Angels Fall First

Last updated

Angels Fall First
Nightwish Angels Fall First.jpg
Studio album by
Released1 November 1997 (1997-11-01) [lower-alpha 1]
RecordedApril–September 1997
StudioHuvikeskus (Kitee)
Genre
Length51:29
Language
Label Spinefarm
Producer
Nightwish studio album chronology
Angels Fall First
(1997)
Oceanborn
(1998)
Singles from Angels Fall First
  1. "The Carpenter"
    Released: 29 September 1997
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal 7/10 [3]
Metal Hammer (GER)Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]

Angels Fall First is the debut studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, originally released by Spinefarm Records on 30 September 1997 as a 500-copy limited edition. [5] This edition is highly sought after by collectors and in 2012 a copy was sold for $1137.23 on eBay. [6] It was subsequently released to the general public on 1 November, with four additional songs. The album was released in the US by Century Media in March 2001. [7]

Contents

Angels Fall First is a power metal album with gothic, folk and classical elements. [2]

Background

Tuomas Holopainen wrote the music for the album during his time in the Finnish Army. [8] In a 2008 interview with the British magazine Kerrang! , Tuomas Holopainen remembered:

It came about in August 1996, around a campfire. We were at my summer cabin, a bunch of friends camping out, barbecuing, singing songs, and then it just hit me that I wanted to start a band. But we were too far ambitious at that time for it to remain simply acoustic and making music with just acoustic guitar, keyboards and female voice, was just a bit boring, and we naturally started heading in a heavier direction. The funny thing about Angels Fall First is that it was only supposed to be a demo to send out to record labels. But then Spinefarm heard it and thought it was perfect, so they put it out as it was with no remixing or anything. I used to be a bit embarrassed but now I can feel proud and nostalgic about those songs. [9]

The original pressing featured Holopainen's home contact address, an accident from reprinting the demo sleeve for the album. [9]

As of December 2009, Angels Fall First has sold more than 36,000 copies in Finland alone. [10]

The band, and especially band leader and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen has since frowned upon the album, considering it essentially an extended demo. In a 2011 interview, when asked what album other than Imaginaerum Holopainen wanted to make into a movie, he replied that it would be Angels Fall First, and that it would be "a black-and-white comedy". [11]

The male vocals heard on "Beauty and the Beast", "The Carpenter", "Astral Romance" and "Once Upon a Troubadour" are sung by keyboardist–band leader Tuomas Holopainen, as well as the whispers in the beginning of the demo version of "Etiäinen". [12] Following this release, Holopainen never sang credited on an album again, because he thought that he was not good enough. [12]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Tuomas Holopainen; all music is composed by Nightwish

Angels Fall First track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Elvenpath"4:38
2."Beauty and the Beast"6:22
3."The Carpenter"5:56
4."Astral Romance"5:11
5."Angels Fall First"5:34
6."Tutankhamen"5:30
7."Nymphomaniac Fantasia"4:45
8."Know Why the Nightingale Sings"4:13
9."Lappi (Lapland): I. Erämaajärvi"2:15
10."Lappi (Lapland): II. Witchdrums"1:19
11."Lappi (Lapland): III. This Moment Is Eternity"3:12
12."Lappi (Lapland): IV. Etiäinen"2:34
Total length:51:29
2007 reissue bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
13."A Return to the Sea"5:46
14."Nightwish" (demo)5:49
15."The Forever Moments" (demo)5:36
16."Etiäinen" (demo)2:59
Total length:71:39

Personnel

All information from the album booklet. [13]

Nightwish

Additional musician

Production

Charts

Chart (1998)Peak
position
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) [14] 31
Chart (2022)Peak
position
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) [14] 5

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Finland (Musiikkituottajat) [15] Gold36,526 [15]

Notes

  1. Standard edition release date. Limited edition released on 30 September 1997. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightwish</span> Finnish symphonic metal band

Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band soon picked up drummer Jukka Nevalainen, and then bassist Sami Vänskä after the release of their debut album, Angels Fall First (1997). In 2001, Vänskä was replaced by Marko Hietala, who also took over the male vocalist role previously filled by Holopainen or guest singers. Although Nightwish have been prominent in their home country since Angels Fall First, they did not achieve wider success until the release of the albums Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000) and Century Child (2002).

