Reaction to Nightwish "An Ocean of Strange Islands"

[@silverblack5475]

One of the best songs I've heard in years , surely one of the great Nightwish songs .

[@SébastienWaslet]

Absolutly

[@michaelwanklin3580]

Possibly Tuomas' greatest song ever. I freaking ball my eyes every time I hear this song. I am sure someone else has explained tat all the "islands" are people we meet through our lives. But that closing verse when Floor soars with "Sail and Seek" just kills me. Masterpiece.

[@makispertse3073]

I want to see it LIVE !!!!!!!!!!! EPIC - the symphony orchestra is fantastic

[@R---66---R]

And WITH a symphony orchestra...............................pleasssseeee???🦋🦎

[@makispertse3073]

MASTERPIECE! - THE BEST BAND IN THIS PLANET!!!

[@FromG2eminor]

I love that i have to break out the dictionary at least once with their lyrics. Im American. Lol Love Nightwish and Floor so much.

[@okiejohn3925]

I've had to do that with NW songs more than ALL the other sings I've heard combined 🤔

[@stpfs9281]

Tuomas gets us to look things up, the best way to learn. :)

[@busher69]

W O W ! ! . . . . . Another masterpiece from Tuomas and Nightwish. I can't imagine what goes on inside his head - all I can say is brilliance and where would we be without Troy's pipes and whistles. Lord Have Mercy.

[@nanns77]

This band takes the meaning of a masterpiece to another level.

[@williamadkins2170]

It's not only a journey of one's life. It's also a journey of Nightwish history.

[@nicschu456]

So I did get this right? I thought of it by single things like quintett, sour wine, retiree, but wasn`t sure I am not making this up. I got poet/pendulum vibes lyrically at times, but not in a bitter way.

[@stpfs9281]

Did you catch the shout-outs? "The Butterfly Effect"? A Mariner under a sky Moonlit [GLS?] "The Islander" A "Siren"? Decades, make them matter. [Endlessness] A painter, on the shore. [Storytime] Where the cliff greets the sea... [Élan] "Not Waving but Drowning" is a poem by Stevie Smith. The spelling to amuse the Americans, Cay, then Quay. Jokers, jesters [Raving harlequins, gigantic toys?] "Bring Me to Life"! [A joke for the Reactors!] Dancing, in the daylight [Dancing in the dark?] Never Ending Story? Loads more, each time... :)

[@KaisaValkama]

Hi Coach-couple! Thank you for your reaction. It's allways interesting when you try to figer out the meaning of each Nightwish-song in first time listening. Us, people of this planet are the strange Islands drifting at the ocean. Just think how many people you actually know thoroughly and deeply. This song (too)needs to be heard many times, until we understand more and learn more about ourselves at the same time. ..Greetings from Kaisa

[@ascensionenergetics85]

“That song took you on a whimsical, magical journey.” Just as life goes…

[@EyesOfGehenna]

I think one of the reasons they weathered the storm as you say, is Floor being able to sing the entire Nightwish catalogue from start to finish. Anette, couldn't really sing the Tarja era songs live, meaning she really struggled with them. And on "her" albums the more classical style of singing was covered by the choir, like in Storytime during the middle section; and you know that Floor just sings those parts.

[@sandyegun3780]

A story of one's life and all the people(islands) you meet throughout life.

[@robeast692]

That song is Absolutely a Masterpiece 💯. I cait stop listening to that song

[@anssiroiha2267]

A Masterpiece!!!!

[@schout33]

It is indeed the journey of life. There are some words he used which could suggest it is about himself and the 'stormy' history of Nightwish. A large percentage of Nightwish songs throughout their 28 year existence, Tuomas expressed himself through music as he could not do this another way as an introvert person. The best giveaway is the word 'quintet', which probably relates to the number of bandmembers he started with (5!). The 'mad' scream of Floor is obviously a reference to the song 'Scaretale'. The 'calm' ending suggests his and the Nightwish journey is not over.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for sharing that. It's quite a creative way to convey the message.

