A grandiose, keyboard driven Metal band that has risen to huge successes in mainland Europe and South America. Undoubtedly the foremost exponents of the "Operatic Metal" genre, NIGHTWISH not only spearheaded the movement but also prompted a myriad of acts to follow in their wake. Accumulating a crop of number 1 chart awards and homeland platinum discs along their journey upward, the band rose to a zenith during 2005, only to shock fans by dismissing their striking focal, and vocal, point singer TARJA TURUNEN. However, since that juncture the band has strengthened its global position.

NIGHTWISH was originally conceived in the town of Kitee as a side project of NATTVINDENS GRÅT members keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen and bassist Sami Vänskä. NATTVINDENS GRÅT had put out two albums for Germany's Solistitium Records, 1995's 'A Bard's Tale' and 1997's 'Chaos Without Theory'.

From the very outset Tuomas Holopainen drove the concept and took on full responsibilities for songwriting, including lyrics. The opening incarnation of NIGHTWISH, Holopainen and Vänskä being joined by guitarist Erno 'Emppu' Vuorinen and singer TARJA TURUNEN (Tarja Soile Susanna Turunen Cabuli), started life as a Folk band, recording their first three acoustic based songs between October and December 1996, billed as 'Wishes In The Night', but decided that the only genre of music that could ably cope with the power of vocalist Tarja Turunen was Heavy Metal. Pre-NIGHTWISH, the teenage Turunen had studied classical singing at the Sibelius Academy of Kuopio.

NIGHTWISH's inaugural demo was a strictly acoustic affair but a second tape the cut in April of the following year introduced electric guitars and drums. NIGHTWISH had also drafted the services of a permanent drummer Jukka Nevalainen. By May the group had secured a two album deal with the notable Finnish label Spinefarm Records.

Hugely successful in their native Finland with regular chart appearances, NIGHTWISH's debut 1997 single 'The Carpenter', a split offering shared with CHILDREN OF BODOM and THY SERPENT, entered the Finnish charts at number 8. The debut album, effectively a set of demos, some tracks not even having bass guitar parts, was recorded at Kitee's Huvikeskus studio. Entitled 'Angels Fall First', the record was released that November, reaching number 31 in the national Finnish album charts. The band's first live appearance occurred in Kitee on the 31st December 1997. Originally Spinefarm issued 'Angels Fall First' in a seven track edition, this later expanded with different artwork and adding four songs, 'Tutankhamen', 'Beauty And The Beast', 'Know Why The Nightingale Sings' and 'Elvenpath' but removing 'Once Upon A Troubadour' and 'A Return To The Sea'. A limited edition variant featured a slight alteration to the front cover artwork but totally different reverse sleeve. Only 500 copies of this variant were manufactured, making it highly collectable.

Momentum then slowed as both Holopainen and Vuorinen were waylaid by their obligatory military draft and Turunen engaged herself in studies. During this period an optimistic Spinefarm extended the band's contract. A promotional video was filmed for 'The Carpenter' in May 1998 and that Summer the group was bolstered with the arrival of another NATTVINDENS GRÅT musician, bassist Sami Vänskä. Recordings commenced at Caverock Studio with Tero Kinnunen for a sophomore album, 'Oceanborn', these sessions being wrapped up by late October. The record featured a guesting Tapio Wilska, an esteemed veteran of SETHIAN, DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED, NATTVINDENS GRÅT and WIZZARD, donating "devil" and "Pharaoh" voices.

A gig on 13th November in Kitee would be used as an opportunity to lens a second promo video, for the new track 'Sacrament Of Wilderness', issued as a single that very same month as another split outing, this time allied with DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED and ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW. Quite spectacularly, this single hit the number 1 position in Finland. By January 1999 the band had no less than two singles in the top three and a top five album 'Oceanborn'. Japanese variants of the album came complete with an exclusive extra track 'Nightquest'. That Spring 'Oceanborn' was licensed for European release, Drakkar Productions in Germany wrapping the album in new artwork, the record rapidly generating media and fan attention.

