Nightwish
Finnish symphonic metal band formed in 1996, known for operatic vocals.
Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band formed in Kitee in 1996 by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead vocalist Tarja Turunen. The band achieved early success in Finland with their debut album *Angels Fall First* (1997) and gained international recognition through subsequent albums *Oceanborn* (1998), *Wishmaster* (2000), and *Century Child* (2002). Their 2004 album *Once* sold over one million copies and marked their breakthrough in the United States. Nightwish is the third-best-selling musical act in Finland with certified sales of nearly 900,000 copies and has sold more than 10 million records worldwide, receiving over 60 gold and platinum awards. In 2018, the band was inducted into the Finnish Music Hall of Fame as its 11th member.
Quick Facts
- Background
- group_or_band
- Landscape
- yes
- Origin
- Kitee, Finland
- Genre
- Symphonic metal / power metal / progressive metal / gothic metal
- Works
- Discography · tours
- Years Active
- 1996–present
- Label
- Spinefarm / Nuclear Blast / Roadrunner / Century Media / Drakkar Entertainment
- Current Members
- Tuomas Holopainen / Emppu Vuorinen / Troy Donockley / Floor Jansen / Kai Hahto / Jukka Koskinen
- Past Members
- Tarja Turunen / Jukka Nevalainen / Sami Vänskä / Marko Hietala / Anette Olzon
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Nightwish was conceived by Tuomas Holopainen in July 1996 while sitting around a campfire with friends. He envisioned an acoustic project with a female vocalist, inspired by bands like The 3rd and the Mortal and Theatre of Tragedy. Holopainen recruited guitarist Emppu Vuorinen and classical vocalist Tarja Turunen, recording a self-titled acoustic demo in late 1996. The band's name came from their first song 'Nightwish', which was simply the first song they wrote together. In early 1997, drummer Jukka Nevalainen joined, and the acoustic guitar was replaced with electric guitar, adding heavy metal elements. Their debut album *Angels Fall First* was released in November 1997, reaching number 31 on the Finnish charts. The band made their live debut on 31 December 1997 in Kitee in front of approximately 300 people.
After the departure of bassist Sami Vänskä in 2001, Marko Hietala joined, also taking over male vocal duties. The band's 2004 album *Once* sold over one million copies and was their US breakthrough. Following Turunen's dismissal in 2005, Anette Olzon replaced her and recorded two albums before leaving in 2012. Floor Jansen became lead vocalist in 2013, and Troy Donockley joined as a permanent member. Drummer Kai Hahto replaced Jukka Nevalainen in 2019, and bassist Jukka Koskinen replaced Marko Hietala in 2022. The band released their ninth and tenth studio albums, *Human. :II: Nature.* (2020) and *Yesterwynde* (2024), after which they announced a touring hiatus.
Reader's Guide
Nightwish's significance lies in their role as pioneers of symphonic metal, blending heavy metal with orchestral elements and operatic female vocals. Their international breakthrough with *Once* (2004) brought the genre to a global audience, and their consistent commercial success—over 10 million records sold and 60 gold/platinum awards—cemented their status as one of Finland's most successful musical exports. The band's legacy includes influencing countless symphonic metal acts and being inducted into the Finnish Music Hall of Fame in 2018. Their evolution through multiple vocalists and lineup changes, while maintaining a distinct sound, demonstrates their adaptability and enduring appeal. The touring hiatus announced in 2024 marks a pause in their live activity, but their catalog continues to define the symphonic metal genre.
Did You Know?
- The band's debut live performance was on 31 December 1997 in Kitee, Finland, in front of approximately 300 people.
- Bassist Sami Vänskä was replaced in 2001 by Marko Hietala, who also took over male vocal duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nightwish?
Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band that originated in the small town of Kitee in 1996. They are widely credited with helping define the symphonic metal genre by pairing heavy guitar riffs with dramatic, operatic female vocals.
Who is the current lead vocalist of Nightwish?
Floor Jansen has held the lead vocal position since 2013. Before her, the role was filled by Tarja Turunen, Marko Hietala, and Anette Olzon at different points in the band's history.
Which album was Nightwish's biggest international breakthrough?
The 2004 release *Once* is generally regarded as the record that cracked the American market, shipping over one million copies worldwide. It built on earlier Finnish and European successes with titles like *Oceanborn* and *Wishmaster*.
Who founded Nightwish and who is still in the band?
The group was started in 1996 by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and original singer Tarja Turunen. Holopainen remains the sole constant member and primary songwriter across every lineup change the band has undergone.
Why is Nightwish considered important in the metal scene?
They are recognized as pioneers who wove orchestral and operatic elements into heavy metal, creating a template that many later symphonic metal acts followed. In their home country, they rank as the third-best-selling musical act in Finland with close to 900,000 certified sales.
More in Symphonic metal musical groups 1-18
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