[@matzek.3220]

I believe the interpretation of this song telling the story of Nightwish's 'life' has become the most popular and i agree with it i have seen a lot of comments under various reactions to this song stating which song people hear and it has been a variety from all eras. To me it is Scaretale and Tribal ( the drum section just before Troy starts with his pipes).

[@timchambers8230]

The more you hear this song the better it gets (and it already starts from a high plane) - the pipes at the end are magical. As you continue on your Nightwish journey you’ll see Troy play them live in concert performances. Beautiful!

[@Thorgrim247]

This one will be amazing live. You nailed it Coach. The butterfly's are the metaphor for the beauty we all find along the way while the islands are the mysterious and strange people and places we encounter in a lifetime. IMHO

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Ladies and gentleman, I think we have ourselves a new show opener 😮😁😁😁😁🤘

[@glenngunnis6642]

Tuomas leaves his music and lyrics up to individual imagination. This particular song has stories both musically and lyrically.🎸🤘Floor gives the birds singing lessons!🎸🤘

[@Bloempje54]

Maybe now: Dead Boy's Poem Live in Buenos Aires 2018 Decades Tour

[@Starman_67]

I concur

[@PaulOutdoors]

​@@Starman_67the whole show 😁

[@renejensen7799]

Tuomas said this song is about people we meet along the way in life, each person represent a island, or a happening in your life, and the one steering the ship, Tuomas, or maybe you.. it could be your story right, but Tuomas proberly did write it as him steering the ship. Thats just one take on it, cause well he also said the song have triple meaning!! feel some imaginarium vibes here, also some melody parts reminds a bit of the NW song Sahara.. i do think its a great song, i didnt catch it at first listen, i was also pretty tired, maybe thats why, but now i get on a journey with it, sailing this ship to diffrent islands, and in the end with the pipes we port.. love it!!

[@alexandrakeckmontanari5180]

Wow those pipes at the end!

[@rnowak85]

Loved it. It seems like a number of the songs have ended with these beautiful folky tunes tha tfeel liek they are lifted right out of an Auri song. Which I love!

[@edwardschwind4986]

So far this album has amazing lyrics. Can't wait to put all the songs together one after another!!

[@trokoshea1]

Splendor of the orchestra coating killer guitar riffs. I'll have another serving, thank you. ;-)

[@PaulOutdoors]

9:22 to 10:04 Goosebumps galore... Nightwish have done IT again. Thanks to you both 🙏😊👍❤️

[@Slick-ng5kf]

This song is a beautifully crafted metaphor both lyrically and musically of LIFE and all that occurs in it. Excitement, joy, sadness, love, loss, times of “madness” and sanity, aging , and the final destination of death. The music translates this so well especially the outro with the Uilleann pipes being our own outro of our life into death. I feel the frenetic vocals in the beginning is like our lives especially when young and starting out into adulthood at the same pace in our lives as the music. Love the nods to the different NW songs, eras and I’m sure Tuomas had that in mind as he was writing it. Great reaction…greater hat !!!! Let’s Go….

[@CoachCastTV]

...Mountaineers! Great comment and insight into the song's meaning.

[@pdutchie4924]

Love this musical journey ❤❤❤ Great concert opener 😁 Would be awesome live with a full orchestra and choir❣️

[@youaremysecretstream]

Really good interpretation IMO.👍 30 years in one song- that's Nightwish 🫶🤘.

[@andyohil7465]

For me, this is a Nightwish song that perfectly reflects the story of Nightwish and Toumas. It is a sailing through the cliffs of history. They have visited many strange worlds (live concerts) but also strange worlds with the new line-up of the band. In the music you can find many parts of the previous songs (especially the song Sahara had a lot of influence for me). But many other songs are also recognizable. It's quite a masterpiece to combine all this and even develop an outstanding song of his own from it. Toumas a genius when it comes to this kind of art. But he also has team members in his band who can do it brilliantly. Because I don't think he really has to dictate it note for note to his band colleagues, they will know how to interpret it well themselves. And of course, as always, Floor with her unique voice and interpretation of the lyrics.

