A masterpiece. Even though more than 2 years have passed since I first heard this CD, it remains one of my favorite CDs (second only to the beautiful Silence by Sonata Arctica). The subsequent Wishmaster will also be an excellent CD, but will completely lack the atmospheres of Oceanborn.
It's not hard to wonder why: a perfect, dynamic and never banal rhythmic section, the pompous melodies sung by the talented Tarja's voice (still the best), the power and fast yet magnificently dark tracks and atmospheres, and the pleasant orchestrations that over time will become the characteristic element of the group. Personally, I am very fond of this CD because it opened the doors to metal for me.
There's no point in a track by track; for example, Stargazers impresses us with its speed, Sacrament Of Wilderness tackles the theme of being wild with speed and melody, Pharaoh Sails To Orion has its dark pace, with even some growl parts, but every song is a shining gem.
This is why Oceanborn is the group's masterpiece, it is one of the metal masterpieces of the '90s. It is no coincidence that Nightwish has influenced so many subsequent bands.
I recommend it to metal lovers and those who have never approached this genre: ESSENTIAL.
“The singer is hot, who cares about the album, I’m off to the bathroom to jerk off.”
“It’s a halfway album, half successful, enjoyable only halfway but paid for at full price.”
"This album is truly unique, thanks especially to Tarja’s voice, one of the most beautiful in the metal scene."
"Nightwish’s music is a melodic and intimate metal. A genre that they represent at their best."