Opinion: Nightwish, Best Band Ever

If you have never heard of Nightwish, you are missing out.

Seriously, it is band from Finland who just blows me away.

It’s a Symphonic Metal band, which means the singer is Opera trained and the band plays metal instruments. Although, more and more they incorporate the entire symphony and even chorus to some of their songs.

Nightwish was created by songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen. He is the mastermind behind the band. His music is so original many have tried to copy him. He started Nightwish together with his friend Tarja Turunen, who trained as an opera signer and began as Nightwish’s lead singer.

Tarja and Tuomas

Together they released 5 albums since the band started in 1996. Later Tarja and Tuomas had a disagreement, which resulted in her leaving the band. The next two albums were released with the voice of Annette Olzon, until she too, left the band. Currently, it is Floor Jansen who is the lead singer.

Nightwish has released a total of 8 albums in 22 years. They are now known enough in the United States to be able to tour without other bands. They have a lot of classics in their repertoire and the current singer, Floor, is able to perform songs originally performed by Tarja and Annette.

I personally like Tarja Turunen the best, but since Floor is able to sing all songs, I am happy with her as a lead singer. She also has a strong personality and a good performance during concerts.

Floor Jansen in concert.

Usually people just stare at me whenever I tell them about Nightwish. For some reason, no one seems to have ever heard of them. I always have to explain who they are and why they are the most awesome band on Earth. I’ve been lucky to have been able to see them live four times now (including the last tour with Tarja witih “Once”). I doubt if they’ll come next year, but I’ll be looking forward to their next album (hopefully coming soon).

Their albums: