"Oceanborn" is the second studio album by the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released in Finland by Spinefarm Records on 7 December 1998, and in the spring of 1999 worldwide. The album marks a clear progression from its predecessor, showcasing Nightwish's growing familiarity with their unique symphonic metal style that blends power metal with a cinematic, orchestral quality.
The music for "Oceanborn" is deeply intricate and complex and boasts a stunning display of harmony and melody. Unlike their debut album, it had a much more significant focus, making extensive use of operatic vocals and expanding the band's music style scope, which incorporates elements of folk, classical, and gothic influences.
The album was a huge success in Finland, reaching number 5 on the Finnish Albums Chart and remaining in the top 40 for 26 weeks. Singles including "Sacrament of Wilderness" reached number one on the Finnish Singles Chart, and "Walking in the Air" and "Sleeping Sun" were also major hits.
Thematically, "Oceanborn" is a mix of fantastical stories inspired by myth and legend and exploration of the natural world. Tarja Turunen's operatic vocals became a signature element of the band's sound on this album. Notably, band member Tuomas Holopainen has cited the making of "Oceanborn" as a dreadful experience due to the pressure he had, which impacted him deeply.
In summary, "Oceanborn" is deemed as one of the publications that helped define Nightwish's sound and solidify their place in the annals of symphonic metal.
