Complete List Of Nightwish Albums And Discography

Nightwish Albums

Feature Photo: Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock.com

Nightwish is one of those bands you wish more people in the United States knew about. If they had been around in the 1970s when progressive rock was popular, they would have been huge. Nightwish hails Kitee, Finland. They were formed in 1996 by songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band is known for combining metal with classical elements and has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with Holopainen and Vuorinen remaining constant members. Nightwish’s lyrics are often centered around fantasy themes, mythology, and nature.

As of 2023, Nightwish has released nine studio albums, one EP, seven compilation albums, and seven live albums. They have gained substantial commercial success, particularly with their 2004 album “Once,” which sold platinum in multiple countries and featured their biggest hit, “Nemo.” Their albums have charted highly across Europe, with several reaching the top of the charts in Finland. Nightwish has been awarded several music awards, including the Emma Awards (Finland’s equivalent to the Grammys) and has been nominated for a Grammy Award. The band has seen a revolving cast of musicians, including lead vocalists Tarja Turunen, Anette Olzon, and current vocalist Floor Jansen.

Angels Fall First

Released 1997

“Angels Fall First” marked the beginning of Nightwish’s journey into the symphonic metal genre. Released in 1997, this debut album showcases a blend of folk, acoustic, and symphonic elements. It was recorded at Kitee Huvikeskus studio in Kitee, Finland. The band’s original lineup for this album included Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards and vocals, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Tarja Turunen on lead vocals, and Jukka Nevalainen on drums.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Elvenpath” – 4:40
  2. “Beauty and the Beast” – 6:24
  3. “The Carpenter” – 5:57
  4. “Astral Romance” – 5:12
  5. “Angels Fall First” – 5:34
  6. “Tutankhamen” – 5:31
  7. “Nymphomaniac Fantasia” – 4:47
  8. “Know Why the Nightingale Sings” – 4:14
  9. “Lappi (Lapland) I: Erämaajärvi” – 2:15
  10. “Lappi (Lapland) II: Witchdrums” – 1:18
  11. “Lappi (Lapland) III: This Moment Is Eternity” – 3:12
  12. “Lappi (Lapland) IV: Etiäinen” – 2:34

Oceanborn

Released 1998

“Oceanborn” is the second studio album by Nightwish, released in 1998. This album marked a significant shift towards a more distinctive symphonic metal sound, incorporating heavier use of keyboards and more complex compositions. Recorded at Caverock and Finnvox Studios in Finland, “Oceanborn” was a critical and commercial success, especially in Finland. The band for this album comprised Tarja Turunen on vocals, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Sami Vänskä on bass, and Jukka Nevalainen on drums. It was produced by Tero Kinnunen and Nightwish.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Stargazers” – 4:28
  2. “Gethsemane” – 5:22
  3. “Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean” – 4:46
  4. “Sacrament of Wilderness” – 4:12
  5. “Passion and the Opera” – 4:51
  6. “Swanheart” – 4:45
  7. “Moondance” – 3:32
  8. “The Riddler” – 5:16
  9. “The Pharaoh Sails to Orion” – 6:27
  10. “Walking in the Air” – 5:30
  11. “Sleeping Sun” – 4:05

Wishmaster

Released 2000

“Wishmaster” is the third studio album by Nightwish, released in 2000.  The album was recorded at Caverock Studios in Finland and was produced by Tero Kinnunen and Nightwish. It achieved considerable success, reaching number one on the Finnish album charts. The lineup for this album included Tarja Turunen (vocals), Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards), Emppu Vuorinen (guitars), Sami Vänskä (bass), and Jukka Nevalainen (drums).

CD Track Listings:

  1. “She Is My Sin” – 4:46
  2. “The Kinslayer” – 3:59
  3. “Come Cover Me” – 4:34
  4. “Wanderlust” – 4:50
  5. “Two for Tragedy” – 3:50
  6. “Wishmaster” – 4:24
  7. “Bare Grace Misery” – 3:41
  8. “Crownless” – 4:29
  9. “Deep Silent Complete” – 3:57
  10. “Dead Boy’s Poem” – 6:47
  11. “FantasMic” – 8:18

