You hit the nail on the head. I have said since human nature came out. This is the. EST progressive album of my generation. It’s conceptualized, written, and arranged by the best composer of my generation. Then played and sung by otherworldly great musicians. The fact that so many people crapped on this on release is just sad. It deserves a ton of respect and recognition.
@@marita2g Unfortunately it went over their heads. That or they didn't want to face the message. I have trouble listening to this song as I know where it is going and I don't want to be reminded of our dismal future. Nightwish has a positive view of humanity. I don't.
@@billattercliffe8655 It really did, and many said its not Nightwish anymore either. And I don't get that. Ofc it is, there's not much changed except maybe the message. They are stuck on the Imaginaerum album I think. I get that, if you really. And I mean really listen to this song it hits spots in your mind and body you dint think it could. But it's brilliant how he wrote this. Makes you think even though you don't want to. In some aspects of the world, I believe in humanity. But others, not. I hope that you find that spark for humanity again one day though! Even though I know we are doomed.
There is a reason why many Nightwish fans can't get past the Tarja and Anette eras and you have just said it. And also why the Anette albums were the most commercial. Tuomas felt the need to write in a more classical manner for Tarja and he had to get the pop music out with Anette. Now he can write what he wants to say and it will be sung.
Tuomas stated that these are the most important lyrics he's ever put to paper. I've been contemplating this song and came up with the following: most songs are built out of verses, a chorus {refrain) and eventually a bridge. The chorus can be viewed as a musical safety belt for the listener, a reference point where we feel safe. If a song has a bridge we are guided into another part of the story. So far it's all musical theory. 'Procession' has no bridge. That's not dramatic since many songs don't. But if you're like me you feel a certain unrest throughout the whole song. What's the cause of that? Well, 'Procession' doesn't have a chorus either! Our safety belt, our point of security is non-existent. All of this because the story is of utmost importance to Tuomas and stories are told in a song's verses. 'Procession' from start to end is composed of verses only. This is Tuomas saying 'Thou shallt listen!'GENIUS! Kind regards from the Dutch Mountains!
The best review of this track, ever !!!! Bravo my good sir . Nightwish lyrics are often a bit interpretive, and not as "straightforward" as many other bands, because Tuomas prefers people to put their own interpretations and life experiences into the lyrics. you connect with songs on a personal level when there is something there that relates to things you have gone/are going through, and you may even find new connections later on in life when you have gone through other big events/emotions. there might be songs you are quite indifferent about (oh, nice song) and then you go through something big and all of a sudden it makes you break down in tears because now you relate to something in the lyrics you didn't before, and see it from a whole new perspective. imagination and life experiences are powerful, and Tuomas has great appreciation of this. This song is a huge message. At the end you realize it's sung by whatever we evolve into in the far far future. That part really grabs me. They asked Tuomas what song he liked best when it comes to Floor's addition to it. He said that in Procession, her voice really moved him. This song may not be one to rock out to. It's all about the message. In Human :II: Nature record hearing session for Journalists in Spring 2020 Tuomas told that Nightwish has donated a significant amount of money for the work against climate change - In practice, our donation is used to buy a forest area that is under threat of felling. Floor has sold his performance clothes and the money is directed to the same destination. Also, each member of the band donates a certain amount into the World Land Trust once a month. AND yes, Nightwish is for intelligent people, and I always say this: You can't hear Nightwish music, you have to listen!!! NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘.
Even to this day, I avoid watching the video because seeing all those animals that either are endangered or already extinct make me want to burst into tears
I would agree that, to be a nightwish fan you are into lyrics, looking for more and understand where they are coming from, there are fans who just like the tone and the music side of it, which does not make them ignorant to the lyrics or unintelligent because they just like the music. The music is great, the instrumentation is amazing, but the lyrics are deep and unless you stop and "listen" you will not get the full appreciation of this band.
I remember Floor mentioned that this song was like a letter back in time to a species now. I always felt the repetitive nature of this song gave a feeling of time and the build up throughout suited the theme with very poetic lyrics going from the beginning of life, to our existence and then our inevitable extinction. Such a beautiful feeling and atmosphere. Nice reaction again Eric!
I'm sure Tuomas writes with a bloody big thesaurus sitting next to him. Remember...English is a second language for him yet every song has a word that has me reaching for the dictionary
Atavistic is my personal favorite! (It actually is, with that word, he managed to present an entire (extremely interesting) concept in 2-3 seconds! TGSOE is full of these genious concepts in the lyrics.)
Great analysis Eric, as always. You know, of course (I'm sure I'll have written this in your comnents before), that Nightwish are official ambassadors for the World Land Trust and there is a wildlife reserve in Mexico named after them. This song is part of the rvolution of Tuomas' dtory of the beginnings of life, domination of man and on to the extinction of lifeforms. The whole album revolves around the theme, which runs from Emdless Forms, through Human Nature and will continue in the new album next year (they have been described as a concept tryptich). Thank you as always
As an intelligent english speaker, i have had to look up some of the words that Tuomas has used. I really do appreciate the intelligence and depth of the lyrics and music. I agree this is progressive metal music for thinking adults, without the teenage angst. I think it has evolved as Tuomas and the band has gotten older and absorbed more of the world and the knowledge and music it contains.
