A true epic. First-time reaction and vocal analysis feat. "The Poet and the Pendulum"

It took me a few listens to wrap my head around this one. Today we're watching the official live video for Nightwish's "The Poet and the Pendulum."
Watch the original video uninterrupted: • NIGHTWISH - The Poet A...
🎶 Website: www.thevocalyst.com/
💙 Patreon: / thevocalyst
#nightwish #reaction #vocalcoach

[@607j1mmy]

I hit play so fast I broke my finger.

[@onearthonelegion]

My finger went straight through the phone and Earth to China and got stuck. I can feel the locals nibbling it for some reason

[@matsv201]

If the got wifi att the ER that is not really a problem

[@Rackelhane]

Hahahahahahahaha....

[@Youthanasia72]

😂😂😂

[@Steven-lb4bl]

My finger went so fast that it entered some type of wormhole, and when I pulled it back there were three inter dimensional beings, each about a half inch big. They told me the secrets of the universe and said I could reveal them to the world on may 18th. Stay tuned.

[@schout33]

Floor offered to sing the intro also, but Tuomas wanted to keep the feel of innocense of a boy's voice. In this case boy soprano Guy Elliott.

[@roy19491]

Anette Olzon couldn't sing movements 2 and 4, as she lacked that kind of range

[@austindermody302]

Actually the boy in the beginning and middle of the song is Tom Williams. The boy at the end is Guy Elliott.

[@darkiee69]

@@austindermody302 Other way round. Guy Elliot in the intro, Tom in the spoken part.

[@shannonmanning6166]

"Be still my son, you're home". Kicks my butt, every single time.

[@Anarch1313]

Same. And the line after that "Search for beauty, find your shore. Try to save them all, bleed no more." When the camera cuts to Toumas and he's singing along and crying just slays me every single time. 💔

[@corneliusantonius3108]

🌹

[@Wikingking]

Especially how Floor sings it. It is like smooth silk it can go into a man's heart rent free. She is special.

[@CCEDE73]

It's a track that makes grown men cry. It is emotion condensed into a sound experience. Great art.

[@srenbjerre1357]

don't tell em please

[@jorluo]

I love how Marko and Emppu move close to Tuomas at the end as if to support him and how Floor looks at him tenderly for a long time after the song has finished.

[@clivematthews5296]

And to think. All three of Tuomas's longest masterpieces were all performed at this Wembley concert. Ghost Love Score, The Poet and the Pendulum and finishing with The Greatest Show on Earth featuring Richard Dawkins live on stage. What a concert to have attended !!

[@nemo78]

I think Marko never gets enough credit for those amazing harmonies in the last part. Their voices mix so perfectly together.

[@chueysmama2622]

Marko never got/gets enough credit for his vocals.

[@epicans6065]

Also the bass line is incredible in this part.

[@MarcXL81]

I miss Marco, Nightwish feels so incomplete without his voice and presence.

[@MajaMcGowan]

Marco is part of the very heart of Nightwish, his voice is amazing

[@lillianekockritz2796]

@@MarcXL81 It's the end of another era, nothing else. It was the same when Tarja left, a lot of people said this is the end of Nightwish. But NW evolved and found new ways. It will be the same also this time. I am very much looking forward to new NW and the next album "Yesterwynde" (without Marko). And if it does not work Tuomas will end NW and we at least have a lot of beautiful memories from several different eras. This is called evolution.

[@michaelwanklin3580]

Emotionally this is Thuomas' most powerful composition. Too emotional to play ever again. I believe this was possibly the last live version we will ever hear. Bless you TH - your gift is immeasurable.

[@Quasihamster]

Sure that's still true? Looks like he even sang along a few lines.

[@shdwwolf992]

@@Quasihamster They have not played this live sine this very performance

[@bashiel]

It's not true, it was performed seven more times during that tour, but this was the last tour it was played

[@antivanti]

I think it's also a matter of all that being in the past now?

[@joaolima2935]

Not true, I saw them in the Netherlands 2 times in the last 3 years and they always played it. Not 100% but I’m pretty sure I saw some Thomas interview saying that used to be very difficult and he inclusively asked to turn the voice off from his earplugs but lately he is in a place where it don’t bother him anymore

[@purpleir]

For me this is Tuomas' masterpiece! It is one of these songs that tilt your world's axis when you hear it for the first time. It is my most cherished Nightwish piece!

