Marko Hietala

Early Life

Marko Tapani Hietala, known as Marco Hietala, was born in Finland and has made a significant mark in the heavy metal and symphonic metal genres. He adopted the spelling "Marco" during his youth to sound cooler, but later decided to revert to "Marko" starting with his album "Mustan sydämen rovio."

Career

Hietala is best known as the former bassist and male vocalist for the internationally acclaimed symphonic metal band Nightwish, where he collaborated closely with Tuomas Holopainen. In addition to his work with Nightwish, he is the vocalist and bassist for the heavy metal band Tarot, showcasing his versatility as a musician. His influences include legendary figures such as Geezer Butler and Ronnie James Dio, and he draws inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, believing that exposure to various genres enriches his songwriting.

Personal Life

Hietala has two children, twin boys Antto and Miro, from his previous marriage to Manki. After their divorce in 2016, he married Camila Cavalcanti in 2018, and they now reside in Spain with their daughter. Outside of music, Hietala enjoys reading, playing video games, and watching movies, particularly in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres. His personal journey reflects a deep connection to his roots and a passion for creativity that transcends the boundaries of metal music.