Century Child

Released 2002

“Century Child” is the fourth studio album by Nightwish, released in 2002. This album is notable for its darker tone and deeper exploration of orchestral elements, incorporating a live orchestra for the first time. It also marks the first album with bassist Marco Hietala, who replaced Sami Vänskä and brought a new dynamic to the band with his vocal and songwriting contributions. Recorded at Finnvox, E-Major, and Caverock Studios in Finland, “Century Child” was a massive success, especially in Finland where it went platinum on its release day. The album was produced by Tero Kinnunen and Mikko Karmila.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Bless the Child” – 6:12
  2. “End of All Hope” – 3:54
  3. “Dead to the World” – 4:19
  4. “Ever Dream” – 4:44
  5. “Slaying the Dreamer” – 4:31
  6. “Forever Yours” – 3:50
  7. “Ocean Soul” – 4:14
  8. “Feel For You” – 3:55
  9. “The Phantom of the Opera” – 4:09
  10. “Beauty of the Beast” – 10:21

Once

Released 2004

“Once,” the fifth studio album by Nightwish, released in 2004, is one of their most successful albums, bringing them international fame. It features a full orchestra and choir, resulting in a grandiose and cinematic sound. The album’s hit single, “Nemo,” became the band’s most famous song and contributed significantly to the album’s success. “Once” was recorded at Tempputupa Studios, Finnvox Studios, and Phoenix Sound Studios. The band lineup for “Once” included Tarja Turunen, Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, Marco Hietala, and Jukka Nevalainen, with production by Tero Kinnunen, Mikko Karmila, and the band.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Dark Chest of Wonders” – 4:28
  2. “Wish I Had an Angel” – 4:06
  3. “Nemo” – 4:36
  4. “Planet Hell” – 4:38
  5. “Creek Mary’s Blood” – 8:29
  6. “The Siren” – 4:45
  7. “Dead Gardens” – 4:28
  8. “Romanticide” – 4:58
  9. “Ghost Love Score” – 10:02
  10. “Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan” – 3:58
  11. “Higher Than Hope” – 5:35

Dark Passion Play

Released 2007

“Dark Passion Play” is Nightwish’s sixth studio album, released in 2007, and is the first album to feature lead vocalist Anette Olzon, following Tarja Turunen’s departure. The album showcases a mix of symphonic metal with more pop-oriented elements and is noted for its extensive use of orchestra and choir, creating a lush, cinematic sound. It was recorded at various locations, including Finnvox Studios and Abbey Road Studios. The band members for this album were Anette Olzon, Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, Marco Hietala, and Jukka Nevalainen, with production by Tuomas Holopainen, Tero Kinnunen, and Mikko Karmila.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Poet and the Pendulum” – 13:54
  2. “Bye Bye Beautiful” – 4:14
  3. “Amaranth” – 3:51
  4. “Cadence of Her Last Breath” – 4:14
  5. “Master Passion Greed” – 6:02
  6. “Eva” – 4:24
  7. “Sahara” – 5:47
  8. “Whoever Brings the Night” – 4:17
  9. “For the Heart I Once Had” – 3:55
  10. “The Islander” – 5:05
  11. “Last of the Wilds” – 5:40
  12. “7 Days to the Wolves” – 7:03
  13. “Meadows of Heaven” – 7:10

Imaginaerum

Released: 2011

“Imaginaerum” is an ambitious project by Nightwish, reflecting a thematic complexity and musical richness that blends symphonic metal with cinematic elements. This album stands out for its conceptual nature, essentially forming a soundtrack to an accompanying film of the same name. The album was recorded at Petrax Studio, Hollola and at Finnvox Studios, Helsinki, Finland, from 2010 to 2011. It was produced by Tero Kinnunen, Mikko Karmila, and the band. The lineup featured Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, Jukka Nevalainen on drums, and Anette Olzon on lead vocals.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Taikatalvi” – 2:35
  2. “Storytime” – 5:22
  3. “Ghost River” – 5:28
  4. “Slow, Love, Slow” – 5:50
  5. “I Want My Tears Back” – 5:07
  6. “Scaretale” – 7:32
  7. “Arabesque” – 2:57
  8. “Turn Loose the Mermaids” – 4:20
  9. “Rest Calm” – 7:02
  10. “The Crow, the Owl and the Dove” – 4:10
  11. “Last Ride of the Day” – 4:32
  12. “Song of Myself” – 13:37 a. “From a Dusty Bookshelf” b. “All That Great Heart Lying Still” c. “Piano Black” d. “Love”
  13. “Imaginaerum” – 6:18