<i>Oceanborn</i> 1998 studio album by Nightwish

Oceanborn is the second studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released in Finland by Spinefarm Records on 7 December 1998 and in the spring of 1999 worldwide. It was released by Drakkar Entertainment in the rest of Europe, and by Toy's Factory in Japan. It is their first album with bassist Sami Vänskä.

<i>Wishmaster</i> (album) 2000 studio album by Nightwish

Wishmaster is the third studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released on 8 May 2000 through Spinefarm Records in Finland. The album was released in the rest of Europe by Drakkar Entertainment on 29 May, and in Japan by Toy's Factory on 19 July. In the US, it was released by Century Media on 6 February 2001.

<i>Over the Hills and Far Away</i> (EP) 2001 EP by Nightwish

Over the Hills and Far Away is the first EP by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, released on 25 June 2001 through Spinefarm Records in Finland, and Drakkar Records in the rest of Europe. It was also released by Toy's Factory in Japan and Century Media Records in the US. Bassist Sami Vänskä left the band after its recording, due to musical differences between him and Tuomas Holopainen. He was replaced by the bassist and male vocalist, Marko Hietala.

<i>Century Child</i> 2002 studio album by Nightwish

Century Child is the fourth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released in 2002 through Spinefarm Records in Finland, Drakkar Entertainment in the rest of Europe, Century Media Records in the US, and Toy's Factory in Japan. It is the first album which features now-former bassist and male vocalist Marko Hietala, who left the band in January 2021. It is also the first Nightwish album to feature an orchestra.

<i>Once</i> (Nightwish album) 2004 studio album by Nightwish

Once is the fifth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, released on 7 June 2004 by Spinefarm Records in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe. It is the fifth and last album to feature Tarja Turunen on lead vocals. The album cost nearly €250,000 to make, which made it Finland's most expensive recording ever until the release of Nightwish's next album, Dark Passion Play, which cost over €500,000 to produce. As of 2013, Once had sold 2.3 million copies worldwide, becoming Nightwish's most successful album to date. The remastering of the album was released on 6 August 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tarja Turunen</span> Finnish musician (born 1977)

Tarja Soile Susanna Turunen-Cabuli, known professionally as Tarja Turunen or simply Tarja, is a Finnish heavy metal singer, best known as the former lead vocalist of Nightwish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tuomas Holopainen</span> Finnish songwriter, producer and keyboardist

Tuomas Lauri Johannes Holopainen is a Finnish musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the primary songwriter, keyboardist, and founding member of symphonic metal band Nightwish. He has stated that his songwriting is influenced by harmonic film music.

Darkwoods My Betrothed are a Finnish black metal band from Kitee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nemo (song)</span> 2004 song by Nightwish

"Nemo" is the eighth single by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish and the first from the album Once. A big-budget video was made for the song; the director was Antti Jokinen, who had previously worked with Shania Twain, Celine Dion and Eminem. The video was number one on MTV Brasil Video Chart. The song was nominated for the Kerrang! Award for Best Single. Although Nightwish already enjoyed a solid fan base in Europe and South America by the time of the single's release, it is considered their breakthrough song since it helped them reach a wider audience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleeping Sun</span> 1999 Nightwish song

"Sleeping Sun" is a power ballad and the fourth single by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released as a maxi single with three other songs on 2 August 1999 to coincide with the total solar eclipse that would occur on 11 August.