[@Wikingking]

This, GLS and TGSOE, or as I use to call it: the Interstellar of NW. You can truly feel that Tuomas had a lot of personal stuff and passion written into these. Especially this one and the Greatest Show.

[@chadbennett7873]

Three of my favorite words on YT ... "We're going back!" To me, it translates to "I'm gonna learn something!" Hahahaha, you are such a delight. As this is a song regarding Tarja's firing, it was pre-Anette, so there is a version of the entire song being sung by Marco. Of course, Floor absolutely embodies the passion and pain. As I'm sure others have said, it's terribly emotional and you can see Emppu and Marco checking on Tuomas throughout the performance, and gathering around him at the end. The decision was with all of them in agreement, but he took most of the heat from Tarja's fanbase, and still does to a point. It's unlikely it will ever be played live again, but this stands as a pinnacle of performance.

[@kentk2215]

Finally getting to see one of my reactors, watch my favorite Nightwish song. A true masterpiece of music and emotion from Tuomas. His magnum opus in my opinion. You are correct, the beginning was sung by a choir boy, Guy Elliott. On the studio version, he also sang the middle portion, The Pacific, but Floor said, she’ll take it. This is the ultimate performance of this amazing song. They only performed it 20 times with Floor, not since 2016, and never to be again. Thank heavens we have this. Great analysis and commentary Bethany! As always. Keep exploring Floor and Nightwish. ♥️

[@Khaotika]

You're triyng to make it sound like Floor did something special there. Anette sung the middle part live too. Also, just to quote Tuomas: Anette sings it [the song] the best.

[@kentk2215]

@@Khaotika well, I’ll have to disagree with Tuomas on that one.

[@Cherlindrea99]

​@@Khaotika you're right Anette was singing the third chapter "The Pacific" too. I've listened to her and she did a really nice job. But I don't care what Tuomas said or thought about Anette singing this song. You can't compare the singers. You just can't. Not Tarja with Anette, not Anette with Floor, not Tarja with Floor. Tuomas has been so lucky to find such different singers (muses) with different approaches to how to contribute to the songs. It allowed him to be such a versatile composer and to develop so well. Nightwish would not have been as special as it is today if Tarja stayed, or if Anette stayed. Floor is the lead singer now for the longest period of time. Her versatility as a singer makes it possible for Tuomas, and for the whole band, to develop further. And, allthough I miss Marko I can't wait to hear the songs from their new album. To hear what influence bass player Yukka Koskinen probably has. Isn't it exciting to know about Tuomas, one of the greatest composers of our time? To know about the very best symphonic metal band in history yet? They're truly awesome, aren't they?

[@Khaotika]

@@Cherlindrea99 My preference (on all 3 for that matter) comes from seeing them all live several times :) It's good to be Finnish ;)

[@Cherlindrea99]

​@@Khaotikawow! I envy you 😃 The land of Nightwish, Tuomas Holopainen, and Ismo (funniest stand up comedian I know). You must be so proud! I've heard Floor Jansen sing live since she was the lead singer of After Forever. It's also good to be Dutch 😊

[@taherdhaif3390]

That was insane. I don't remember seeing so many emotions and expressions, in one video, on Bethany's face as I've just seen in this one. Nice to have another Nightwish reaction. Thanks Beth.

[@MrNikolidas]

Marco's part in this blows me away, every time. I'm not a bass player, nor a singer, but I can tell that playing and singing two different rhythms is damn difficult.

[@shirazzza]

It's good to get emotional to this song, it's doing what it says on the box. I played this to my parents a while ago. Mum was sobbing & I asked her why & she said that when I left my abusive ex I was that broken kid coming home. It gets me every time now

[@chechevite]

Your comment made me tear up

[@shirazzza]

​@chechevite aww I'm sorry. It was tough times & I was a shell of a human but I'm doing better these days. Finding myself & those oceans within.

