NIGHTWISH drummer Kai Hahto says the band’s upcoming studio album is a “heavier” one with “new elements”
Speaking with Laureline Tilkin of Tuonela Magazine, NIGHTWISH‘s Kai Hahto discussed the band’s forthcoming follow-up to 2020’s “Human. :II: Nature.” album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “At least it’s not gonna be the same as ‘Human. :II: Nature.’, so… Probably, let’s say that we go back to more heavy, heavier things on the new album, but also there’s a lot of, again, new winds to blow, so to speak. So, different new elements. But, of course, it’s still NIGHTWISH, but, of course, we brought back the big symphony orchestra again to the new upcoming tenth album. Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting. And quite challenging music to play as well.”
Asked if he is “in a way happy” that he doesn’t have to play the new NIGHTWISH songs live right now, in light of the fact that the band is taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future, Kai said: “No, no, no. Totally opposite. I would love to go and play it live. But hopefully the time will come when we go back, charging the batteries first.
“Of course, it’s nice to be home with the kids and wife and dogs, but still, of course, I’ve always been a player, so I also like to play for the people. But I believe I’m not gonna be bored. So I have a lot of things in the back of my head. Even NIGHTWISH is now taking a break. So, I’m not gonna be bored.”
Earlier this month, Hahto indicated to Chaoszine that NIGHTWISH is unlikely to embark on any live performances in the next two or three years. The 50-year-old Finnish drummer is currently promoting his upcoming solo concert scheduled for February 3 in Helsinki. During this event, he plans to showcase songs from various bands he has been associated with, such as NIGHTWISH, WINTERSUN, SWALLOW THE SUN, and AURI.
NIGHTWISH took fans by surprise in April 2023 when they announced a hiatus from live performances for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the band revealed they would not be touring in support of their upcoming studio album, tentatively set for release in late 2024. Hahto‘s focus on his solo concert suggests that individual band members are exploring diverse musical endeavors during this hiatus.
NIGHTWISH‘s statement read as follows: “As the ‘Human :ll: Nature – World Tour‘ is drawing to a close, we feel now is the time to tell you of our plans for the next phase in our journey.
“After the planned shows for June 2023 we will be ‘hanging up our spurs’ for an indeterminate time, as far as live concert performances go, and won’t be touring the next album.
“The reasons for this decision are personal, but, we all agree, vital to the wellbeing and future of the band. Be assured that we still love working together, and this decision has nothing to do with Floor‘s pregnancy or our other individual projects.
“However, an album of 12 new songs will see bright daylight in 2024, as will 3 music videos! The band is positively hyped beyond words over this new upcoming musical adventure.”
Released in April 2020, “Human. :II: Nature.” served as NIGHTWISH‘s highly anticipated follow-up to 2015’s “Endless Forms Most Beautiful.” This double album featured nine tracks on the main CD and a single, extensive track divided into eight chapters on CD 2.
In a noteworthy development in August 2022, NIGHTWISH welcomed Jukka Koskinen (WINTERSUN) as an official member of the band. Koskinen, having made his live debut with NIGHTWISH in May 2021 during the band’s two interactive experiences, had previously spent a year touring as a session musician with the group. This addition marked a significant step for NIGHTWISH and showcased their commitment to evolving and refining their musical lineup.