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In a development that marks the end of a defining chapter in modern symphonic metal, Nightwish and vocalist Floor Jansen have announced that they are parting ways after more than a decade together. The decision was described by both sides as mutual, bringing an end to an era that helped shape the band’s most recent chapter while opening the door to new creative directions for everyone involved.
The announcement arrived as Nightwish celebrates its 30th anniversary, making the timing particularly significant for a band whose influence on symphonic metal has extended far beyond its Finnish origins.
“After careful consideration, we have, in mutual agreement, decided to part ways,” the band shared in its official statement. Nightwish expressed its best wishes for both parties’ respective artistic journeys, acknowledging the significance of the years they shared.
“For you, dear listener, and indeed for us, this marks the end of a truly great voyage.”
A Voice That Helped Define an Era
Floor’s journey with Nightwish began in 2012, when she stepped in as the band’s touring vocalist following the departure of Anette Olzon. Her performances quickly demonstrated the range, power, and versatility she could bring to the band’s expansive musical identity, and she officially became a permanent member in 2013.
Her tenure saw the release of three studio albums with Nightwish: Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015), Human. :II: Nature. (2020), and Yesterwynde (2024).
Across those records, Floor brought a commanding vocal presence to the band’s blend of orchestral arrangements, progressive metal, cinematic storytelling, and soaring melodies. Her ability to move between operatic passages, powerful clean vocals, and more intimate performances made her a distinctive part of Nightwish’s sound.
Stepping into an established band with such a devoted following is no small undertaking. Following in the footsteps of former vocalists Tarja Turunen and Anette Olzon meant entering a legacy that fans had spent years connecting with on a deeply personal level. Floor ultimately carved out her own place in that history, helping carry Nightwish into a new era while respecting the musical foundation that came before her.
Two Different Paths Forward
While the announcement closes one chapter, neither side is stepping away from music.
Nightwish confirmed that the band will continue and plans to enter the studio in 2027 to record a new album. No announcement regarding a successor to Floor has accompanied the news, leaving fans waiting to learn who will take on vocal duties in the band’s next phase.
For Floor, the focus now turns toward her solo career.
In her own statement, she acknowledged that the decision was difficult but expressed optimism about what lies ahead.
“Endings create new beginnings,” she shared, adding that she believes a bright musical journey awaits her.
Her upcoming solo album, Hytress, is scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, with a tour planned to support the record. Floor has made it clear that her solo work will now receive her full attention, giving the new album and its accompanying live performances room to grow.
It is an exciting prospect for listeners who have followed her beyond Nightwish, offering an opportunity to hear more of her individual artistic vision as she steps into this next stage of her career.
The End of an Era, Not the End of the Journey
Nightwish’s history has been marked by different vocalists, evolving musical ambitions, and the challenge of continually reinventing a sound that has become synonymous with symphonic metal. Floor’s departure represents another significant turning point in that history, but the band’s statement makes its intentions clear: Nightwish will move forward.
For fans, the news will undoubtedly bring mixed emotions. Thirteen years is a substantial stretch of any band’s history, and the music created during Floor’s tenure will remain an important part of Nightwish’s catalogue. Her performances helped bring these songs to life and introduced her voice to listeners around the world.
As Nightwish prepares for its next chapter and Floor sets her sights on Hytress, both paths lead toward new music and new possibilities.
One journey has reached its conclusion. The next ones are only beginning.
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