[@NickBR57]

Notes, comments from band, my accumulated thoughts: My no 1 song. A masterpiece. Tuomas refers to the ocean frequently - the second album is called Oceanborn, Dead Boys Poem ends with reference to ocean soul and Devil and the Deep Dark Ocean ends with lyrics about setting the dolphins free and "we shall wash the darkened blood red sea, our voices shall echo over the mountains and seas". Tuomas' had thought of becoming a marine biologist. Tuomas is a very special person and this is, for me, the pinnacle of his work. Nothing surpasses it. For him it is one of the deepest songs. Quotes from the band on the making of the album and the song... TUOMAS: We will never play "Bye Bye Beautiful" or "Master Passion Greed" live again, [sic] because the lyrics are just too unambiguous and personal. There was at least as much gloom behind "The Poet and the Pendulum", too, but it leaves a bit more room for interpretation. It's easily one of our best songs but especially, the "Mother and Father'" part in the end always stirs up such a storm of emotions that it's impossible for me to do it every night. Playing "The Poet and the Pendulum' is a real rollercoaster ride - it makes me feel anxious, blush, laugh, and, in the end, just happy that that part of my life is behind me. My notes: My number 1 Nightwish song and for good reasons. (No 2, Song of Myself, No 3 7 Days to the Wolves.) This is a deeply emotional and meaningful song with which I empathise and it helped me to see that there was a way forward when depression struck. I am not alone in being "saved" by Nightwish, a fact that Tuomas has referred to and said he could not terminate the band because he knows they have meant so much to some fans who feel their lives have been saved by Nightwish. He feels that he has a responsibility to the fans - not your standard rock musician then. Floor is worth watching closely, her facial, hand and whole-body motions reflect the emotions she is portraying. Hands in Mother and Father for example. Tearing her hair in the Dark Passion Play section. Note that when Tuomas talks about "Poet" he is always referencing himself. It happens throughout his ouvre. You will see other cross-references too. Tuomas does that deliberately to give the fans a sort of anchor. Meadows of Heaven is another example - a song in itself and often referenced. For what it's worth, here are are my thoughts and interpretations... End to beginning - death of one era of the band, beginning of a new era. Regarding the end of the first Era, I see no point in the blame game. The band split, that is all we need to know. Whatever the causes there was bound to be emotion on both sides so I leave it at that. But this masterpiece is what came out of Tuomas' emotions. The beginning is a boy soprano, Guy Elliott who also does the spoken parts. The whispering at the beginning is the central spoken section, but played in reverse. Then we get the whole section "Home". I see the "shoulder cries more" as having no shoulder to cry on because the other members of the band - his friends - were equally upset. The "whore for the cold world" I see as the selling of his whole life to the music industry (the metaphorical pimps, hence the "whore" references) which is not interested in the person, only what they can get from the band. The two faces bit is self explanatory; almost everyone will have been in situations where they have to hide their feelings and present a false front to the world. The reference to betrayal is again obvious and there are lots of metaphors in the surrounding words. The altar I think, is the tie to the band - these upheavals in 2004/5 were not the first time Tuomas had felt like ending the band. By the way, note the 3 minutes and counting: exactly 3 minutes later you get the guillotine motion. By the way, Marco made the demo version of this, with all the lyrics sung by himself and with harsher lyrics at this point too. Next we get to the Mother and Father section with Floor, Marco and Emppu all sitting, while Floor sings lyrics reflecting the words from his mother when he went back home for a break in the middle of all this turmoil. These are the words of love and then of advice, that he was given. Floor here is using her finger movements to accentuate emotion. This whole section and the way Floor sings it, is packed with those damned Onion Ninjas. Marco's harmonies are wonderful. We end with the final ethereal notes from Floor and here is another tingle-factor moment. Then a gentle piano ending, the calm after the emotional storm. Here, as in Sparkle my Scenery, the choir on the original album is replaced by Floor who wanted to sing them herself (and proved completely capable of it) which Anette could not have done - she could probably get the notes but the emotion is there in the choral original and is amplified when Floor sings it. The low brass used in many places is really effective. On the performance itself: When Emppu goes over to Tuomas and later both Marco and Emppu go over, it is a sign of moral support. They both know how difficult this is for him - eventually he had the vocals turned off in his in-ear, so he didn't have to listen to them because Floor put such emotion into them. At the end, she does not say "Thank you" immediately, as she does normally. Instead she looks over for a few seconds to check on him from her position. BTW, I have never bought the theory that Tuomas was "in love" with Tarja. Those who say he asked her to join the band because he knew her from school - she was suggested by Emppu who had known her as an acquaintance at school. Tuomas' did know her of course and his mother was for a while her piano teacher, but it was Emppu who suggested her.