[@nicschu456]

A masterpiece, isn`t it?! Loved your reaction, and I just adore Mrs.Coach. Cheers, Nicole

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you so much!

[@LarryHolmack-c1j]

I love this song in a totally different way than "LanternLight"! This song is epic metal....everything a guy like me who started listening to hard rock, heavy metal! The lyrics to this song are epic...and make you think at the same time!

[@grahambatchelor3576]

Mrs Coach makes a very valid point. I'm still trying to keep up with the lyrics but again, this is growing on me. Nightwish all the way.

[@goranelez9956]

To see this live, with orchestra, woof...

[@strabel803]

😁Yes ,but wich stadium or place should they do this,not only for the band/orchestra but, for the 100ths of thousands of people who want to see and hear this because this would be the most epic thing of the year,decade,century.............................................😆😉🤘

[@goranelez9956]

@@strabel803 there are few questions about it: how orchestra sounds at open stadium (probably not good, S&M and Epica were inside), do you bet on good weather with all that production? Probably not. Then the high cost of production raises prices and fewer fans might show up, since northern Europe isn't price friendly for tourism. And so on. For me, I'd pay between 100-200 euros, depending what they offer (which setlist, live orchestra, guest singers, former bandmembers...).

[@strabel803]

@@goranelez9956 Well,this was more or less a retorical question,i don't think,ex members wil be back for somekind of reunion,to much has been said from both sides plus all the things we don't know wich played a role. I don't care also,Nightwish is doing fine and maby they do something special in 2026 ,but for me it would already be nice if they were live on stage.😉

[@helli0n824]

wow, coach got teary eyes ... but ey, you´re not alone... me too thank you for this reaction video

[@SébastienWaslet]

So i am

[@Gillie51-bl8su]

Love the imagery with the sailing boat, the butterflies, the dolphins, and were there big birds soaring above? Very thought-provoking lyrics. Just when you think you know what's happening it switches up to something completely different. Was that bagpipes at the end? Intriguing...

[@tarmotyyri6733]

Thanks for sharing your reaction to a song that for me explores themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the 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.

[@CoachCastTV]

Intriguing comment. Thanks for taking time to share.

[@tarmotyyri6733]

@@CoachCastTV My pleasure.

[@CosMosArtistry2016]

Hey there Coach & Mrs Coach. I would love to experience this at a theatre. Thought-invoking, powerful music and graphics for the senses if nothing else. Coach has his butterflies, Mrs Coach her lizards and I accidentally grabbed hold of a snake the other day here in Australia. I'll take butterflies and lizards any day. Cheers, Rich

[@CoachCastTV]

Yeah, snakes are best admired from a distance. LOL

[@Edogg-c7t]

The best song so far, that's what Nightwish should sound like🤘. Thanks for the reaction, it was a laugh with you again😉

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@randomman4938]

Another great song from the new album. Took my a couple times to listen to it, but now I really like it!!

[@johannessilver8653]

Just amazing story again which Tuomas says out into the world by using Nightwish as a tool for it.

[@tusanen1850]

Tuomas said introducing this song "People are islands and now we visiting one"

[@tsaikojanne5494]

I see some watery eyes when the pipes kick in, they got me too haha.

[@wimvank.7463]

Mrs.&Mr CoachCast; your vision upon this song.....hat off/respect. Greetings from The Netherlands.🤘

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

Haha, l have my Summer cottage on an lsland. It means some modifications for living. So this is so great epic song about it, and some more.

[@scottfield5849]

🤘😊👍

[@frankmortensen8932]

i hope you guys someday will react too "meadows of heaven", i think that will show you a new side of this band and they really show the range of the band.

[@Piia2023]

Take a listen to the 2 nd cd of Human & Nature, the previous album. It's just amazing beautiful 30 minutes music Tuomas composed, just beautiful classical music without Nightwish other than a little bit of Floors voice and Troys pipes and a symphony orchestra...worth listening.

[@redguern]

It is really beautiful.

