By the mid-’90s, as metal music was searching for new identity and horizons, certain artists took bold steps that redirected audiences toward sounds previously unimaginable. One of the most influential examples was Nightwish, a band that not only introduced symphonic metal to the masses but also cemented its presence in the music industry.
Before Nightwish, a significant turning point had already occurred in 1996 with Therion’s Theli, which incorporated orchestral elements and brought symphonic music closer to metal than ever before. However, in 1997, a band from Kitee, Finland, took it a step further—fusing metal and classical music in a way that birthed an entirely new genre: symphonic metal.
While much of this vision is credited to Tuomas Holopainen, the mastermind behind the band’s compositions and keyboards, it was Tarja Turunen’s mesmerizing soprano voice that initially captivated the uninitiated listener. Over the years, Nightwish’s rise was meteoric—thanks to Tuomas’ exceptional songwriting and Tarja’s ever-evolving vocals, which earned her widespread adoration. Naturally, this success paved the way for other bands to follow, giving rise to a thriving new scene. Additionally, Nightwish played a crucial role in expanding the presence of women in metal, a space that, until then, had remained largely male-dominated for numerous reasons.
As we all know, success comes with its challenges. More often than not, it becomes unmanageable, and it would have been difficult for five musicians from Kitee—suddenly enjoying worldwide recognition, financial rewards, and a fast-paced industry—to remain unaffected. Cracks began to show following the release of 2004’s Once, their most commercially successful album. The tour that followed took its toll, culminating in Tarja’s controversial dismissal in October 2005. The manner in which it was handled was both unusual and inelegant, leaving both sides in a cold standoff for the next two years.
In 2007, Tarja embarked on her solo career, free from the pressures of a band dynamic that had brought her fame but also, at times, felt restrictive. To be clear, this isn’t criticism of Nightwish, but rather an acknowledgment of the industry’s grip on artists—especially at that time. Now both a singer and songwriter, Tarja has remained consistent in her artistic vision, staying true to her audience while branching out into classical music and Christmas-themed releases alongside her more familiar symphonic metal material. Her worldwide tours continue to showcase a vocalist who is constantly refining her craft and solidifying her identity.
In 2000, Nightwish released Wishmaster, an album that felt like a musical parthenogenesis—a natural evolution of their sound. By then, success had already begun to take shape, but not everyone could keep up. Bassist Sami Vänskä, who had joined in 1998 during the Oceanborn era, left and was replaced by Marko Hietala, a seasoned musician from Tarot. Marko was not just a bassist—he was a charismatic vocalist, a commanding presence, and a strong personality. Crucially, his dynamic with Tuomas was one of mutual respect rather than conflict, which proved essential to Nightwish’s longevity.
However, in 2021, seemingly out of nowhere, Marko announced his departure from Nightwish, citing intense pressure from the music industry that left him feeling artistically and financially stifled. And here, I return to the asterisk I placed earlier: yes, the music industry can be suffocating, but at the same time, it is the only true gateway to success. Like it or not, it is responsible for bringing legendary artists to global audiences. That it does so in an often exploitative and cynical manner is another discussion entirely.
Since leaving Nightwish, Marko has pursued a solo career, already releasing two excellent studio albums. It’s still early to judge the long-term trajectory of his work, but given his artistic integrity and strong personality, I have no doubt he will continue to thrive.
Since 2023, Marko and Tarja have been touring together, reuniting on stage for the first time in years. Fittingly, they’ve titled their tour “Living the Dream”—a name that reflects their shared history and individual journeys.
Greek fans will have the unique opportunity to witness these two iconic musicians perform live at Thessaloniki – Principal Mylos Complex on April 6th and two days later in Athens – Gagarin 205.
For any true fan of the genre, missing this event is simply unthinkable!
Dimitris Kazantzis
