The Dark Sacrament

François Couperin is best-known for his instrumental and keyboard works. He also composed quite a number of vocal works, but that part of his output remains in shadow with the exception of the three Leçons de Ténèbres which count among the most renowned vocal works for Passiontide. These also belong among the very few vocal compositions from Couperin's pen which were printed during his lifetime. Most of his vocal works are preserved in manuscript and it is assumed that a considerable part of his output in this genre has been lost.

2009 eight CD box set from the Finnish Goth/Symphonic Metal band. The Lokikirja box contains the albums Angels Fall First (1997), Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000), Over The Hills And Far Away, Century Child (2002), Bless The Child, Once (2004) and Dark Passion Play (2007), With a total of 84 tracks, this is simply the best way to start your Nightwish collection.

White Willow are the leading Norwegian band, mixing elements of orchestral pop, 1970s progressive rock, jazz-rock, and even electronica. The band were begun in 1992 by guitarist Jacob Holm-Lupo. Over a period of 2 years from December '92 to September '94 the band recorded a number of songs that would form their fist album, Ignis Fatuus, released in '95 by The Lasers Edge, the start of a long partnership with the American label, and signalling them as one of the leading groups in the revival of Progressive Rock along with bands like Anglagard and Anekdoten. The sound of this first album is largely characterised by mid paced, acoustic guitar and mellotron led Folk Prog, bringing to mind Gryphon but with a touch of the more acoustic nature of early Genesis and King Crimson's first line-up. However, the two "epic" songs that close out the album showed a full electric band with a much more staunchly Symphonic approach…

First of all, Oceanborn is a huge step when thinking about Nightwish's debut album, Angels Fall First. All the elements of folk music and ambience are forgotten, and instead Nightwish have concentrated on using Tarja Turunen's wide voice and playing pure heavy metal…