Nightwish- Élan
Tracklist:
- Élan
- Sagan
- Élan (Alternate Version)
- Élan (Radio Edit)
Title: Élan
Release Date: February 13
Year: 2015
One of the most infamous symphonic rock bands in the world is back- and they’re back with some new talent. With the lovely Floor Jansen (After Forever – ReVamp) taking the official role of lead vocalist, the female-fronted band is ready to take this new musical era by storm. Throughout the years, Nightwish has changed their singing talents, and as such, the music found ways to transform to accompany the new voices. However, the innate, epic, almost cinematic ‘Nightwish’ quality sound continues to seep into every song that they do, and is instantaneously recognize by fans alike.
The new single Élan, set to be released on February 13th via Nuclear Blast, embodies this concept. A French word that translates to ‘Momentum’, Élan features the new self-titled single along with a bonus track Sagan, which will not be featured on the main album. The lyrics of both songs are exceptionally written, and as poetic as the previous music.
The Celtic melody in Élan glides with the new front woman’s voice, and convoys with the various changes that her vocals go through throughout the song’s progression. Fans of the band’s original singer and fans of the band’s latter singer will, most likely, find themselves thoroughly impressed by Jansen, as her voice finds a fantastic common ground between the two. There is a familiar softness in the beginning of the song that is much akin to the band’s first few albums, such as Century Child, but progresses to the similar edge featured in Dark Passion Play. The song features the well-known (and beautifully executed) Nightwish concept of freedom. An alternate version of this song is included in the single, which gives the song a fairly different vibe, vocals taking precedence and feeling significantly more separated from the melody. Both versions are just as impactful.
“Sagan” on the other hand, is a bit faster in tempo than the previous song. The chorus will remind fans of Imaginaerium, as will the lyrics. A very dreamlike, adventurer’s song, with a very distinct melody, this is a song that will find itself playing in your mind over and over again.
This single would make any Nightwish fan excited for the new album, and symphonic lovers will certainly be drawn into this band once more.