Another interesting facade of this song and Tuomas’s writing/composing: there is no chorus. The song is one continuous Procession, it does not stop nor repeat. Much like the existence of life as we know it: only moves forward. We cannot stop it, but we can steer it. We learn from what was before us so that which comes after is wiser. Also interesting is that the song is written from the point of view of our far future descendants. The perspective of how we think of early Neanderthals, looked upon us with sympathetic sorrow at our passing existence once our time under the sun runs out for our species’s current form.
That's one of the things I love most about this song. Mankind has come, had it's time in the sun and then gone and still the procession of life continues. As I get older and see more and more of what's happening in the world, and what we're doing to the world and each other, I find comfort in that. In that knowing that we too shall pass on and the world and life will continue. There's hope that maybe someday some far flung descendants might finally get it right, or at least do better than we did.
Great commentary Eric. I think it is astounding how Nightwish attracts such a wide range of age groups. From kids to old guys like me. You're right. I am not looking to the angst and rebellious stuff anymore. I still appreciate some of it, but I need more cerebral metal and music in general. I concur!
This is perhaps the central track in the trilogy of albums that started with Endless Forms. Making me really need the hear the one coming. This is perhaps the touchstone track of Nightwish for me. I wont say favorite as it for me transcends that. It can be painful or joyful depending on the circumstances I am in, but always centering. It is also the track that highlights Floor's emotive ability in its purest form. Placing the rise and extinction of mankind in the procession of life is a daunting task, while remaining full of hope and love of that life.
Do you also want to do a reaction to All the works of nature which adorn the world? If so, please use the fan video. This is Tuomas Holopainen's opus magnum. Until now ;)
When I first heard this album, I didn't like it at all. But every time I listened to it, I got more and more access and started to enjoy it. Today it's my all-time favorite Nightwish album.
Great reaction, as usual! Yeah, Tuomas' lyrics always get me thinking (and sometimes make me go off and do research, e.g., to find out what 'sedulous' meant). I get more out of both lyrics and music on repeat listens; in fact I focus on just the music to begin with, because I'm not smart enough to take in both first time. With the evolutionary songs, the arrival of humans always seems to be marked by the music getting heavier, which is a motif that feels really appropriate, and here it hits right on the word 'sapien'. Perfect.
Thank you! I love how many references to other Nightwish songs (and other things) Tuomas puts in his songs. It feels like rewards when you understand them. You can always find new layers. I love complex lyrics, genious lyrics. You really need to think what Tuomas is saying in his songs. AND that is part of the reason why you can listen to these songs so many times. This song gives me goosebumps every time in the part "as along came sapien". And thank you for calling us smart, Eric! :)
Hello sir, sorry for late reaction of this reaction video. I totally agree your comments about our metal Mozart Tuomas Holopainen. I am a Finn, living in Oulu city. I honestly think Tuomas should be our national treasure. This is how great I adore and value Tuomas' song writings and composings. His work has helped me a lot during my difficult times just by music. And that is lot how one person by writing and composing music. I am metal guy, I love all kinds of metal music. But Tuomas...I have all their studio albums since 1996 and that Wacked double DVD. I was at their last concert this year 2023 Vaasa city Finland 17th of June. I tell you if you ever have a chance seeing them live go! When I drove back home after the concert about 400 kilometers, I had to stop some point at resting place, and I thought what di I just experienced. I was so emotionally overloaded that I did not understand that. After awhile continued driving. Back home, I slept good sleep, next day I said to myself, where ever they play live next year, I am there. No TH-cam videos, no writings can ever describe that feeling what you are experiencing live there. And this is what I want to express also, seeing all the metal people there and having good time, being all friendly to everyone.
You are absolutely right! But EPICA's lyrics needs 'manual' too. FYI, the verse 'then they saw the moon and found caring' is an astonishing and a real one, since when we went to the moon and saw our planet then we realised that we're in danger and we have to do something with it! Search for it! Greetings from Greece!
Tuomas used to look inside himself to write songs, now he's more "mature" and at peace and he's looking into the world and the universe for inspiration. It's OK to be stupid and listen to Nightwish (I'm proof of that) because if you are curious, listening to Nightwish will make you less stupid. Most of the time I don't understand half of the lyrics or the references on the first listen, but if you keep listening suddenly one day your brain makes the connection (it happenned to me with this song, at first I thought it was just a beautiful but "repetitive" song, when it's obviously something more).
Dear Eric, I thought I was the only person in the world who loved both Steely Dan AND Nightwish! 😂 I’ve been a SD fan since 1972, and a NW fan since 2020. Both of these bands force you to study the lyrics, which you will not understand even if you understand the English language perfectly. Greetings from The Netherlands, Louis.
Hey Eric. Listening to your profound reaction that will hopefully not be understood by those who are not familiar with listening to the meat of speach I was almosted glued to your lips. Man - you have really something to say. I'm hyped,
You spoke my words Eric ! of course you said more eloquently and with more elaboration ,I had a conversation in comments with some BabyMetal,Bandmaid etc fans a while back trying to explain this very thing on what the differences are with that type of metal and Nightwish, most of that type of metal is to me for kids or those who do not want any depth or thought provoking
I have spent hours and hours on several educational and knowledge websites like Wiki, just to understand what Tuomas wrote in so many songs he created, an example … TGSOE. I learned more from Tuomas than I did in school, long time ago. I can say for myself that I have a reasonable broad general knowledge and I can stand my ground, but Tuomas is so literate on so many levels. Science, books and authors, movies, music. When does he find the time to read, compose, view, write?