A fresh single, 'Sleeping Sun', was recorded in mid 1999. The single package would include NIGHTWISH's cover of 'Walking On The Air', originally from the soundtrack to the children's cartoon 'The Snowman'. Such had been the band's initial impact in Germany that 'Sleeping Sun' would sell over 15,000 copies in its first month of release. August would be marked by both 'Oceanborn' and 'Sacrament Of Wilderness' receiving gold sales status. Touring in Germany had the band partnering RAGE for a 26 date run of gigs.

Early 2000 saw the band taking somewhat of an unexpected diversion by entering the Eurovision Song Contest with the track 'Sleepwalker'. The band came in a respectable second. NIGHTWISH would repeat earlier successes with the 'Wishmaster' album, officially reaching gold status just two hours after stores opened, the album easily taking the Finnish number 1 spot and remaining lodged there for three weeks. Co-produced by the band and Tero Kinnunen, the album's tour de force, 'The Kinslayer' with Ike Vil of BABYLON WHORES on guest vocals, took the band into controversial territory with its theme based on the April 20th 1999 Columbine school massacre. 'Wishmaster' also made significant headway in Europe, peaking at number 21 in Germany and number 66 in France. Released in May, the tour to promote the record was fittingly launched in the band's home town of Kitee. The gig would be made even more memorable as after their performance NIGHTWISH received their gold discs for the album 'Oceanborn' as well as singles 'Sacrament Of Wilderness', 'Walking In The Air' and 'Sleeping Sun'. Once again the Japanese market benefited from an extra song in the Eurovision track 'Sleepwalker'. With interest in NIGHTWISH rising rapidly Spinefarm issued a lavish limited edition set entitled 'Golden Wishes', comprising the band's first three albums plus a disc of rarities all in picture disc format.

NIGHTWISH headlined a clutch of major festival events in Finland prior to touring South America in July 2000, taking in Panama, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Returning to Europe the group put in appearances at the 'Wacken Open Air' event in Germany and the Belgian 'Biebop' festival upfront of a full European headline trek supported by ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW and SINERGY. Canada would be next on the agenda, with a brace of Montreal gigs in November. The year would be capped with the filming and recording of a live album and DVD at Tampere on the 29th of December. This concert too proved a landmark in more ways than one as when the band left the stage they were presented with yet another gold singles award, this time for 'Deep Silent Complete', as well as a platinum award for 'Wishmaster'.

The band scored their fourth consecutive gold status single in Finland during the Summer of 2001 when 'Over the Hills and Far Away', a cover of the GARY MOORE tune, charted high. The EP also hosted two brand new recordings and a re-make of 'Astral Romance'. A German variant, released through the Drakkar label, added a further six live tracks. This single would endure for a record breaking run on the charts. It entered at the top spot then remained on the listing for very nearly a year, re-entering again in 2004.

Tarja Turunen would guest on the 2001 debut album from Argentinean Symphonic Metal band BETO VASQUEZ INFINITY, a group that had supported NIGHTWISH at their 2000 show in the Argentine capitol Buenos Aires.

Bassist Sami Vänskä was replaced by Marco Hietala, a founder member of important Finnish metal act TAROT, during October 2001. The new man had also performed with SINERGY, by coincidence having supported NIGHTWISH with this band where, in an end of tour practical joke, the SINERGY members went on stage mimicking the NIGHTWISH musicians - Hietala in the bass role.

During March 2002 keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen was announced as part of the formation of a Finnish 'Gothic Metal supergroup' dubbed FOR MY PAIN. Joining him in this endeavour would be the ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW triumvirate of bassist Altti Veteläinen, guitarist Olli-Pekka Törrö and drummer Petri Sankala, guitarist Lauri Tuohimaa of EMBRAZE and fronted by REFLECTION vocalist Juha Kylmänen.

