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NIGHTWISH

Who do you turn to when you feel vulnerable and in need of guidance? Tuomas Holopainen - principle songwriter and keyboardist for Finnish symphonic power metal five-piece Nightwish - found himself asking this exact question when faced with the difficult task of replacing the band's long-term and very popular frontwoman, Tarja Turunen. But instead of turning to his parents, friends or even God for help, Holopainen gained inspiration from an unlikely source...MacGyver.

By Gav Britton

"Oh my god, you have no idea how much this guy has meant to me," says Tuomas in a borderline maniacal tone. "I can pretty much recite every single episode of 'MacGyver' ever made. I have watched them so many times...He's the good guy in every way and he's like an idol. I've always wanted to be like him. I wanted to have the same haircut and the same clothes. I wanted to be able to think like him. He was so smart, but also so polite...just like a perfect role model."

It seemed like career suicide when Nightwish collectively fired Tarja Turunen in 2005, especially considering their last album with her, 'Once', had just sold over one million copies worldwide. But in hindsight, and with inspiration from MacGyver, the bold decision to replace her proved to be right one. The band have since found a new singer - Anette Olzon (former vocalist for Alyson Avenue) - and released 'Dark Passion Play' to rave reviews in the latter half of 2007. "It was the most exciting year of my life in many ways," says founding member Tuomas Holopainen on the line from wintry Finland as he reflects on 2007. "It's so encouraging; people are accepting the new singer and the new CD so phenomenally well."

Anette was chosen after the band whittled down over 2000 applicants. With personality and vocal ability as their main criteria, Anette proved to be the perfect replacement for Tarja. "At the moment the feeling in the band is equally as good as it was at its best time with the previous singer [Tarja]. It's kind of like going back in time for a few years and having that chemistry once more," explains Holopainen excitedly. While Tarja was often viewed as the centre of attention in Nightwish, Tuomas explains that Anette's inclusion has shifted the dynamics of Nightwish. "I would say that we are a bit tighter as a band. I'm not saying that there was anything wrong with Tarja being the real 'frontwoman' and the image of the band, I think that was cool, but with Anette we are more like a band. It's not like a lead singer with a backing band - it's five equal members on stage having fun."

Nightwish will be bringing the new lineup to Australia in February and as a renowned horror and hiking enthusiast, Holopainen says he would love to take a detour to Wolf Creek if time permits. "I would definitely go there," he says without more than a second's consideration. "I love the movie. It's my all-time number one favourite horror movie. John Jarratt should have an Oscar for that."

' Dark Passion Play' is out now on Roadrunner Records.

February 2 at The Arena, Brisbane.