Fugazi

TARJA TURUNEN Discusses Her Current Relationship With Former NIGHTWISH Bandmate MARKO HIETALA Loaded Radio, February 19, 2024 https://loadedradio.com/tarja-turunen-relationship-nightwish-marko-hietala/ Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen says her current relationship with ex-bandmate Marko Hietala is much different these days In a recent interview with Brazil’s Metal Musikast, Tarja Turunen reflected on the experience of collaborating with her former NIGHTWISH bandmate, Marko “Marco” Hietala, for a special performance of “The Phantom Of The Opera” during their open-air concert in July 2023 at Z7 Summer Nights in Pratteln, Switzerland. At the event, Tarja and Marko each delivered individual sets, with their rendition of the iconic theme from Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s musical taking place during Turunen‘s segment of the show. “I got a call from a promoter to take part in one festival in Switzerland last year in a European summertime in July,” Tarja said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). And then I got to know, when I had accepted to be the artist of the evening, then I saw that they had also invited Marko and Marko’s band to perform in the same festival. “So I thought, ‘Hmm.’ And I was actually sending a message that I wished to reach Marko, because I didn’t have his contact any longer, to ask him to perform with me ‘The Phantom Of The Opera‘ in my show. And he responded ‘yes.’ So, after 18 years [laughs], we were about to sing the song together. And it was super exciting. It was really beautiful. The people got very emotional about this. “We had met already before — we had been singing on a few occasions in Finland a few years before — so we kind of cleaned the table on that occasion already,” she explained. “So we were in good terms, so to say, but now singing ‘The Phantom Of The Opera‘ together after all these years was amazing. So we did it twice, actually — we did it in Switzerland and then in Finland. And now we are going to do it — that and a lot more [laughs] — there in Brazil [during our upcoming joint tour].” Tarja also elaborated on her current friendship with Marko, saying: “It’s a new relationship with him, because he’s not the same person anymore than he was in the band. He has changed a lot, and many years have passed by. I’ve changed myself. Life has changed us. So it is a new relationship, let’s say. And it had made me very happy to get to know him better after all these years.” Tarja spoke to Chaoszine last November and said that she was “nervous” prior to performing “The Phantom Of The Opera” with Marko at Z7 Summer Nights. “I believe that he was nervous as well to meet up with me, but we were both very excited to go back to the stage and to sing the song,” she said. “We sang ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ in Switzerland for the first time. Then we went over to Finland to perform it again, did a show together there — he with his band and me with my own. Wow. It was pure emotion. “I think it was really beautiful, but it made me kind of… I was, like, ‘I’m in peace,’ sort of. The feeling was great. I think it was even more for Marko, because I saw him standing there after my concert, when I finished my set, and he came like almost in tears, saying that this was important. We reconnected, and it’s great. Now I’m really looking forward to have this tour [with Marko] in South America in March [2024], and I’m sure you will see something else happening also. Yeah, you’ll hear.” Turunen‘s tenure with NIGHTWISH came to an abrupt end at the conclusion of the band’s 2005 tour when she was presented with an open letter. This letter, announcing her departure, was simultaneously published on the NIGHTWISH website. Hietala made headlines in January 2021 with his announcement of departure from NIGHTWISH. In a statement, he revealed his struggle with feeling validated in his life for several years. Following his departure, session bassist Jukka Koskinen from WINTERSUN stepped in to fill his role. Koskinen made his live debut with NIGHTWISH in May 2021 during the band’s two interactive experiences.