NIGHTWISH's 'Century Child' album opened the floodgates for the band on the global scene. It would debut on the Finnish charts at the no. 1 position, soon achieving platinum status for having broken the 30'000 units sold mark, and at no. 5 in Germany. The album was preceded in their homeland by a record breaking no. 1 single 'Ever Dream' which occupied the top position for a five week run, gaining another Platinum award. Before long 'Century Child' had made its mark on most of the European charts and took just 24 hours to sell out of its first pressing when issued in Brazil. The band would tour Brazil, Chile and Argentina to capacity audiences. A second single, 'Bless The Child', which came complete with the previously unreleased 'Lagoon' track', maintained the momentum throughout August.

At their commercial peak, with 'Century Child' being granted double platinum status in Finland for over 60,000 sales, Tarja Turunen announced she was to take time out from the band. The other members maintained their work schedule, drummer Jukka Nevalainen and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen featuring as session guests on the debut album from SETHIAN, a side venture of former WIZZARD frontman Tapio Wilska. Meantime guitarist Emppu Vuorinen got involved in composing TV music, recording the theme tune for Finnish MTV3's 'Hockey Night'. Holopainen was also set to aid Doomsters SILENTIUM on production of their third album 'Harmátia de Prudence' for early 2003. Meantime 'Century Child' saw a US release through the Century Media label in September, the same month NIGHTWISH put in their debut North American live performance at the 'Prog Power IV' festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sami Vänskä, Emppu Vuorinen and Jukka Nevalainen would all aid RATA BLANCA vocalist Adrian Barilari in recording his debut solo album, the Brazilian superstar recording at Finnvox Studios. Other guest appearances from NIGHTWISH members featured on the TIMO RAUTIAINEN & TRIO NISKALAUKAUS album 'Kylmä Tila'. Tuomas Holopainen aided on keyboards for the songs 'Juoksevan Veden Aika' and 'Kylmä Tila', whilst Marco Hietala appeared on the track 'Älkää Selvittäkö'. Other activity had Emppu Vuorinen contributing guitar work to HUMAN TEMPLE's debut 'Insomnia' album.

A NIGHTWISH DVD release, 'End Of Innocence', featured a bonus audio CD 'Nightwish: Live At Summer Breeze 2002'. The DVD package not only included expected promotional videos, live clips and behind the scenes footage but also film from the very first NIGHTWISH life performance.

2004

The first signs of a 2004 release from NIGHTWISH came with the announcement that the band were to work with esteemed film director Antti Jokinen on a promotional video for the 'Nemo' single. 'Nemo' entered the German singles chart at no. 12 before climbing higher. In addition, the single came in at no. 1 in both Finland and Hungary, no. 4 in Norway, no. 24 in Austria and no. 25 in Switzerland. Various formats of this single, which soon scored gold status in Finland for having sold over 5,000 copies, included the non album tracks 'White Night Fantasy' and 'Live To Tell The Tale'. During the recording sessions for the album, entitled 'Once', NIGHTWISH also cut a rendition of 'Where Were You Last Night', originally by ANKIE BAGGER, for use as an intended B side. Interestingly, the cover photograph for 'Once', the sculpture 'Angel of Grief' by William Wetmore Story, had been earlier used by EVANESCENCE on their 1998 'Evanescence' EP.

So successful had the band become in their homeland that the Finnish national post office even printed a special commemorative stamp and other enterprising soles at the Pirkanmaan Uusi Panimo company brewed a Nightwish 'Megabueno Cerveza' beer. The band, having cut a promotional video for second album single 'I Wish I Had An Angel', lined up a North American headline tour for August 2004, supported by fellow Finns LULLACRY.

'Once' would sell over 80,000 copies in its first week of sale in Germany to debut at no. 1 in the album charts. The band repeated the feat in Greece, Finland and Norway. Within just two weeks of sales 'Once' had been certified gold in Germany, having sold over 100,000 copies and making it Nuclear Blast's most successful record to date. By September the album had broken the German platinum barrier for sales in excess of 200,000 copies. 'Once' also topped the Billboard European album charts. During July, as the video for 'Nemo' topped the Brazilian MTV charts, the band shot a new promotional clip in Germany for second single 'I Wish I Had An Angel'. Meantime, in the USA, the band was in hurried negotiations with a major label to issue 'Once' upfront of their August tour dates, confirming their signature to Roadrunner Records shortly beforehand for an October US release. US editions of the album would bear different artwork and add extra tracks in 'White Night Fantasy', 'Live To Tell The Tale' and a video clip for 'Wish I Had An Angel'. In addition, Century Media also scheduled 'The End Of Innocence' DVD and the 'Over The Hills And Far Away' EP for US release.

