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Band Timeline
1996
Formation of Nightwish
Nightwish was formed in July 1996 in Kitee, Finland by Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, and Tarja Turunen. Initially envisioned by Tuomas Holopainen to be acoustic and mood music with a female vocalist inspired by bands like The 3rd and the Mortal, the project evolved into a symphonic metal band. Keyboardist Holopainen was the lead songwriter, and the band's unique blend of heavy metal with symphonic and classical elements began to take shape from this formation period.
1997
Release of Debut Album: Angels Fall First
Nightwish released their debut album, Angels Fall First, in 1997. The album marked their entrance into the Finnish metal scene with a mix of acoustic and symphonic metal. Shortly after the release, drummer Jukka Nevalainen and bassist Sami Vänskä joined the lineup, completing the band's early formation. This album established Nightwish's foundation within their home country, though widespread international success was still to come.
1998
Breakthrough with Oceanborn
In 1998, Nightwish released their second studio album, Oceanborn. This album signaled a shift toward a more metal-oriented sound combined with symphonic elements, gaining the band critical acclaim. Oceanborn helped raise the band's profile beyond Finland, showcasing their ability to blend powerful metal riffs with operatic vocals and orchestral arrangements, paving the way for future success.
2000
Expansion of their Sound with Wishmaster
Nightwish released Wishmaster in 2000, their third studio album, which continued to refine and expand their symphonic metal style. The album increased the band's popularity in Europe and reinforced their reputation for combining heavy metal instrumentation with symphonic textures and Tarja Turunen's operatic vocals. Nightwish steadily gained momentum with this release leading into the next phase of their career.
2002
Century Child and Lineup Change
Century Child was released in 2002 and represented further musical maturity and complexity for Nightwish. The album introduced Marko Hietala as the new bassist, replacing Sami Vänskä. Hietala also took on male vocal duties, adding a new dynamic to the band’s sound. Century Child featured more orchestral arrangements and heavy metal elements, which solidified the band’s growing international fan base.
2004
Breakthrough with Once
Nightwish achieved major breakthrough success with the release of Once in 2004. This album sold over one million copies worldwide including in the United States, with the lead single "Wish I Had an Angel" gaining MTV airplay and placing on three US film soundtracks. Once featured elaborate symphonic arrangements and showed the band's ambition and technical skill, becoming their most commercially successful album to date and expanding their international presence considerably.
2005
Departure of Lead Singer Tarja Turunen
In October 2005, the band parted ways with original lead singer Tarja Turunen. Despite her powerful operatic voice playing a major role in defining Nightwish’s sound, personal and professional differences led to her dismissal. Before her departure, Nightwish released the compilation album Highest Hopes: The Best of Nightwish, which included a re-recorded version of the ballad "Sleeping Sun." The exit of Turunen marked a major transition period for the band’s future.
2007
New Lead Singer and Dark Passion Play
In May 2007, Anette Olzon was announced as Nightwish's new lead vocalist, replacing Tarja Turunen. Later that year, Nightwish released their sixth studio album, Dark Passion Play. The album showcased a shift in vocal style and musical direction with Olzon’s more contemporary rock voice. Dark Passion Play became an international success, selling nearly two million copies, driven by popular singles such as "Amaranth," which broadened the band’s appeal especially in Europe.
2011
Release of Imaginaerum
Nightwish released their seventh studio album, Imaginaerum, in November 2011. This album featured a diverse and theatrical approach, incorporating symphonic and cinematic elements. Around this time, the band was focusing on a concept album that was later linked with a feature film based on the music. Imaginaerum continued to display Nightwish’s ability to innovate within symphonic metal and expand their artistic scope.
2012-2013
Lineup Changes: Departure of Anette Olzon and Addition of Floor Jansen and Troy Donockley
In October 2012, Nightwish announced the departure of lead vocalist Anette Olzon. The band completed the Imaginaerum tour with Floor Jansen as the live lead singer. By October 2013, Floor Jansen was made a permanent member of the band, joined by session uilleann pipes player Troy Donockley. This marked a significant evolution in the band’s lineup, reinvigorating their performance dynamics and musical versatility.
2014-2019
Drummer Transition and Continued Success
Longtime drummer Jukka Nevalainen became inactive in 2014 due to severe insomnia, and Kai Hahto served as his live replacement. In July 2019, Nevalainen officially announced that he would not return, and Kai Hahto was confirmed as the official drummer. This period showed Nightwish’s resilience and ability to maintain their performance quality during major lineup changes.
2021-2022
Bassist Change and Current Lineup
In January 2021, bassist Marko Hietala left the band, ending nearly two decades of involvement as bassist and male vocalist. In August 2022, Jukka Koskinen was announced as his replacement, filling the longstanding role. Nightwish remains active and continues to be a leading force in symphonic metal, known for their elaborate productions, powerful vocals, and a blend of metal and orchestral music.
2018
Induction into the Finnish Music Hall of Fame
On October 26, 2018, Nightwish was inducted into the Finnish Music Hall of Fame. This honor recognized their tremendous impact, commercial success, and cultural influence both in Finland and internationally. As the third best-selling Finnish band and the most successful globally, Nightwish’s induction cemented their legacy in Finnish music history.
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Story of Nightwish
Hailing from Kitee, Finland, Nightwish exploded onto the symphonic metal scene in 1996. Founded by keyboardist and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and vocalist Tarja Turunen, the band quickly added drummer Jukka Nevalainen and bassist Sami Vänskä after their 1997 debut, Angels Fall First. Marko Hietala joined in 2001, taking over bass duties and contributing male vocals, a role previously handled by Holopainen or guest artists.
While initially popular in Finland, Nightwish’s international breakthrough came with Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000), and Century Child (2002). Their 2004 masterpiece, Once, sold over a million copies, catapulting them to US success. The album spawned the hit single "Wish I Had an Angel," receiving significant MTV airplay and featuring on three major US film soundtracks. Once also yielded three more singles, two music videos, and a re-recorded "Sleeping Sun" for the 2005 compilation Highest Hopes: The Best of Nightwish. However, this period ended with Turunen`s departure in October 2005.
Anette Olzon stepped in as vocalist in May 2007, leading to the release of Dark Passion Play that September. This sixth album solidified Nightwish`s global status, selling nearly two million copies.
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