Roadrunner In a surprising announcement, Finnish symphonic metal act Nighwish have parted with Anette Olzon, their lead singer of five years. Olzon provided vocals on the group’s most recent album ‘Imaginaerum’ and 2007’s ‘Dark Passion Play.’ Over the weekend (Sept. 28), the songstress missed the band’s show in Denver due to an illness. Kamelot ’s backing vocalist Elize Ryd (also of Amaranthe) and the Agonist ’s Alyssa White-Gluz stepped in for Olzon during the Denver concert. Nightwish thanked Ryd and White-Gluz by saying “We were in hell [yesterday]. Vocalist in a hospital. Show about to be canceled… But nobody gave up an inch. With the help from the ladies Elize and Alissa from Kamelot, we actually managed to pull off a relaxed and great show! The crowd doing the mass karaoke with the band playing was absolutely amazing. We were humbled and grateful at the same time. This is unity and help from friends and fans.” While Olzon expressed her thoughts about Ryd and White-Gluz stepping in on her official blog by stating “I was never asked if it was ok they used Elise [sic] and Alica [sic] in the show last night. I don’t think it’s a good decision they made and I’m sorry for those of you who came to see the whole band but got something else. But I was very ill and this decision wasn’t mine.” Now, Nightwish and Olzon have released an official statement below about their separation: Another chapter of the Nightwish story has ended today. Nightwish and Anette Olzon have decided to part company, in mutual understanding, for the good of all parties involved. In recent times it has become increasingly obvious that the direction and the needs of the band were in conflict, and this has led to a division from which we cannot recover. Nightwish has no intention of cancelling any upcoming shows, and as a result we have decided to bring in a substitute vocalist starting in Seattle 1.10.2012 (Oct. 1). Her name is Floor Jansen from The Netherlands (ex-After Forever, ReVamp), and she has graciously stepped in to help us complete the Imaginaerum world tour. We are all strongly committed to this journey, this vehicle of spirit, and we are sure that this will lead to a brighter future for everyone. We forever remain excited about the adventures to come, and we are extremely proud of the two beautiful albums and the wonderful shows we shared together. – Nightwish and Anette Olzon [button href=”http://loudwire.com/nightwish-kamelot-bring-powerful-show-to-new-york-city/” title=”Next: Review + Photo Gallery of Nightwish’s Recent NYC Show” align=”center”]