Symphonic metal pioneers NIGHTWISH are marking three decades of musical wizardry. To celebrate this milestone, the band announces their most ambitious retrospective collection yet: The Greatest 30 Years On Earth, which will be released on December 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. This massive anniversary release arrives as a love letter to fans, capturing the grand scale of the band’s historic career through rare audio, visual spectacles, and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access.
A Treasure Trove of Live Performance and Rare Recordings
The Greatest 30 Years On Earth brings together the definitive modern live experiences of NIGHTWISH. The collection features audio and video recordings from two monumental, contrasting eras of their recent touring history: the high-octane arena spectacle in Amsterdam (2022) and the deeply emotional, triumphant homecoming show in Kitee (2023).
In addition to traditional concert recordings, the release unearths exclusive, highly sought-after live-in-the-studio audio captured during the band’s groundbreaking virtual live events, with all of the audio once again mastered at Finnvox Studios. This sonic journey is paired with an expansive, curated treasure trove of photographs spanning thirty years of touring, studio sessions, and candid moments.
An Intimate Glimpse Into the Mastermind
For the first time, fans will get an intimate look into the creative engine of NIGHTWISH. The release includes a brand-new, deeply insightful documentary focusing on founder and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen. The film explores his visionary approach to composition, the evolution of the band’s mythos, and the personal philosophy that has sustained NIGHTWISH at the forefront of the global metal scene for three decades and was directed by Ville Lipiäinen.
The band comments: “The whirlwind of 30 years is still scooping up building materials and curios: new interviews, documentaries, remixed songs from the ‘Islanders Arms’, photos and, are you ready? concert footage of the ‘Human :ll: Nature’ tour, shot in Holland and Finland. This is Nightwish; The Greatest Years on Earth so far!”
To give fans an immediate glimpse into the sheer power of this release, the band has dropped the live music video for ‘7 Days To The Wolves’ recorded live in Amsterdam (2022).
Limited Edition 3CD & 1Blu-Ray Earbook with 36-page booklet silver & blue Limited Edition 4LP & 1Blu-Ray Box Set with 36-page booklet white / blue corona Limited Edition 4LP & 1Blu-Ray Box Set with 36-page booklet (Band exclusive)
Legendary English rock supergroup Asia are thrilled to announce the release of the live album “Asia – Live In England”, out on March 13, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
To celebrate the announcement, the band unveil the live version of the hit song “Heat Of The Moment”, along with a live video available below.
Geoff Downes commented: “Heat Of The Moment” has an interesting story behind it. It was actually the final track John and I wrote for the ASIA album, and it ended up being the opening track and lead-off single. We threw it together in one afternoon. I had the verse, John had the chorus, although this was a guitar picking country-style piece in 3/4 time. We straightened it all out and bingo, there it was!”
“A couple of days later we wrote the middle 8 section, rehearsed it in the studio and recorded it straight down with band. Ironically, it still remains our most famous track to this day”, he continued. “Without it, I doubt the album would have been as big as it was, so I am very grateful to have been a part of the creation of HOTM. It’s still a really fun track to play live, and I hope it will bring back memories, and give pleasure to the listeners and fans all over the world for many years to come.”
Harry Whitley added: “Playing ‘Heat Of The Moment’ live is always such an incredible experience, it’s always electrifying and this recording was no different – it was such an exciting night and a thrill to revisit all of Asia’s catalog over the three nights. We’re really looking forward to fans hearing this whole live album and the others to follow…” “This song carries decades of history – every note, every moment – and we hope listeners feel the same passion we pour into it night after night”, Virgil Donati said.
John Mitchell also expressed his love for this track: “Heat Of The Moment” is a very dear song close to my heart. Having performed it a vast number of times over the years both previously with the John Wetton solo band and with John and Geoff in Icon, from the quiet introspective acoustic version at The Borderline to the full band amped up version in front of 12000 strong in St Petersburg, it is both an uplifting anthem and a quiet tonic for the soul which never fails to bring warmth to the many”.
Asia are back and roaring in their new, exhilarating line-up! Recorded live on the first of three unforgettable nights at Trading Boundaries in Sussex, in April 2025, this release captures the band performing their iconic 1982 debut album “ASIA” in full, along with a selection of their greatest hits.