Yes, i too have said that in a discussion with someone once. This is music for thoughtful adults. I hope, those still growing, expanding, and learning, get sparked to look up things and learn things from it. Become thoughtful adults if they were not already. The amount of people who I have heard ask whats an Eider after the simple line in Romanticide, "I am an eider covered in oil," was surprising to me. I'm like, it's a really nice looking duck, ruined by being covered in toxic oil - a comparison to the failed love /relationship Romanticide is about.
This song also highlights how things link together - on this album, on previous albums & in life & the universe. The album title is quite profound! Human. :II: Nature.
If you look in the original clip at what is in your recording 6:18 (the cover of Darwin's "On the origin of species" , you can see it is a Dutch version ("Het ontstaan der Soorten) and the places the book sellers named Cohen were located (Arnhem and Nijmegen, my place🥰). So the only explanation I can think of why a Finish band with an English Dawkins adept named Troy used an image with Dutch text is: Floor? or sister Irene?
Fi donc! Good catch that one. Also in Amsterdam oc this publisher of old. Book series called "Darwin's Biologische Meesterwerken". I also have the Dutch translation of "The Descent of Man" from that series. My guess re: the origin of that book would be Paul Jansen, Floor's father. I once "borrowed" my Dutch "On The Origin" (same book as in the clip) from my father and for some reason, I can imagine Floor having done the same 😎 Cheers from Amsterdam! P.s.: always liked Alfred Russel Wallace's writings way better than Darwin's tbh, especially on the subject of mass v@xxination ;)
@@BrendonChase_2015 Interesting theory. Somebody has to ask the Goddess herself. Looks like I've just got myself something to read. You too btw.🤓 The publisher's name is quite telling though. "Gebroeders E. & M. Cohen", hmm... I know nothing about it, but I'm taking a SWAG that it was similar to the Swedish Bonniers Förlag - in THAT sense.👽
@@BrendonChase_2015 Praw! As for Darwin knowledge I must acknowledge you as my superior here: my favorite book at school was Edward Gibbon’s “The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire”…
It's soon 6 am in Finland, great to have you reaction - now I know what I am listening in the car when driving. So you reactions do not rock only in TH-cam, but they suites great also in the radio.
2 x 1h45min time to listen to whatever I wanted alone in the car. First reaction to Eric's Nightwish. The analysis and reaction were good, but the song along with Eric's analysis made me sad and back to the turn of the millennium. @@SYNtemp
This is a song that drags us into the preceptive world of physical understanding. We must Think to Enjoy. Your Take on the song is the explanation of the song. I concur with all the rest of the Story. Thank You.
Hello again, Eric. Once more, you have mounted the summit of understanding what Tuomas Holopainen creates, and what Floor Jansen delivers. Fantastic breakdown and analysis of this wonderful song. Oddly enough, this double album set of Human | Nature has become my favorite workout soundtrack. I say "oddly" because it is so ethereal... whereas, in the past, I have always worked out to harder rocking music. But this just connects to me on such a deeper level that it transports me into another time, another world... the world of Tuomas Holopainen. So, I workout to the Human album, and cool down to the Nature album. Loved your reaction. Thank you. By the way, I can't wait for the Nightwish album that is under construction now. Tuomas has written it, the band has recorded it, and now we just need our new mother, Floor, to finalize the album with her glorious vocals... and of course the mixing. The wait is so enticing.
I enjoyed your review as always and heard you mention Rush, my now 2nd fovorite band sadly after being intoduced to Nightwish. I've haven't heard you do any reviews of their songs. May I suggest Working Man Live in Cleveland.
The Crown And The Ring (Lament Of The Kings)Live 2008 - Manowar La Cantata del Diablo (live Mexico 2017) - Mago de Öz----- > just a Master piece Hijo de la Luna - Stravaganzza Design your Universe (live Retrospect) / Cry for the Moon(live Retrospect) - Epica I remember you - Skid Row (live) Soulbound - Unleash the Archers Burning Time (live) / Dracula - Iced Earth Ategnatos / King - Eluveitie
Plenty of people with no higher education love Nightwish, but some songs do need a lot of unpacking. Especially the newest album. Yeah , Miller was too smart for TV. Lol
You see halfway Het Ontstaan Der Soorten, that is the Dutch title of Darwin's book Origin of Species. Expectation and exploration - love that description. I love the lyrics, but then I guess I am adult and I read, edited and translated books on the subject, so that makes me not the average adult metal fan.
you did not, unless off camera. i concur to this suggestion too, here is that video th-cam.com/video/lGop4MTkERM/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared 2000 live 'from wishes to eternity'. it's the 3rd part of the much longer song fantasmic, from wishmaster album. they only played this excerpt live. everyone rockin out, keep an eye on tuomas!
