Finnish metallers Nightwish continue to forge an epic legacy with the release of their eighth studio album earlier this year, 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful'.
To support the record, Nightwish will return to Australia in early 2016.
Nightwish's latest album is 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful’; can you explain the underlying concept of the album?
[Tuomas] The best way to put it is: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution.
Based on the work of Charles Darwin and including a speaking role from Professor Richard Dawkins, 'EFMB' is entrenched in the wonders of science; what role does faith or religion play with the album?
It's an intriguing subject and is touched in the songs 'Weak Fantasy' and 'The Greatest Show On Earth'. Getting Professor Dawkins to read those quotes was huge for us, since a lot of the stuff on 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' was inspired by his works.
Does the album represent personal beliefs held by members of the band?
I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'personal beliefs'. But yes, everybody in the band is 100 per cent behind all the songs. We had many discussions around the campfire about the themes of the album while rehearsing them during the summer of 2014. We went through the lyrics again and again, polishing them to what they are now. Troy, a native English speaker was priceless help [sic] during this process.
How does this album compare to your previous release, 'Imaginaerum'?
'Imaginaerum' was a praise to the power of imagination; 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' is a tribute to the wonders of the natural world, the awe and magic of reality. As the late Carl Sagan put it so beautifully: “imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were, but without it we go nowhere”.
What were some of the challenges faced transitioning Floor Jansen into the role of vocalist after the departure of Anette Olzon?
The biggest [and only] challenge was time. Floor had literally two days to learn the setlist before the show in Seattle. And she did showing the talent, versatility and bravery of the Queen of Amazon that she is. About ten minutes into the show we all knew the caravan would be doing just fine. A massive thank you goes to the fans as well. They were supportive and openminded since the first day she joined the band, making the transition surprisingly smooth.
Although Jansen wasn't involved directly with the songwriting for 'EFMB', what personal quality has she brought to the finished product?
Convincing interpretation of the stories, genuine passion and dedication, versatility like nothing I've heard.
After adding Troy Donockley as a full-time member in 2013, how has the band's sound/ style changed?
The Celtic influences have been there since 2007's 'Dark Passion Play' album. This time he also played the bouzouki and did some vocals. A more notable change has happened due to his wonderfully carefree personality, humour and skills in magic. Such glue within a band cannot be bought.
What are some of the major changes in the band since your last tour to Australia?
A new album and more mileage behind us. Also, on this tour our drummer Jukka is replaced by on old friend of ours, Kai Hahto [Wintersun, Rotten Sound, Swallow The Sun] due to Jukka's extreme case of insomnia.
For the upcoming Australian tour, who will be on drum duty, Jukka Nevaleinen or Kai Hahto?
It will be Kai all the way until the end of the 'EFMB' tour.
What will the Australian 'EFMB 'shows look like in terms of technical production?
To be able to pull off the full European production in Australia we would need to sell a million albums more in there, so the show will be more down to earth and intimate, with the stage props the airlines allow us to carry. The versatility of the gigs is actually a wonderful thing!
Can the audience look forward to any surprises or guest appearances?
Possibly two huge gorillas at the end of 'The Greatest Show On Earth'.
How do the members of Nightwish like to relax and chill out while on tour?
It's relaxed and happy times 24/7 these days. For occasional moments of boredom there's poker, dice, Indian restaurants, sightseeing, books and Borat.
Europe and Australia share a deep love for metal of all types; what are some similarities or differences you've noticed between the cultural demographics?
Metal fans are pretty much the same no matter where you go. The passion, the loyalty and the ultra-meticulous ears. The Australians overall seem to be more relaxed and outgoing than us Scandinavians, though. And there's always a barbecue everywhere.
Is there anything you'd like to tell your Australian fans ahead of the tour?
Cheers for making the best red wines on the planet!
Nightwish Tour Dates
Thu 7 Jan - The Tivoli (Brisbane)Sat 9 Jan - The Enmore Theatre (Sydney)
Mon 11 Jan - The Forum Theatre (Melbourne)
Wed 13 Jan - HQ Complex (Adelaide)
Fri 15 Jan - The Metropolis (Fremantle)