Despite processing their visas in March, the band was forced to cancel the first three shows of their North American tour, in Toronto, Montreal and Philadelphia, after failing to secure the necessary documentation in time for the tour's kick-off date on 16th August. The remaining dates, commencing in Worcester on the 20th, remained unaffected. STRATOVARIUS keyboard player Jens Johansson joined NIGHTWISH for a cover of MEGADETH's 'Symphony Of Destruction' during the band's appearance at the B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City on 22nd August.

In September Tarja Turunen entered Finnvox Studios in Helsinki with producer Esa Nieminen to record two traditional Finnish Christmas songs, 'En Etsi Valtaa, Loistoa' and 'Kun Joulu On' for her first solo single. Meantime, in early October, the NIGHTWISH single 'Wish I Had An Angel' entered the Finnish single chart at position No. 1.

Following a 13th October performance in Hamburg, Germany the band was presented with a 'Golden ticket' award for having sold over 50,000 concert tickets on their European tour. NIGHTWISH's status in Europe would be confirmed with their appearance as headlining act at the 'Metal Female Voices Fest II' event held in Brussels during November. The group topped a bill comprising EPICA, FLOWING TEARS, SENGIR, DARKWELL, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, ASHES YOU LEAVE and SYRENS CALL. A retrospective compilation album, 'Tales From The Elvenpath', also impressively landed at no. 7 on the German album charts.

A third single lifted from the album for Finnish release on 24th November, 'Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan', included a B side live version of MEGADETH's 'Symphony Of Destruction', recorded live at the Nosturi in Helsinki in October. On the same day as the single release, which duly debuted at no. 1 in Finland, Spinefarm Records also put out a special "platinum" edition of the 'Once' album, this variant adding extra tracks 'Live To Tell The Tale', 'White Night Fantasy' and the 'Nemo' video. The dominance continued as the following week after 'Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan's success on the charts TARJA TURUNEN's solo single, 'Yhden Enkelin Unelma' entered the Finnish single chart at position no. 2, jumping to the top spot the following week as it gained a gold sales award. Interest in the band was so strong that the previous NIGHTWISH single, 'Wish I Had An Angel', re-entered the charts at no. 9. Meantime, 'Once' would be certified gold in Sweden for sales in excess of 30,000 copies and triple platinum in their homeland for sales of 90,000.

2005

Renewed European touring throughout February of 2005 saw Norwegians TRISTANIA as opening act. That same month the band dominated the prestigious Finnish Emma-Gaala awards held at the Kulttuuritalolla in Helsinki. NIGHTWISH won in the categories 'Metal Album Of The Year', 'Best Selling Album', 'Band Of The Year', 'Export-Emma' and the public voted 'Best Finnish Artist'.

NIGHTWISH united with leading Brazilian act ANGRA for Japanese dates in March. Further scheduled touring in the USA had NIGHTWISH set to return in April, commencing on the 20th in Chicago, Illinois, with SONATA ARCTICA as support but these shows would be curtailed. The shows would be re-announced for September, then cancelled once again. September Swedish gigs saw support from NOCTURNAL RITES. The band finalised their touring with a unique concert at the Helsinki Hartwell Arena on 21st October, selling out all 11,000 tickets within an hour of public release. As if any further acknowledgement of NIGHTWISH's success was required, the 'End Of Innocence' DVD scored gold status in Germany for 25,000 sales and shortly after the compilation 'Tales From The Elvenpath' was certified gold in Germany for sales in excess of 100,000 copies.