Featuring Geoff Downes (keys), Virgil Donati (drums – ex-Planet X), John Mitchell (guitars – Arena, It Bites etc.) and the astonishing Harry Whitley (on bass and vocals), this fresh incarnation of Asia brings both reverence for the classics and a thrilling new energy to the stage. The setlist includes fan favourites like “Heat Of The Moment”, “Only Time Will Tell”, “Sole Survivor”, “One Step Closer” and “Time Again”, alongside video-era and bonus tracks such as “Ride Easy”, “Video Killed The Radio Star”, “The Heat Goes On” and “Daylight” (video exclusive).
Geoff Downes said: “Revisiting the entire first ASIA album brought all the great memories flooding back from 43 years ago. In the studio with John, Steve, Carl and, of course, the great Mike Stone at the production helm. I think at the time we knew we’d made a good album but could not have predicted the enormous success that followed, that made the band a household name across the world, and particularly in America. That said, it was a result of much hard work and effort from everyone involved. So, when I had the opportunity to put together the live album with the current and fantastic line-up of ASIA and in collaboration with Frontiers Music, it was really a no-brainer”.
“I was reminded of what a collection of great songs and performances made up the album – variety and musical dynamics to the fore. When we recorded it again earlier this year, I was drawn to some of the less featured tracks and realized how much they played an important part of overall album, in addition of course to the signature tracks such as ‘Heat Of The Moment’, ‘Only Time Will Tell’ etc.”, he continued. “We did this for you, the fans, and hope you really enjoy hearing these songs in the live setting performed in their entirety once again and enjoy it as much as we did creating and performing it”.
With Asia’s legacy spanning over 40 years – from multi-million selling albums like “ASIA”, “Alpha”, and “Astra” to defining the sound of the MTV era – this new line-up proves that the Year of the Dragon is bringing the legendary songs to life for a whole new generation of fans.
This is just the first of three live releases from Trading Boundaries, each capturing a full classic album from their initial trilogy in concert in audio and video. Experience the magic of Asia, live, where past and present collide in a spectacular display of musicianship and passion.
“Asia – Live In England” Tracklist:
1. Heat Of The Moment 2. Only Time Will Tell 3. Sole Survivor 4. One Step Closer 5. Time Again 6. Wildest Dreams 7. Without You 8. Cutting It Fine 9. Here Comes The Feeling 10. Ride Easy (Bonus track) 11. Video Killed The Radio Star (Bonus track) 12. The Heat Goes On (Bonus track)
Line Up: Geoff Downes Virgil Donati John Mitchell Harry Whitley
Ewo Pohjola, manager of Finnish metal band Nightwish, was accused of lifting and choking a woman at the event in Tampere in 2023.
Ewo Pohjola has been Finnish band Nightwish’s manager since the early 2000s and is regarded as a pioneer in Finnish artist management and music exports.
Pirkanmaa District Court has convicted Ewo Pohjola, manager of the Finnish metal band Nightwish, one a charge of assaulting a woman at the Music x Media event in Tampere in 2023.
Pohjola was fined 1,000 euros and also ordered to pay additional compensation.
According to the prosecution, Pohjola suddenly held the woman in a chokehold and lifted her, stopping only when a third person intervened. Pohjola and the victim were not previously known to each other.
Pohjola denied the charges, arguing he had not choked or lifted the woman but had merely embraced her.
The court however ruled that Pohjola committed a physical assault against the woman and that the act came as a surprise to her. While the court found that Pohjola did not intend to choke the woman, it concluded that he should have realised his actions could cause her pain.
The ruling also noted that the act could have impacted the woman’s work as a musician.
Yle is reporting on the case due to Pohjola’s significant role in the music industry. He has been Nightwish’s manager since the early 2000s and is regarded as a pioneer in Finnish artist management and music exports.
Humiliating incident
The plaintiff testified that she briefly spoke with a man accompanying Pohjola but did not talk to the music industry veteran, who she said seemed “restless” and “intoxicated”.
She recalled Pohjola calling her a “pretty girl” and “beautiful woman” before suddenly pressing his forearm against her neck and lifting her momentarily. The chokehold lasted several seconds, causing pain, and ended only when the other man intervened.
“Pohjola then laughed and said a couple of times that it was exciting,” the victim said, describing the incident as “shocking, distressing, and humiliating” for a young artist like her.
Pohjola: “I am not a violent guy”
Pohjola denied choking the woman, claiming he assumed she knew the other man and described the atmosphere as cheerful. He admitted to drinking and said he gave her a “bear hug.”
“It’s obviously not okay to go hugging strangers, but things like this happen all the time,” he said.
Pohjola insisted his actions were meant as a friendly gesture and denied committing any physical violence.
“I’m not a violent guy. This is just a series of misunderstandings.”