ANETTE OLZON To Release Rapture Album In May; "Heed The Call" Lyric Video Streaming Braveworlds, February 22, 2024 https://bravewords.com/news/anette-olzon-to-release-rapture-album-in-may-heed-the-call-lyric-video-streaming Anette Olzon, the former powerhouse vocalist of Nightwish and one-half of the dynamic duo behind The Dark Element alongside Jani Liimatainen, is back with her third solo album, Rapture, out May 10 The first single and accompanying lyric video, "Heed The Call", is out today, offering a tantalizing taste of what's to come from this highly anticipated release. Watch the video below, and pre-order the album here. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, Anette Olzon shares: "I'm so happy to release the first song from my upcoming album Rapture. 'Heed The Call' is a culmination of passion, energy, and creative expression, and I truly hope you'll enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to life." Set to captivate audiences worldwide, Rapture promises to deliver an electrifying blend of heavy melodies and soaring vocals that solidify Anette Olzon's esteemed status as one of the premier female voices in the metal genre. Following in the footsteps of her critically acclaimed second solo album, Strong, Anette Olzon once again teams up with acclaimed Swedish guitarist and producer Magnus Karlsson to craft a musical experience that pushes boundaries and excites the senses. Together, they have curated a collection of songs that showcase Anette's unparalleled vocal range, complemented by Karlsson's masterful riffs and the addition of growls by Johan Husgafvel, adding a dynamic layer to the album's sound. Rapture seamlessly navigates through various musical genres, from symphonic to melodic power metal, with hints of melo-death, while maintaining an irresistibly catchy and melodious essence. Anette Olzon's performance on this album is her most versatile yet, proving her ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to her signature style. Renowned mixer Jacob Hansen, known for his work with Pretty Maids, Volbeat, and The Dark Element, returns to the fold to ensure that Rapture achieves the perfect balance between heaviness and hookiness, resulting in an album that is both impactful and memorable. Rapture is set to unleash its sonic fury upon the world, cementing Anette Olzon's status as a force to be reckoned with in the metal music scene. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer power and beauty of Anette Olzon's Rapture. Tracklisting: "Heed The Call" "Rapture" "Day Of Wrath" "Requiem" "Arise" "Take A Stand" "Cast Evil Out" "Greedy World" "Hear My Song" "Head Up High" "We Search For Peace" "Heed The Call" lyric video: Band lineup: Anette Olzon - Vocals Magnus Karlsson - Guitar Bass Keyboards Anders Köllerfors - Drums Johan Husgafvel - Growl --- I've listened to 'Heed The Call', it's rather catchy. Judging from the lyrics and the track titles, this will be a heavily religion-inspired album?

Kai now has his own merch store, selling even Nightwish signature drumsticks! https://www.backstagerockshop.com/collections/kai-hahto

Just for fun, here are the official release dates for the previous albums. Some albums have seen staggered releases in different countries, but I'm giving only the very first date of release. We're probably looking at an August to October time frame for the 10th album. Mar 27: Endless Forms Most Beautiful Apr 10: Human Nature May 19: Wishmaster May 25: Century Child Jun 7: Once Jun 25: Over The Hills And Far Away Sep 26: Dark Passion Play Nov 1: Angels Fall First Nov 30: Imaginaerum Dec 7: Oceanborn

Listening to the latest album, and I found this video showing off Ambre's talent as a vocalist.

Also, Mika is throwing a fit at entitled fans:

Mika Jussila commenting on the ongoing mastering process: https://www.facebook.com/mikamastering/posts/pfbid0RuAvqzAPzs34izG8cqusbLaL5oNrqpS2BoDdrHa7UzASz3nTpD2YMbmKZNGsTyypl

Epica have published on YouTube a short 2024 tour after-movie. It's the kind of simple fan acknowledgement that I miss from Nightwish these days.

For what it's worth, Darkwoods has published this on their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/DarkwoodsMyBetrothed/posts/pfbid0m2XZwT7xXxLjs6N8i8tjxPPvHEkGU9FpQ8qmD8ELcsbdH84vkQTtGYM4M46EZmJZl So Kai has officially joined the band, are they planning a tour, more albums or something? 👀 In any case, Kai has replied under that post to a fan speculating about Nightwish winding down:

Yes, Xandria with Wind Rose on April 15 and Kamelot on April 28.

