Nightwish – “Made In Hong Kong (And Various Other Places)”
released March 24, 2009 on Roadrunner
On their first live album with vocalist Annette Olzon, the band wisely decide to trim the fat off Dark Passion Play for the included setlist (though the heaviest track, “Master Passion Greed,” is missed). It starts with three of their sharpest hooks (arranged by strength, in descending order), followed by a brilliant execution of their epic 14 min album opener, and in case that doesn’t grab ya, the sweeping “Sahara” soon will. Then their more daring aspects take shape with the acoustic sea shanty, “The Islander,” and the Irish folk instrumental, “Last of the Wilds” (both featuring uillean pipe player Troy Donockley). I like the ambition they’re showing post-Tarja, acting more as a cohesive unit and not afraid to experiment. The B-sides (9, 10) and demo (11) are so-so, but still worthwhile for fans, and add value.
The DVD does that as well. It includes the documentary Back In The Day…Is Now, and three music videos. ”Bye Bye Beautiful” and “Amaranth” were both directed in one recording session by Antti Jokinen, so their look and feel are similar. “The Islander” is an interesting choice as a single and a video. It’s sung by Marco Hietala, who also composed the music, and executed with steampunk fantasy courtesy of Stobe Harju .
FCC OK
Try *1*, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8
CD:
01. Bye Bye Beautiful – Live
02. Whoever Brings The Night – Live
03. Amaranth – Live
04. The Poet And The Pendulum – Live
05. Sahara – Live
06. The Islander – Live
07. Last Of The Wilds – Live
08. 7 Days To The Wolves – Live
09. Escapist
10. While Your Lips Are Still Red
11. Cadence Of Her Last Breath – Demo Version
DVD:
01. Dark Passion Play World Tour Documentary [Running time: 37 minutes]
02. Bye Bye Beautiful – Music Video
03. Amaranth – Music Video
04. Islander – Music Video
Rating: 
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