What makes Sacrament of Wilderness by Nightwish notable?

This EP showcased Nightwish's burgeoning influence in the symphonic metal genre, contributing to their rise in popularity throughout Europe. It received positive reviews for its ambitious compositions and helped establish the band's signature style, paving the way for future successes like 'Oceanborn'. 'Sacrament of Wilderness' is Nightwish's second EP, released in late 1998 following their debut album 'Angels Fall First'. At this point, the band was solidifying its unique sound that blended symphonic orchestration with power metal elements. The release marked a crucial step in their evolution as they began to gain traction in the European metal scene.