A word from James Shearman, new orchestral arranger on album #10 replacing Pip Williams: https://www.facebook.com/JamesShearmanConductor/posts/pfbid0xGHtn2pXgqH2AzDFTgYGYDCax5tXB1gq2v6NvCeUK2yCfVeRcXxaYRPTCav9mWZNl

Huh, this might be an opportunity to see them in Quebec City. Shortly after Xandria! 👀

Hi Richard, welcome to this forum! This book of yours sounds like a huge endeavour, but I do hope you get to publish, I'm sure you have some great personal stories to tell from some of your 121 Nightwish experiences! You are of course welcome to use information from this forum if it can add to your work. How far along have you got in your project? Have you considered self-publishing as an e-book? I think there are also options for print-on-demand on some publishing platforms, but I have no real experience in that area.

I don't think this YT reactor has been mentioned here before - ShawkaReacts - he has a number of entertaining Nightwish and Floor reaction videos that you might enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/@ShawkaReacts/search?query=nightwish For instance, he was rightly and properly impressed by Storytime -

The big news is, Xandria is returning to North America! As the opening act for Wind Rose, an italian power metal band I know nothing about, but I think I would like to see Xandria though.

According to setlist.fm, in his solo show Kai played Music, Pan and Nemo from Nightwish, plus songs from Wintersun, Swallow The Sun, Auri and others. Music (Nightwish) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EibFr6JCWRs Broken Mirror (Trees Of Eternity) Labyrinth of London (Horror, Part IV) (Swallow The Sun) Happy Birthday (to Kai!) Niin minä sinulle kuulun (Tauski) Pan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYdG_c_mFu0 Black Fog And Poison Wind (Darkwoods My Betrothed) Pearl Diving (Auri) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH9H33m8GnE What's The Matter Mama (Max On The Rox) Mexico (Max On The Rox) Yeah-No / It Ain't What You Do / Roadhouse Blues Nemo (with Kai's son on the main kit) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlfOBMvnZQI Time (Wintersun) Loneliness (Winter) (Wintersun) I hope that the official recordings from the show become available in one form or another.

I guess it is to be expected that a minority of the fandom will never move on past Charlotte. Some Tarja fans are still trolling Nightwish social media to this day. 🙄 I mean, I love Charlotte and I'm a paying member of her Patreon, but... I must admit that I also enjoy the new material and Diana's voice and stage presence. Besides, I'm sure she will get even better as she grows into her role. Also, the better part of the new Delain album was written-composed before Diana was even chosen as a vocalist, so I expect the next album will take even better advantage of her vocal talents.

Well, I don't know about Wintersun but both Kai and Johanna seem to be quite confident about an Auri tour in 2025, so there's that. Slower tempi expected! 😁

'Shallow' wasn't Floor's first Lady Gaga cover... have you seen her performing 'Bad Romance', back in 2010 with ReVamp? She sounds so good! 🤘 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_AMqAFMSgI

A new Altamullan Road interview.

A new interview with Kai, he talks about everything brewing for him right now: Nightwish, Wintersun, Auri, solo stuff, teaching...

I have received an e-mail from Record Shop X in Finland that they have found a number of copies of the previously sold-out exclusive How's The Heart/Noise vinyl, so I'm dropping this here if anyone is interested. https://www.recordshopx.com/single/nightwish/hows_the_heart_noise/

I had to check setlist.fm to see that Anette did tour since leaving Nightwish, with her solo material in 2014-15 and with The Dark Element in 2018, mostly in Europe and Japan. I agree that chances of her singing in North America again are slim.

Kai even mentions 'late Fall', which is really dragging things out. 😪 I wonder if there will be another album release to get them touring again in 2026-27, or whether they will simply tour in support of the upcoming album, with a long delay just like the Human Nature tour? Albums in 2024 and 2026 (or 2027) would not be typical of the long Nightwish album cycle we are now used to. On the other hand, maybe 2026-27 will simply be a 30th Anniversary tour, and not one in support of a new release. I do look forward to 3 new proper videos, last time they were so video-prolific was on Dark Passion Play.

If you're not tired of the endless string of GLS reactions, or even if you are, here's one from a different angle: a drummer reacting to Kai drumming GLS. Those drum-cam videos have been mentioned here before. Joely Jam - GLS drum-cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1k1Y-FoxmY