Dark Passion Play cover

Dark Passion Play

Nightwish · 2007

149 min · 26 tracks · power metal · symphonic metal

Epic orchestral arrangements collide with soaring operatic vocals and heavy metal riffs, creating a dramatic soundscape.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic soundscapes for introspection
  • dynamic progression with resolution
  • sweeping orchestral arrangements
  • long-form pieces for deep focus
  • wave-like pacing for emotional journey

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Themes
loss and change· orchestral grandeur
Career context
Released on September 26, 2007, 'Dark Passion Play' was Nightwish's first album featuring vocalist Anette Olzon after Tarja Turunen's departure. This marked a significant shift in the band's sound and public perception, as they transitioned from their previous era into a new chapter of their career.
Stylistic neighbors
Within Temptation· Epica· Therion
Sounds like this from elsewhere
The Silent Force by Within Temptation — Shares orchestral grandeur and dramatic themes of loss with powerful female vocals.
Design Your Universe by Epica — Combines symphonic elements with heavy metal, exploring similar epic themes and vocal dynamics.
Karmacode by Lacuna Coil — Merges gothic atmospheres with operatic vocals and heavy riffs, reflecting on change and emotional depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 The Poet and the Pendulum 13:54
  • 2 Bye Bye Beautiful 4:14
  • 3 Amaranth 3:51
  • 4 Cadence of Her Last Breath 4:14
  • 5 Master Passion Greed 6:02
  • 6 Eva 4:25
  • 7 Sahara 5:47
  • 8 Whoever Brings the Night 4:17
  • 9 For the Heart I Once Had 3:55
  • 10 The Islander 5:05
  • 12 7 Days to the Wolves 7:03
  • 13 Meadows of Heaven 7:12
  • 14 Reach (Amaranth demo version) 3:52

Disc 2

  • 1 The Poet and the Pendulum (instrumental) 13:54
  • 2 Bye Bye Beautiful (instrumental) 4:14
  • 3 Amaranth (instrumental) 3:51
  • 4 Cadence of Her Last Breath (instrumental) 4:14
  • 5 Master Passion Greed (instrumental) 6:02
  • 6 Eva (instrumental) 4:25
  • 7 Sahara (instrumental) 5:47
  • 8 Whoever Brings the Night (instrumental) 4:17
  • 9 For the Heart I Once Had (instrumental) 3:56
  • 10 The Islander (instrumental) 5:05
  • 11 Last of the Wilds (instrumental) 5:40
  • 12 7 Days to the Wolves (instrumental) 7:04
  • 13 Meadows of Heaven (instrumental) 7:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata