Though Nightwish's success is built on a Finnish foundation, their symphonic power metal is beginning to make inroads beyond their homeland.
The band was formed by Tuomas Holopainen when he invited Erno Vuorinen and Tarja Turunen, the original vocalist, to join him. By 1997 the band expanded to include Jukka Nevalainen and introduced more metallic elements into their sound, which they incorporated on the Angels Fall First album. Though the album was not particularly well-received by critics at the time, it charted in the Finnish charts together with single "The Carpenter".
Oceanborn (1998), the follow-up album, was another success in their homeland. Later editions of the album contained the track "Sleeping Sun" which went on to become a fans' favourite. By the time Wishmaster came out in 2000, it was snapped up by an eager fanbase which had expanded to include Germany and other parts of Europe.
When Century Child was released in 2002, it debuted the use of a live orchestra in the band's sound. It was certified platinum shortly after release but their great commercial and critical breakthrough was the next album Once (2004), with its hit single "Nemo". It was the last album recorded by Turenen, who was dismissed unceremoniously from the band amid claims from the other members that her recent marriage had changed her attitude. The next album, Dark Passion Play (2007), was recorded with a new singer, Anette Olzen, and initial reports are that the new blood has been good for the band.
