70. Nightwish - "Yesterwynde"

It’s been quite a while since Nightwish released anything that merited their almost imperious standing in metal’s hierarchy. The last album was a self-indulgent mess and the one before had memorial moments but has failed to add to their legacy.

They are not touring “Yesterwynde” which means they have worried less about how it sounds live and more about making an album that plays to their individual strengths. The best bit is that the songs feel strong. They are rounded and well-sculpted. The record doesn’t deviate too much from their template, but it does allow them to stretch their musical muscles and enjoy the very act of playing. Put simply this is an album that sounds like musicians for the first time in ages enjoying the process of making an album.