I totally can relate to your explanation of ‘The Nightwish Level’. You have to have some level of general knowledge. No one can 100% explain NW songs after the first time hearing but you must understand some elements of it to get a first explanation for yourself. Very well explained! 👍🏻🤟🏼 And btw….its not only NW challenges us to trigger our intellect, but also to throw very important messages to us what is happening in the world, how it came so far and to shake us awake…
WRT Johnette Napolitano and Concrete Blonde , have you ever heard Group Therapy (Concrete Blonde album)? I missed it when it came out and only listened to it many years later. TY for every video you do especially the Nightwish ones.
Thank you Eric Clark for choosing to do this song . Only here at "The Wyldeside" can you get a breakdown like this . I've watched every one of your video breakdowns , this is now my favorite . "Progressive Adult contemporary metal" was fantastic... wonder if it will catch on like " I Concur " has ? I'm really hoping it does as it perfectly explains Nightwish and Tuomas Holopainen , In my humble opinion that is . Btw - Harvest was referenced in the song and you may want to check out that sone as well. You said awhile back Last of the Wilds should be named Troys Jam - well he not only Jams on Harvest but he is lead singer . Here is the live version if interested. th-cam.com/video/s4W_rD4VUhI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=KhKCuUzXW3x488ML
Great video. I KNEW you would have a few sly smirks as you recognized some of his references in the lyrics. I’m still trying to nail down who “We” are in the lyrics. Have some ideas, but so far nothing that fits every verse. Awesome album.
We are those that follow us and have come back in space and time to watch the parade of life. Or it could be our predecessors watching our development sharing the kinship of existence. The beauty of art and poetry is that it is a two way street, the artist does not exists without the audience and both combine to produce something more than either can alone.
@@judedornisch4946 First, I think that Tuomas is choosing to be vague and imply ideas rather than make clear statements. The line that always SEEMS in conflict with ideas such as you put forth is the "after all, we should have never appeared". One of my ideas was that "We" are a timeless, near godlike race who were observing Earth from before life appeared until the time (in the future) when Humanity no longer exists. But then there is the "mankind, our kin" line. To me, that implies more than "kinship of existence". If asked, I am SURE Tuomas would say that it's meaning is determined by the listener.
I don't think that I've ever read a comment that notes that Tuomas writes lyrics (in perfect English) that are beyond many listners' comprehension and he's Finnish!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally someone who REALLY gets this album and the life stage the band members are at (they're in their 40's & 50s). I've started suspecting that the people who cr@p on this album have never passed the self-centered adolescence and young adulthood phase and for that reason can't identify themselves with the current Nightwish. For them, this album is just a bunch of pretty but boring songs. But for others, it's so, so much more than "just music".
![[REACTION!!] Old Rock Radio DJ REACTS to NIGHTWISH ft. "Shudder Before the Beautiful" (LIVE Wembley)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tjXpbQ8EGjg/mqdefault.jpg)
![[REACTION!!] Old Rock Radio DJ REACTS to NIGHTWISH ft. "Shudder Before the Beautiful" (LIVE Wembley)](/img/tr.png)
You hit the nail on the head. I have said since human nature came out. This is the. EST progressive album of my generation. It’s conceptualized, written, and arranged by the best composer of my generation. Then played and sung by otherworldly great musicians.
The fact that so many people crapped on this on release is just sad. It deserves a ton of respect and recognition.
Agreed, I don't get why so many crapped on it. Its beautiful from start to finish!
I concur.
@@marita2g Unfortunately it went over their heads. That or they didn't want to face the message. I have trouble listening to this song as I know where it is going and I don't want to be reminded of our dismal future. Nightwish has a positive view of humanity. I don't.
@@billattercliffe8655 It really did, and many said its not Nightwish anymore either. And I don't get that. Ofc it is, there's not much changed except maybe the message. They are stuck on the Imaginaerum album I think. I get that, if you really. And I mean really listen to this song it hits spots in your mind and body you dint think it could. But it's brilliant how he wrote this. Makes you think even though you don't want to. In some aspects of the world, I believe in humanity. But others, not. I hope that you find that spark for humanity again one day though! Even though I know we are doomed.
They do not understand deep message on this album,they just wanted metal music,but this album you must understand
One of the most beautiful songs Tuomas has ever written.
Werd!
@@Starman_67but beautiful
I concurr.
Amazing Song❤❤❤❤❤ Nigthwish Army South Africa 🇿🇦
The beauty that brings forth tears begins within the first four bars. One of my most loved songs on this album.
There is a reason why many Nightwish fans can't get past the Tarja and Anette eras and you have just said it. And also why the Anette albums were the most commercial. Tuomas felt the need to write in a more classical manner for Tarja and he had to get the pop music out with Anette. Now he can write what he wants to say and it will be sung.
Tuomas stated that these are the most important lyrics he's ever put to paper.
I've been contemplating this song and came up with the following: most songs are built out of verses, a chorus {refrain) and eventually a bridge. The chorus can be viewed as a musical safety belt for the listener, a reference point where we feel safe. If a song has a bridge we are guided into another part of the story. So far it's all musical theory.
'Procession' has no bridge. That's not dramatic since many songs don't.
But if you're like me you feel a certain unrest throughout the whole song. What's the cause of that? Well, 'Procession' doesn't have a chorus either! Our safety belt, our point of security is non-existent.
All of this because the story is of utmost importance to Tuomas and stories are told in a song's verses. 'Procession' from start to end is composed of verses only. This is Tuomas saying 'Thou shallt listen!'GENIUS!
