Angels Fall First

Angels Fall First is the 1997 debut from Nightwish, serving as the foundational document for the symphonic metal genre. Originally intended as an acoustic demo recorded at Tuomas Holopainen's summer cabin, the project evolved into a full-length album when Spinefarm Records opted to release the recordings without remixing. This 'as-is' release preserves a raw, lo-fi quality that is unique in the band's discography. The album is notable for its heavy reliance on acoustic guitars and folk elements, particularly in the multi-part suite 'Lappi,' which reflects Holopainen's Finnish roots. Unlike later albums that utilized full orchestras, the symphonic elements here are provided by synthesizers, giving the record a charmingly dated, '90s fantasy aesthetic. While Holopainen has expressed retrospective embarrassment over his own vocal contributions on tracks like 'Beauty and the Beast,' the album is highly regarded by fans for its purity and the immediate impact of Tarja Turunen's operatic delivery, which was revolutionary for the metal scene at the time.