Floor Jansen, Nightwish’s vocalist, announced earlier this month that her debut solo album, Paragon, will be released in March after beating breast cancer.

The album was announced in December of 2021 as Paragon and is set for release on March 24, 2023. Remember when she first had her solo concert in 2020? Back then, COVID restrictions meant she couldn’t do much more than that for some time. And then she got to work on the record and released singles—” Me Without You,” “Fire,” and “Storm”—in the summer before announcing that the album was coming soon.

“Look at me now; I’m already there! To renew yourself and take leaps into the unknown makes you grow. To age is a gift not everyone gets. I am a fortunate woman who got to make an album I never knew I could make. One that even defines me, where I am on my path. I have reached my Paragon! I am so proud of this work! And grateful for all the amazing people in this beautiful life that helped me get here!”

Floor Jansen

This album will apparently bridge the gap between metal and pop music, opening both to a new audience.

Earlier this year, Floor Jansen made headlines when she announced that she had breast cancer. After removing the tumor and undergoing treatment, she said she was cancer-free. In addition to some other dates, she is already slated to perform with Nightwish on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise next month.

It will be released on March 24, 2023, but you can preorder your copy now.

In 1996, Nightwish was formed as a symphonic metal band in Kitee, Finland. An original lineup included lead vocalist Tarja Turunen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, bassist Sami Vänskä, and drummer Jukka Nevalainen. A few months later, keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen joined the band.

Over time, Nightwish began to incorporate symphonic and folk metal elements into their sound, but their early music was heavily influenced by power metal. It received critical acclaim from the metal community when it released its first two albums, “Angels Fall First” and “Oceanborn,” respectively, in 1997 and 1998.

In 2002, Nightwish released their third album, “Century Child,” which featured more prominent use of symphonic elements and became their first album to reach the top ten on the Finnish charts. Their 2002 tour was documented on the band’s live album, “End of Innocence.”

The fourth album from Nightwish, “Once,” released in 2004, became their breakthrough record and spawned several successful singles, such as “Nemo,” “Wish I Had an Angel,” and “Planet Hell.” In addition to receiving wide acclaim, the album established Nightwish as a leading symphonic metal band.

In 2007, Nightwish released their fifth album, “Dark Passion Play,” with new vocalist Anette Olzon, following the release of “Once.” Tarja Turunen was dismissed from the band because of creative differences. Several hit singles spawned from the album, including “Amaranth” and “Erämaan Viimeinen,” another band success.

In 2012, Olzon left the band and was replaced by Floor Jansen, who had previously performed as a guest vocalist for the band during their 2012 tour. During Nightwish’s sixth studio album, “Endless Forms Most Beautiful,” Floor Jansen became the band’s permanent vocalist ever since then.

As Nightwish continues to release new music and tours internationally, they have built a large and loyal fan base worldwide. Their contribution to the popularization of symphonic metal in the early 21st century is widely regarded as one of the most significant achievements of the genre.