Album Review: The Dark Element - Songs The Night Sings

Often, we can be too quick to make judgments based on a limited and biased amount of information, not willing or able to seek out more data that could change our thinking. It's a form of confirmation bias, and it's easy to get fooled into thinking we already know everything. After all, if we're talking about opinions, how can ours ever be wrong? They can, and often are, because we want them to be. It's easier sometimes to deny fault where we want to be awed, to place blame in the people who can more conveniently be discarded. I feel like this happened with Anette Olzon during her time in Nightwish. She was given the blame for that period not living up to expectations, which was a form of sexism, but I don't want to go down that road right now.

Those of us who knew Alyson Avenue already were aware of Anette's talents being far greater than perception would tell us, but it was The Dark Element that made it inescapable. The first record from this project was a thrilling affair, twisting the symphonic formula to have far more power. It was dense, heavy, beautiful, and came very close to being the Album Of The Year. Needless to say, a second outing comes with the highest of expectations.

We were treated to two songs before the release, the title track, and "The Pallbearer Walks Alone". Both of these songs showed that The Dark Element was not slowing down, and they had picked up where the left off, but with a few new wrinkles to add in. The latter of those tracks broke in a slower, more pounding type of melody, which is unlike anything on the first record, and feels completely fresh. It's also a great song, regardless.

The formula of The Dark Element is simple; big hooks, detailed symphonic metal, and fantastic vocals. Anette once again sounds amazing throughout the record, with a bright and sharp tone that stands out from the crowd. Her sound is unique, a bit haunting, and a huge reason why The Dark Element is such a captivating listen. It's pure speculation to say, but even as good as the songs are on this record, I don't think it would have the same impact if a different voice was singing them.

With an album under their belt, Jani Liimatainen has a better understanding of what works best for this project, and these new songs reflect that. He's fine-tuned his writing to fit Anette's strengths as a singer, and cut out the one or two experiments from the first record that I didn't think worked quite as well. That turns this into an album of potential singles, where every song is as strong as the others, making for a remarkably consistent experience. Little details even tie both records together into one big tapestry, such as the piano and synth motifs in the instrumental section of "When It All Comes Down" evoking the themes from "Last Good Day". It's a subtle nod-and-wink that highlights the development.

That song stands out as one of the few slower numbers, with most of the tracks utilizing Anette's ability to sing faster, more rhythmic melodies and make them stick. Her vocal tone allows for that kind of writing, which would sound flat with a less piercing voice. That's where experience has shows the way, and how the duo have established a working relationship that is enhancing each other's gifts.

And in the midst of the relentless grandeur of the record, we get a pause in the middle for "To Whatever End", a cinematic ballad that has elements of Broadway, film scores, and of course power balladry. I love that kind of emotional songwriting, and Anette delivers it with such broken passion in her voice that it easily becomes a highlight of the album.

Whether we call this symphonic metal or power metal, in either case The Dark Element has delivered the best album of the year for the genre. No other record in those forms is as well written, well produced, or packed with as many great songs. "Songs The Night Sings" didn't catch me unexpectedly the way the first record did, so it lacks the surprise factor, but the quality is every bit the same. Trading a few more highs and lows for a consistent level of excellence, The Dark Element is one of the best melodic metal projects going today. If these are the songs sung at night, who the hell needs the sun?