Elteto.net

Nightwish was not just Tarja, but Anette is just not Tarja...

I cannot even attempt to count how many discussions I have read about the "Tarja vs. Anette" subject, but I have a feeling that the issue will be much debated by fans for a long time. Hearing the various albums from both eras of the group, I can find truths in points made by all sides of the argument.

Point 1: Anette does not sound as good as Tarja. While various vocal qualities may appeal to differing groups of listeners, I do hear more range, force and clarity in Tarja's voice. The trained classical and opera singer easily gives even Sarah Brightman a run for her money, just give any of her Nightiwsh or solo works a listen. Need a crash introduction toTarja's voice? Check out her rendition of "Phantom of the Opera" on End of an Era, either the album or the concert DVD.

Point 2: Anette is still good, just different. No debating this one. She is musically talented and enthusiastic, working hard to fill in the lead vocalist position and to get accepted by armies of  Nightwish fans. She does not try to insult fans (and Tarja, for that matter) by mimicking the former singer in voice, performance, style or dress, but rather simply acts as herself. That is certainly a good attitude to start out as the newbie in an established lineup. She does an enthusiastic job on Dark Passion Play, which has sold impressively.

Point 3: Nightwish was not just Tarja. True to an extent. Fans know that Tuomas has virtually penned the band's entire catalog, influenced by such sophisticated musicians as Pink Floyd and Hans Zimmer. He hit bullseye immediately at the beginning by bringing Tarja in to be the vocalist of his fledging project. While Tuomas composed great music, Tarja's voice was a signature of the Nightwish style, and fans embraced  the resulting quality sound. Afterall, here was a woman whose voice alone helped sell the the music, without relying on the "hot goth chick" look employed by numerous metal productions. (On a side note, Nightwish is not a gothic metal band, as sometimes incorrectly categorized by  music insiders and consumers.) If record sales are an indicator, Nightwish is well-accepted by its fan base, even if some sales were a result of curiosity about Anette.

Point 4: The way Tarja was dismissed was unnecessarily cruel. Absolutely agreed. I am far from engaging in a soap debate, but as a musician and as a person, I find Tuomas' treatment of Tarja unprofessional. He gave a letter to Tarja (signed by all their bandmates as well) right after the filming of their phenomenal End of an Era performance. As an excuse for an explanation to the fans, he posted the note on the Internet as open correspondence, airing out Tarja's personal life. A bit of moral courage and face to face talk would have been more appropriate.

Point 5: Tarja does not need Nightwish. True. She is highly trained, extremely talented, and thrives as a solo act.

So what is to become of Nightwish? Dark Passion Play and the ongoing tour prove that loyal followers out there continue to appreciate the music, even if (or as some say, because of) some arrangements have taken on more pop hit influences. I will continue to follow Tarja's work, as I prefer her vocal performance to Anette's, but I will also explore the future works of Nightwish, seeing where the new lineup will take the musicians.