thoughts. This was our seventh Nightwish review. To be clear, Jeremy isn't forcing his thoughts on anyone. He is an audio professional and has professional perspectives, that's a big reason people come to this channel. Otherwise, you'd go watch Nightwish directly, right? In terms of him being an "amateur", this statement tells me you haven't been here before or checked our home page. That's all I'll say about that. Appreciate you taking time to watch and comment. Take care!

[@vagabond142]

4:08 So I'm not the only one that noticed that. I would love to enjoy the new album, but most of the time her vocals are lost in the mix. I might get some hate for saying this, but I think this is the worst mixed album that Nightwish has put out. Whoever mastered it had no ear for it, and you can't hear Floor 80% of the time.

[@musikbyjh]

You aren’t alone in your thinking, friend. Lots of folks here in the comments don’t enjoy the mix on this one. Ah well, we’ll still enjoy it!!! Thanks for being here with us ❤️🥷🤘🏽

[@tirronen]

Kai, the drummer is left handed. But, I’m not sure how his kit is set up…

[@humphreyterveer1338]

Tuomas and the audio engineers did'nt want Floor's voice lauder in the mix because the voice is a instrument like others they say, there are many listners who complain regarding the same subject!

[@musikbyjh]

Tough right? Mixing is so subjective, but, there are some noticeable level adjustments most seem to crave. Ah well, we will be grateful for what we have!

[@reddiamondstone]

I do get a bit annoyed hearing this on KZbin. I have the Atmos version and the voice is very clear. Also on the cd.

[@musikbyjh]

Ahhh, good to know there IS a definite sound difference on the platform. Thanks for the comment.

[@reddiamondstone]

@@musikbyjh Yes. I think the difference is down to the quality. The voice and guitar might not be higher in the mix (not sure) but so much clearer and easier to hear.

[@toltect3744]

I am not sure about the fact that Troy played the bagpipes at the end. There was in one of the making of videos some scottish bagpipe players shown. And the sound for me is more of a scottish bagpipe than the Uilleann ones, that have - in my ears - a much lighter and less pressed sound.

[@progbass56]

OMG, its not a slide, its dynamics!

[@musikbyjh]

Hmmm,we’d love to chat more on this.

[@musikbyjh]

Dynamics is typically the difference between louder and softer sounds. That’s not what I was talking about. The notes are bending/sliding. Not being dynamic. But also keep in mind, besides being an engineer, I’m also a guitarist and I can only describe things how I hear it. But luckily, so many folks have come to my rescue and actually explained what’s happening. So cool

[@Mischnikvideos]

The mix is ​​often criticized and is unusual for Nightwish. The idea was that all elements are equally important in Nightwish. In my opinion, the common thread is missing. I hope they do a remaster with the usual mix. Because the tour of the previous album was postponed and has just ended, they are taking a break. There will therefore be no live recording of this song in the foreseeable future. Tuomas once again has no ideas for a new album and is suffering from writer's block again. Instead, he will record the fourth Auri album at the beginning of next year and go on tour with it at the end of 2025. Experience has shown that this will produce the first Nightwish songs, which he will work on in 2026, and a new album and a new tour will be released in 2027. Fingers crossed.

[@musikbyjh]

Our fingers are definitely crossed. Thanks for the super helpful comment!

[@Mischnikvideos]

@@musikbyjh I forgot: 2026 is Nightwish's 30th anniversary. The label would like something to go with that. Tuomas has turned down individual festival appearances. The effort would be too great for a few concerts. Tarja and Marko have a lot to talk about for a reunion, but at least both are basically ready. I haven't heard anything from or about Anette. If something is done, we will only find out shortly beforehand.

[@progbass56]

It's a Great Mix!

[@progbass56]

OK, folks! Surly, someone has corrected you by now, but the name is pronounced Yester - Wind, as in winding a clock. Are we seeing a patern here? Clock on the cover art. Much of the album reflecting on our ancestors and things that have gone before. Winding back into the past of history.

[@musikbyjh]

Nope, you are the first. Thank you very much for helping make the connections; we love to learn!

