Dutch singer Floor Jansen is leaving the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish after thirteen years. Jansen and the band announced the mutual decision in a joint statement, stating that it was time to part ways to pursue future individual ambitions. Jansen joined the band in 2012, succeeding Anette Olzon.
The Split and Future Solo Plans
Jansen plans to focus entirely on her solo career, which includes a new album and a tour. Her second solo album, titled Hytress, is scheduled for release in January 2027. She previously released her debut solo album, Paragon, in 2023. In her departure announcement, the 45-year-old singer noted that an ending creates space for a new beginning. Meanwhile, Nightwish will continue without Jansen, with the remaining members planning to enter the studio in 2027 to record a new album.
Milestones from the Floor Jansen Era
During Jansen’s thirteen-year tenure, Nightwish released three studio albums: Endless Forms Most Beautiful in 2015, Human. :II: Nature. in 2020, and Yesterwynde in 2024. Her debut single with the band, “Élan,” arrived in 2015 and became one of the defining tracks of her era. Other notable performances included her rendition of “Ghost Love Score” at Wacken Open Air in 2013 and the topical 2020 single “Noise,” which addressed the impact of social media.
For the upcoming @NightwishBand album I wanted to dress in a style that fits the vibe of the album. A combination of the old and the new. A dash of the stylish ‘20 or ‘30, with a hint of metal and a lot of me. Well, there it is! We took the pictures only 3,5 months after the… pic.twitter.com/zNXZngt19S
Broader Recognition in the Netherlands
While Jansen achieved international heavy metal stardom by performing in arenas across Europe, Asia, and South America with Nightwish, she gained mainstream fame in the Netherlands in 2019. Her appearance on the television program Best Singers, where she performed “Phantom of the Opera” alongside Henk Poort, went viral and introduced her voice to a much wider Dutch audience. That same year, she won the Dutch Popprijs. Over the past year, she also developed a theater program titled Fighting spirit, in which she discussed her music career and recovery from breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Departure
Who will sing on the upcoming Nightwish album?
Nightwish has not yet announced who will provide the vocals for their upcoming studio album, which the band plans to record in 2027.
Did Floor Jansen contribute to any unreleased Nightwish material?
It remains unknown whether Jansen recorded or co-wrote any material for Nightwish prior to the announcement of her departure.
What are the release details for Floor Jansen’s next solo work?
Jansen’s second solo album, Hytress, is set for release in January 2027, followed by a supporting tour.
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