Endless Forms Most Beautiful

Released: 2015

“Endless Forms Most Beautiful” is an album where Nightwish delves into themes of nature, science, and the beauty of the universe, inspired by the works of Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins. This album was recorded at Röskö campsite, Eno, Finland and at Angel Studios, London, England, between 2014 and 2015. Produced by Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen, the album features Floor Jansen as the new lead vocalist, marking her first studio album with the band. The lineup also includes Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, and Kai Hahto as the session drummer replacing Jukka Nevalainen.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Shudder Before the Beautiful” – 6:29
  2. “Weak Fantasy” – 5:23
  3. “Élan” – 4:45
  4. “Yours Is an Empty Hope” – 5:34
  5. “Our Decades in the Sun” – 6:37
  6. “My Walden” – 4:38
  7. “Endless Forms Most Beautiful” – 5:07
  8. “Edema Ruh” – 5:15
  9. “Alpenglow” – 4:45
  10. “The Eyes of Sharbat Gula” – 6:03
  11. “The Greatest Show on Earth” – 24:00 a. “Four Point Six” b. “Life” c. “The Toolmaker” d. “The Understanding” e. “Sea-Worn Driftwood”

Human. :II: Nature.

Released: 2020

“Human. :II: Nature.” represents another bold step in Nightwish’s musical journey, being a double album that explores the dichotomy between the beauty of human life and the majesty of the natural world. The album was recorded at Röskö campsite, Petrax Studio, Troykington castle, and Finnvox Studios, Finland, from 2018 to 2019. The production team included Tuomas Holopainen, Tero Kinnunen, and Mikko Karmila. Alongside the established lineup of Floor Jansen, Emppu Vuorinen, Marco Hietala, and Tuomas Holopainen, the album also features Troy Donockley on Uilleann pipes and Kai Hahto as the official drummer. The first disc consists of nine tracks, with typical Nightwish grandeur and symphonic elements, while the second disc is a thematic symphonic suite, a continuous piece divided into eight parts.

CD Track Listings:

Disc 1:

  1. “Music” – 7:23
  2. “Noise” – 5:40
  3. “Shoemaker” – 5:19
  4. “Harvest” – 5:13
  5. “Pan” – 5:18
  6. “How’s the Heart?” – 5:02
  7. “Procession” – 5:31
  8. “Tribal” – 3:56
  9. “Endlessness” – 7:11

Disc 2:

  1. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Vista” – 4:00
  2. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – The Blue” – 3:35
  3. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – The Green” – 4:42
  4. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Moors” – 4:44
  5. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Aurorae” – 2:07
  6. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Quiet as the Snow” – 4:05
  7. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Anthropocene (incl. “Hurrian Hymn to Nikkal”)” – 3:05
  8. “All the Works of Nature Which Adorn the World – Ad Astra” – 4:41

NIGHTWISH LIVE ALBUMS

From Wishes to Eternity

Released: 2001

“From Wishes to Eternity” is a live album by Nightwish. Recorded during their concert at Tullikamari, Tampere, Finland, in December 2000, the album features the lineup of Tarja Turunen on vocals, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Jukka Nevalainen on drums, and Sami Vänskä on bass. The performance includes songs from their first three studio albums, offering a blend of their early works.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Kinslayer” – 4:12
  2. “She Is My Sin” – 4:46
  3. “Deep Silent Complete” – 4:25
  4. “The Pharaoh Sails to Orion” – 6:39
  5. “Come Cover Me” – 4:34
  6. “Wanderlust” – 4:50
  7. “Instrumental (Crimson Tide/Deep Blue Sea)” – 3:29
  8. “Swanheart” – 3:55
  9. “Elvenpath” – 4:40
  10. “FantasMic” – 5:12
  11. “Dead Boy’s Poem” – 6:47
  12. “Sacrament of Wilderness” – 4:12
  13. “Walking in the Air” – 5:10
  14. “Beauty and the Beast” – 6:40
  15. “Wishmaster” – 4:44

