Nightwish released their tenth album, «Yesterwynde», on September 20, 2024 via Nuclear Blast — and Blabbermouth rated it 8.5/10. It is the third and final part of the trilogy that began with «Endless Forms Most Beautiful» and «Human. :II: Nature.», and their first record without Marko Hietala in 22 years.
Country: Finland
Genre: Symphonic Metal
For fans of: Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot
The listen
Tuomas Holopainen explores themes of time, history, memory and the connection with previous generations — with him stressing that the record’s overall outlook is optimistic. The band stepped away from live shows for a few years, and Floor Jansen is now undeniably the best frontwoman and voice they’ve ever had.
The record weaves huge melodies, heavy metal heroism and deliberate complexity: the elegant orchestra supports everything, but at the center is a deadly capable metal band, with Emppu Vuorinen’s guitars never overshadowed by the non-electric ornamentation. «An Ocean of Strange Islands» opens powerfully, «The Day Of…» is a measured, mid-paced track with a wonderful vocal from Jansen, while «Sway» offers one of the most refined moments of calm.
«The Children of ‘Ata» is a small symphony with a dangerously catchy chorus and a cinematic finale, and «Lanternlight» closes the record with a ballad where Jansen truly shines — one of her best moments across the last two albums. Nightwish have evolved into one of the boldest and most unpredictable bands in heavy music, and «Yesterwynde» leaves the faithful wanting more.
See also
Nightwish: In the studio in May 2027 for their eleventh record · Floor Jansen says NIGHTWISH remain in form