Kind regards from the Dutch Mountains!
Excellent point and explained well. And..I concur! NWA Philly
I concur, one hundred percent. Greetings from Alabama 😎
I concur as well!
The best review of this track, ever !!!! Bravo my good sir .
Nightwish lyrics are often a bit interpretive, and not as "straightforward" as many other bands, because Tuomas prefers people to put their own interpretations and life experiences into the lyrics. you connect with songs on a personal level when there is something there that relates to things you have gone/are going through, and you may even find new connections later on in life when you have gone through other big events/emotions. there might be songs you are quite indifferent about (oh, nice song) and then you go through something big and all of a sudden it makes you break down in tears because now you relate to something in the lyrics you didn't before, and see it from a whole new perspective. imagination and life experiences are powerful, and Tuomas has great appreciation of this.
This song is a huge message. At the end you realize it's sung by whatever we evolve into in the far far future. That part really grabs me. They asked Tuomas what song he liked best when it comes to Floor's addition to it. He said that in Procession, her voice really moved him. This song may not be one to rock out to. It's all about the message.
In Human :II: Nature record hearing session for Journalists in Spring 2020
Tuomas told that Nightwish has donated a significant amount of money for the work against climate change
- In practice, our donation is used to buy a forest area that is under threat of felling. Floor has sold his performance clothes and the money is directed to the same destination. Also, each member of the band donates a certain amount into the World Land Trust once a month.
AND yes, Nightwish is for intelligent people, and I always say this: You can't hear Nightwish music, you have to listen!!!
NWSU/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘.
Even to this day, I avoid watching the video because seeing all those animals that either are endangered or already extinct make me want to burst into tears
yup we are destroying beauty
It is the procession, isn’t it. It is not because of humans, it is procession even without humans.
The last song Endlessness from CD1 of HUMAN :ll: NATURE album has so strong message that it changed my view about afterlife.
I think I recall Tuomas saying that he was quite impressed how Floor managed to put the right emotions for this track when recording H/N
I can't wait for you to hear Endlessness
he did th-cam.com/video/RnUadkRTiMk/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared that was a great reaction too
I concur
I concur.
I concur
When Floor presents/sings any Nightwish song,she is creates a bubble and invites you in....To the warmth of her musical campfire.
I concur.
I concur.
I concur as well!
I would agree that, to be a nightwish fan you are into lyrics, looking for more and understand where they are coming from, there are fans who just like the tone and the music side of it, which does not make them ignorant to the lyrics or unintelligent because they just like the music. The music is great, the instrumentation is amazing, but the lyrics are deep and unless you stop and "listen" you will not get the full appreciation of this band.
I remember Floor mentioned that this song was like a letter back in time to a species now. I always felt the repetitive nature of this song gave a feeling of time and the build up throughout suited the theme with very poetic lyrics going from the beginning of life, to our existence and then our inevitable extinction. Such a beautiful feeling and atmosphere. Nice reaction again Eric!
Thank you so much Eric ❤ And thank you Rich for the suggestion! Human/Nature must be one of my favourite albums ever.
I'm sure Tuomas writes with a bloody big thesaurus sitting next to him. Remember...English is a second language for him yet every song has a word that has me reaching for the dictionary
Yep, I done that as well😂 and English is my only language.
Atavistic is my personal favorite! (It actually is, with that word, he managed to present an entire (extremely interesting) concept in 2-3 seconds! TGSOE is full of these genious concepts in the lyrics.)
The SONGMAKER said this is to Him, Floors most Touching Performance.
Great analysis Eric, as always.
You know, of course (I'm sure I'll have written this in your comnents before), that Nightwish are official ambassadors for the World Land Trust and there is a wildlife reserve in Mexico named after them.
This song is part of the rvolution of Tuomas' dtory of the beginnings of life, domination of man and on to the extinction of lifeforms.
The whole album revolves around the theme, which runs from Emdless Forms, through Human Nature and will continue in the new album next year (they have been described as a concept tryptich).
Thank you as always
As an intelligent english speaker, i have had to look up some of the words that Tuomas has used. I really do appreciate the intelligence and depth of the lyrics and music. I agree this is progressive metal music for thinking adults, without the teenage angst. I think it has evolved as Tuomas and the band has gotten older and absorbed more of the world and the knowledge and music it contains.
Another interesting facade of this song and Tuomas’s writing/composing: there is no chorus. The song is one continuous Procession, it does not stop nor repeat. Much like the existence of life as we know it: only moves forward. We cannot stop it, but we can steer it. We learn from what was before us so that which comes after is wiser.
Also interesting is that the song is written from the point of view of our far future descendants. The perspective of how we think of early Neanderthals, looked upon us with sympathetic sorrow at our passing existence once our time under the sun runs out for our species’s current form.
That's one of the things I love most about this song. Mankind has come, had it's time in the sun and then gone and still the procession of life continues. As I get older and see more and more of what's happening in the world, and what we're doing to the world and each other, I find comfort in that. In that knowing that we too shall pass on and the world and life will continue. There's hope that maybe someday some far flung descendants might finally get it right, or at least do better than we did.