[@youaremysecretstream]

Thank you for spreading the joy of Nightwish❣️ If you like the harder part I highly suggest Tribal live official and a bit softer Noise official video. For the lady While your lips are still red at Wembley [ with Marko❤] So much more to explore...

[@CoachCastTV]

Appreciate the suggestions.

[@michaelbeecher3519]

An Ocean of Strange Octaves.

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL!

[@elvwood]

For me this is definitely the standout so far - I love it! I've had notification that my earbook has shipped, I guess they're sending them out a little early so we don't have to wait too long after the release date. First time I've preordered a NW album.

[@CoachCastTV]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@elvwood]

@@CoachCastTV No doubt!

[@tommullenix9493]

Hey team ‼️ A pretty good song and video. Another great reaction from you guys to start off the week💥

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@paisa20]

Thanks

[@mattilindstrom]

For some reason reeded instrument tug on my heartstrings, favorite oboe, but the Uilleann pipes doesn't fall far behind. A very Nightwish move to just take a 90 degree turn for the end.

[@guidoheuts]

As always, great reaction Coach and mrs. Coach. This is a masterpiece! One of the best compositions I have ever heard. Musically comparable to composers like Bach and Beethoven. The musical transitions in this piece are sublime. The text feels like a story told by William Shakespeare, Dante Alighieri or Charles Dickens. I envy Floor Jansen, how on earth does she manage to bring those absurd vocal lines to fruition with a power an ordinary person can only dream of. The composer I'm talking about is named Tuomas Holopainen, who provides the ultimate challenge to all other members of the band Nightwish, whether it's the rhytmic section (drums & bass) or the melodic section (vocals, guitar, keyboard and symphony orchestra). Tuomas said this song is about people we meet along the way in life, that each person represents an island, or an event in your life, and the one steering the ship, Tuomas, or maybe you it could be your story, but Tuomas probably wrote it as him driving the ship. The atmospheres in this track, range from; dark, hopeful, ethereal ending in resignation/controversy with the brilliant Uillean Pipes sound of Troy Donockley, the band's multi-instrumentalist. ps. to return to the role of a symphony orchestra that normally plays the heavy pieces of the past, how refreshing it must be, to then take on this not-very-daily piece.

[@CoachCastTV]

Great comment. Thanks for dropping by.

[@NightwishArmyItalianDivision]

❤🤘

[@edwardschwind4986]

Well since you already know what song i want to hear, not going to keep repeating it over and over. How about a Nightwish song for Mrs. Coach High Hopes!

[@rnowak85]

Another great reaction! Like the other releases this song has taken several listens for me to really start hearing everything going on. I was kind of overwhelmed the first time I heard it and lyrically, I have to admit I was kind of lost and went to the Nightwish Reddit page to see what others thought. Everyone was pretty much hitting on the same themes as you. Classic Tuomas to use the ocean as a metaphor for our life's journey. Tuomas gave a little insight into the song in an interview. He said "The song actually has a triple meaning. I hope people will read the lyrics and find their interpretations of the song. I do want the listeners to interpret it themselves. However, I can share a little anecdote: I remember the moment when I conceived the idea for this song and felt so excited - oh yes - this is going to be a great adventure. I took a big A4 sheet of paper and made a drawing on it. Throughout the time I was composing “An Ocean Of Strange Islands”, that drawing remained on my music stand. I won’t reveal what was in that drawing, though." Tuomas and his wife, Johanna Kurkela, have a tradition on New Years where they draw a map where each Island represents a goal or a dream that they wish to achieve. A number of people thought that one of the meaning's of the song was Tuomas's journey and experiences in Nightwish. I really liked Apple60's interpretation. "A mariner (Tuomas) sets sail towards islands (=goals and dreams), with a few decades of immortality ahead (28 years of NW). Monsters and hurricanes complicate this journey, causing a shipwreck for a pair of lovers along the way (Tarja/Marcelo reference?).. He meets jokers, jesters, and goddesses (new band members). He begs for help navigating the waters. He then sails upon an island of the past wrecks, which is full of dangers (poisonous hemlock meadows, deepest quicksand). This island represents past mistakes. He is reminded of someone who used to be a friend but the friendship has now soured. Still, after all of this he doesn't regret visiting any of the islands (Still, I rue no island). I think the you referenced in the song actually stands for Nightwish. -An island of the past wrecks, of you, of the endless sundown (sundown=night). -You who glow, in deepest woe (Reminds me of the line All of my songs can only be composed of the greatest of pains). Let it be, retiree, the water's fine, sail carefree = After visiting the islands (living through the experiences of NW), Tuomas finally comes to the conclusion of "don't worry, continue the journey". This could be a message for himself, or possibly for Marko". I think the Monsters and Hurricanes aren't specifically about Tarja but is a literary allusion to all who have been obstacles or tried to impede the progress of the band and their art. In the end we all get to find our own meaning as Tuomas has always desired of his fans!