[@tonyg8471]

Thanks for the reaction to Poet. This is one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen. And I have 5 Nightwish DVDs in my modest collection of live concerts. Floor not only sings this, she performs this music. Along, of course, with the rest of the band. Professionals is an understatement. Anyone that loves music and does not know the magic of Tuomas Holopainen, is really missing out on one of our lifetime's most precious gifts.

[@alxhades6231]

I'm amazed at how fast I clicked when I saw the title.

[@Marcogtx]

Same here...

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I am not a metal fan, but I will say, this is their masterpiece. Raw and loud when the storytelling needs it. That is the way art is made (in my view). This song gets to me every time. And I don't know why.

[@loveloveandhatehate]

This isn't metal, it's like a musical or Broadway or some such...

[@lekalla]

Of course it's metal. How the hell this looks like Broadway to you? Looks like a metal concert to me.​@@loveloveandhatehate

[@tubelious]

it's metal. metal is good. Many stay away from metal, while not knowing what it can be.

[@loveloveandhatehate]

@@lekalla LMAO 🤣 full production of how many on stage??? It's pretend metal at best!

[@lekalla]

@@loveloveandhatehate Six people on stage. Normal for a band.

[@greeniesr]

WONDERFUL reaction to the finest vocalist, and band, that I have ever heard....I'm 80 years old, I was stunned a few years back when I heard Floor, and Nightwish, combined the best on the planet....Bob from New Jersey

[@miskatonic6210]

You are old enough to have had the chance to listen to greater, legendary bands. Seems like you wasted your life when it comes to music. Yes, they are great, BUT...

[@greeniesr]

@@miskatonic6210 Coming from a "ZERO" like you, this warms my heart...Nightwish is the "BEST"....

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@miskatonic6210 Where do you live?

[@corneliusantonius3108]

👍👍

[@greeniesr]

@@corneliusantonius3108New Jersey

[@papaverweg]

The 1st voice you hear is that of the boy soprano Guy Elliott, the 2nd is Tom Williams. Both come from Reigate St Mary's Choir School. This song dates from the time of Nightwish 2nd singer Anette Olson. This part one is a tape recording identical to the studio version on the studio album "Dark Passion Play". On that studio version they also sing 2 other parts, which Anette never sang, but live in 2015 Floor does.

[@Piero76776]

my fav from Nightwish....difficult one by the way....voice and instrumental too....i mean is a piece of art...very emotional,and we're talking about Floor...she can sing really anything,skills etc are top.

[@AviatorLuber]

Nightwish is one of the groups I have not listened to yet but have been wanting to for some time. I finally did with this reaction! This is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen! I am hooked! I will definitely be listening to more! Thanks so much for the analysis and your reaction!

[@snakeeer69]

Have an amazing trip down the rabbit hole. You should listen to Ghost Love Score next then lighter songs like Storytime or Nemo to get a bit of everything. Keep The Greatest Show on Earth for later, much later. Just my humble recommendations. I was lucky in my discovery and hope yours is epic. The Poet and the Pendulum was probably Nightwish's masterpiece along with Greatest Show on Earth. Enjoy!

[@PaulOutdoors]

This live performance 2 years ago was my introduction to Nightwish and Floor and I was blown away then and since. Phenomenal band. 🙏👍😊❤

[@talamon6832]

Start your journey with Wacken 2013 Version of Ghost Love Score

[@hundredpercentmetal]

Now you need to check out wacken 2013 ghost love score, and 2018 dead boys' poem performances

[@BracchiAlessandroFineArt]

just a little secret from " i only have three minutes and counting " to just after "a pen and one thousand pages of erased text " at the swing of the pendulum is exactly 3 minutes . Nightwish Army Italy Present !

[@timlubbers2884]

And just after you can hear the “heartbeat” fading … Intensità maggiore!!!

[@PaulOutdoors]

This masterpiece, this live performance was my introduction (without knowing the back story) to Nightwish and Floor around 2 years ago after a friend kept pestering me to give them a listen. I relented not expecting to like what I saw and heard but was blown away and have been ever since having had my musical world turned upside down and inside out. Tuomas at 30:40 gets me every time as does Floor always. Thank you for a wonderful reaction. 🙏😊👍❤️

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Exact same for me - this song, this performance, about 2 years ago - was my introduction to Nightwish. I'm now a Nightwish nut for life

[@just_gut]

I've heard this performance of this song a zillion times now, and when Floor hits "You have such oceans within", no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I tear up. There is a reason this song is on my "Don't listen in public" playlist. Everything that comes before it in the song, for me, perfectly builds stress and tension until this sort of perfect release of emotion at the end, followed by this kind of soothing, gradual ending to the song. This is my singularly favorite performance of a Nightwish song across everything they've ever done and all iterations of the band. I also greatly appreciate how Emppu goes and checks on Tuomas as well as the two guys that were around for this period of Tuomas' life going over to play with him as the song comes to its conclusion is so wonderful to see. You rarely see that kind of non-toxic vulnerability and support between men.