Another compilation album, 'Highest Hopes - The Best Of Nightwish', was set for September issue. Limited edition variants added three video clips filmed at the 'Mera Luna' festival in Hildesheim, Germany during 2003, 'She Is My Sin', 'Dead To The World' and 'Kinslayer'. That same month Turunen recorded a song with SCHILLER mentor Christopher Von Deylen, guesting alongside Moya Brennan of CLANNAD and MIKE OLDFIELD. An October single by Dutch Gothic Metal act AFTER FOREVER, 'Being Everyone', featured non album cut 'Face Your Demons' complete with guest vocals by Marco Hietala from NIGHTWISH.

Immediately after the band's final show of 2005, at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, NIGHTWISH fans would be stunned to read an "open letter" on the official band site effectively sacking TARJA TURUNEN. Penned by keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen, the group's principal songwriter, the statement would be harshly critical, announcing "To you, unfortunately, business, money and things that have nothing to do with those emotions have become much more important. You feel that you have sacrificed yourself and your musical career for NIGHTWISH, rather than thinking what it has given to you. You have said yourself that you are merely a 'guest musician' in NIGHTWISH. Now that visit ends and we will continue NIGHTWISH with a new female vocalist." Further accusations blamed Turunen for a "Diva" like attitude and for having apparently threatened to leave the band "at a day's notice". Subsequently, Holopainen revealed that the personal problems were entrenched to such a degree that he and Turunen "have not spoken with each other for many years". The singer responded, saying simply that she was "devastated" and adding "It has been very cruel the way the band handled this in public." Just days later the re-recorded version of 'Sleeping Sun' hit no. 1 on the Finnish singles charts.

TARJA TURUNEN subsequently held a tearful press conference in Finland where she revealed she had in fact resolved to leave NIGHTWISH in December 2004.

Rumours suggested that Opera singer Sarah Rusanen, Sabine Dünser of ELIS and Lady Angellyca of Spain's Gothic Metal band FOREVER SLAVE were in the running to fill the vocal vacancy. Although hotly denied at first, Lady Angellyca confirmed in late December that she was indeed a candidate.

2006

January of 2006 saw the release of a Humppa version of 'Nemo' by ELÄKELÄISET, re-titled 'Jukolan Humppa'. With NIGHTWISH on hold whilst Tuomas Holopainen wrote new album tracks, band members engaged in various outside activities. Marco Hietala worked on an album for TAROT and also found time to contribute guest vocals to the 2006 ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW album 'Before The Bleeding Sun'. Hietala also notably performed duets with LIV KRISTINE for the song 'Day For Ghosts' and WITHIN TEMPTATION's Sharon Den Adel on 'No Compliance' featured on DELAIN's 'Lucidity' album. Holopainen found time to conduct studio work with FOR MY PAIN and gigs with KOTITEOLLISUUS. Emppu Vuorinen, working with LEVERAGE singer Pekka Ansio Heino, announced the release of his AOR band BROTHER FIRETRIBE's debut album, 'False Metal'. Vuorinen also sessioned on the debut ALMAH solo album project of ANGRA lead singer Eduardo Falaschi.

A planned live DVD, 'End Of An Era', was put into jeopardy as Finnish newspapers reported that TARJA TURUNEN was refusing to sign necessary contracts to allow its release unless further agreements were made forbidding any comments by the band about Turunen or her husband / manager Marcelo Cabuli. This suggestion would impose a 250,000 Euro fine for each time the terms of the contract were violated.

Although still at that stage yet to announce the name of their new vocalist, NIGHTWISH commenced fresh album recordings on September 15th.

In November, as erstwhile singer TARJA TURUNEN's solo album 'Henkäys Ikuisuudesta' entered the Finnish charts at number 7, Finnish weekly celebrity gossip magazine Katso reported that NIGHTWISH leader Tuomas Holopainen and group's manager Ewo Rytkönen had been in contact with EPICA singer Simone Simons with a view toward replacing Turunen. However, shortly afterward a band statement revealed they were still accepting applications with a deadline of January 15th 2007. Meantime, the band musicians were ensconced at Abbey Road Studios in London, working with arranger Pip Williams and conductor James Shearman on the orchestral parts for the group's new album.

