NIGHTWISH Bassist-Vocalist Confirmed For 'Raskasta Joulua' Concert In Helsinki

Bassist/vocalist Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT, ex-SINERGY) has been confirmed to take part in the December 21, 2007 performance at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland by Raskasta Joulua (Heavy Christmas) — a special project which celebrates Christmas and its music tradition mixed with metal. Also scheduled to appear are Antony Parviainen (MACHINE MEN), JP Leppäluoto (CHARON), Ville Tuomi (UNITED UNDERWORLD) and Ari Mikael Koivunen (winner of the 2007 Finnish "Idols" competition).

Raskasta Joulua (Heavy Christmas) will hit the road in Finland in late November/early December. According to a posting on the project's MySpace page, "Raskas Joulu has combined [Christmas and metal] for four years now and it looks like the end is not in sight."

The dates are as follows:

Nov. 30 - Blackpool - Järvenpää, Finland
Dec. 01 - Osmantupa - Eura, Finland
Dec. 05 - Teatria - Oulu, Finland
Dec. 06 - Ruka Piste Ruka Ski Resort - Kuusamo, Finland
Dec. 07 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, Finland
Dec. 13 - Henry’s Pub - Kuopio, Finland
Dec. 14 - Sibeliustalo - Lahti, Finland
Dec. 15 - Bar & Night Vaakuna - Mikkeli, Finland
Dec. 21 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland
Dec. 22 - Himos Areena - Jämsä, Finland
Dec. 26 - Amarillo - Kotka, Finland
Dec. 27 - Hulluporo Areena - Levi, Finland
Dec. 28 - Hulluporo Areena - Levi, Finland

The backing band will consist of the following musicians:

Erkka Korhonen - Guitar, MD
Mikko Kosonen - Guitar (except for Dec. 27-28)
Mauro Gargano - Drums
Erkki Silvennoinen - Bass
Vili Ollila – Keyboards

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/raskasjoulu.

Watch fan-filmed video footage of Raskasta Joulua (featuring Marco Hietala on lead vocals) performing the song "Oi Jouluyö (O' Holy Night)" live on December 21, at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland: