What makes Élan by Nightwish notable?

The single achieved notable chart success, reaching the top positions in several countries and solidifying Nightwish's status in the symphonic metal genre. Critics praised its blend of orchestral elements and metal, which contributed to a resurgence in interest for the band, leading to a successful world tour that followed. Élan marked Nightwish's first release after the return of vocalist Floor Jansen, who had joined the band during their hiatus. Released in 2015, this single served as a precursor to their album 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful', showcasing a renewed energy and thematic exploration following the band's lineup changes.

How many songs are on Élan?

Élan has 4 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Élan

Nightwish · 2015

18 min · 4 tracks · power metal

A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and powerful vocals intertwine seamlessly, creating a sweeping epic filled with emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Élan (album version) — This track serves as the cornerstone of the album, encapsulating the themes of exploration and connection through its sweeping melodies and rich instrumentation.
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Sagan — Named after Carl Sagan, this song reflects on humanity's place in the universe, combining philosophical lyrics with vibrant musicality that showcases Nightwish’s signature style.
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Élan (radio edit) — This shorter version highlights the core elements of the original while making it more accessible for mainstream audiences, illustrating how Nightwish bridged their complex sound with radio-friendly appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong orchestration and vocal performance but lacks a cohesive narrative across its versions.

What we noticed

The second track 'Sagan' is an instrumental piece that maintains the orchestral theme but shifts to a more ambient soundscape.
The single includes three versions of 'Élan', each with slight variations in arrangement and length, emphasizing different aspects of the composition.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Élan solidified Nightwish's status in symphonic metal after Floor Jansen's return.
Themes: cosmic wonder· personal storytelling· ethereal landscapes
Career context: Élan marked Nightwish's first release after the return of vocalist Floor Jansen, who had joined the band during their hiatus. Released in 2015, this single served as a precursor to their album 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful', showcasing a renewed energy and thematic exploration following the band's lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: Within Temptation· Epica· Therion