Great commentary Eric. I think it is astounding how Nightwish attracts such a wide range of age groups. From kids to old guys like me. You're right. I am not looking to the angst and rebellious stuff anymore. I still appreciate some of it, but I need more cerebral metal and music in general.
I concur!
This is perhaps the central track in the trilogy of albums that started with Endless Forms. Making me really need the hear the one coming.
This is perhaps the touchstone track of Nightwish for me. I wont say favorite as it for me transcends that. It can be painful or joyful depending on the circumstances I am in, but always centering.
It is also the track that highlights Floor's emotive ability in its purest form. Placing the rise and extinction of mankind in the procession of life is a daunting task, while remaining full of hope and love of that life.
I think it’s not just a maturity of intelligence with Nightwish, you’ve got to have heart!
😂 😂 "Nightwish for Dummies" book... 😂 😂 good one. I love your reactions.
Did anybody suggest Harvest yet? If so, then I concur. If not, then I'd like to do that now.
Yeah, I have forgotten if he has done that one also. But I concur!
I concur
I concur
I concur
i suggested this before and now i concur
Hallo Eric. One of the best Nightwish Songs ever. Tuomas Lyrics and Floors Voice. Great reaction
Do you also want to do a reaction to All the works of nature which adorn the world? If so, please use the fan video. This is Tuomas Holopainen's opus magnum. Until now ;)
I concur!
I concur
I concur
i 2 concur
i concur! this is disc 2 of human:||:nature
Spot on!
Kiitos!
Another great train of thoughts......
Thanx ERIC.
When I first heard this album, I didn't like it at all. But every time I listened to it, I got more and more access and started to enjoy it. Today it's my all-time favorite Nightwish album.
Great reaction, as usual! Yeah, Tuomas' lyrics always get me thinking (and sometimes make me go off and do research, e.g., to find out what 'sedulous' meant). I get more out of both lyrics and music on repeat listens; in fact I focus on just the music to begin with, because I'm not smart enough to take in both first time. With the evolutionary songs, the arrival of humans always seems to be marked by the music getting heavier, which is a motif that feels really appropriate, and here it hits right on the word 'sapien'. Perfect.
Thank you!
I love how many references to other Nightwish songs (and other things) Tuomas puts in his songs. It feels like rewards when you understand them. You can always find new layers. I love complex lyrics, genious lyrics. You really need to think what Tuomas is saying in his songs. AND that is part of the reason why you can listen to these songs so many times.
This song gives me goosebumps every time in the part "as along came sapien".
And thank you for calling us smart, Eric! :)
Agreed..100%. Thank you Eric.👍👍👍
Harvest is another song with a deep message
I love Nightwish lyrics. I seldom have trouble understanding the lyrics, but I am very often in total awe of them.
She has a voice that could cure insomnia very calming
Hello sir, sorry for late reaction of this reaction video. I totally agree your comments about our metal Mozart Tuomas Holopainen. I am a Finn, living in Oulu city. I honestly think Tuomas should be our national treasure. This is how great I adore and value Tuomas' song writings and composings. His work has helped me a lot during my difficult times just by music. And that is lot how one person by writing and composing music. I am metal guy, I love all kinds of metal music. But Tuomas...I have all their studio albums since 1996 and that Wacked double DVD. I was at their last concert this year 2023 Vaasa city Finland 17th of June. I tell you if you ever have a chance seeing them live go! When I drove back home after the concert about 400 kilometers, I had to stop some point at resting place, and I thought what di I just experienced. I was so emotionally overloaded that I did not understand that. After awhile continued driving. Back home, I slept good sleep, next day I said to myself, where ever they play live next year, I am there. No TH-cam videos, no writings can ever describe that feeling what you are experiencing live there. And this is what I want to express also, seeing all the metal people there and having good time, being all friendly to everyone.
Philosometal.
Metal on a Shakespearean level. Metal for the connoisseur- lyrics for poets
Yes. Just absolutely yes.
I love your reactions. And you are SPOT ON 🙂
Very very beautiful, thank you
IMO best song in this album and quite powerful video.
Thank you for this, I agree completely☺️
You are absolutely right! But EPICA's lyrics needs 'manual' too. FYI, the verse 'then they saw the moon and found caring' is an astonishing and a real one, since when we went to the moon and saw our planet then we realised that we're in danger and we have to do something with it! Search for it! Greetings from Greece!
I am very glad we have you for explenations! Thanks Eric 😊
Come with Tuomas-isms dictionary😁
Wise words at the end, thank you.
Tuomas used to look inside himself to write songs, now he's more "mature" and at peace and he's looking into the world and the universe for inspiration.
It's OK to be stupid and listen to Nightwish (I'm proof of that) because if you are curious, listening to Nightwish will make you less stupid. Most of the time I don't understand half of the lyrics or the references on the first listen, but if you keep listening suddenly one day your brain makes the connection (it happenned to me with this song, at first I thought it was just a beautiful but "repetitive" song, when it's obviously something more).
Dear Eric, I thought I was the only person in the world who loved both Steely Dan AND Nightwish! 😂 I’ve been a SD fan since 1972, and a NW fan since 2020. Both of these bands force you to study the lyrics, which you will not understand even if you understand the English language perfectly. Greetings from The Netherlands, Louis.
thanks for doing more Nightwish !
