The fascination I currently have with this band is that they have not only succeeded in replacing Tarja with an equally competetent and at times superior singer, but the fact they have an underrated singer in Marco already in the band who gives a great demo take of Eva.
This is a must to collect for fans as well as the other version that is also available.
Amaranth is the second single from Nightwish's Dark Passion Play album. Though it's the second single from the album, "Amaranth" was the first widely popular song from Nightwish's new album and featured the band's new frontwoman Anette Olzon. Though the song has received mixed reviews from both fans and media, mostly due to the big vocal difference between Anette and previous singer Tarja. Honestly, I though that Anette brings a fresh, enjoyable sound to the band and really, her work on "Amaranth" is catchy and fun. Sure, it may not be what most fans expected, but it's still good.
The single also includes the spellbinding orchestral version of "Amaranth," which is one of my favorite Nightwish orchestral arrangements available. It just tugs at your soul and refuses to leave you once it's over.
A demo version of "Eva" is also included on here, which is interesting, since bassist Marco Hietala sings on the demo and the orchestral arrangements haven't been added yet, which gives the song a completely different feel.
The Dark Passion Play has got to be one of the most brilliant albums that Nightwish has ever produced, though Nightwish fans who have yet to get hold of the album should save their money by seaching out the Dark Passion Play special edition set. It Includes the DPP CD with both Amaranth bonus disc's all in a collector, cardboard case. I got it, and must say I wasn't disappointed. Thought I should pass on the word.