VIKING REACTS | NIGHTWISH - "The Islander" (double reaction) 

He wrote the damn thing! All these years (since day one) he has always selflessly supported who ever was singing lead (Tarja, Annette, Floor) checking his ego at the door and serving the music and its needs. Vocally, he could lead any band of any genre but Nightwish were lucky enough to have him as a writting wingman to Tuomas or supporting vocally. He will be sorely missed by Nightwish and by us. Farewell brother Marko...may you find your Walden soon.

You know you are a boss when Floor is your back up vocals

Marko singing The Islander on an island in a see of people....magical! And I love how Floor welcomes him back on the main stage.

God, I'm going to miss Marco. Really hope he comes back again.

For something a bit similar: while your lips are still red live at wembley Great reaction as always❤️❤️

His comfort level is AMAZING! For most of this performance...he doesn't even look at the guitar to "play" the notes...he knows exactly where the notes are Great Reaction! 👊 Edit: Vocals on another level... And then he just walks back for the next song of the set... Ev-1.. lol.😎

Marko front and center in the limelight, but not alone. Even if hidden on a darkened stage they have his back. Damm I love this band/family

The non subtitled part goes "If I play the chorus will you sing along? yeah. You sure? YEAH! Ok lets do it" It's about an old lighthouse keeper reflecting on his life. This song is actually written by Marko, I think Toumas wrote the lyrics but the music is all Marko.

Anette has more poppy voice, she received a lot of hate from a lot of NW fans because she couldn't hit those extreme Tarja's notes. Anette is also a good singer, some songs were just written for Tarja and her vocal range. No surprise that not everyone is able to sing them well.

This makes me certain that replacing Marko will be the most difficult task Nightwish have faced, ever. I am so, so sad he left the band and publicity altogether.

Troy was playing instruments on their recordings before he became an official member of the band. They were like "heck you've done so much and are practically a member so lets make it official".

Marko got you in the feelings, eh? Don't worry, he gets me every time too. Also, the song was not only written for Marko, it was written by Marko. One of those few where Tuomas had less influence on. And to be fair, in the official video apart from Troy, nobody is playing their usual instruments. Emppu doesn't have his EV1, Jukka doesn't have his Tama, Tuomas doesn't have his Korg, and Marko how Warwick.

Even if Marco lost his voice completely I would still pay for a ticket just to see him and give him my support any day. I hope he returns healthy and strong one day.

Amazing reaction...thank you. From this I can only say: Nightwish can change singers and bassist and still be amazing. But as character, Marko can't be replaced.

I think the official video was the first appearance of Troy. He was a session musician for Nightwish for more than five years before he got promoted to official member...

Viking, you mimic Finnish language pretty well. I'm impressed. "Marko kuka? Laulatte?"

To date, only TWO people can say that Floor Jansen is their backup singer: Marko Hietala, and Troy Doneckley.. Well, make that three: Marko, Troy, and Freya! Who do you think got Floor to cover Let it Go? :D And that feeling of the old man standing on the dock by the ocean? two words for it: Sea Shanty. But you nailed the whole entire story surrounding this. That's what makes it both sad and beautiful at the same time. And why it sounds different can be explained musically. It's in a different key, with a faster bpm. At Tampere, the beat is slowed down, played in a different but still minor key, and sung acoustically for the first two verses, which makes it more intimate. As far as Anette goes, She's become more of a hero as of late. She took a break from music to get her nursing degree. She's a RN now, and helping with COVID in Sweden in addition to her musical career.

Annette actually sounds good on the albums. She really shines in Slow Love Slow snd Rest Calm and Meadows of Heaven. Everyone has their favorite but I like them all for what they each bring. In live performances I like Floor by far.

I love it when we really get to see a glimpse of Marco's cheeky side 😍 May life bring him the ease and serenity that he deserves

Viking - I am listening again. I can only hope Marko comes back. . . Troy has brought so much to Nightwish.

You know when a singer is as good as Marco to have backup vocals from the best female singer on the planet. What a combo they are together! 😍🤩❤️

Viking, love your reactions, you are doing great. This band beyond amazing, and I love that they gave this moment to Marko to shine alone, he deserves it. Running joke, Marko has a t shirt reads "Floor is my backing singer." These people are born performers and love each other. Troy was not in the band yet, but was involved. He and Floor officially joined the band together, both teary-eyed according to Floor. Tuomas and Marko asked them together, so what do you say we make this a six piece group, both teared up and said "Yes!"

