‘Nightwish’ and vocalist ‘Floor Jansen’ have parted ways in what both parties describe as a mutual decision. The announcement, made today, October 15, marks the end of a 14-year partnership that defined one of the most commercially successful periods in the Finnish symphonic metal band’s history.
The band released a joint statement confirming both the departure and their plans to continue:
“After careful consideration, we have, in mutual agreement, decided to part ways. This decision is necessary and important to us and our future ambitions. Thus, we will now pursue those goals in our own separate ways. We wish each other nothing but the very best on our respective artistic journeys. For you, dear listener, and indeed for us, this marks the end of a truly great voyage. Nightwish will continue. We will move forward and enter the studio in 2027 to record a new album. As we celebrate 30 years of Nightwish, we couldn’t be more excited about our music and our future.”
‘Jansen’ added her own statement, hinting at the direction she is headed:
“Endings create new beginnings, and even though it was a hard decision to make, I believe there is a bright musical journey ahead of me. I invite you to follow along on this path, as you were with me in all the great years before. Thank you for your support through the rollercoasters of life. My solo career will now get all of my attention and gives my new upcoming album ‘Hytress’ (out 2027) and the tour all space to grow. Hope to meet you on the road again in a near and happy future.”
‘Jansen’ joined ‘Nightwish’ in 2012, initially as a temporary replacement before becoming a permanent member. She appeared on three studio albums with the band: 2015’s “Endless Forms Most Beautiful,” 2020’s “Human. :II: Nature.” and 2024’s “Yesterwynde.” The band had been on live hiatus since 2023, with keyboardist and primary songwriter ‘Tuomas Holopainen’ confirming earlier this year that new material was already in progress, with six songs written for the next album.
Whether ‘Jansen’ contributed to the new album’s writing sessions or will appear on the record remains unknown. ‘Nightwish’ have confirmed they will enter the studio in 2027, marking yet another chapter in the band’s history of vocalist transitions. ‘Jansen’ herself is not without her own next chapter, with her second solo album “Hytress” due in January 2027.
The departure is the third major vocalist change in ‘Nightwish’s’ history. Original singer ‘Tarja Turunen’ was famously dismissed in 2005 via an open letter delivered after a show, a painful split that ‘Holopainen’ acknowledged this year the band deserved blame for. ‘Anette Olzon’ joined in 2007 and departed in 2012 under difficult circumstances, with ‘Jansen’ stepping in mid-tour before eventually taking the role permanently. This latest transition, described as mutual and respectful, stands in contrast to those earlier and more turbulent departures.
Find more on ‘Floor Jansen’.
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