What makes Storytime by Nightwish notable?

The release of 'Storytime' was pivotal for Nightwish, as it reached number one on the Finnish Singles Chart and further solidified their reputation in the symphonic metal genre. Its broad appeal contributed to the album 'Imaginaerum' becoming one of their best-selling records, receiving critical acclaim for its blend of cinematic elements and power metal. Released on November 9, 2011, 'Storytime' is a significant single from Nightwish's seventh studio album, 'Imaginaerum.' This period marked the band's return to a more symphonic sound after experimenting with darker themes in their previous album, 'Dark Passion Play,' and introduced new singer Floor Jansen to the lineup.

How many songs are on Storytime?

Storytime has 3 tracks, running approximately 15 minutes.

Storytime

Nightwish · 2011

15 min · 3 tracks · power metal

Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with powerful vocals, creating an exhilarating journey through fantasy and mythology.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Storytime (album version) — This track encapsulates the essence of the album, combining grand orchestration with an unforgettable chorus that invites listeners into a fantastical narrative.
→
Storytime (radio edit) — The radio edit condenses the epic sound into a more accessible format while retaining the song's dynamic energy, making it a staple in Nightwish's live performances.
→
Storytime (instrumental version) — The instrumental version highlights the intricate arrangements and orchestral depth, showcasing the band's ability to create atmospheric soundscapes without lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single effectively showcases Nightwish's symphonic metal style with strong orchestration and powerful vocals.

What we noticed

The single features a radio edit that condenses the album version, emphasizing a more accessible structure while retaining orchestral elements.
The instrumental version strips away vocals entirely, allowing the orchestration to stand alone and showcase its complexity.
Both vocal versions maintain a consistent tempo and dynamic range, with powerful choruses that highlight the band's symphonic metal style.

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 — Significant single that solidified Nightwish's reputation in symphonic metal.
Themes: mythical storytelling· orchestral grandeur
Career context: Released on November 9, 2011, 'Storytime' is a significant single from Nightwish's seventh studio album, 'Imaginaerum.' This period marked the band's return to a more symphonic sound after experimenting with darker themes in their previous album, 'Dark Passion Play,' and introduced new singer Floor Jansen to the lineup.
Stylistic neighbors: Within Temptation· Epica· Therion