Nightwish’s Floor Jansen Discusses New Album and Band’s Hiatus from Touring

Nightwish’s Floor Jansen Discusses New Album and Band’s Hiatus from Touring

Nightwish, known for their distinctive fusion of operatic vocals and grand metal instrumentation, continues to be a major force in the metal genre. Their upcoming album, *Yesterwynde*, marks a significant moment in their career as it is their tenth studio release and their first since the pandemic. Scheduled to come out on September 20, 2024, *Yesterwynde* will be notable not only for its milestone but also because it will be the first album the band does not intend to tour in support of, at least for the foreseeable future. This unexpected decision comes after Nightwish announced an indefinite break from live performances, emphasizing their dedication to creating new music while stepping back from the demanding schedule of touring.

Nightwish’s choice to release an album without supporting it with a tour is unprecedented in the rock and metal scenes, where live performances are crucial for connecting with fans and generating revenue. Despite this, the band remains committed to their music and their audience. This period of inactivity on the touring front, while undoubtedly a challenging shift, will coincide with the release of their much-anticipated album, *Yesterwynde*. It represents a time of reflection and celebration for the band, as they release a record that has been a long time in the making.

The writing process for *Yesterwynde* began during the pandemic, a period that disrupted many artists’ routines. Unlike previous cycles where touring was followed by a creative break, the band’s songwriter, Tuomas Holopainen, began composing during this downtime. By the time the world began to reopen, he had a substantial portion of the album ready. The band then engaged in a collaborative process to refine the material, although their usual rehearsals were affected by Jansen’s pregnancy, which prevented her from participating in person. Nonetheless, her contributions were integral as she recorded her parts after familiarizing herself with the material from home.

Floor Jansen, who joined Nightwish in 2015, has seen the band’s creative process evolve. Although she does not contribute to songwriting directly, her role involves enhancing and shaping the music once it is in demo form. Jansen spoke about how her input and the band’s collaborative efforts bring out the final form of the songs. The band’s lyrics often explore grand themes such as time and ancestry, reflecting their fascination with historical and natural elements. These themes, while not forming a strict concept album, have consistently influenced their work and provide a rich backdrop for their music.

As Nightwish takes this hiatus, the decision underscores the band’s commitment to delivering quality music while taking necessary breaks from the rigorous demands of touring. Jansen acknowledges the challenges of stepping away from live performances but emphasizes that the band’s return will be met with renewed energy and anticipation. In the meantime, she has been focusing on her solo career, including a notable performance opening for Metallica, which was a significant experience for her. This period of reflection and growth for Nightwish will hopefully lead to a rejuvenated return to the stage in the future.