End Of An Era

Released: 2006

“End Of An Era” is a live recording that marked a significant moment in Nightwish’s history, capturing the final performance with lead vocalist Tarja Turunen. This monumental concert was held at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland, on October 21, 2005, and was a fitting farewell to this era of the band. The lineup for this performance included Tarja Turunen on vocals, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, and Jukka Nevalainen on drums.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Dark Chest of Wonders” – 4:29
  2. “Planet Hell” – 4:44
  3. “Ever Dream” – 5:27
  4. “The Kinslayer” – 4:07
  5. “The Phantom of the Opera” – 5:11
  6. “Siren” – 4:52
  7. “Sleeping Sun” – 4:55
  8. “High Hopes” – 7:20
  9. “Bless the Child” – 6:22
  10. “Wishmaster” – 4:43
  11. “Slaying the Dreamer” – 5:04
  12. “Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan” – 4:12
  13. “Nemo” – 4:46
  14. “Ghost Love Score” – 10:29
  15. “Stone People” – 4:07
  16. “Creek Mary’s Blood” – 8:39
  17. “Over the Hills and Far Away” – 5:26
  18. “Wish I Had an Angel” – 7:52

Made in Hong Kong (And in Various Other Places)

Released: 2009

“Made in Hong Kong (And in Various Other Places)” is a live and compilation album by Nightwish, featuring tracks recorded during their “Dark Passion Play” world tour. The album includes live recordings from various locations, including Hong Kong, hence the title. It was recorded between 2007 and 2008 and released in 2009. This album captures the band’s first tour with Anette Olzon as the lead vocalist, along with Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, and Jukka Nevalainen on drums.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Bye Bye Beautiful” (live) – 4:14
  2. “Whoever Brings the Night” (live) – 4:18
  3. “Amaranth” (live) – 3:51
  4. “The Poet and the Pendulum” (live) – 13:56
  5. “Sahara” (live) – 6:09
  6. “The Islander” (live) – 5:25
  7. “Last of the Wilds” (live) – 6:31
  8. “7 Days to the Wolves” (live) – 7:04
  9. “Escapist” – 4:57
  10. “While Your Lips Are Still Red” – 4:21
  11. “Cadence of Her Last Breath” (demo version) – 4:14

Showtime, Storytime

Released: 2013

“Showtime, Storytime” is a live album and video release capturing Nightwish’s performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany in 2013. This concert was a significant moment in the band’s history, marking Floor Jansen’s first full show with Nightwish as their official lead vocalist. The album showcases the band’s renewed energy and dynamics with Jansen’s powerful vocals, alongside Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, and Jukka Nevalainen on drums. Recorded on August 3, 2013, “Showtime, Storytime” includes a blend of newer tracks and classic Nightwish hits.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Dark Chest of Wonders” – 4:32
  2. “Wish I Had an Angel” – 4:48
  3. “She Is My Sin” – 4:55
  4. “Ghost River” – 6:04
  5. “Ever Dream” – 5:26
  6. “Storytime” – 5:34
  7. “I Want My Tears Back” – 6:44
  8. “Nemo” – 4:37
  9. “Last of the Wilds” – 6:31
  10. “Bless the Child” – 6:26
  11. “Romanticide” – 5:39
  12. “Amaranth” – 4:25
  13. “Ghost Love Score” – 10:30
  14. “Song of Myself” – 9:50
  15. “Last Ride of the Day” – 4:34
  16. “Imaginaerum” – 6:18

Vehicle of Spirit

Released: 2016

“Vehicle of Spirit” is another live album by Nightwish, featuring performances from their “Endless Forms Most Beautiful” tour. The album includes recordings from two shows: one at the Wembley Arena in London and the other at Tampere Stadium in Finland, both in 2015. These performances highlight the band’s massive stage presence and the grandeur of their live shows. The lineup features Floor Jansen on vocals, delivering powerful performances, along with Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, Marco Hietala, and Kai Hahto, who replaced Jukka Nevalainen as the drummer due to his health issues.

