70000tons 2023 reflection: Artist Spotlight: Nightwish

We’re counting down to the 2024 edition of 70000 tons of Metal! This is by far one of our personal favorite metal cruises where every artist is a headliner. Metalheads from around the globe share an insane experience of four days with very little to no sleep of nonstop metal shows. From big pool deck experiences to the intimate Star Lounge, there’s something for all metalheads regardless of subgenre, and we love it all. 2023 marked a significant return for the cruise after all cruises generally faced a halt due to the pandemic. The event’s future was uncertain, but it returned, giving sixty unique artists a go. This year we saw a number of acts having their first experience on the boat to artists having some notable silver-to-gold member status returns. We managed to capture all sixty bands, and as we countdown to the 2024 edition, we will share artist spotlights from the 2023 expedition leading up to the 2024 voyage. Artist Number 42: Nightwish.

One of the most significant surprises of the 2023 edition was the announcement of Nightwish, bringing the symphonic metal legends to the metal seas. Witnessing their actual performance was a remarkable experience, especially considering the challenges faced by vocalist Floor Jansen, who had revealed her breast cancer diagnosis along with being cancer free, and later announced her pregnancy (and since gave birth to her second daughter), perhaps even during the cruise itself. The year 2023 proved eventful for the singer, marked by her debut solo album, Paragon, and the opportunity to open for Metallica during their European tour.

Nightwish Set 1:

While a detailed exploration of Floor Jansen’s incredible artistry is tempting, let’s focus on Nightwish and their performance nearly a year ago. This marked the band’s second appearance on the cruise, with their first in 2012 during the Anette Olzon era, a time long before the departure of Marko Hietala. Fast forward to 2023, and it was evident that everyone in the photo pit was eager to capture the group, with Floor Jansen stealing the spotlight. Beyond the music, there was a sense of gratitude for her appearance despite recent health announcements, highlighting her as an exceptional vocalist who seamlessly fits into Nightwish, Tarja-era comparisons notwithstanding.

Although every band holds a headlining slot on the 70000tons cruise, Nightwish commanded longer set times and prime-time slots. Their first set occurred on Day 2, January 31, 2023, from 11 PM to 12:30 AM, and the second set closed the Pool Deck on the final night, Day 4, February 2, 2023, from 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM. Despite the crowded photo pit, capturing moments from both shows was a rewarding experience. Witnessing Floor overcome health challenges was emotionally resonant, and her captivating presence truly stole the spotlight in both performances.

Nightwish Set 2:

Looking ahead, Nightwish fans can anticipate new music now that 2023 is behind us. Despite the band’s announced break from touring, they’ve hinted at the release of their upcoming tenth record, serving as a follow-up to 2020’s Human. :II: Nature. As of January 8, the group shared the following update:

“Mixing the 10th Nightwish album is well on its way at Finnvox Studios with Mikko, Tero & Tuomas.

Not long now…”

However, there’s more exciting news as members from Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Wintersun, and Finntroll have united to form the new collaborative project known as Crownshift. The band has recently unveiled their latest single, “If You Dare,” and has plans to launch their debut album in the latter part of this year through Nuclear Blast. Members contributing to this project comprise Tommy Tuovinen as the vocalist, Daniel Freyberg handling guitars and backing vocals, Jukka Koskinen on bass, and Heikki Saari managing the drums.

Watch the video below:

70000 tons of Metal will return on January 29th, setting sail from Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and back on February 2nd with another batch promising sixty bands to perform twice throughout the waves of adventure. The announcements initially moved fast and suddenly went on a halt. However, many updates have since been revealed since our last Artist Spotlight. Unfortunately, Depressive Age were forced to drop out due to a member experiencing health issues. 59 out of 60 bands have been announced thus far. Also, check out Metal Insider’s 70000tons essential packing guide.

2024 70000tons of Metal artists:

Aborted
Angra
April Art
Avulsed
Before the Dawn
Blind Guardian
Blood Red Throne
Carnation
Crypta
Dalriada
Décembre Noir
Disillusion
Draconian
Dynazty
Edenbridge
Einherjer
Endseeker
Epica
Equilibrium
Fleshcrawl
Fleshgod Apocalypse
Graceless
Grave Digger
Heidevolk
I Am The Night Horde
Infected Rain
Inhuman Condition
Iotunn
Kataklysm
Katatonia
Leaves’ Eyes
LEFT-ÖVR
Legion of the Damned
Lord of the Lost
Marduk
My Dying Bride
Mystic Prophecy
Nanowar of Steel
Nervosa
Nile
Noturnail
Omnium Gatherum
Rising Steel
Saor
Scar Symmetry
Serenity
Shores of Null
Skyforger
Sodom
Temperance
The Halo Effect
Threshold
Tygers of Pan Tang
Unleashed
Victory
Vision Divine
Waltari
Warkings
Wind Rose