Nightwish have parted ways with longtime lead singer Floor Jansen.
The 45-year-old Dutch symphonic metal singer became a touring member of the Finnish band in 2012, and the following year she was enlisted as a full-time lead vocalist.
As Floor exits the band, the Nemo rockers also confirmed they are set to enter the studio in 2027 to record a follow-up to 2024’s Yesterwynde.
Nightwish’s statement read: “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.”
Floor, who is focusing on her solo career, commented in her own statement: “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.”
Floor’s exit comes five years after bassist Marko Hietala departed the group with an explosive statement calling out the music industry.
His lengthy statement read: “For a quite a few years now I haven’t been able to feel validated by this life. We have streaming company big guns demanding 9/5 work from artists of inspiration while unfairly sharing the profits. Even among the artists. We’re the banana republic of the music industry. Biggest tour promoters squeeze percentages even from our own merchandise while paying dividends to Middle East. Apparently some theocracies can take the money from the music that would get you beheaded or jailed there without appearing as hypocrites. Just a couple of examples here.”
He went on to open up about his battle with “chronic depression” and insisted he had no option but to step back.
He continued: “This past year forced me to stay home and think. And I found myself very disillusioned about these and a lot of things. I found out that I am in need of that validation. For me to write, sing and play, I need to find some new reasons and inspirations. ”My Walden” so to speak. And it’s even in my book that I’m a chronic depressive. It’s dangerous for me and the people around me, if I continue. Some of the thoughts a while back were dark. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I have my two sons, a wife, the rest of the family, friends, a dog and lots of love.
“And I don’t think that I’ll be gone for good.”