[@CoachCastTV]

Insightful. Thanks for sharing this!

[@milipro828]

They have a whole series of short, behind the scenes videos for the album, interesting stuff!

[@strabel803]

👍Facinating to see you 2 and especially mrs coach,turning into such adept Nightwish fans.✊ It is undenaiable Nightwish has a big impact on people who never listened to this kind of music,it's the whole"package" of master musicians,epic vocals and last but not least the intricate composing of Tuomas Holopainen. Lyricly and musicly you could see this song as a voyage thru Tuomas his live and music . If you take the lyrics by itself,it could be a voyage we all do in live.😉 Friday= official presentation of the new album but also ; Floors "tea time" at "The charismatic voice", probably a 2 hour talk (don't know what time) with one of the most influencial reactors on youtube.🤘

[@timchambers8230]

Floor is doing an interview with Elizabeth this Friday? Where did you hear this?

[@strabel803]

@@timchambers8230 It's Floor herself who said so on her web page. The interview was last Friday on discord ( i believe) ,the rumour was already going but,not so much official. The "Tea time" on "the charismatic voice" are mostly/always a week later on youtube.😉

[@timchambers8230]

@@strabel803 awesome. Thanks for the info!

[@Pascal-the-Rascal]

I think most writers have a clear vision when they write their stories and lyrics. And maybe they say that it's up for interpretation, to not offend the ones who don't get the meaning of the stories and lyrics. I do believe that your interpretation is pretty accurate. A song can have different meanings for different people though, because of nostalgia, and how it makes us feel. A song may take you to a special place in your mind, regardless of what the lyrics are, but still, the person who wrote the lyrics probably has something he or she wants to say to us, and it's up to us to make an effort to understand what that something is. Or we can just focus on the beautiful music, and admit that we don't get what the lyricist is going on about, that's ok too.

[@Kelsi_the_lamentation]

🤘🖤🔥

[@kentk2215]

You got the gist of it pretty quickly, and yes Tuomas wants his lyrics to be able to be interpreted by the listener to have meaning specific to them. Album will be released this week. Keep exploring Nightwish.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks very much!

[@lujalainen1]

there is big songs ghost love score,poet and the pendulum,greatest show on earth, meadows of heaven and now this song,big songs. thanx to great reaction and have wonderful new week.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you! Have a great week, also!

[@roamoilanen]

Maybe you want to check Tuomas' another band called Auri. His wife Johanna is the lead singer. check for example song called Night 13

[@TomicaCZ]

Hi again. I know Mr. Coach likes easter eggs in songs and show. Here is rather my own easter egg, but it'd might be a funny story for you. 7:14 - There is a short decreasing piano melody "solo" and those notes sounds exactly like a piece of melody in my phone's notification sound. So every time I'm listening this song, I'm checking my phone because I think my alarm clock is ringing. I swear it happened to me again while I was watching your reaction. 😂

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL...that's too funny.

