Nightwish - Yesterwynde (Orchestral Version) (2024) [Hi-Res]

1. Where the orchestra and choirs were recorded
This is arguably the most crucial element of the Nightwish sound. Staying true to their tradition, the band collaborated with world-class professionals.
Recording location: The legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (UK).
The orchestral and choral parts were recorded in October 2023.
A session orchestra was used for the studio recording (often referred to as "The London Session Orchestra" on previous releases, though in the context of this album, the focus is specifically on the Abbey Road location).
An important clarification: While the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra is frequently mentioned in news reports, this pertains to the album’s global concert premiere—scheduled for August 2025—rather than the studio recording itself. The album features the London-based recording.
2. Recording the band and vocals
The process of recording instruments and vocals was split across different locations and timeframes:
The primary instrumental tracking (drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards) was completed by September 2023. Rehearsals took place at a secluded retreat in Röskö, Finland—a traditional spot where the band gathers before recording to refine their material, far removed from civilization.
Floor Jansen’s vocals: Floor recorded her parts in her own home studio. This was because she had given birth to her second child just a month before the recording sessions began. Tuomas Holopainen noted that, despite the lack of joint vocal rehearsals, Floor was exceptionally well-prepared and recorded all her parts in just 6 days, rather than the 12 originally planned.
Troy Donockley: His instrumental parts (bagpipes, whistles, etc.) were recorded in November 2023.
3. Mixing and Mastering
Once all the tracks—orchestral parts from London, vocals from a home studio, and instrumentation from Finland—were ready, the final production phase began.
Studio: The renowned Finnvox Studios in Helsinki.
Engineers: Longtime band collaborator Mikko Karmila handled the mixing, while Mika Jussila took charge of the mastering.
Complexity: Tuomas Holopainen revealed that the album underwent seven mastering sessions before the result fully satisfied the band. The mixing and mastering process spanned from January to February 2024.
Meaning of "Yesterwynde": This word does not exist in the English language; it was coined by Troy Donockley. Tuomas Holopainen had been searching for a term to capture a specific sentiment: a blend of longing for the past, memories that fade into shades of black-and-white or sepia over time, and an awareness of one’s connection to history. Troy suggested "Yesterwynde," and it fit perfectly. The lyrics are permeated by the idea that every person living today is the result of "a million love stories" involving their ancestors. We are the "winning ticket" in the lottery of evolution.