Nightwish celebrate 30 years with massive anniversary release “The Greatest 30 Years On Earth”

Finnish symphonic metal giants Nightwish will celebrate their 30th anniversary with an extensive retrospective release titled “The Greatest 30 Years On Earth”. The collection will arrive on December 11th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Spanning three decades of the band’s career, the anniversary release combines live recordings, concert footage, rare material, photographs and a brand-new documentary offering a closer look at the creative mind behind Nightwish, Tuomas Holopainen.

Live material from Amsterdam and Kitee

A major part of “The Greatest 30 Years On Earth” focuses on two very different concerts from the band’s “Human. :II: Nature.” touring cycle.

The collection features audio and video from Nightwish‘s arena performance in Amsterdam in 2022 as well as the band’s homecoming concert in Kitee, Finland, in 2023.

Also included are live-in-the-studio recordings captured during the band’s virtual “An Evening with Nightwish in a Virtual World” performances. The audio featured on the anniversary collection has been mastered at Finnvox Studios.

The package is complemented by an extensive selection of photographs documenting the band’s three decades of touring, studio work and life behind the scenes.

New documentary focuses on Tuomas Holopainen

The anniversary release will also feature a brand-new documentary directed by Ville Lipiäinen. The film focuses on Nightwish founder and primary songwriter Tuomas Holopainen, exploring his approach to songwriting, the evolution of the band’s musical world and the philosophy behind his work.

The band comments:

“The whirlwind of 30 years is still scooping up building materials and curios: new interviews, documentaries, remixed songs from the ‘Islanders Arms’, photos and, are you ready? Concert footage of the ‘Human :ll: Nature’ tour, shot in Holland and Finland.

This is Nightwish; The Greatest Years on Earth so far!”

Watch Nightwish perform “7 Days To The Wolves” live in Amsterdam

Alongside the announcement, Nightwish have released a live video for “7 Days To The Wolves”, filmed during the band’s Amsterdam concert in 2022.

The performance can be watched below:

“The Greatest 30 Years On Earth” formats

The anniversary collection will be available in several elaborate physical editions:

• Limited Edition 3CD + Blu-ray Earbook with a 36-page booklet
• Silver & Blue Limited Edition 4LP + Blu-ray Box Set with a 36-page booklet
• White/Blue Corona Limited Edition 4LP + Blu-ray Box Set with a 36-page booklet, available exclusively through the band

“The Greatest 30 Years On Earth” will be released on December 11th via Nuclear Blast Records.