Human. :||: Nature.

Human. :||: Nature. is the ninth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal titans Nightwish and represents their most ambitious structural experiment to date. Released in 2020, it is a double album: the first disc contains nine tracks of 'Human' centric metal, while the second disc is a continuous eight-part symphonic suite titled 'All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World'. This release marks the final studio appearance of long-time bassist and vocalist Marko Hietala. Sonically, the album leans heavily into the 'trio' of vocalists (Jansen, Hietala, and Donockley), creating intricate three-part harmonies that give the record a distinct folk-prog character. Critical reception was generally positive, with AllMusic noting the band's successful pivot toward a more 'cinematic and sophisticated' sound that prioritizes atmosphere over raw aggression. It stands as a landmark in their catalog for its thematic focus on evolutionary biology and the Anthropocene.