Very well analyzed. They don't do music for simple minds. There are plenty of others, who do. 😎👍
Hey Eric. Listening to your profound reaction that will hopefully not be understood by those who are not familiar with listening to the meat of speach I was almosted glued to your lips. Man - you have really something to say. I'm hyped,
You spoke my words Eric ! of course you said more eloquently and with more elaboration ,I had a conversation in comments with some BabyMetal,Bandmaid etc fans a while back trying to explain this very thing on what the differences are with that type of metal and Nightwish, most of that type of metal is to me for kids or those who do not want any depth or thought provoking
Yes
Tuomas is an autentic Genius ❤
I have spent hours and hours on several educational and knowledge websites like Wiki, just to understand what Tuomas wrote in so many songs he created, an example … TGSOE. I learned more from Tuomas than I did in school, long time ago. I can say for myself that I have a reasonable broad general knowledge and I can stand my ground, but Tuomas is so literate on so many levels. Science, books and authors, movies, music. When does he find the time to read, compose, view, write?
Most of Tuomas's knowledge is based on what he learn in school and high school.
Yes, i too have said that in a discussion with someone once.
This is music for thoughtful adults.
I hope, those still growing, expanding, and learning, get sparked to look up things and learn things from it.
Become thoughtful adults if they were not already.
The amount of people who I have heard ask whats an Eider after the simple line in Romanticide, "I am an eider covered in oil," was surprising to me.
I'm like, it's a really nice looking duck, ruined by being covered in toxic oil - a comparison to the failed love /relationship Romanticide is about.
This song also highlights how things link together - on this album, on previous albums & in life & the universe.
The album title is quite profound!
Human. :II: Nature.
In this song I like most the line "At the end of Pi"
If you look in the original clip at what is in your recording 6:18 (the cover of Darwin's "On the origin of species" , you can see it is a Dutch version ("Het ontstaan der Soorten) and the places the book sellers named Cohen were located (Arnhem and Nijmegen, my place🥰). So the only explanation I can think of why a Finish band with an English Dawkins adept named Troy used an image with Dutch text is: Floor? or sister Irene?
Fi donc! Good catch that one. Also in Amsterdam oc this publisher of old. Book series called "Darwin's Biologische Meesterwerken". I also have the Dutch translation of "The Descent of Man" from that series.
My guess re: the origin of that book would be Paul Jansen, Floor's father. I once "borrowed" my Dutch "On The Origin" (same book as in the clip) from my father and for some reason, I can imagine Floor having done the same 😎 Cheers from Amsterdam!
P.s.: always liked Alfred Russel Wallace's writings way better than Darwin's tbh, especially on the subject of mass v@xxination ;)
@@BrendonChase_2015 Interesting theory. Somebody has to ask the Goddess herself.
Looks like I've just got myself something to read. You too btw.🤓
The publisher's name is quite telling though. "Gebroeders E. & M. Cohen", hmm... I know nothing about it, but I'm taking a SWAG that it was similar to the Swedish Bonniers Förlag - in THAT sense.👽
@@BrendonChase_2015 Praw! As for Darwin knowledge I must acknowledge you as my superior here: my favorite book at school was Edward Gibbon’s “The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire”…
I love that song SO much !
It's soon 6 am in Finland, great to have you reaction - now I know what I am listening in the car when driving. So you reactions do not rock only in TH-cam, but they suites great also in the radio.
Hello buddy, 5:35am here in Czech Republic... its good to "relive" the feelings about this song once again, with Eric...
2 x 1h45min time to listen to whatever I wanted alone in the car. First reaction to Eric's Nightwish. The analysis and reaction were good, but the song along with Eric's analysis made me sad and back to the turn of the millennium. @@SYNtemp
You are right - simple as that 👍
This is great.Hi,Eppu from Finnland again..I found some fantastic for you to react next time Metal singer performs "Amazing Grace"
This is a song that drags us into the preceptive world of physical understanding. We must Think to Enjoy. Your Take on the song is the explanation of the song. I concur with all the rest of the Story. Thank You.
i always enjoy watching you talk and analyze songs. thank you for these videos
Hello again, Eric. Once more, you have mounted the summit of understanding what Tuomas Holopainen creates, and what Floor Jansen delivers. Fantastic breakdown and analysis of this wonderful song. Oddly enough, this double album set of Human | Nature has become my favorite workout soundtrack. I say "oddly" because it is so ethereal... whereas, in the past, I have always worked out to harder rocking music. But this just connects to me on such a deeper level that it transports me into another time, another world... the world of Tuomas Holopainen. So, I workout to the Human album, and cool down to the Nature album. Loved your reaction. Thank you. By the way, I can't wait for the Nightwish album that is under construction now. Tuomas has written it, the band has recorded it, and now we just need our new mother, Floor, to finalize the album with her glorious vocals... and of course the mixing. The wait is so enticing.
I enjoyed your review as always and heard you mention Rush, my now 2nd fovorite band sadly after being intoduced to Nightwish. I've haven't heard you do any reviews of their songs. May I suggest Working Man Live in Cleveland.
