This is the first CD from the Finnish group, where an inexperienced and innocent air lingers. It is the CD where gothic elements are most present, and at times we encounter passages that are almost folk. Tarja's voice is quite raw (she was 20 at the time) but nonetheless perfectly capable of engaging the listener.
The first track “Elevanpath” moves along power rails, “The Beauty and the Beast” is the best piece of the lot and one of Nightwish's best: a dark, emotional track with keyboard notes that close the song. “The Carpenter” saddens us with an engaging chorus, “Astral Romance” reminds me of Iron Maiden (?) in the final part, “Angels Fall First” is a beautiful ballad, “Tutankhamen” is a piece with an oriental tone. “Nymphomaniac Fantasia” is a nice piece where flute notes take the lead. “Know Why The Nightingale Sings” is another piece with a power soul, and the mini suite "Lappi" masterfully closes the CD.My judgment on Angels Fall First must take into account the production, Tuomas' less than stellar vocal performance, and some not very inspiring pieces (see “Tutankhamen”). But within its limits, it is an exciting and pleasant album.
Once again relies on speed power sounds with a gothic aftertaste, where the beautiful sung dialogue stands out between the beauty... and the beast.
The album closes presenting the virtues and flaws of one of the world’s most important and famous power/melodic metal bands.