On 16th February Marco Hietala was honoured with the "Vocalist of the Year" award at the Finnish Metal Awards, which were held during the Finnish Metal Expo at the Cable Factory in Helsinki, Finland. In March speculation in Scandinavian newspapers put former TRISTANIA singer Vibeke Stene in the frame as the new NIGHTWISH singer. However, Vibeke herself shot down these rumours almost immediately.

NIGHTWISH released a new, internet only single, entitled 'Eva', on May 30th. The group announced that their new singer's identity would be revealed simultaneously in a press statement and on the band's website that same day. An extensive run of North American shows in October and November would be supported by PARADISE LOST. Behind the scenes, NIGHTWISH had in fact been working towards their new singer for quite some time.

In late 2004 Anette Olzon had submitted an application to NIGHTWISH as proposed replacement for TARJA TURUNEN. Her demo comprised a rendition of 'Ever Dream', which prompted a reply from the band within just one week. Olzon was then asked to record over an instrumental version of 'Once' on the songs 'Nemo', 'Higher Than Hope', 'Wish I Had An Angel' and 'Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan'. With speculation as to the possible identity of a new NIGHTWISH vocalist rife amongst the media, Olzon's name was missed as more familiar candidates were theorized upon.

In March NIGHTWISH issued a statement asking for further demo submissions for the vacant vocalist position. Although having been advised she had not been a successful applicant, Anette Olzon sent in further material to the band, a live DVD of her act ALYSON AVENUE. Shortly afterward ALYSON AVENUE returned to the stage, breaking a decade's absence from live work, at the KB venue in Malmö on May 29th. However, guitarist Christofer Dahlman left the day after the show.

NIGHTWISH asked Anette Olzon for a meeting in August and demoed tracks in early September 2006. Although still at that stage yet to announce the name of their new vocalist, NIGHTWISH commenced fresh recordings on September 15th. Olzon returned to Kitee in October to put down more material. In 2006 Anette Olzon also sang a duet with MICHAEL+BORMANN, the ex-JADED+HEART singer, on his solo album 'Conspiracy'.

2007

Still with her identity yet to be revealed to fans, Anette Olzon was offered the NIGHTWISH position on January 30th 2007 in a phone conversation with band leader and keyboard player Tuomas Holopainen. NIGHTWISH announced they were to release a new, internet only single, entitled 'Eva', on May 30th. The group announced that their new singer's identity would be revealed simultaneously in a press statement and on the band's website that same day.

However, an internet leak of a 30 second soundclip of 'Eva' prompted the band to re-strategize and the 'Eva' single was brought forward to a May 24th download release via NetAnttila. On this same day NIGHTWISH named their new singer as Anette Olzon (a.k.a. Anette Blyckert). With this renewed focus on the ALYSON AVENUE catalogue both 'Presence Of Mind' and 'Omega' albums were re-issued. 'Omega' would benefit from newly recorded drums and an overall remix.

In June the song 'While Your Lips Are Still Red' was featured on the soundtrack to the Finnish movie 'Lieksa!' directed by Markku Pölönen.osed by Tuomas Holopainen and was recorded by Holopainen, vocalist / bass Although not credited fully to NIGHTWISH the song was compist Marco Hietala and Jukka Nevalainen on drums. That same month Tuomas Holopainen was attributed with a staement claiming that the new NIGHTWISH album was the most expensive ever to be recorded in Finland, costing some half a million Euros.

NIGHTWISH issued the single 'Amaranth', accompanied by an Antti Jokin directed promotional video, on 24th August 2007, this effort easily claiming the top spot on the national Finnish charts. 'Amaranth' also topped the charts in Spain, Hungary and Norway.