In February 2024, Yle reported on the allegations against Pohjola. Two women told Yle that Pohjola had assaulted them at the same music event in 2023. Pohjola was also reported to have pulled another woman’s hair at the bar counter during the same event, before being removed shortly afterwards.
During the past months building up to the worldwide release of NIGHTWISH’s newest opus ‘Yesterwynde’ on September 20th, the group shared various episodes revealing further insights into the creation of this magnificent album, which closes off the trilogy started with ‘Endless Forms Most Beautiful’ in 2015.
From early demo playback sessions in hotel rooms all across the world during the ‘Human. :||: Nature’. world tour to the remote rehearsal sessions in a cabin in Röskö, from Floor Jansen delivering stunning vocal performances at her home studio to the orchestral recordings at Abbey Road Studios, London – this 45-minutes documentary directed by Ville Lipiäinen details the long way of transforming the ideas, stories and songs of Tuomas Holopainen into the opulent masterpiece that isYesterwynde.
Multi instrumentalist Troy Donockley comments: “Yesterwynde is full of secrets, but, if the stars are aligned, you may find some answers within…”
Finnish symphonic metal icons NIGHTWISH are set to unveil their groundbreaking new album Yesterwyndeas a live symphonic masterpiece. The world premiere of Yesterwynde Orchestral, composed by Nightwish’s visionary Tuomas Holopainen, will take place in August 2025 at Tampere Hall, Finland.
This once-in-a-lifetime event will feature the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tampere Opera Choir, and a children’s choir, bringing Holopainen’s evocative compositions to life in an immersive, cinematic experience. Fans can look forward to a grand celebration of music, blending the power of metal with the elegance of symphonic orchestration.
Two concerts will be held to mark this historic occasion, inviting audiences to witness Nightwish’s artistry in a completely new dimension on the 28th and 29th of August 2025.
Ticket Information: Tickets for both concerts will be available starting Tuesday, December 10, at 9 AM.
About NIGHTWISH: Working with NUCLEAR BLAST since the release of their highly lauded 2004 album Once, NIGHTWISH has achieved international fame, selling over ten million records and receiving more than 60 gold and platinum awards. The band has released seven No. #1 albums and thirteen No. #1 singles. In October 2018, NIGHTWISH was inducted into the Tähtikatu – Walk of Fame Finland, becoming the honorary gallery’s eleventh member. Their 2020 album, Human. :II: Nature., crowned the band’s discography with chart-topping success in Finland, Germany, and worldwide. In 2024, NIGHTWISH released Yesterwynde, which secured the No. #1 position, further solidifying their legacy.
The time has come, the clock strikes twelve and another era in the wonderful and literally fantastic history of NIGHTWISH has begun: Today, the Finnish Symphonic metal veterans release their new album Yesterwynde, a stunning journey through memory and monumental music. Known for heavy, orchestral, melodic and folk trademarks, the band’s tenth studio album is a dark chest of wonders that, once opened, pulls the listener into a magical world beyond time.
Tuomas Holopainen about the new album: “Yesterwynde is finally here and ready to open its cabinet of stories, timelessness & hope for you dear listener. We are infinitely grateful that we get to share this ocean and all of its islands with you all.”
For this release, NIGHTWISH also offers fans the chance to listen to Yesterwynde on Roblox! Roblox is an onlineimmersive platform boasting close to 80M daily active users globally. Nuclear Blast has partnered with four experiences RoBeats (music & rhythm), and RPGs Deepwoken, Dungeon Quest & World Zero, where users will be able to play the game while listening to the album from September 20th to September 22nd . Find out more here: https://nblast.de/nightwish-roblox
Together with the release, NIGHTWISH have dropped a music video for their song ‘Lanternlight’, an intense, quiet, reflective ballad touching themes of loss and mortality.
Tuomas on the video: “Lanternlight” was the first song written for the album and the natural finale of the Yesterwynde journey. A love song, reaching for the timeless; a music to immortalize the memories of those dearest to us.”
About NIGHTWISH Working with NUCLEAR BLAST since the release of their highly lauded 2004 album Once, NIGHTWISH have gained international fame and success selling more than ten million records and receiving more than 60 gold and platinum awards, having released six No #1 albums and thirteen No #1 singles. In October 2018, NIGHTWISH was inducted into the Tähtikatu – Walk of Fame Finland, becoming the honorary gallery’s eleventh member. 2020 saw the release of the band’s last studio record, Human. :II: Nature. that crowned the band’s discography with another No #1 success in Finland and Germany as well several other impressive chart entries worldwide.
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Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