The Crown And The Ring (Lament Of The Kings)Live 2008 - Manowar
La Cantata del Diablo (live Mexico 2017) - Mago de Öz----- > just a Master piece
Hijo de la Luna - Stravaganzza
Design your Universe (live Retrospect) / Cry for the Moon(live Retrospect) - Epica
I remember you - Skid Row (live)
Soulbound - Unleash the Archers
Burning Time (live) / Dracula - Iced Earth
Ategnatos / King - Eluveitie
"progressive adult contemporary metal"
Love your work, Eric. Sent you an email regarding 1:40
Metal for the mature. I dig the term.
I've had that album from Pink Floyd a momentary lapse of reason terrific album ladies & gentlemen
Plenty of people with no higher education love Nightwish, but some songs do need a lot of unpacking. Especially the newest album.
Yeah , Miller was too smart for TV. Lol
You see halfway Het Ontstaan Der Soorten, that is the Dutch title of Darwin's book Origin of Species. Expectation and exploration - love that description. I love the lyrics, but then I guess I am adult and I read, edited and translated books on the subject, so that makes me not the average adult metal fan.
And the cover is from one of wery first editions of said book, printed in Floor's fatherland...
One of my favorites, thank you! Another favorite NW songs of mine is Fantasmic part III at Pakkahuone, Tampere. Have you heard it? 😊
you did not, unless off camera. i concur to this suggestion too, here is that video th-cam.com/video/lGop4MTkERM/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared 2000 live 'from wishes to eternity'. it's the 3rd part of the much longer song fantasmic, from wishmaster album. they only played this excerpt live. everyone rockin out, keep an eye on tuomas!
Excellent as always. NWA Philly
I totally can relate to your explanation of ‘The Nightwish Level’. You have to have some level of general knowledge. No one can 100% explain NW songs after the first time hearing but you must understand some elements of it to get a first explanation for yourself. Very well explained! 👍🏻🤟🏼
And btw….its not only NW challenges us to trigger our intellect, but also to throw very important messages to us what is happening in the world, how it came so far and to shake us awake…
Progressive metal for thinking people
"You can't be stupid and be into Nightwish."
Great reaction! Liked and subbed ❤
WRT Johnette Napolitano and Concrete Blonde , have you ever heard Group Therapy (Concrete Blonde album)? I missed it when it came out and only listened to it many years later.
TY for every video you do especially the Nightwish ones.
I call this song...Human's Eulogy
This album is weird and beautiful but it has a lot of textures, atmospheres. It's very rich.
HN is for me the best album by Nightwish and I don't care if everyone disagrees
i know someone who would have said what you said and i love it
Humanity's biggest mistake: confusing "dominant species" with "superior species".
Nice take !
Thank you Eric Clark for choosing to do this song . Only here at "The Wyldeside" can you get a breakdown like this . I've watched every one of your video breakdowns , this is now my favorite . "Progressive Adult contemporary metal" was fantastic... wonder if it will catch on like " I Concur " has ? I'm really hoping it does as it perfectly explains Nightwish and Tuomas Holopainen , In my humble opinion that is . Btw - Harvest was referenced in the song and you may want to check out that sone as well. You said awhile back Last of the Wilds should be named Troys Jam - well he not only Jams on Harvest but he is lead singer . Here is the live version if interested.
th-cam.com/video/s4W_rD4VUhI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=KhKCuUzXW3x488ML
Harvest is such a great song! I love Troy in it.
Thank you for this suggestion, Rich ❤ Well, both of these to be exact 😄
Great video. I KNEW you would have a few sly smirks as you recognized some of his references in the lyrics. I’m still trying to nail down who “We” are in the lyrics. Have some ideas, but so far nothing that fits every verse. Awesome album.
We are those that follow us and have come back in space and time to watch the parade of life. Or it could be our predecessors watching our development sharing the kinship of existence. The beauty of art and poetry is that it is a two way street, the artist does not exists without the audience and both combine to produce something more than either can alone.
@@judedornisch4946 First, I think that Tuomas is choosing to be vague and imply ideas rather than make clear statements. The line that always SEEMS in conflict with ideas such as you put forth is the "after all, we should have never appeared". One of my ideas was that "We" are a timeless, near godlike race who were observing Earth from before life appeared until the time (in the future) when Humanity no longer exists. But then there is the "mankind, our kin" line. To me, that implies more than "kinship of existence". If asked, I am SURE Tuomas would say that it's meaning is determined by the listener.
@@jayjohnson3732 That sounds fine to me.
I concur!@@judedornisch4946
i think of this song reminds me of the lyrics and themes from lux aeterna eternal light song
I don't think that I've ever read a comment that notes that Tuomas writes lyrics (in perfect English) that are beyond many listners' comprehension and he's Finnish!
You have the best comments. Adult is how a lot of their music is. Stupid people won't understand what you are saying either.
Hey, I still wait your opinion about Harvest :))
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally someone who REALLY gets this album and the life stage the band members are at (they're in their 40's & 50s). I've started suspecting that the people who cr@p on this album have never passed the self-centered adolescence and young adulthood phase and for that reason can't identify themselves with the current Nightwish. For them, this album is just a bunch of pretty but boring songs. But for others, it's so, so much more than "just music".
Absofrickenlootly!!!
It's adult contemporary, the metal part only to the extent of this band's day job )))
I will admit, I've had to google stuff referenced in a Nightwish song. I'm smarter for having listened.
Filosophical Metal? New sub-genre? :)
I know alot of stuff