[@BrianK_70]

An astonishing piece of art from start to finish.

[@PatrickKCompton]

Bethany, I'll be honest and say the first time I watched this was an ugly cry of emotions, especially at the end with Floor's angelic voice. Did not know what this work was about, but the dark meaning was understood. What a freakin' masterpiece and I totally understand Thuomas at this point in his life. Take care all.

[@1982jeepcj8]

Once you understand what this song represents, yje story behind it, it hits a lot harder. This is the eulogy of the the death of Nightwish as we knew it, this is the suicide note of someone being driven to it by a fan base.

[@ytcag2007]

Greetings. After doing your research and listening to it again, I would like to see a short video of your reaction about what you thought and how it hits now that you know the background of the song. That is.... If you're up for it. Good reaction to the music/vocals. We all may shed a tear every time we hear Floor. Now I know it's not just head voice, but the way SHE delivers it. Gets me every time. 😊❤️🤘🤘

[@Marcogtx]

Second that.

[@cliffpatterson7359]

This song and video hits so much harder once you know the backstory

[@petemack5994]

awesome reaction. This piece has a very special place in my life. I know the back story is important but this piece is also an anthem for those people with mental health issues such as depression with suicidal thoughts, it describes perfectly the feeling, emotions and mental state of someone in the depressive state. Also in the Pit and the Pendulum Poe talks about the point at which you both give up hope and accept the end, which you really get the sense of in this. If I may I would like to give you my interpretation of the lyrics and what they mean to me. The first part, which you note starts with the words the end!! Is taken from Stephen Kings Tower series, the white lands were the home of a type of vampire that fed on emotions, (empathy), so a person left feeling nothing, empty and without emotion. In the second part, those lines expressing a feeling of futility, all same old same old yet, hating how you feel, then the verse seems to express the effort of trying to pretend to be ok, hence those two faces, one for everyone else and the real one that is private, no one to turn to for help as the people around you seem as upset as you so no shoulder to cry on so you just carry on pretending becoming that whore for the cold world. Then there is the remembering back to when all was good, yet you cannot get there despite everyone telling you “you are ok, it will be fine” till those words just sink you even further into the mess. Then we have the Pacific, oh wow, the wishing and planning stage, the beautiful sea, just wishing it was over, that you could be under the waves, beneath the pain tucked into that beauty., last goodnight kiss and a valentine that ends everything. Then that part that starts with being afraid, being raped, not in the traditional sense but feeling violated, alone and bloody scared, For Tuomas, feeling that those who he felt should have been there for him somehow betrayed him, a not uncommon feeling with severe depression, feeling that even life betrayed you, also again the mention of the tide and drowning, many see it as the perfect death! On a side note here, three minutes and counting, yep exactly three minutes to the point that Tuomas simulates the blade. Here also note how the music becomes chaotic, mirroring the thought process of someone planning their own death, no logic, well there is but only to the individual. Yet also a sense of excitement and of a journey, proceeding the calm. Then the passion play, traditionally passion plays were performed at Easter and were about the death of Christ, and Tuomas plays with us a little here, “second robber to the right of Christ! Well at the crucifixion there was only one robber either side of Christ but in the painting The Last Supper the person second to the right of Christ is Judas!!!!! Then of course the symbolic death and the slowing faltering heartbeat. The beginning or last part of the piece are the words that brought Tuomas back from the edge. In his case words from his parents but many of us will have people who were there at just the right time and who cared enough to be the rock and love us enough to hold on. If there is a message in this work surely it is to be kind, to look out for each other and if you can be there, you never know you may just save a person’s life. As someone did mine.

[@pclown9490]

It's really cool to see a vocal teacher like the same type of music I like LOL didn't expect that 😮

[@iceelf-gs1492]

I was completely captivated by this performance! A musical and visual feast for the body and soul. So much to take in. Thank you Bethany for bringing it .... …once had a night wish of becoming a poet, but the pendulum swung the other way!