The album 'Dark Passion Play' was released on 26th September by Spinefarm Records in Finland, and 28th September via Nuclear Blast Records via across Europe and on the same date Roadrunner Records for the USA. 'Dark Passion Play' scored immediate no. 1s in Finland, where it sold over 60,000 copies in its first two days of release, Germany and Switzerland. It also scored at no. 4 in Sweden, no. 5 in Austria, Greece and the Netherlands, no. 7 in Norway, no. 14 in Italy, no. 18 in Denmark, no. 25 in the UK, no. 36 in Belgium, no. 50 in Poland and Spain, and no. 62 in Ireland.

NIGHTWISH made its live debut with new singer Anette Olzon on Saturday 22nd September 2007 at Rock Café in Tallinn, Estonia. The group, which appeared under the guise of a NIGHTWISH "cover band" called NACHTWASSER. The band also performed at the Helsinki and Hamburg album release parties. The Helsinki party took place on 26th September at the Tavastia venue billed as "A "NIGHTWISH cover band from Estonia called NATUVISSYSET" whilst the Hamburg party took place on the album's German release date, 28th September, at the Delphi Showpalast club where it was announced that the entire group would attend the event, which was to feature a performance by "a famous and glorious NIGHTWISH cover band called SUSHI PATROL from Japan". Outside of these performances, Annete Olzon's official live debut for NIGHTWISH came on 6th October 2007 in Tel Aviv, Israel. A US headline tour commenced on 15th October in Springfield, Virginia.

On 5th December NIGHTWISH released a Finland-only single, 'Erämaan Viimeinen'. Originally an instrumental entitled 'Last Of The Wilds' included on 'Dark Passion Play', this new version added Finnish vocal lyrics, courtesy of Jonsu from the all-girl Pop/Rock band INDICA.

2008

NIGHTWISH played their debut concert in China in Beijing on 21st January 2008. The group kicked off a five date Australian tour on 27th January at the Metro Fremantle in Perth before hitting Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. On 15th February the band performed 'Amaranth' live at the German 'Echo' awards in Berlin, having won the "Rock/Alternative (International)" category. They had been nominated alongside FOO FIGHTERS, KAISER CHIEFS, MARILYN MANSON and WITHIN TEMPTATION.

Further accolades followed as NIGHTWISH were nominated at the Finnish Emma Gaala awards, winning the categories 'Band Of The Year', 'Best Metal Album' and 'Best Album'. The Emma Gaala ceremony was held on Saturday March 8th 2008 at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki. By this juncture 'Dark Passion Play' had been certified quadruple platinum in Finland for sales over 120,000 copies. The album had also been certified platinum in Switzerland, and gold in Germany, Sweden and Poland.

NIGHTWISH conducted a second round of US touring commencing 5th May at the Sayreville, Starland Ballroom in New Jersey, closing out on 31st May at the The Pearl Room in Mokena, Illinois.In the midst of these shows a Finnish single was released, 'The Islander' emerging on 21st May. A video for 'The Islander' was shot in Rovaniemi by director Stobe Harju.

In July Anette Olzon recorded a guest appearance on two tracks for PAIN, the Swedish band led by HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren.

A third US tour to promote 'Dark Passion Play', which had by that stage shifted over 75,000 copies in the USA, was promoted by an online album release of rarities entitled 'The Sound Of Nightwish Reborn'. This collection comprised B sides and previously unheard demos sang by Marco Hietala. NIGHTWISH kicked off this third leg on 29th August at The Trocadero in Philadephia, closing on 27th September at the Nokia Theatre in New York. However, NIGHTWISH cancelled the last four shows, 23rd September in Knoxville, Tennessee; the 24th in Charlotte, North Carolina; the 26th in Baltimore, Maryland; and the 27th in New York City, due to a "sudden severe illness" affecting Anette Olzon.

2009

In March 2009 Marco Hietala was announced as the new singer of SAPATTIVUOSI, a band that performed BLACK SABBATH covers in Finnish. Annette Olzon again made a guest appearance for THE RASMUS' November 2009 single 'October & April'. At the end of the year, right before Christmas, NIGHTWISH put out an 8 CD box entitled 'Lokikirja' containing all seven studio albums and the 'Bless The Child EP'.