Marco Hietala is a Finnish composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who rose to prominence as a central figure in symphonic metal. Born in Tervo in 1966, he built an extensive career spanning multiple high-profile musical collaborations. Known for his distinctive vocal range and proficiency on bass and acoustic guitar, he has influenced the heavy metal genre through decades of studio and live work.
Early Career and Tarot
Raised in Tervo until age 15, Hietala later moved to Kuopio to pursue formal studies in classical guitar, vocal performance, and music theory. In 1984, he and his brother Zachary established the heavy metal band Purgatory, which was later renamed Tarot. The band secured its first recording contract in 1986. Before achieving stability as a professional musician, Hietala worked as both a live and studio sound engineer.
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Hietala joined the symphonic metal band Nightwish in 2001 following the departure of bassist Sami Vänskä. His arrival allowed band leader Tuomas Holopainen to incorporate vocal duets, most notably showcased on the cover of The Phantom of the Opera. Beyond his role as a performer, Hietala contributed as a songwriter, receiving credit for tracks such as The Islander and co-writing The Crow, the Owl and the Dove.
Collaborative Projects and Television
His career includes contributions to a wide array of musical projects, including Northern Kings, Sinergy, and the heavy metal supergroup HAIL!. In 2010, he participated in the television program Kuorosota, finishing second while leading the Kuopio choir. He also appeared as a guest on Arjen Lucassen’s 2013 album, The Theory of Everything, and later joined the project for a live concert series.
Solo Work and Recent Activity
In 2019, Hietala released his debut solo album, Mustan sydämen rovio, under his birth name, Marko Hietala. The English-language version, titled Pyre of the Black Heart, arrived in January 2020. Following his departure from Nightwish in January 2021, he took a hiatus from public life. He resumed live performance in June 2022 during the Tuhdimmat Tahdit festival in Nokia with Northern Kings.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Tervo, Finland
- Primary instruments: Bass guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals
- Major bands: Nightwish, Tarot, Northern Kings, Sinergy, Sapattivuosi
- Solo debut: Mustan sydämen rovio (2019)
- Television appearance: Masked Singer (2020)
- Education: Classical guitar, vocals, and music theory in Kuopio
Questions readers ask
Why did Hietala leave Nightwish?
He left the band in January 2021 citing a need to address mental health struggles, including depression, which had persisted for a decade.
What is Hietala's vocal style in Nightwish?
He is recognized for his distinctive, raucous voice, which was used to create vocal contrasts and duets within the band's symphonic metal sound.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar, acoustic guitar and voice
- Genres: heavy metal music and symphonic metal
