Nightwish

A symphonic heavy metal band from Kitee, Finland, founded in 1996 by Tuomas Holopainen. Nightwish was initially founded as an acoustic band with Holopainen on keyboards, Tarja Turunen on vocals and Erno "Emppu" Vuorinen on guitar. The band's musical style evolved into heavy metal in 1997 when drummer Jukka Nevalainen joined and they started using electric guitar. The band has gone through several lead singer changes throughout their career. First with original member Tarja Turunen in 2005 and then with Anette Olzon in 2012. Latest singer Floor Jansen joined in 2013 and parted ways with the band in 2026, with no immediate replacement announced. Long time drummer Jukka Nevalainen was forced to quit the band for good in 2019 due to health issues (insomnia). Another long-time key member, Marco Hietala quit due to personal reasons in 2021. They were replaced by Kai Hahto and Jukka Koskinen, respectively. Nightwish has released ten studio albums, the most recent of which was released in 2024. In June 2023, the band went on an indefinite hiatus from touring. While the band has stated they will record a new album in 2027, no plans for future shows or tours have been announced. Current line-up: Tuomas Holopainen - keyboards (1996–present) Emppu Vuorinen - guitars (1996–present) Troy Donockley - flutes, pipes, whistles (2013–present; touring/session member 2008–2013) Kai Hahto - drums (2019–present; touring/session member 2014–2019) Jukka Koskinen - bass (2022–present; touring/session member 2021–2022) Previous members: Tarja Turunen - vocals (1996–2005) Jukka Nevalainen - drums (1997–2014; on hiatus 2014–2019) Sami Vänskä - bass (1998–2001) Marco Hietala - bass, vocals (2001–2021) Anette Olzon - vocals (2007–2012) Floor Jansen - vocals (2013–2026; touring member 2012–2013)