[@Meine.Postma]

BTW You should listen to Ave Maria performed by Marko and Floor at Christmas. There you can hear Marko's singing voice. Regarding your reaction: you are so smart and you're empathic to the performance and you know so much about singing techniques. The beauty of Nightwish is that they're an intelligent band and Tuomas and Floor, but really everybody, are so intelligent in how they apply their techniques. They know their craft and are relaxed doing what they do live on stage and so smart. So you're a perfect match for Nightwish with Floor (and Marko 😭).

[@heiko3169]

I must have heard this song dozens of times .... it still hits emotionally so hard as it did the first time. Tuomas composition and Floors voice and emotional delivery makes a tough man cry - every time.

[@Meine.Postma]

Talking about cinematic: have you done The Greatest Show On Earth yet? It was a young boy at the beginning. Tuomas wanted to keep that. He is often represented in his songs by a young boy or the ocean. I consider the last act, "Mother and Father" as the best that Nightwish have performed

[@TheMateriaalkunde]

Wembley 2015 was indeed a very remarkable concert. It had this song, and also a very iconic version of The greatest Show on Earth.

[@RonniePeterson]

This magnum opus deserved an equal reaction and vocal analysis. As ever you did not disappoint. Thank you.

[@Scirzo]

This was one of the best reactions to this song I've ever seen! And I've seen many...Thank you!

[@craigbolton5093]

Oh my. I've been waiting for you to do this one!

[@matthewhead1465]

This is easily one of my favourite Nightwish songs, and knowing what it’s about it always chokes me up a little listening to it. I love the “wellness check” that Empu does on Tuomas after the first chorus and him and Marko do as the song comes to a close.

[@coreydean6540]

You are correct. It was a young boy soprano at the beginning.

[@Tearnofear]

21:21 you might not have catched that but from the Moment the off-voice (the same young boy that sung at the beginning) said 3 Minutes til i die it is exactly 3 mins to the swinging axes (the actual death of the Poet)^^

[@OsoAloc]

The last part always kills me. Doesnt matter how often i heard it

[@gvanbeek9620]

The Pacific gets me each time❤

[@WLsmiling]

This song is so epic! Nightwish best band and Floor best vocalist ❤ More Nightwish 🙌

[@MrSilentBill]

I love the detail at the moment when Tuomas does the slashing motion right at the "Save Me" line, you can see that the pendulum on the screen rotated 90° and swings directly at the viewer to complete the "execution".

[@Tarkus_]

So excited to see you react to and analyze this amazing song and performance! I think this is second only to "The Greatest Show on Earth" amongst Tuomas's masterpieces, and it's performed and captured here brilliantly.

[@rickphil9999]

As always, such a thoughtful and beautiful reaction to our beloved Nightwish with Floor. Thank you, Bethany. Simply lovely.

[@stevehanson2398]

Great reaction, many thanks👍🏻 Tuomas borrowed heavily from "The Pit and The Pendulum" when he wrote this, which is a short story written in 1842 by Edgar Allan Poe. The story describes the psychological torment of a prisoner during the Spanish Inquisition who is publicly tortured and executed for opposing the Catholic Church. The prisoner is trapped in a dark, rat-infested room with slippery, sloped floors leading to a Pit with a swinging Pendulum above. The Pit signifies Death, the Pendulum represents Time and the sloped floors, rats and darkness symbolise Fear. The protagonist of the story opposed the Catholic Church because he was angry with God for taking away his birth mother, adopted mother and wife with plague and disease. I wonder whether Toumas's anguish was NOT due to the fact that he fired Tarja (the original singer) from the band, but because he felt he was being publicly tortured and executed by his so-called fans for doing so. I also wonder whether the song was arranged into 5 parts to reflect the 5 stages of grieving: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. An awesome musical adaptation of classical literature.

[@roblaw4554]

Yes, Poe is a huge part of the narrative framework. Not sure the Kubler Ross take was significant. At all. Although (my personal disclaimer) with Tuomas, one can never be sure unless he has described it as such.... Nonetheless, absolutely more greatness from a genius architect! Cheers rl 🤘👹🤘

[@davemcsorley]

Thanks for this excellent reaction Bethany! You really should see "The Islander" and "The Greatest Show on Earth", both from Tampere. They are superb. All the best from the UK!

