Anette Olzon was thrown into the limelight as the controversial replacement for opera metal goddess Tarja Turunen in the massive hit band that is Nightwish. However, a few years down the line it wasn’t meant to be, after missing part of their 2012 International Tour she later confirmed she was in fact fired from the band, the excuse from the Nightwish party, “her personality didn’t fit with the community”. However, despite the initial negativity she received in her best efforts at cracking a tough job she proved her vocals were on point and she could define her own career as her own rock metal goddess, after a few years out of the limelight to focus on personal achievements she is back with her debut solo album Shine.

Recently admitting the album is more pop-rock than her previous metal roots she is focusing on a positive message encouraging her fans to in fact shine as the title suggests, a sign that despite the hard times she’s been through she never fails to remain positive. The first single Falling was melodic, with a heavy tinge overpowered by her wonderful strong vocals, a darker but symphonic introduction that showed she was confident in her song writing abilities. The follow up single Lies was lighter, confident, stronger showing off the huskier tones of her voice proving yet again she can belt out notes in her own fantastical arrangement. 

However, not all the album was a bible of rock power ballads as proved by Floating, a soft Enya style that mashed electronic touches with a lighter soprano touch whilst another track Moving Away is a traditional Celtic ballad of delicate vocals as also proved by the final track Watching Me From Afar, a much more classical pop genre than rock-pop but so beautifully performed with her varying vocal range of light and dark.

Anette Olzon proved with her debut album in March 2014 that she can most definitely succeed on her own, as did Tarja Turunen when she went on to release her own material. Neither opted for the metal goddess image held before them but opting for a lighter, more commercial touch, which gives justice to their strong vocals. Whilst this album at times is simplistic, it is effective and gives a beautiful future for Olzon and her professional musical abilities, which she richly deserves to share with the world. 

Review by Kat Bagshawe

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