When it comes to the greatest Nightwish songs of all time, few bands in the symphonic metal world have produced a catalog as diverse, emotionally charged, and technically brilliant. Founded in Finland in 1996, Nightwish has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy metal by blending orchestral grandeur, operatic vocals, and thunderous guitar riffs into something truly unforgettable. Whether you are a lifelong fan or just discovering their music, this list of the best songs across multiple genres will guide you through the very best Nightwish has ever offered, including standout tracks from their most recent releases.
Ghost Love Score
Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Nightwish’s entire discography, “Ghost Love Score” from the 2004 album Once is a sweeping 10-minute epic that showcases every element that makes the band extraordinary. The track builds from a quiet, cinematic introduction into a full orchestral and choral explosion, guided by Tarja Turunen’s incomparable soprano vocals and Emppu Vuorinen’s thunderous guitar work. It remains the definitive Nightwish experience and is a song that no symphonic metal fan should ever miss.
Wish I Had an Angel
“Wish I Had an Angel,” also from Once (2004), was the band’s most commercially successful single and served as the gateway track that introduced millions of mainstream listeners to Nightwish. The song features a driving, industrial-tinged riff layered beneath Tarja’s powerful voice, creating an unusual but irresistible combination of aggression and melody. Its inclusion in the film Alone in the Dark further cemented its status as one of the most recognizable Nightwish anthems in existence.
Sleeping Sun
“Sleeping Sun” was originally written in 1999 to commemorate a total solar eclipse visible across Europe and was later re-recorded and included on the compilation Oceanborn (1998 version) and re-released on The Sound of Nightwish Reborn in 2008. The song is hauntingly beautiful, featuring a delicate piano melody and Tarja’s ethereal vocal delivery that evokes both wonder and sorrow. It is one of the most emotionally resonant tracks in the band’s entire back catalog and demonstrates the softer, more introspective side of Nightwish’s artistry.
Nemo
“Nemo,” the lead single from the 2004 album Once, represents a pivotal moment in Nightwish’s career and remains one of their most beloved and radio-friendly compositions. The song, written about feelings of isolation and searching for one’s identity, features a memorable chorus and a masterful balance between orchestral depth and pop accessibility. Its music video and live performances became iconic, and it continues to be a staple of their setlists to this day, connecting deeply with listeners across generations.
The Poet and the Pendulum
“The Poet and the Pendulum” opens the 2007 album Dark Passion Play and serves as the first full-length track to feature new vocalist Anette Olzon following Tarja’s departure from the band. Clocking in at nearly 14 minutes, the song is a deeply personal piece written by keyboardist and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen, exploring themes of depression, creative struggle, and the search for meaning. The track is an ambitious, multi-part journey through despair and redemption, and is considered by many fans and critics to be one of the greatest progressive metal compositions of the 21st century.
Bye Bye Beautiful
“Bye Bye Beautiful” from The Sound of Nightwish Reborn (2008) is widely interpreted as Tuomas Holopainen’s direct and emotionally raw farewell to former vocalist Tarja Turunen, written in the aftermath of their highly publicized and painful split. The song channels the band’s frustration and hurt into a ferocious, guitar-driven performance that stands among their heaviest and most intense tracks. Despite its dark origins, it is a powerful and cathartic listening experience that has resonated strongly with fans who followed the band through one of its most turbulent transitions.
While Your Lips Are Still Red
“While Your Lips Are Still Red” is a standalone acoustic single released in 2007 as part of the Finnish film Lieksa! and was later included on The Sound of Nightwish Reborn. Unlike most Nightwish songs, it is entirely stripped down, featuring only gentle acoustic guitar and Marco Hietala’s warm, emotional vocals delivering a deeply intimate love song. The track demonstrates the band’s versatility and emotional range beyond the orchestral metal that defines their signature sound, and it has become a fan favorite cherished for its tender simplicity.
Dark Chest of Wonders
“Dark Chest of Wonders” opens the album Once (2004) and sets the tone for what is widely considered Nightwish’s most complete and accomplished record. The song is a sweeping, cinematic piece that invites listeners into a world of fantasy and wonder, anchored by a soaring orchestral arrangement and Tarja’s operatic delivery at its absolute peak. It encapsulates everything fans love about Nightwish — the grandeur, the drama, and the sense of boundless imagination — in one breathtaking opening statement.