I love your reaction to Marko's voice and guitar playing...He's phenomenal,great, super!! Love,love!!😍❤❤

For some more Annette I would suggest Meadows of Heaven.

Thanks Viking for your reaction. I liked that. It's in the air... goosebumps. This song makes me goosebumps every time. Marco is a great singer with amazing voice. When talking about Floor and Marco singing together, background singing or not. When I see those performances, I see them singing together, supporting each other. They sing and play as a band, creating amazing music for us to listen and see. They are just great together, all of them. Let's have more Nightwish, yes?

When the song hits you in the feelz, it hits you hard. Love him so much and this song is forever his... ❤️

When you get a chance react to Voice of my Father by Marko's band. it's .... emotional.

You have a floorgasm at ghost love score, and you cry at the islander. This is the way.

It makes me happy seeing metalheads moved to tears by such a masterpiece of a song. We are a misunderstood bunch, but we truly appreciate beautiful music. 🖤

Metal God JARKKO AHOLA is speculated to be the new NIGHTWISH singer. He published heavenly live 'Walking in the Air' - also an old NW hit, before Christmas. Some pros say he does tricks there that no one has facility to. Jarkko is known for his legendary screams but also highly regarded for his classical technique. Jarkko Ahola - Walking in the Air (live) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WqBSDB5oHug.html PS. Note that I do not wish to promote the speculation just stating the situation...

The thing that always impresses me about this performance is that we know how powerful Floor's voice is. She is more than capable of absolutely commanding this song, but she manages to sing so perfectly while still restraining herself and giving Marko the spotlight he more than deserves

Anthony Argen Lucassen has featured Floor as both lead and backup (with her sister Irene) multiple times in Ayreon.

When they did that older video with Anette, Troy was first time in the band, and then the end is history....

Troy wasn’t a full member of the band yet so he’s not seen, but he frequently is guest musician on stage and on studio albums. Also on the studio version of this song Troy Donockley was guest musician and is featured on several instruments. I advertise to watch Anette live performing ‘Scaretale’. One of her best performances.

yeah that's troy. Troy was a part time/backup for the band at this point, he became full time later

"I'm not sorry.. fuck it." Yep. Right there with ya.

It can't go wrong when Nightwish is NOT sitting around a camp fire and instead the camp fire is around Nightwish. Love Annette by the way.

Troy started performing with Nightwish in 2007. He became a permanent member of the band in 2013.

haha love the "Tank" reference .. good skills man

After this song, i think "weak fantasy" will come up,, 🤟

Troy has performed with Nightwish since 2007 and joined as a full-member in 2013. Floor is a great backing singer (also to herself on her cover versions). A good introduction to Anette could be some of these: "Bye Bye Beautiful", "Slow, Love, Slow" "Amaranth", "Rest Calm", "The Crow, The Owl and The Dove", "Scaretale",

Pronounced Tampere quite well..better than most 😁oh his voice🥰

Troy started with the band as a session musician in 2007, but didn't join as an official member until 2013, same time that Floor was made official.

Yet another beautiful reaction. Always love to hear your thoughts on those Nightwish pieces. It's so cool you did this one as a double reaction because the MV and live version are soooo different, and both are gorgeous in their own way. (They both can move you to tears but differently ♥) For more Anette. unless you've done some meanwhile (I'm still catching up on your content right now!), you could check out Slow Love Slow live Montreux Jazz Festival 2012, Scaretale which is great both live and with the MV... Or some of her post-Nightwish bands/projects, such as The Dark Element (e.g. "Songs The Night Sings" (very Nightwish-y), "Not Your Monster" or "Dead To Me") and Allen/Olzon (e.g. "I'll Never Leave You" which is super powerful and epic, or "Worlds Apart"). Heart Healer (Magnus Karlsson) "This Is Not The End", a very awesome collab (metal opera!!) project with various great vocalists! Solo content: "Shine" (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-o4phyLGS8h4.html )... Another rabbit hole to explore for you! ;)

Great reactions. This is probably the song with the biggest difference between studio an live version.

This song is such a gem. It's like Marko is hugging my heart. So beautiful. Especially the live version.

Nightwish making a sea shanty!! This would be perfect for a bard in a medieval city by the sea to be singing in the tavern :D

First time I heard this song was only recently as I too am on my Nightwish journey and it blew me away in the same way you experienced Marko absolutely owns this song and he sounded better live than recorded as he has only got better over the years! It is a very beautiful and sad song Skål as always brother

Loved your reaction, as usual. Love how you just show your emotions unfiltered. 😊❤️

I actually checked to see if Marko had a IMDB page because you could just put him in any viking movie and he'd so look the part. I'm surprised he's not doing cameos. maybe he wasn't allowed and he could do it now he's quit that band contract. He has the best hair.

