Once - CD Music

Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band formed in 1996 in Kitee by keyboardist and main composer Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen and vocalist Tarja Turunen. The band is widely recognized as one of the most successful and influential in the genre, combining elements of metal with symphonic orchestrations and lyrics often inspired by mythology, fantasy, and deep emotions.

Nightwish's signature sound is strongly marked by the powerful combination of Tarja Turunen's operatic voice (in the early years) with the rich orchestral arrangements and heavy guitars. The band's debut album, Angels Fall First (1997), introduced the band's unique style, but it was with the band's second album, Oceanborn (1998), that Nightwish began to gain international notoriety. This album included tracks that have become classics of the band, such as "Sleeping Sun" and "Sacrament of Wilderness".

Their third album, Wishmaster (2000), cemented the band's success, reaching the top of the charts in Finland and bolstering their global fan base. However, it was with the release of Once (2004) that the band reached a new level of commercial success. This album, which includes tracks such as "Nemo" and "Ghost Love Score", featured a grander production, with the inclusion of a full orchestra, and was widely acclaimed by both critics and fans.

In 2005, Tarja Turunen was released from the band, which sparked controversy and left many fans surprised. Anette Olzon was then chosen as the new vocalist, and the band released Dark Passion Play (2007), an album that continued to expand the band's symphonic sound and included the hit "Amaranth". Anette Olzon remained with the band until 2012, when she was replaced by current vocalist, Floor Jansen.

With Floor Jansen on vocals, Nightwish released Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015), an album that explores themes of science, evolution and nature, inspired in part by the works of Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins. The album was well received and confirmed the band as an enduring force in symphonic metal.

The band's most recent album, Human. :II: Nature. (2020), is a double album that continues to explore grandiose and philosophical themes, with an expansive orchestral production and a sound that mixes symphonic metal elements with more varied influences.

Nightwish is one of the most iconic bands in symphonic metal, known for their spectacular live performances and their ability to create music that is both exciting and introspective. The band continues to influence new musicians and captivate fans around the world with their innovative music and epic sound.