Oceanborn
As Way Of Life
After 15 years, you can say that Oceanborn is not just another album among many of metal albums from late 90s. Nightwish is not just another plain band, nor Oceanborn was not just another ordinary album. Nightwish has always had its own style, its own special power, an indelible mark in the metal music, a road of life in this world. Well, that road begins here, where the ocean is born.
The Feeling
You surely have ever wondered what's the best Nightwish album. Everyone has its favourite, but what makes the Oceanborn, is giving the best from its creator. Tuomas Holopainen had said in End Of Innocence:
"l remember the feeling
when Oceanborn was in the can.
l had the feeling l'll never
be able to write another song.
l felt l'd given everything l got,
all my creative energy was drained."
Profiles
Profiles
Album Profile
 |
| Spinefarm Records |
Release Date: 7th December 1998 (Finland)
31st May 1999 (Europe)
Record Label: Spinefarm Records
Drakkar Entertainment
Tracklist:
1. Stargazers
2. Gethsemane
3. Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean
4. Sacrament Of Wilderness
5. Passion And The Opera
6. Swanheart
7. Moondance
8. The Riddler
9. The Pharaoh Sails To Orion
10. Walking In The Air
 |
| Drakkar Entertainment |
Bonus Tracks:
11. Nightquest
12. Sleeping Sun
All music & lyrics by Tuomas Holopainen, except:
tracks 4: music by Emppu Vuorinen/Tuomas Holopainen
track 10: music composed, conducted & lyrics by Howard Blake.
All arrangements by Nightwish & Tero Kinnunen except track 10.
Nightguests:
Esa Lahtinen - flute
Plamen Dimov - violin
Kaisli J. Kaivola - violin
Markku Palola - viola
Erkki Hirvikangas - Cello
Tapio Wilska - vocals
"Devilvoice" on Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean
"Pharaohvoice" on The Pharaoh Sails To Orion
Recorded at Coverock Studio by Tero Kinunnen between August - October 1998.
Mixed at Finnvox Studion by Mikko Karmila.
Mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila.
Artwork by:
Maria Sandel (Spinefarm Records)
Peter Dell (Drakkar Entertainment)
Curt Evans (Collector's Edition re-design)
1. Sacrament Of Wilderness
2. The Crow And The Warrior (By Darkwoods My Betrothed)
3. Burning Flames' Embrace (By Eternal Tears Of Sorrow)
1. Walking In The Air (Edit)
2. Nightquest
3. Tutankhamen
tracks 4: music by Emppu Vuorinen/Tuomas Holopainen
track 10: music composed, conducted & lyrics by Howard Blake.
All arrangements by Nightwish & Tero Kinnunen except track 10.
Nightguests:
Esa Lahtinen - flute
Plamen Dimov - violin
Kaisli J. Kaivola - violin
Markku Palola - viola
Erkki Hirvikangas - Cello
Tapio Wilska - vocals
"Devilvoice" on Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean
"Pharaohvoice" on The Pharaoh Sails To Orion
Recorded at Coverock Studio by Tero Kinunnen between August - October 1998.
Mixed at Finnvox Studion by Mikko Karmila.
Mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila.
Artwork by:
Maria Sandel (Spinefarm Records)
Peter Dell (Drakkar Entertainment)
Curt Evans (Collector's Edition re-design)
Singles Profiles
Sacrament Of Wilderness
Release Date: 25th November 1998
Record Label: Spinefarm Records
Tracklist:
2. The Crow And The Warrior (By Darkwoods My Betrothed)
3. Burning Flames' Embrace (By Eternal Tears Of Sorrow)
Walking In The Air
Release Date: 31st May 1999
Record Label: Spinefarm Records
Tracklist:
2. Nightquest
3. Tutankhamen
Sleeping Sun
(4 Ballads Of The Eclipse)
Release Date: 2nd August 1999
Record Label: Drakkar Entertainment
Tracklist:
1. Sleeping Sun
2. Walking In The Air
3. Swanheart
4. Angels Fall First
Band Profile
Origin: Kitee, Finland, 1996
Tarja - Vocals
Tuomas - Synthesizers & Piano
Emppu - Guitars
Sami - Bass
Jukka - Drums & Percussion
Biography
Oceanborn Era
1998
During the summer, Nightwish recruit a permanent bassist, Sami Vänskä. The summer is spent writing new material, and the band enter the studio in early August. Oceanborn, an album significantly more powerful and professional than their debut, is released on December 7. Mixed by Mikko Karmila, who will later become their trusted ally, Oceanborn rises to number five on the Finnish charts. The success surprises everyone, although the single "Sacrament of Wilderness" had already conquered the pole position of the singles charts.
1999
Oceanborn is released internationally during the spring, boosted by the new single "Sleeping Sun" that sells more than 15,000 copies in a few weeks in Germany alone.
When the guys get out of the army, Nightwish are truly able to hit the live circuit, and as Nightwish is booked for almost all major Finnish festival, the summer sees some furious gigging.
The lively festival season ends on a happy note, as both Oceanborn and the single "Sacrament of Wilderness" are certified Gold. Shortly afterwards, Nightwish embark on their first European tour, supporting Rage for four weeks during November and December.