Maine may legalize Viking funerals, so a U.S. trip when this calms down.

It's not just made for him. It's made by him for him. Marko wrote this song

I enjoyed both versions of the song. They are quite different but still share the same emotion. If I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be the live version. The connection with the audience and Floor's angelic backing vocals, Troy's use of the low whistle is spot on. Empuu probably had to go out for another slab of Corona!! 🍻

If you go down the Marko route then his new album is a must especially The Voice of My Father

This has become my favorite reaction to The Islander ❤️🤘

Lord Marco holding down a crowd of 20,000 obedient fans on the stage peninsula. Fabulous!! ❤️❤️❤️🚨🚨 Marco is the heart and soul of Nightwish. I hope he feels better and comes back at the end of his year hiatus.

ALWAYS a pleasure to seeing your reactions to Nightwish!! Lots of love to you and your family!

Love your little comments Viking fuck it.

Hey Viking, I think your EV-1 observation was a good one, along with nod to Tank. It got a chuckle out of me. Both reactions were top notch. I like your type of reactions. You know, where you actually "react"? I'm so tired of so-called reactors that basically play a video, staring at a screen while it plays, and then finish off with, "Thanks for watching! Until next time, bye." Keep it up. Now Subscribed!

Absolutely loved your reaction. This is one of my favorite songs. It is an amazing song. Thanks for doing these reactions. Can you please do While Your Lips Are Still Red live at Wembley. 💜🤘😁🤘

he is the only man who can say: Floor is my back singer ;) ! And now ? "High Hopes" ? it would be great !!!!

this is one of my fav. songs from Nightwish :)

In the untitled part... Marko: If I sing the chorus will you sing with me? Crowd: Yeaaaah!!! Marko: You will??? Crowd: Yeaaaah!!! Marko: Ok, let's do it...

Annette is a fantastic singer, she just didn't fit most Nightwish fans expectations. Try the video for bye bye beautiful for more of Annette and Marko.

Annette has a beautiful tinkly voice. She sounds great in studio.

In my opinion, the best showcase of Annette is "Meadows of Heaven". There is a live Fan-Cam version, but that is way subpar. Best to grab a studio version with 'on screen lyrics'. Couple nice versions available. Kinda brings on the emotions as well.

I can't even imagine what Nightwish will be without Marko.

Magic, emotional, epic, masterpiece. Loved your reaction to this amazing song 😀👍🙏🙏 You should check out Evergrey feat Floor with In Orbit. Awsome duet and Evergrey are a Swedich progressive metal band with awsome music. 😀👍👍

For more Marko I highly sugest isäni ääni (or the voice of my father for the English version). Such a good song

Love the double reactions

No flute Mr. Viking, Irish Low Whistle, you'll see Troy playing the High Whistle too elsewhere. Nightwish Mr. Viking, expect the unexpected, but you will always see art before ego.

I love Amaranth with Anette and the song October and April she sings with The Rasmus lead(can't remember his name right now)

Thank you for your reaction! For extra effect from lyrics watch the official videos with captions on, it'll grab you by the throat :)

Yeah, I really like Annette's vocals too! The fanbase gives her a lot of crap, but I've always enjoyed her albums. It's true though that her voice isn't as consistent live; by all means, react to songs from her era, they're great, but if you do, you should probably listen to her studio versions instead of the live versions. It's where she sounds her best.

No final da música, o sorriso de Floor mostra como se pode ser o melhor naquilo que faz e mesmo assim ser humilde. Ela simplesmente estava feliz por Marco.

You need to go for some really old live videos to see Emppu playing anything but EV-1 :) Those don't include Marco either.

Marco ha the Presence with a capital P. And during his hiatus (I'm hoping at least) from Nightwih he's one of the only ones with a right to the "Floor Jansen is my backup singer" bumper stickers.

Great reaction as usual. Hopefully, Marko will be replaced by............a more rested Marko. Keep on Nightwishing on. 🤘😜🤘

Of course Annette sounds okay, this is a studio recording. Troy recorded with them on some of the Anette albums

This is the Song I want for my Funeral, amazing song. probably the best song to do Floor/Annette is Storytime Because both versions are REALLY good and highlight the best in each singers voice. Annette's best song is either Storytime or Eva IMO.

