Nightwish:
Symphonic power metal band Nightwish is one of the biggest bands to come out of Finland. Not only a huge hit in their home country, Nightwish is regarded highly all over the world, with over four million albums sold worldwide. Their mix of fast, uptempo numbers with epic, multi-faceted compositions have resonated well with most metal fans.
Early Days:
Nightwish was formed in 1996 by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, who had the idea of creating acoustic music. Tarja Turunen and Vuorinen joined Holopainen and the trio worked on a demo. Eventually, electric instruments were brought into the equation, a drummer was found, and the band released their first album, Angels Fall First, in 1997. While single “The Carpenter” was a top hit in their home country, it didn’t get much publicity outside of Finland.
Mainstream Success:
With 1998’s Oceanborn, the band began to get noticed around the world. While 2000’sWishmaster and 2002’s Century Child resulted in high sales and praise around Europe, they didn’t make much of a splash in America.
That would come with 2004’s Once, as the album featured the hit single “Wish I Had An Angel.” The single was played on MTV and featured on multiple movie soundtracks. Nightwish toured extensively behind the album, as critical and commercial success began to grow.
Tarja Fired:
In 2005, vocalist Tarja Turunen was fired via a controversial open letter. Tarja would continue on with a solo career. Nightwish searched for a new singer, eventually settling on Alyson Avenue singer Anette Olzon. Her first album with the band, Dark Passion Play, was released in 2007.
If You Like Nightwish, You Might Want To Check Out:
Epica, Lacuna Coil, Luna Mortis, Tarja
Current Nightwish Band Members:
Anette Olzon - Vocals (Alyson Avenue)
Erno ''Emppu'' Vuorinen - Guitar
Marco Hietala - Bass, Vocals (Sinergy, Tarot)
Jukka "Julius" Nevalainen - Drums (Sethian)
Tuomas Holopainen - Keyboards
Erno ''Emppu'' Vuorinen - Guitar
Marco Hietala - Bass, Vocals (Sinergy, Tarot)
Jukka "Julius" Nevalainen - Drums (Sethian)
Tuomas Holopainen - Keyboards
Former Band Members:
Tarja Turunen - Vocals (1996-2005)
Sami Vänskä - Bass (1998-2001)
Sami Vänskä - Bass (1998-2001)
Nightwish Discography:
1997 Angels Fall First (Spinefarm)
1998 Oceanborn (Spinefarm)
2000 Wishmaster (Spinefarm)
2001 From Wishes To Eternity (Spinefarm)
2002 Century Child (Spinefarm)
2004 Once (Nuclear Blast)
2006 End Of An Era (Nuclear Blast)
2007 Dark Passion Play (Spinefarm/Roadrunner)
1998 Oceanborn (Spinefarm)
2000 Wishmaster (Spinefarm)
2001 From Wishes To Eternity (Spinefarm)
2002 Century Child (Spinefarm)
2004 Once (Nuclear Blast)
2006 End Of An Era (Nuclear Blast)
2007 Dark Passion Play (Spinefarm/Roadrunner)
Recommended Nightwish Album:
Angels Fall First
Nightwish’s debut album isn’t the most successful or well-known album in the band’s catalogue, but it is a fan favorite. At this point, Nightwish was still finding their core sound, with acoustic guitars having a major presence on the album. Tarja’s vocals are powerful and emotional, the folk elements are engaging, and the songwriting is top-notch, especially for a debut album.
Nightwish’s debut album isn’t the most successful or well-known album in the band’s catalogue, but it is a fan favorite. At this point, Nightwish was still finding their core sound, with acoustic guitars having a major presence on the album. Tarja’s vocals are powerful and emotional, the folk elements are engaging, and the songwriting is top-notch, especially for a debut album.
