The Finnish symphonic metal giants of NIGHTWISH have been taking the world by storm since they joined forces with legendary Dutch vocalist Floor Jansen and English multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Troy Donockley. Their second release featuring these two as full members, as well as the inclusion of drummer Kai Hahto as a permanent member seems to have solidified the band’s latest era. Focusing somewhat less on whimsy and more on existentialism and environmentalism, “Human. :||: Nature.” was released on April 10th, 2020, though their first single came out earlier this year, entitled “Noise.”
The first single and only full music video we’ve seen so far (as opposed to lyric videos) is undeniably a standalone work of art in and of itself. The band has spared no expense in making the quality of this music video absolutely top-notch. The video is vivid and beautiful, yet disturbing and dark as it delves deeper into the lyrics about the noise of modern life, our obsession with screens and technology at the expense of living and experiencing this world.
There is a lot to delve into in this video. Band mastermind and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen plays a nature-lover, but is also bathed in oil in other scenes. Donockley is the king of social media, donning his crown with his pants down on the toilet, while a beautiful blonde woman with big breasts flaunts around in lingerie taking selfies. Jansen plays the mother to a young girl, dressing her up and sharing photos of her, while vocalist/bassist Marko Hietala showing of “Man Power” pills and pouring them into his mouth. However, all hope is not lost, as the final shot of the video is of a beautiful forested landscape with a gorgeous sunrise/sunset.
The video is hugely provocative and says a lot, with new layers to uncover on every re-watch. The baby plugged into screens, the child caged in Jansen‘s skirts, and Hahto among rows of people focused on their phones rather than looking at the Mona Lisa.
“Human. :||: Nature.” is currently topping the charts in Finland and Germany, with top-10 positions in countries such as Canada (#2), Austria (#2), Hungary (#2), Switzerland (#2), Poland (#3), Portugal (#3), Australia (#4), Norway (#4), Czech Republic (#4), Netherlands (#4), Japan (#8), and Scotland (#9).
Written by Bear Wiseman
Musicalypse, 2020
OV: 424
Lineup
Floor Jansen – vocals
Tuomas Holopainen – keyboards
Marko Hietala, bass, vocals
Emppu Vuorinen – guitars
Troy Donockley – vocals, pipes
Kai Hahto – drums
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