CD Track Listings from Wembley Arena:

  1. “Shudder Before the Beautiful” – 6:29
  2. “Yours Is an Empty Hope” – 5:34
  3. “Ever Dream” – 5:08
  4. “Storytime” – 5:22
  5. “My Walden” – 4:41
  6. “While Your Lips Are Still Red” – 4:21
  7. “Élan” – 4:27
  8. “Weak Fantasy” – 6:18
  9. “7 Days to the Wolves” – 7:16
  10. “Alpenglow” – 4:49
  11. “The Poet and the Pendulum” – 14:00
  12. “Nemo” – 4:53
  13. “I Want My Tears Back” – 7:13
  14. “Stargazers” – 5:10
  15. “Ghost Love Score” – 10:36
  16. “Last Ride of the Day” – 4:54
  17. “The Greatest Show on Earth” – 22:37

Decades: Live in Buenos Aires

Released: 2019

“Decades: Live in Buenos Aires” is a live recording of Nightwish’s performance in Argentina during their “Decades” world tour. This tour was a celebration of the band’s history, featuring a special setlist that included rare songs and fan favorites spanning their entire career. Recorded on September 30, 2018, at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Buenos Aires, the album showcases the band’s evolution over the years. The lineup includes Floor Jansen on vocals, Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards, Emppu Vuorinen on guitars, Marco Hietala on bass and vocals, Troy Donockley on Uilleann pipes and additional instruments, and Kai Hahto on drums

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Swanheart” – 3:55
  2. “End of All Hope” – 4:23
  3. “Wish I Had an Angel” – 5:07
  4. “10th Man Down” – 5:29
  5. “Come Cover Me” – 4:53
  6. “Gethsemane” – 5:22
  7. “Élan” – 4:28
  8. “Sacrament of Wilderness” – 4:12
  9. “Deep Silent Complete” – 4:37
  10. “Dead Boy’s Poem” – 6:52
  11. “Elvenjig” – 3:37
  12. “Elvenpath” – 4:43
  13. “I Want My Tears Back” – 5:43
  14. “Amaranth” – 4:42
  15. “The Carpenter” – 6:00
  16. “The Kinslayer” – 4:08
  17. “Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean” – 4:46
  18. “Nemo” – 4:36
  19. “Slaying the Dreamer” – 5:04
  20. “The Greatest Show on Earth” – 22:36
  21. “Ghost Love Score” – 10:43

Complete List Of Nightwish Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either supplied by the artists, public domain Creative Commons photos, or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. 

DMCA.com Protection Status

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Be the first to know when a new article is published

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Add Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

10 Best Songs With The Word 'Sweet' In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Sweet’ In The Title
10 Most Rocking Cheap Trick Songs
10 Most Rocking Cheap Trick Songs
Elton John non-album singles
Top 10 Elton John Non-Album Singles
10 Best Songs With The Word 'Road' In The Title
10 Best Songs With The Word ‘Road’ In The Title
10 Best Concept Albums In Rock Music History
15 Best Concept Albums In Rock Music History
Rock's Finest Debut Solo Albums From Former Band Members
Rock’s Finest Debut Solo Albums From Former Band Members
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1980s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1980s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1960s
10 Best Rock Music Double Albums Released In The 1960s
Kris Kristofferson
Kristofferson’s ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’ Birth of a Legacy
David Lee Roth Covers Simon & Garfunkel's Baby Driver
David Lee Roth Covers Simon & Garfunkel’s Baby Driver
Aerosmith Retires From The Road For Good
David Lee Roth Baker Street
David Lee Roth Covers Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”
Warren Haynes
Warren Haynes: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
An Interview with Chuck Ragan
An Interview with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins
An Interview with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins
An Interview with Andy Shernoff of The Dictators
Brian May Albums
Complete List Of Brian May Albums And Songs
Complete List Of The Higwaymen Albums And Songs
Complete List Of The Highwaymen Albums And Songs
Klaatu Albums
Complete List Of Klaatu Albums And Songs
Kris Kristofferson Albums
Complete List Of Kris Kristofferson Albums And Songs
Classic Rock Band Names
Classic Rock Band Names And The Stories Behind Them
9 Bands That Never Replaced Departed Members
Music CDs Comeback
Why Music CDs Have No Chance Of Making A Comeback
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
10 Best Breakup Songs For Shattered Hearts
10 Best Breakup Songs For Shattered Hearts
Billy Idol Rebel Yell 40th Anniversary Vinyl Review
Taylor Swift Albums And Discography
Complete List Of Taylor Swift Albums And Discography
Carly Simon Hotcakes Album Review
Carly Simon’s HOTCAKES Album Still Sizzles After 50 Years