Search - Nightingale :: I

Not Edge Of Sanity, but something FAR greater by Dan Swano!

Buddy G.F. Doucette | London, Ontario, Canada | 10/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sure most of you, by now, recognize the name Nightingale as the outlet for former Edge Of Sanity vocalist, and musical GENIUS, Dan Swano's more prevalent melodic, non-death metal leanings. This is the third album he has put out under the Nightingale name, with Tom Nouga (whom is really Dan's brother Dag, but goes under the pseudonym to avoid identity confusion) being the only other contributor. All three Nightingale albums are very distinct entities from each other, as the first one, "The Breathing Shadow" (in which Dan wrote, produced, played every instrument, and probably even scrubbed out the studio toilet bowl when all was said and done) was a foray into Gothic metal pastures, a la Sisters Of Mercy. It contained some of the most memorable guitar melodies and depressing tones ever put to tape. The second album, "The Closing Chronicles", represented a step towards prog-rock, with overtones resembling Rush, Marillion, Yes and a number of the 70's groups which have had a profound impact on Mr. Swano. This album was less guitar based, and more centered on Dan's vocals, keyboards, and basslines.On the third Nightingale opus, entitled simply "I", Dan and Dag deliver the goods once again, and have produced, in my humble opinion, one of the finest albums to ever grace these ears and a definite candidate for Album of 2000. There's nothing heavy, brutal, or "evil" here--it is pretty much just very relaxed, laid-back and emotional music with the patented experimentation and quality Dan Swano is noted for. His vocal, drum, guitar and keyboard performances are right on the mark here, as are the more-than-worthy contributions of his brother, making this the most well-rounded Nightingale album thus far. There is definitely a future in this project!From the very first time I heard the chorus to opening cut, "Scarred For Life", I knew the album was going to be among my all-time faves. Catchy, memorable choruses and passionate vocal lines and riffs pop up all over this album, and I still get goose-bumps when I hear the above mentioned track as well as "Still In The Dark", "Alonely", "I Return", "Remorse And Regret", and especially the morose, dreary second-to-last cut, "The Journey's End". Dan really pulled out all the stops on this one! The goth influence is all but gone, and the progressive rock leanings are a lot more subtle, which doesn't really link this album, musically, to either of the previous two. Songs are short(er), to the point, with absolutely no filler parts to be found anywhere. In a word, PERFECTION! Dan said there'll be another Nightingale album in another couple years, and I know I'll be foaming at the mouth when that happens!So, to sum up: if you are a die-hard Edge Of Sanity fan, still wearing out your copy of "Unorthodox" or even "The Spectral Sorrows", you might want to tread carefully on this one or avoid it all together. However, if you are like me, and came to the realization through albums like "Purgatory Afterglow" and especially "Crimson" that Dan Swano's biggest musical assets and future lies in the field of melodic, emotional music rather than brutal death metal, this album is definitely for you! It's pretty hard to find in most everyday record stores, and you have chance in front of you right now to have it sent directly to your mailbox. Do the right thing! Get it! Music just doesn't get any better than this!"

Nightingale - I

Buddy G.F. Doucette | 07/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't heard the other two Nightingale albums but I would assume they must be amazing as well. Dan Swano never ceases to amaze us. His voice on this record is stunning. He does clean vocals on this record. The great guitar solos are excellent too. I recommend that everyone should check Swano's project out. I am looking forward to the new Swano project."