[@emre_aytac]

Yes Yes Yes! My favorite Nightwish song

[@michaelwebb8027]

I love your reactions you have a great passion for music. Your face just lights up. You have a beautiful smile.

[@christinaalgate4899]

I like it when Floor looks at Tuomas in Mother Father. I also like Emppu and Marko cecked on on Tuomas at the end.

[@scifimonkey3]

Great to see you back to Nightwish. Hoping that you will also revisit Epica as it’s been a year. For vocal analysis of Simone you could do worse than ‘Once upon a Nightmare’ or ‘Kingdom of Heaven part 3’ from Omega Alive or the astonishing ballad ‘Rivers’ Live with the strings of Apocalyptica in support. Many more goosebumps I promise.

[@craigbolton5093]

The boy singer is Guy Elliot

[@tobindax430]

I didn't know the name but it is definitely a boy soprano, although it could have been a girl's too. Floor could probably sing it but the timbre would be different. I don't know if Floor's voice would be as effective here as that boy soprano.

[@FromG2eminor]

​@tobindax430 I think Floor offered but Tuomus wanted to keep boys tone.

[@theorc9098]

As I'm sure by now, you know it was not Floor at the beginning, but according to an interview with the band a few years ago, she offered to sing that part as well... She's just "the full package". Oh, and I hope someone pointed out the little "Easter egg" in the song... The spoken part of "Now I only have 3 minutes and counting".. and what happens exactly 180 seconds later... Tuomas is such a considered composer!

[@michel_g]

Thank you for this. That was tremendous. Couldn't hit play fast enough. I've heard this many (many) times and I tear up every time. This is likely the best version of this song there will ever be and I'm so glad you got to it.

[@seanstevenson9891]

Is there anything more beautiful than Floor's siren voice? Nope. Nightwishalisciousness ❤

[@tonyg8471]

Your facial reaction when the first narrative section started and you realized how dark those words were....that was fun to watch. This performance was live. I have never seen any band deliver a level of shock and awe with such regularity. Truly special artists.

[@reactionsaccount3955]

Another masterpiece where you can see Floor at the height of her vocal powers, is this performance with her first band. After Forever - Dreamflight Live ProgPower USA VIII (2007)

[@frankmerris8821]

yup this song drains me emotioally everytime.i heard this song 100s of times but always learn something new from you

[@JWNanaimo]

The he brilliance, nuance and mastery of Tuomas’ songwriting lyrics and composition never ceases to amaze me. 3 minutes exactly from where he says “I have 3 minutes and counting “ is when he simulates with his hand the pendulum cutting his throat.This is just an amazing piece of music art!🤘🤘

[@tomaszjaskot2338]

I love how you use your hands to express your emotions and thoughts. Can’t stop following them.

[@AManCalledMoose]

Excellent! Nightwish at their best. Written in response to the aftermath of their original vocalist's departure. Originally sung by Annette Olson who replaced Tarja (excuse the spelling) Tuomas has said that Floor brings the emotion into the song he originally envisaged.

[@MadDad303]

Keep going coach! Dont EVER stop!!! Love it! 💪

[@BoG_City]

Its such a masterpiece. Glad you finally listened to it, for me this songs makes Nightwish what it is. The "I only have 3 minutes and counting" and then exactly 3 minutes later the dead of Tuomas gets me every time.

[@loulagro2315]

Thank you!!

[@carebear91]

Honestly it astounds me listening to this and Floor doesn't involuntarily cry when singing this because just hearing it turns on the waterworks for me. I literally can't control it. Absolutely stunning.

[@Donna-C]

So many emotions. Everytime. Thank you for your great reaction video.

[@user-sv6ln6to4k]

Nice to see you again on the Nightwish train

[@delveling]

WoooHooooo, so glad you are back with Nightwish ! This one turns up the emotion dial to 11 !

[@randomman4938]

@12:30 of the video, I could see you holding back tears. Don’t worry, Floor’s voice that to me every time in that spot, and I’ve listened to this song HUNDREDS of times.

[@hannes.mutala]

I liked your reaction to this performance. Have been hearing and seeing it many times before.

