Nightwish - the history of the band

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Nightwish is one of the most successful bands in the history of Finnish metal, achieving more than some bands can even imagine within just a few years. With 2,5 million albums sold worldwide, their unique sound combining heavy meal to operatic vocals has proved to be a groundbreaking recipe for success.

The story of Nightwish began in 1996 when the band was founded by the band's main songwriter and mastermind Tuomas Holopainen. Together with his friend, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, they started the band as an acoustic project with their friend Tarja Turunen, a student from Sibelius Academy, on vocals.

Nightwish's first, self-titled three-song demo was recorded during October and December of 1996 by their friend Tero Kinnunen. The tape, however, did not end up being distributed widely; it was only sent to some labels and magazines, which all gave the tape relatively good credit but was not regarded as having any commercial potential.

After the first reviews came out, Tuomas wanted to try what the music would sound like if they added drums and used an electric guitar instead of an acoustic one. In April ´97 the band entered the studio again with drums and percussions performed by their friend Jukka Nevalainen, the latest addition to their line-up.

From these sessions emerged the demo which was to get Nightwish their first record deal.

Ewo Rytkönen, who was then working as Spinefarm Records' A&R, was not just a record company employee but was also a guitarist in a band called Babylon Whores back in the 90s. During one of the band's European tours, Ewo found himself touring together with Tuomas Holopainen's other band, Nattvindens Gråt. On this tour Tuomas handed over the latest Nightwish-demo over to Ewo, and it didn't take long after the tour for Ewo to call Tuomas and offer Nightwish a record deal.

In May 1997 Nightwish signed a recording contract with Spinefarm Records. The following August Nightwish went to the studio to record their debut.

Before the release of the band's debut album, a single of the song "The Carpenter" was released. The single hit the Finnish singles charts immediately, and so did "Angels Fall First", the band's first album that was released in October 1997.

Since all bands need a good live show, Nightwish had to start touring as well. On the 31st December 1997 Nightwish played their first gig in Kitee, their home town in Finland. As all good bands need a video as well,

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