[@AntaryDraconis]

I like the new album but i am always distracted by the videos (videos are great but close your eyes and listen again ! or in your car 😉) ❤‍🔥 Greetings from NW-Army-Germany and SabatonFan

[@jarnojuhani8942]

😍😍💖💖💥🤘🤘

[@edwardschwind4986]

Another song you might want to try is from another album from Tuomas called Auri, the song is Pearl Diving

[@blake86303]

Good reaction, guys. Sidenote: the lizard wrangling is just practice for when the gators come around!

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL...noted!

[@PomLimey]

Excellent reaction. Mrs coach was on good form with her analysis. I’ve been listening to and enjoying your reactions for a while now and I have just realised that I haven’t subscribed to your channel. My apologies, I’ve put that right straight away.

[@CoachCastTV]

We appreciate the views and glad to have you join us officially.

[@manuelmorante9465]

👍👍😎😎🤘🤘

[@stpfs9281]

They were a bit more careful with yt compression problems. Tuomas déjà vu themes. Did you catch the shout-outs? (Some you may not be familiar with yet...) "The Butterfly Effect"? A Mariner under a sky Moonlit [GLS?] "The Islander" A "Siren"? Decades, make them matter. [Endlessness] A painter, on the shore. [Storytime] Where the cliff greets the sea... [Élan] "Not Waving but Drowning" is a poem by Stevie Smith. More Metal, old skool! The spelling to amuse the Americans, Cay, then Quay. Jokers, jesters [Raving harlequins, gigantic toys?] "Bring Me to Life"! [A joke for the Reactors!] Dancing, in the daylight [Dancing in the dark?] Never Ending Story? Phew, wow. We can have our own interpretation. Ominous horns Covered in ash [Pompeii?] "An island of past wrecks"; The Antikythera mechanism (the next track). Endless sundown [Sleeping Sun?] Meadows [Of Heaven?] "Mad despair" [Scaretale!] "Lords of a single fly" [Lord of the Flies, William Golding] Film scores (Tuomas and Floor both like the music of Hans Zimmer). As John Wick said: “Yeah, I think I'm back!" That was crunchy and chunky... Is it over? "Titanic" vibes from Troy. A whimsical magical journey, yep.

[@edwardschwind4986]

So long as you dont have to wrestle an alligator in the back yard!! 😮

[@CoachCastTV]

No doubt!

[@Daniel.Karlsson]

Probably my favorite song of the new album (so far anyway). It has a nice drive all the way through and some gorgeous "floaty" moments. Don't worry Coach, I am still not a huge fan of butterflies or insects of any kind for that matter.

[@CoachCastTV]

Insects definitely have a purpose and a place, but in my house (or pool cage) is not one of them. LOL

[@louisminten7889]

Hello big guy Coach, did a butterfly kicked your ass when you were young. Don't be afraid. You can handle him today🤪😂😂 and you were right about the journey of life

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL, who knows why kids develop certain fears? But yes, Coach is always right. Haha!

[@Columbasta]

If there were one tiny little bit of criticism to be leveled at the "Metal Mozart", it would be this: #fixthemix Otherwise, it's a banger (except for the insane amount of syllables that Tuomas seems to dump on Floor's lap with scant regard for metre and phrasing (let alone breathing), all excused with the "he's challenging Floor" mantra; or the at times overbearing orchestral parts, muffling the mix and reducing its clarity; or the redundant Troy-appendix which appears to be kinda mandatory by now; ..).

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

@@Columbasta I think he knows a lot better than you what the mix should be. What is it with you whingers?

[@maxmacpherson1957]

@@Columbasta the mix is the way they wanted it, no element overpowering the others.

[@rainertuominen4242]

Really you should react to a NW gem Weak Fantasy, preferably live in Tampere, Finland. Nothing but a weak song, also highly ranked by the fans...

[@mattgraham2835]

the strange islands are man

[@stevenhopwood8195]

Enjoyed the song very much but the cream on top was the pipes at the end. Simply magnificent. ❤️🤘🎸🎻🦘

[@duncanwyer2460]

🇬🇧 Norfolk strapped in .try learning those lyrics ,Floor :hold my whisky 🥃 . Not long to wait for the album 😊😊😊