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Marko Tapani Hietala (born 14 January 1966) is a Finnish musician, singer, bassist, and songwriter, widely recognized as one of the most distinctive and charismatic figures in symphonic and heavy metal. Known for his powerful, raspy voice, expressive bass playing, and commanding stage presence, Hietala has built a long and influential career spanning multiple bands and musical styles.

Marko first gained prominence as a founding member of the heavy metal band Tarot, formed in the mid-1980s with his brother Zachary Hietala. With Tarot, he established himself as a versatile musician capable of handling both bass duties and lead vocals, contributing to albums such as Spell of Iron (1986), Follow Me into Madness (1988), and later reunion-era releases like Gravity of Light (2010). Tarot’s sound blended traditional heavy metal with darker, progressive, and melodic elements, laying the groundwork for Marko’s later work.

In 2001, Hietala joined Nightwish, initially as the band’s bassist and later becoming one of its most recognizable voices. His arrival marked a significant evolution in Nightwish’s sound, introducing male lead and duet vocals that added dramatic contrast and narrative depth. Marko’s gritty baritone and emotional delivery became a defining feature on albums such as Century Child (2002), Once (2004), Dark Passion Play (2007), Imaginaerum (2011), Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015), and Human. :||: Nature. (2020).

Within Nightwish, Marko was not only a performer but also a key songwriter and arranger, contributing lyrics, vocal melodies, and musical ideas. His songs often explored darker, more introspective themes, and his vocal interplay with singers such as Tarja Turunen, Anette Olzon, and Floor Jansen became a hallmark of the band’s theatrical and cinematic identity. Tracks like “The Islander,” “While Your Lips Are Still Red,” and “Endlessness” are frequently cited as standout moments of emotional depth and storytelling.

Beyond Nightwish, Marko has been involved in numerous collaborations and side projects, including Northern Kings, a symphonic metal supergroup that reinterpreted classic rock and metal songs with operatic arrangements. He has also worked with artists such as Delain, Ayreon, Within Temptation, and various Finnish metal acts, further cementing his reputation as a sought-after vocalist and bassist.

In 2021, Hietala announced his departure from Nightwish, citing struggles with depression, anxiety, and disillusionment with the music industry. His openness about mental health resonated deeply with fans and peers alike. After a period of recovery, he returned to music with renewed clarity, releasing solo material that blends hard rock, metal, progressive, and folk influences, showcasing a more personal and reflective artistic voice.

Marko Hietala is widely respected not only for his musical contributions, but for his artistic honesty, emotional vulnerability, and refusal to conform to industry expectations. His career stands as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the enduring power of expressive music within the metal world.

Tuomas Holopainen

Nightwish

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Live participations

• DELAIN feat Marco Hietala – The Gathering
• DELAIN feat Marco Hietala – Nothing Left