"Angels Fall First" is the debut studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. The album was released in November 1997 by Spinefarm Records. The band's lead singer and songwriter, Tuomas Holopainen, has stated that he regards "Angels Fall First" as more of a band demo than an actual album.
The album has a distinct sound that stands out in comparison to later Nightwish releases. It incorporates a variety of musical styles such as folk music and combines them with symphonic elements. The lyrics are often fantasy-themed and draw inspiration from folklore.
The album includes some notable tracks such as "Elvenpath", "Beauty and the Beast", and the titular "Angels Fall First". It also contains a version of "Astral Romance", sung by Tuomas himself.
"Angels Fall First" achieved moderate success upon its release and was well received by fans, although it did receive some criticism for its production quality. Despite this, it paved the way for Nightwish to develop their sound and ushered in a new era for the symphonic metal genre. The album continues to be celebrated by fans for its unique style and is considered a classic in the band's discography.
