Nightwish is a prominent Finnish symphonic metal band known for their unique blend of rock and orchestral elements, making them one of the most successful musical entities in Finland and worldwide. Formed in July 1996 in Kitee, Finland, the band was initiated by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, along with guitarist Emppu Vuorinen and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. They quickly expanded their lineup, adding drummer Jukka Nevalainen and bassist Sami Vänskä, creating a sound that would soon captivate audiences.
The band released their debut album, "Angels Fall First," in 1997, but it was their second album, "Oceanborn," released in 1998, that truly marked their emergence in the metal scene. This album helped establish Nightwish's signature style, characterized by powerful vocals and sweeping symphonic arrangements. Their subsequent albums, including "Wishmaster" in 2000 and "Century Child" in 2002, further solidified their presence in the genre, with each release gathering increasing acclaim.
Nightwish's breakthrough came with the release of their 2004 album, "Once," which achieved significant commercial success, selling over a million copies globally. The album featured the hit single "Wish I Had an Angel," which gained extensive airplay on MTV and was included in multiple film soundtracks, marking the band's entry into the American music market. The band continued to innovate, producing additional singles and music videos from "Once," and they released a re-recorded version of "Sleeping Sun" for the compilation album "Highest Hopes: The Best of Nightwish" in 2005.
In October 2005, Nightwish underwent a significant change when Turunen was dismissed from the band. This transition led to the introduction of Anette Olzon in May 2007 as the new lead vocalist. The band’s sixth album, "Dark Passion Play," was released later that year and was met with critical and commercial success, selling nearly two million copies. The lead single, "Amaranth," became one of their most popular tracks in Europe, further enhancing their reputation.
The release of "Imaginaerum" in November 2011 continued to showcase Nightwish's evolving sound and artistry. However, in October 2012, Olzon parted ways with the band, and Floor Jansen was brought in to finish the tour and eventually became a permanent member in 2013. The band also welcomed longtime session musician Troy Donockley, known for his expertise with the uilleann pipes, into their lineup.
In a notable shift in dynamics, drummer Jukka Nevalainen announced in July 2019 that he would not return due to health issues related to insomnia, leading to Kai Hahto being officially named as the drummer. Further changes came when bassist Marko Hietala left the band in January 2021, and Jukka Koskinen was announced as his replacement in August 2022.
Over the years, Nightwish has become the third-best-selling band in Finland, with certified sales nearing 900,000 copies, and is recognized as the most successful Finnish band globally, amassing over 10 million records sold and more than 60 gold and platinum awards. Their discography includes six Number 1 albums and thirteen Number 1 singles. On October 26, 2018, Nightwish was inducted into the Finnish Music Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy as one of the most influential forces in the music industry.
