Amberian Dawn Part Ways With Singer

[KingsGene]

This will probably spur some more Nightwish discussion, as if we needed any more:

From http://www.bravewords.com/news/193452 :

Finnish metal band AMBERIAN DAWN have announced the departure of singer Heidi Parviainen.

A band statement reads:
"The first chapter of Amberian Dawn's story is closed. The band and vocalist Heidi Parviainen, who has been a member of Amberian Dawn from the beginning, have decided to part ways.

The decision to part company at the end of the year was made consensually in early 2012, thus meaning Amberian Dawn's appearance at Metal Female Voices Fest was their last show together. Amberian Dawn wishes Heidi all the best for her future and thanks her deeply for the work, effort and contribution she provided during all these years.

Furthermore the band line-up will change since drummer Heikki Saari and guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen are leaving the band and their positions are filled by ex-drummer Joonas Pykälä-aho and ex-guitarist Emil "Emppu" Pohjalainen. Joonas and Emppu have been around a lot lately and you have seen them on AD's previous European tour in 2011. In fact Joonas has played on all three European tours of AD so far and Emppu on two. AD wishes Kasperi and Heikki well for their future and successful careers with their new band projects. Your talent and virtuosity was highly appreciated.

The first chapter of Amberian Dawn lasted five years, brought forth four studio albums, three European tours and about 70 gigs worldwide. This was a great time for everyone involved, but now it's time to move on and continue with a new line-up and new vocalist, who will be announced in December 2012.

Welcome back on board Emppu and Joonas!"

 

[Stingray11214]

I do not think the boys will pick her up. Heidi is a solid singer, but you have the same problem that you had with Anette: 70 gigs worldwide, and those were in Europe, is not a tour veteran that Nightwish needs. If they were going to go the low-gig vocalist, they might as well, bring in a newbie and develop her.

 

[Hammerlock]

Pretty much what he said. She would certainly SOUND excellent. But a common reason for people leaving successful bands is the strain of touring. It's not an easy life, and if Amberian Dawn was too much for her, Nightwish would be way past the commitment level she would want to give.

I hope they get a replacement that can live up to Heidi, she was a really first-class singer, and finding somebody with her range and style is not easy.

 

[adaher]

I agree, with one caveat: A band of Amberian Dawn's stature, at this point in their career don't they all need to have jobs besides being in the band? If Nightwish meant she wouldn't have to work at anything other than being in Nightwish it might be LESS strain overall.

That must be the toughest phase of being a band: too big for it to be just a hobby, not big enough that you can quit your day job.

 

[Dominick_7]

That sucks. She's a very good singer and a class act. Always sounded great live whenever I've seen clips if them.

 

[KingsGene]

From http://www.bravewords.com/news/195861 :

An update reads: "Hey all. As announced recently we have spent quite some time with the search for a new singer. A pretty hard task, but we think we managed to find an extraordinarily talented singer.

We are very proud to present you Capri! She is from Finland and a professional vocalist with a strong background: she has worked for a vast amount of different kinds of studio- and live-projects (musicals, lead and backing vocal recordings, live shows etc). Capri has a classical training but is still 100 percent a rock singer. We are sure she will bring AD to a new level by interpreting AD songs with a different kind of style and emotion.

Here's something more for you eyes and ears. A teaser video of Capri singing some AD songs:

​

And since we all thought that Capri can sing those “classic” AD songs with new and refreshing style and sound, we decided to re-record a selection of our best songs again with her. Also 75% of the music stems are going to be re-recorded. Mikko P. Mustonen, who did orchestral arrangements for our previous album (Circus Black) will add some more colour to those songs with awesome orchestral additions. He's also going to mix this album. Release dates, track listing and cover art are to be announced later.

Songwriter Tuomas Seppälä: “Finding Capri and getting her to join AD is like a big dream coming true to me. Capri shares the same taste in music as I and that's why it's obvious that our new partnership is like “a match made in heaven”. She really makes my compositions shine like never before and I'm so impressed about her in every way. I'm as excited as back then, when I found our original singer Heidi. Now my main focus is to make the whole world to hear about Capri and start composing new songs for her. But first, we're all concentrating on recording this compilation album with Capri and then I'll start working with new material for new studio album “

More on Amerian Dawn here.

 

[Dominick_7]

Saw this. Was interested to see who they chose. Wasn't going to say anything, but.. while I'm sure she's a nice person and sounds like a capable singer, by first impression I didn't care for it. Think her voice would fit more so a rock band, other forms of metal or some other style. Seems similar to the move Nightwish did after Tarja in ditching the opera. I miss Heidi and her beautiful soprano operatic voice Maybe it will grow on me, but the soprano operatic approach from Heidi gave the songs an otherworldly majesty. Wonder if there will be the same kind of split in fans reactions like there was with Nightwish but now with AD. May also be weird hearing someone else other than Heidi singing the older songs. I'll keep an open mind when it comes out, and maybe I'll be one of the few that feels this way but that's just my first impression of it.