Floor Jansen Leaves Nightwish as Band Return to the Studio

The split was described as a mutual decision, with both parties feeling it was best for everyone to continue their musical journeys separately. While Nightwish have plans to enter the studio in 2027, Jansen will instead be turning her attention to her solo career. She’s currently working on a second album and has a tour planned.

The official statement from Floor Jansen and Nightwish can be found below.

From an Emergency Call-Up to Three Studio Albums

Jansen first performed with Nightwish on 1 October 2012 in Seattle, stepping in following the departure of Anette Olzon during the band’s US tour.

The Dutch singer, formerly of After Forever and ReVamp, was called in as an emergency replacement. Jansen had just 48 hours to learn the band’s entire live set, memorise lyrics and step onto the stage with no prior rehearsal.

Her powerful performance, combined with her ability to sing songs from every era of the band, including material from Tarja Turunen, earned outstanding reviews, leading her to become a permanent member in 2013.

Her first studio album with the band, Endless Forms Most Beautiful, arrived in 2015 and was followed by Human. :II: Nature. in 2020 and Yesterwynde in 2024.

She also appeared on numerous live releases, including Showtime, Storytime, Vehicle of Spirit and Decades: Live in Buenos Aires.

Before Nightwish, Jansen had already established herself through After Forever and ReVamp. Her departure closes a chapter in her career.

A Different Future for Nightwish

The announcement gives renewed significance to comments that Tuomas Holopainen made in 2021. He said that if Jansen were ever to leave the band, it would be the end of Nightwish.

The band’s latest statement points to an entirely different outcome, confirming plans to return to the studio next year. Although no replacement has been announced, there’s plenty of speculation as to who could be stepping into the role of lead singer.

Fans have suggested that Manuela Kraller, former singer of Xandria, could fit the band well. They have also highlighted that Noora Louhimo from Battle Beast has not only left the band but has also covered a Nightwish song a month ago with Marko Hietala, Nightwish’s former bassist. 

Some have also mentioned Elina Siirala, the current vocalist of Leaves’ Eyes.

As no replacement singer was named in the announcement, we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see who takes on the role.

Nightwish have already stepped away from live performances, announcing in 2023 that they would not be touring Yesterwynde.

Floor Turns Her Attention to Hytress

For Jansen, her next chapter comes in the form of Hytress, her second solo studio album. It’s due for release in 2027 and follows her 2023 debut, Paragon. A performance at London’s Electric Brixton is scheduled for 16 January.

In a statement, Jansen confirmed that the decision gives her room to express herself as an artist and that she’s now able to give her solo career her full attention.

Image credit: Floor Jansen – Ilosaarirock 2013, Tuomas Vitikainen / CC BY-SA 3.0.