The Kinslayer
“The Kinslayer” from the album Wishmaster (2000) is one of the most viscerally intense tracks in Nightwish’s early catalog, inspired by the tragic 1999 Columbine High School shooting and exploring themes of social alienation and violence. The song departs from the more fantastical lyrical territory of their other work, offering a raw and unflinching look at human darkness backed by driving riffs and a relentless rhythmic attack. It stands as proof that Nightwish is capable of engaging with difficult real-world subject matter with both musical power and lyrical thoughtfulness.
Élan
“Élan” served as the lead single from Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015) and was the world’s introduction to new vocalist Floor Jansen in her full-time role with the band following years of live touring. The song is a gentle, flowing composition that leans more toward melodic rock than symphonic metal, built around an uplifting message about embracing life and letting go of control. Floor’s vocal performance on “Élan” immediately won over skeptical fans, demonstrating her extraordinary range and emotional expressiveness in a song perfectly tailored to showcase her gifts.
The Greatest Show on Earth
“The Greatest Show on Earth” closes Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015) with an astonishing 24-minute journey through the history of life on Earth, inspired by Richard Dawkins’ book The Magic of Reality. The song blends spoken word narration by Dawkins himself with full orchestral passages, heavy metal surges, and moments of breathtaking quiet, creating an experience unlike anything else in rock or metal music. It is the most ambitious track Nightwish has ever recorded and represents the pinnacle of Tuomas Holopainen’s vision for what a rock song can be.
Storytime
“Storytime” was the lead single from the 2011 album Imaginaerum and marked Floor Jansen’s first official studio appearance with Nightwish, lending her powerful voice to a track that was originally recorded by Anette Olzon. The song is an energetic, anthemic piece built around a theme of childhood wonder and the magical power of storytelling, featuring one of the most joyful and uplifting choruses in the band’s catalog. It quickly became a concert favorite and stands as one of the best examples of Nightwish’s ability to write accessible, hook-laden music without sacrificing orchestral depth.
Last Ride of the Day
“Last Ride of the Day” from Imaginaerum (2011) is a high-energy, drum-driven track that captures the exhilaration of a fairground ride, complete with carnival-like musical motifs woven throughout its orchestral arrangement. The song is pure, unapologetic fun — a rare quality in Nightwish’s catalog, which often tends toward the epic or the melancholic — and its infectious energy makes it one of the most exciting live tracks the band performs. It captures the spirit of Imaginaerum‘s central theme of childhood imagination and nostalgia with infectious enthusiasm.
I Want My Tears Back
“I Want My Tears Back” from Imaginaerum (2011) is a Celtic-influenced folk metal track that stands out for its use of uilleann pipes, fiddles, and a driving, dance-like rhythm section inspired by Irish and Finnish folk traditions. The song is a passionate plea for reconnection with childhood wonder and emotional authenticity, driven by an irresistible groove and Marco Hietala’s charismatic lead vocals on the verses. It is one of the most distinctive and beloved tracks in the band’s modern era and consistently ranks among fan favorites in live setlist voting.
The Phantom of the Opera
Nightwish’s cover of “The Phantom of the Opera” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical was released on the Century Child album in 2002 and remains one of the most celebrated cover versions in metal history. Tarja Turunen’s voice was ideally suited to the operatic original, and the band’s heavy arrangement gave the song a ferocious new energy while remaining faithful to the spirit of the source material. The duet between Tarja and Marco Hietala is a highlight of the entire Nightwish catalog, showcasing two of the most talented vocalists in symphonic metal sharing the same stage.
Planet Hell
“Planet Hell” from Once (2004) is one of the heavier and more aggressive tracks Nightwish recorded with Tarja, dealing thematically with war, suffering, and humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. The song opens with a devastating orchestral introduction before launching into a punishing guitar-driven assault, creating a stark contrast that makes it one of the most dramatic and powerful tracks on the album. It remains a firm fan favorite for its emotional intensity and its willingness to engage with serious global themes through the lens of symphonic metal.
She Is My Sin
“She Is My Sin” from Wishmaster (2000) is a fan-favorite deep cut that showcases the band’s early ability to blend Tarja’s classical soprano with heavy, down-tuned guitar riffs in a way that was genuinely innovative for the time. The song’s dramatic, gothic atmosphere and its themes of temptation and inner conflict gave it a timeless quality that has kept it relevant across multiple generations of Nightwish fans. Its live performances have always drawn enormous crowd responses, making it a staple of retrospective setlists.