[@aleksandarvukadin4740]

When Bethany started going back on Mother and Father part i was like, so i need a new package of tissues 😂Great reaction as always btw 🙂

[@ushallnotpass0]

back to the Nıghtwish im too excited! Immediately started video

[@bazkeen]

The first voice singing at the opening is Guy Elliott and the second voice is Tom Williams

[@pdutchie4924]

Always chills and tears, especially at the end part 🥺 Thanks so much for this great reaction 🙏🏻

[@damienmaynard8892]

Guy Elliott was the boy soprano at the start. He was from St Mary's Choir School, Reigate, UK. "Sparkle my scenery...." was sung by another boy on the album but Floor said that she could do it and Tuomas agreed! Marko sang almost the entire demo - darker, angrier, cruder! Definitely one of my top Nightwish tracks. (I played French Horn too!) I am SO glad that Tuomas took his own life in song rather than reality. WE need his music! "3 minutes & counting....." 21:11(your video time) then Tuomas "cuts" his head off, 3 minutes later, ( @ 26:33 your video time)

[@shorerocks]

All your videos let me feel the joy of music in a way I long missed it. Thx.

[@xplicitmike]

I'm a few months late but yes, it was a young boy soprano that sings the opening! Very few vocalists/reactions notice that, so great job catching that!

[@markschattefor6997]

The magic with Floor singing is not only her talent and skills, but she is a HSP which gives her the ability to not just sing the lyrics but also "feel" them while singing. And that ability makes even grown men cry over and over. She can sing like the most angelic angel you can imagine and the next moment she sounds like a demon from the deepest part of hell. Floor has created a league of her own.

[@eddiec1961]

Nice reaction thanks, from the point that they say got 3 minutes at 21 minutes through your video exactly 3 minutes later you hear the guillotine drop. Can you imagine how Tuomas feels having his creations brought to life.

[@birdbranch]

The Poet, Greatest show and GLS is The Nighwish trinity ❤❤ ❤ Great Reaction.

[@palantir135]

If you want to hear Marko sing properly and beautifully, listen to The Islander live, Tampere.

[@JariJuslin]

I concur. But his range even in this piece was impressive. From the super rough Dark Passion Play to singing very soft backing to Floor.

[@RenThraysk]

This was written after Tarja left and before Anette joined. So Marko sung the demo version, and if search on here you should find it.

[@keithharris3734]

You would be a terrible poker player because your face displays joy and admiration with every note! Thanks for another great reaction!

[@Rico.at.50]

I've seen this live on the Decades tour in Baltimore. It was truly an epic show!

[@tomtomski4454]

Finally you did it! Before even watching your reaction I have smile on my face. :)

[@ralphschiefer7576]

This one gets me everytime, thanks for your reaction!

[@jamesjones8482]

Good reaction Bethany! I really enjoy your reactions. ❤

[@kezca]

Thankyou for sharing this gem

[@MicheleNicole]

I am so glad you reacted to this. I'm also glad you are going to research more and will go back and listen again - as you said, to absorb it. You might find yourself tearing up, I always do. Just an amazing reflection on TH passion, hurt, and pain.

[@marcell6915]

Great reaction again, every time the last part hits me. I don't think I could hold my tears if I saw this live.

[@Cadinho93]

The opening vocals (The End) are actually a boy soprano, not Floor. Also, this song is a masterpiece and I've listened to this performance between reactors, especially on my own at least 500 times. Floor's siren-like wails at the end, absolutely get me everytime.

[@jopay142]

I seem to remember though that Floor once told Tuomas that she could sing the intro...

[@obud3777]

The singer in the beginning is a boy soprano named Guy Elliot

[@Donna-C]

The last joyed sound like a mother’s wail for her son 😢

[@tjitsekoster9379]

I always imagine those last notes to be like full on ugly crying on someone's shoulder. You know when you've surrendered to your emotions and someone says "there there, everything is gonna be alright," and you just let it go. It's in my opinion the best part of the song.

[@McRay2001]

Floor Jansen Fun Fact: She is also a voice teacher.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

My favourite metal performance and song of all time - it's absolute perfection

[@Lothy49]

My two favourite songs from this album are this one - The Poet and the Pendulum - and Last of the Wilds. Both of them are beautiful pieces of music.

[@user-vy7mk6yf4s]

Loved your reaction. Might I request High Hope as another reaction, it will highlight Marko’s voice.

[@lottumeb]

It's about time you do Nightwish again. I like your reactions to them. Do more, i.e. some Marco singing videos, or Floor collaborations, early floor years (northward, beste zangers etc..) I am sure you will love all of them... ❤