<i>Dark Passion Play</i> 2007 studio album by Nightwish

Dark Passion Play is the sixth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released on 26 September 2007 by Spinefarm Records in Finland, 28 September by Nuclear Blast in Europe and 2 October 2007 by Roadrunner Records in the US. It is the first album without original vocalist Tarja Turunen, who was dismissed in 2005, as well as the first album involving future member Troy Donockley on uilleann pipes and tin whistle. It is the first of only two albums with vocalist Anette Olzon, who was eventually dismissed in 2012 after the release of the band's subsequent album, Imaginaerum. Tuomas Holopainen has referred to this album as the "album that saved his life".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightwish discography</span> Band discography

This is the discography of the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, which consists of ten studio albums, one extended play, six live albums, four compilations, eighteen music videos and twenty singles.

<i>Imaginaerum</i> 2011 studio album by Nightwish

Imaginaerum is the seventh studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released on 30 November 2011 by Scene Nation Oy and Sony Music in Finland, then on 2 December in Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and Roadrunner Records worldwide. According to Nightwish songwriter Tuomas Holopainen, the album is a concept album that tells the story of an old composer who is reminiscing of his youth on his deathbed. The album was produced alongside the movie of the same name, directed by Stobe Harju, who previously directed Nightwish's "The Islander" music video, and the album and the film share the same themes and general story. It is their second and last album with vocalist Anette Olzon, as well as the last with drummer Jukka Nevalainen.

<i>Music Inspired by the Life and Times of Scrooge</i> 2014 studio album by Tuomas Holopainen

Music Inspired by the Life and Times of Scrooge is the first solo album by Finnish songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, best known for his work in the symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was based on cartoonist Don Rosa's The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, a graphic novel which featured the Carl Barks Disney comics character of the same name. Rosa contributed the cover artwork. The first single, "A Lifetime of Adventure" was released on February 5, 2014 along with a music video directed by Ville Lipiäinen.

<i>Endless Forms Most Beautiful</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Nightwish

Endless Forms Most Beautiful is the eighth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released on 25 March 2015 in Japan, 27 March in Argentina and most of Europe, 30 March in the UK and 31 March in the US. The album is the band's first featuring singer Floor Jansen and the first with Troy Donockley as a full-time member. It was also the first without drummer Jukka Nevalainen, who took a break from the band due to severe insomnia. Drumming was by Kai Hahto of Wintersun and Swallow the Sun. The album includes only five Nightwish members, despite its being their first album release as a sextet.

Auri is a Finnish band composed of vocalist and violinist Johanna Kurkela, keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, and guitarist, keyboardist and pipe player Troy Donockley. Holopainen and Donockley are also members of Finnish band Nightwish. Their self-titled first album, Auri, was released on March 23, 2018. and was recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios.

References

  1. "Angels Fall First" . Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  2. 1 2 Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Nightwish – Angels Fall First review". AllMusic . All Media Network . Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  3. Popoff, Martin (1 August 2007). The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: Volume 3: The Nineties. Burlington, Ontario, Canada: Collector's Guide Publishing. p. 313. ISBN   978-1-894959-62-9.
  4. "Nightwish - Angels fall First". Metal Hammer (in German). April 1998. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  5. "First album out". Nightwish's Official Website. 1 November 1997. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  6. "Nightwish - Angels Fall First limited 500 copies, Metallica, Exodus, Overkill". Heavy Metal CD.com. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  7. "Nightwish releases to hit the USA". Nightwish's Official Website. 22 February 2001. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  8. Everley, Dave (8 December 2015). "How Nightwish became a modern metal phenomenon". Metal Hammer . Team Rock. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
  9. 1 2 Ruskell, Nick (16 August 2008). "Treasure Chest. An Ultimate Portrait of a Life in Rock. Tuomas Holopainen.". Kerrang! . Vol. 1223. London, UK: Bauer Media Group. p. 54.
  10. "Tilastot - Nightwish" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland . Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  11. "Chat Transcript: Friday 17th June". Tuomas-Holopainen.com. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. 1 2 Lahtinen, Luxi (November 2002). "Nightwish - Interview With Tuomas Holopainen". Metal-Rules.com. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  13. (1997). "Angels Fall First liner notes". In Angels Fall First [CD booklet]. Spinefarm.
  14. 1 2 "Nightwish: Angels Fall First" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "Nightwish" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.

Bibliography