Kai Hahto says Tuomas Holopainen has promised no ballads on the next Nightwish album

Nightwish drummer Kai Hahto has shared new details about the band’s next album in an interview with Chaoszine. According to Hahto, songwriter Tuomas Holopainen told him that the upcoming record would contain no ballads.

“At least Tuomas said to me that Kai, there’s not going to be any ballads on the next album. I have to trust him,” Hahto said.

Hahto also clarified the recording process. Holopainen plans to work on demos with Tero in May, without the other band members. Once the demos are complete, they will be shared with the rest of the group.

The band is then due to rehearse together for three weeks in Kitee in August, with album recording beginning after those rehearsals. Hahto said he remains excited to hear what Holopainen has written, praising the songwriting talents he has worked with throughout his career, including Jari Mäenpää and Juha Raivio.

The comment about ballads reflects Holopainen’s reported plans as relayed by Hahto, rather than a confirmed final track listing.

Watch the full interview below.