[@mikejames2639]

Problem is you were talking out of your ass all over a brilliant piece of music. Do agree the mix doesn't seem quite right though

[@musikbyjh]

Sorry it bothers you that we talk…but it is a reaction channel. If you wanted to watch the video in silence, we provide links for those who don’t want our “reactions” on our own channel. We will never be able to make everyone happy…but happy new year to you.

[@torbjornsjooander5625]

Ewerything is analog No samples or digital

[@torbjornsjooander5625]

Floor recorded the vocals on six days , six weeks after her daughter Lucy was born

[@musikbyjh]

@@torbjornsjooander5625 OMG!!! What a PRO!

[@musikbyjh]

Amazing!!!

[@Columbasta]

Yup, the mix svcks in many respects. Worst part of it is that it's intentional. Troy used the image of the NW tapestry: sort of an instrumental egalitarianism with Floor's voice being "just another instrument" at Tuomas' disposal. Right.. except when Troy plays/sings his parts. Then it's all crystal clear. Anyhew, re: the live vs studio stuff, for me it's kinda the other way around. With mediocre bands, studio tricks can mask shortcomings, which will be on full display at a live gig. So live is always the ultimate test of greatness. Another thing with bands that span decades is that the live performances allow for songs to "evolve". A fitting description for a band like NW. Sometimes there's a factor that may take certain songs tt next level. With NW that factor was the arrival of Floor Jansen. They did her dirty with this horrid kind of mixing.

[@musikbyjh]

Loved this comment (your sayings like "anyhew" and "did her dirty" made me LOL!! - seeing many similar comments here on the mixing. A bummer, for sure (or we should say, a missed opportunity). ☺️ Hope to see you back soon - more Yesterwynde coming soon (and hopeful on the future mixes).

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

Egalitarianism for everyone but Troy; he’s more equal than others. They can subdue Floor live too if they really want to. We’ve heard that before.

[@yerviniansamvel]

Liesten atmos Dolby,the voice of Floor is Cristal clear

[@iainmackie6421]

Unfortunately, for me, the mix on this album isn't the best. The argument you made about Maynard is exactly what Tuomas has said about this album. I personally think it's a poor decision. No chance of seeing this live for at least a couple of years. Try watching a live clip of I Want My Tears Back to see Troy playing the pipes live.

[@musikbyjh]

Thanks for the recommendation!!! And all good, we like what we like...absolutely nothing wrong with that. Oh no, a couple years?!?! That's a hell of a long time in the music world, right?!

[@iainmackie6421]

@@musikbyjh Yes it is but there will be no Nightwish shows till at least 2026. Which is a major bummer.

[@iainmackie6421]

@@musikbyjh Don't get me wrong, I love the new album the songs and performances are brilliant but I just think that the mixing and mastering could have been better.

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

When you can barely hear a guitar solo in what’s supposed to be a metal song, it speaks for itself, doesn’t it? Production on this album sucks big time. But I shall say no more. People will defend Tuomas no matter how questionable a decision he makes, as if he were infallible… like the Pope. :)

[@musikbyjh]

Yeah, we hear you. Several others have commented on the mix too. Ah well, not our decision to make. But sure do appreciate the confirmation it's not just us!! Thank you!!

[@monicacarolina6480]

25 jaar clarinet and flute player and yes you can bend the notes and have vibrato by fast movements on a valve. Bagpipes can also certainly do this. But you really have to master your instrument and have extremely fast trained vingers to manipulate the valves. Those high “key” notes are flutes and piccolo’s. This album is (as usual) recorded with a FULL symphonic orchestra and choir. Thuomas and the conductor work very closely together to get it perfect and takes up to a year. It is THE best orchestra in London and they love working with Nightwish. Hence the name Metal Mozart for Thuomas. During tours, they use recordings of the orchestra as backing track. since it is ofcourse Impossible to tour with 100+ musicians.

[@duncanwyer2460]

🇬🇧 Norfolk reports for duty strapped in ,it’s Troy what can’t the man do ?

[@musikbyjh]

Velkommen og tusen takk!!

[@ikdus3164]

sing like Floor!