Great reaction my friend this song wells me up everytime especially when Floor comes in keep them reactions coming 👍🤘

Well they're in their 40's and he's 55, so he can call em weasles and get away with it 😂

Hello Viking, glad to see you are back with another Nightwish reaction. This is a great song for Marko. It certainly showcases his abilities. He is a much better vocalist than many people give him credit for. He is showing his love for the dedicated fans, and the fans for him. Then of course the rest of Nightwish joins in for another wonderful song. Every one of their songs has become a favorite, they are just so GOOD. Crying, why, of course not. Why do you ask? My face always looks like this when I listen to Nightwish. Magnificent.

Geweldige reactie. Misschien een idee om een live versie of een versie met Floor als laatste te doen als je een vergelijking doet. Dan is de waardering voor de studio opname of de versie met een andere front vrouw hoger. Nu je hier toch bent,doe jezelf en ons een plezier en reageer op The Greatest Show on Earth van deze show. Dit is one of the big three zoals de fans dat noemen,de andere twee zijn Ghost Love Score en The Poet And The Pendulum Dit nummer begint bij de Big Bang en is een muzikale reis door de evolutie van het leven en de mens. Vreselijk mooi! Ondertussen kan je vast wat achtergrond informatie lezen over The Poet and The Pendulum. Daar ben je ondertussen ook wel klaar voor:) Het is niet zo slim om zonder enige kennis van de bandleden en de geschiedenis van de band aan dit nummer te beginnen. Je bent nu zo zachtjes aan zelf 1 van de fans. Oh ik ging even langs al je Nightwish reacties en zag dat je Everdream nog niet gedaan hebt. Deze hoort volgens veel fans in de top 5. Nu zou je weer een dubbel kunnen doen(altijd leuk). Eerst de versie van Tarja en dan die van Floor. Je zou ook een dubbel kunnen doen met de versie van Wacken eerst en dan , de pas een paar weken terug uitgebrachte versie van het concert in Vancouver uit 2015. Leuk om te zien hoe Floor na 2 jaar vast in de band te zitten dit nummer doet.(beeldkwaliteit is hoger en de klank is wat warmer zo ook Floor's werk) Dit nummer is in ieder geval een feel good en energy booster........... Bedankt,en blijf dit doen zoals je het nu doet.

Eva is an excellent song sung by Annette from the Dark Passion Play album

I am from Finland so I'm very happy to see people loving our English singing metalband kiitos

Let's give Anette some love by her master songs: Turn Loose the Mermaids and Escapist. Lyric videos are okay for those coz Turn Loos the Mermaids hasn't been played live at all and Escapist doesn't have proper live shots.

Another Marco song that will tug at the heartstrings is "The Voice of my Father".

Great job brother! Love your energy and your insight! Believe it or not, the 2 albums made during the Annette era are my favorites. I haven't heard anything worthwhile live with her but I don't think the production value was as good in those shows as it was with Wacken or tampere. Cheers!

My favorite singer depends on the song and what I'm in the mood for. Bye Bye Beautiful? Obviously Annette as she's the only one that has sang it. XP But a song like Nemo? Give me Tarya every time. Unless I'm in the mood for something different, then give me one of Annette's stripped down, kind of laid back, live versions. (You can find them if you dig a bit, I can find some links if needed, I think some have been marked private.) Very different, but also rather good. But Ghost Love Score? I've come to prefer Floor's version. Etc, etc. But through it all, Marco has been the amazing constant. He will be greatly missed, but he also deserves a break after all these years. I hope he makes his way back to music in the future. I also look forward to seeing what this next iteration of Nightwish will sound like. I'm one of those people that lost touch in the Annette years, but have come back to find her not as bad as I had thought at the time, it was just not what I was expecting or wanting at the time.

This one gets me -- even more than "Poet." I have to clean the inside of my glasses after listening. Loved your reaction. Thank you!

You know you are in the top when Floor does your backing vocals.

Happy to see you liked the song :)

Nightwish don't gather around a bonfire ... bonfires gather around Nightwish ;)

Troy played also 'Last of the wilds' on DPP

I love Marko's big open hearted smile when the band kicks in.

The song I believe is about a lonely light house keeper.

If you want to really hear Annette, react to The Escapist, Eva, Slow Love Slow, and Meadows of Heaven. Her Scaretale is really good too.

so powerful ,,omg

One of my favorites!