Alpenglow
“Alpenglow” from Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015) is a majestic, anthem-like track that evokes the grandeur of the natural world with sweeping strings, choir arrangements, and Floor Jansen’s luminous vocal performance. The song’s themes of awe and wonder at the beauty of existence fit perfectly within the album’s overarching celebration of the natural world and the science of life. It is one of the most cinematic and uplifting songs Nightwish has ever produced, and it translates extraordinarily well to large live venues where the orchestral layers truly come to life.
Perfume of the Timeless
“Perfume of the Timeless” is a standout track from Nightwish’s most recent studio album Yesterwynde (2024), confirming that the band continues to evolve and produce compelling new music more than two decades into their career. The song blends the orchestral grandeur of their classic sound with a fresh, reflective lyricism that explores themes of memory, time, and the ephemeral nature of human experience. Floor Jansen delivers one of her finest vocal performances on the record, and the song has already become a beloved addition to their live setlist since the album’s release.
Wishmaster
“Wishmaster,” the title track from the band’s 2000 album, is a love letter to fantasy literature — specifically J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings — and is packed with references to elves, dragons, and mythological creatures. The song is built on an irresistibly catchy main riff and a triumphant, sing-along chorus that has made it one of the most beloved tracks in Nightwish’s live repertoire for over two decades. It represents the playful, adventure-driven side of Nightwish’s artistry and remains a joyful reminder of why the band captured the hearts of metal fans around the world in the first place.
Why Nightwish Stands Apart in Symphonic Metal
Nightwish’s longevity and consistent quality across more than 25 years is a testament to the vision and dedication of Tuomas Holopainen, whose songwriting has remained ambitious and emotionally resonant through every lineup change and stylistic evolution. The band’s willingness to tackle grand themes — nature, mythology, science, loss, and the human condition — sets them apart from most of their contemporaries in the symphonic metal world. Whether you are listening on a pair of quality audiophile headphones or in a packed arena, the emotional impact of their music is undeniable, and it only deepens with repeated listening.
The transitions between vocalists — from Tarja Turunen to Anette Olzon and then to Floor Jansen — each brought distinct qualities that enriched the band’s identity rather than diminishing it. Floor Jansen, in particular, has proven to be an extraordinary force, capable of matching and in some cases surpassing the highs set by her predecessors. To fully appreciate the evolution of their sound and vocal style, listening through quality audio equipment such as a good pair of wireless earbuds with strong frequency range can reveal layers of orchestration that casual listening might miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nightwish’s most famous song?
“Ghost Love Score” from the 2004 album Once is widely considered Nightwish’s most iconic and celebrated composition. The 10-minute epic is a masterpiece of symphonic metal and is consistently voted the band’s greatest song by fans and critics alike. However, “Wish I Had an Angel” and “Nemo” from the same album are arguably their most commercially recognizable tracks globally.
Who is the best vocalist Nightwish has had?
This is one of the most debated topics in the symphonic metal community, and the answer largely depends on personal preference and which era of the band you connect with most. Tarja Turunen is beloved for her classical operatic soprano and her defining role in establishing the band’s original sound, while Floor Jansen is widely praised for her extraordinary range and versatility across classical, pop, and metal styles. Many fans and music journalists now consider Floor Jansen the most technically gifted vocalist in the band’s history.
Does Nightwish have any new songs in 2024?
Yes, Nightwish released their ninth studio album Yesterwynde in 2024, featuring new material including the highly praised track “Perfume of the Timeless.” The album was met with strong critical and fan reception, confirming that the band remains one of the most vital and creative forces in symphonic metal. The 2024 release demonstrates that Nightwish continues to evolve musically while honoring the orchestral grandeur that defines their legendary catalog.
What genre is Nightwish?
Nightwish is primarily classified as symphonic metal, a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by the use of orchestral instruments, choir arrangements, and classically trained vocalists alongside traditional rock and metal instrumentation. Their music also incorporates elements of power metal, gothic metal, progressive rock, and folk music depending on the album and track in question. The band is widely regarded as one of the founders and primary innovators of the symphonic metal genre.
Are Nightwish songs good for audiophile listening?
Absolutely — Nightwish’s recordings are among the most sonically complex and richly produced in all of rock and metal, featuring full orchestras, choirs, and meticulously layered instrumental arrangements that reward high-quality audio playback. Listening through premium headphones or high-resolution audio systems reveals subtle details in the orchestration that can be lost on lower-quality equipment. Their albums, particularly Once, Imaginaerum, and Endless Forms Most Beautiful, are frequently recommended as reference recordings for testing audio equipment due to their exceptional dynamic range and production quality.