What makes Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads by Nightwish notable?

This album is significant for its role in expanding Nightwish's audience globally, further establishing them as front-runners in the symphonic metal scene. It features iconic tracks that resonate with fans and critics alike, contributing to their increasing influence and commercial success, as evidenced by chart positions across Europe. Released in 2005, 'Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads' is a compilation album that showcases Nightwish's evolution from their early symphonic metal roots to a more polished sound. This collection follows their critically acclaimed album 'Once' (2004), solidifying their status as a leading force in the genre while highlighting their melodic prowess.

Who is Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads for?

Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads works well if you're into wave-like emotional intensity, powerful vocal crescendos and lush orchestral arrangements.

How many songs are on Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads?

Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads has 15 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads

Nightwish · 2005

68 min · 15 tracks · power metal · symphonic metal

A lush tapestry of orchestral melodies and powerful vocals that elevate the ballad tradition within metal.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like emotional intensity
powerful vocal crescendos
lush orchestral arrangements
reflective moments of solitude
dramatic narratives unfold gradually

Maybe skip if you want

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
dislike orchestral instrumentation

Where this album fits

Themes: ethereal landscapes· operatic duets· melodic power ballads
Career context: Released in 2005, 'Walking in the Air: The Greatest Ballads' is a compilation album that showcases Nightwish's evolution from their early symphonic metal roots to a more polished sound. This collection follows their critically acclaimed album 'Once' (2004), solidifying their status as a leading force in the genre while highlighting their melodic prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Within Temptation· Epica· Therion
Sounds like this from elsewhere: The Silent Force by Within Temptation — Shares lush orchestration and powerful vocals with a focus on ethereal themes and dramatic melodies.

The Phantom Agony by Epica — Combines symphonic elements with operatic vocals, creating a dramatic atmosphere similar to Nightwish's ballads.

Comalies by Lacuna Coil — Merges melodic metal with haunting vocals, exploring emotional landscapes akin to the themes in Nightwish's work.