Over the Hills and Far Away

Released in 2001, Over the Hills and Far Away serves as the bridge between the 'Wishmaster' era and the more complex 'Century Child.' It is historically significant as the final studio recording to feature original bassist Sami Vänskä, whose departure shortly after marked the arrival of Marco Hietala and a shift toward a heavier, more vocal-diverse sound. The EP is anchored by a cover of Gary Moore's 'Over the Hills and Far Away,' which became a staple of the band's live sets for decades. Musically, it showcases Tuomas Holopainen's growing ambition as a composer, blending traditional power metal structures with increasingly sophisticated orchestral synth arrangements. The EP also includes a remake of 'Astral Romance' from their debut, featuring Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Finnish power metal scene at the turn of the millennium. Critical reception was generally positive, with AllMusic noting the band's ability to balance operatic grace with metal intensity.