Nightwish Human :II: Nature

Human. :II: Nature. (stylized as HVMAN. :||: NATVRE.) is the ninth studio album by Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish. It was released internationally on April 10, 2020 through Nuclear Blast. It is the band’s first double album, with the second CD complete with orchestral symphonic music rather than metal. More @ Wikipedia

Written primarily by Tuomas Holopainen, Human. :II: Nature. is structured as a double album, with the first disc focusing on symphonic metal compositions and the second disc presenting a purely orchestral suite. This format highlights Nightwish’s ambition to transcend traditional metal structures and embrace a more film-score-inspired approach.

Thematically, the album continues and expands ideas introduced in Endless Forms Most Beautiful, addressing subjects such as human creativity, technological progress, empathy, history, and the interconnectedness of life. Rather than relying on fantasy or mythology, the album emphasizes humanistic and scientific reflection, presenting metal as a medium for intellectual and emotional exploration.

Vocals are led by Floor Jansen, whose performance balances power, clarity, and emotional nuance. Her versatile delivery complements the album’s wide dynamic range, from heavy, rhythm-driven tracks to delicate and atmospheric moments. Marko Hietala also contributes vocals, adding contrast and narrative depth to several songs.

Musically, Human. :II: Nature. incorporates symphonic metal, progressive elements, folk textures, and cinematic orchestration. Tracks such as Noise, Shoemaker, Pan, and Music demonstrate the album’s stylistic diversity and conceptual cohesion. The orchestral second disc further reinforces Nightwish’s identity as a band operating at the intersection of metal, classical music, and film composition.

Critically acclaimed for its ambition and depth, Human. :II: Nature. solidified Nightwish’s status as one of the most innovative bands in modern symphonic metal. The album represents a mature artistic statement—one that reflects on humanity’s place within the natural world through sound, emotion, and intellect.

Tracks

All tracks are written by Tuomas Holopainen.

No.	Title	Length
1.	“Music”	7:23
2.	“Noise”	5:40
3.	“Shoemaker”	5:19
4.	“Harvest”	5:13
5.	“Pan”	5:18
6.	“How’s the Heart?”	5:02
7.	“Procession”	5:31
8.	“Tribal”	3:56
9.	“Endlessness”	7:11

No.	Title	Length
1.	“Vista”	3:59
2.	“The Blue”	3:35
3.	“The Green”	4:42
4.	“Moors”	4:44
5.	“Aurorae”	2:07
6.	“Quiet as the Snow”	4:05
7.	“Anthropocene” (includes “Hurrian Hymn to Nikkal”)	3:05
8.	“Ad Astra”	4:41

No.	Title	Length
1.	“Music” (instrumental version)	7:23
2.	“Noise” (instrumental version)	5:40
3.	“Shoemaker” (instrumental version)	5:19
4.	“Harvest” (instrumental version)	5:13
5.	“Pan” (instrumental version)	5:18
6.	“How’s the Heart?” (instrumental version)	4:44
7.	“Procession” (instrumental version)	5:31
8.	“Tribal” (instrumental version)	3:58
9.	“Endlessness” (instrumental version)	7:12

Album Cover