Oceanborn wasn't just a hit in Finland, it also opened new doors for Nightwish abroad. So naturally, the pressure to come up with a comparable sophomore album was enormous. Rarely does a band fulfill the demands of a second album successfully, and Nightwish is no exception. Even though Wishmaster is mainly targeted to radio and pop audiences, it does succeed somewhat. Even more demanding listeners will find this as enjoyable as they did Oceanborn, but Wishmaster isn't as consistent as that album was. The same patterns repeat, and every track's hook is based on a powerful intro and a simple chorus. Their charm is in their overflowing drama and, as it was on their first album, the whole concept can be described as "operatic metal." It may sound inventive and full of potential for a while, but as a whole album (and with this release it's two albums), it can be a little annoying, even frustrating. Still, a lot of listeners will enjoy it; after all, it does have its moments. ~ Antti J. Ravelin, All Music Guide
Markus Mayer (Cover Art), Mikko Karmila (Engineer), Mikko Karmila (Mixing), Mika Jussila (Mastering), Nightwish (Arranger), Nightwish (Producer), Nightwish (Main Performer), Tarja Turunen (Vocals), Emppu Vuorinen (Guitar), Sami Vänskä (Bass), Jukka Nevalainen (Percussion), Jukka Nevalainen (Drums), Toni Härkönen (Photography), Ike Vil (Voices), Tero Kinnunen (Producer), Raj Naik (Layout Design), Anssi Honkanen (Bass (Vocal)), Kimmo Kallio (Baritone (Vocal)), Ville Laaksonen (Tenor (Vocal)), Ville Laaksonen (Choir Arrangement), Esa Lehtinen (Flute)
Perhaps even more so than its predecessor, Wishmaster has a very clear fantasy theme. While commonly considered to be closer to conventional power metal, there is still a great variety with slower songs like "Come Cover Me" and "Two for Tragedy", and more epic pieces like "Dead Boy's Poem" and "FantasMic". "The Kinslayer" is written about the victims of the Columbine High School massacre.[7]Wishmaster was inspired by the fantasy novels The Lord of the Rings and Dragonlance, mentioning Elbereth, Lórien, and the Grey Havens from the former; and Dalamar, Raistlin Majere (Dalamar's shalafi, or "master"), Gilthanas, the Sla-Mori, and the Inn of the Last Home from the latter.[7]"FantasMic" is a song about the Disneyanimated movies, particularly their fantasy and fable elements, taking its title from the Disneyland show Fantasmic!.
The song "Wishmaster" has remained one of Nightwish's greatest hits, appearing on several best of compilations. Since its release, it has been a recurring track on live performances, and it was featured for example on the live DVD End of an Era, recorded in 2005. As of 2008[update], it's still often performed live despite the band's change of vocalists, and is featured a new orchestral intro recorded during the orchestral recording of Dark Passion Play.[8] The song was brought back to the metal community's mind by a cover version and video of metal a-cappella band van Canto in 2008. Other recurring live songs from the album are "She Is My Sin" and "The Kinslayer".
Wishmaster was #1 in the official finnish charts,[1] the album also debuted in the european charts at #21 in Germany and #66 in France.[9] Today, Wishmaster has sold more than 77,000 copies in Finland alone.[10]
