Jukka explains the hard decision he had to make:

"During the last month, it has become evident for me that due to my insomnia, I can't fulfill my duties as a musician in the way that I'd want and with the pr ecision that the music deserves.Thus I have decided to step aside from my duties as the drummer of Nighwish during the recording of the forthcoming album and the subsequent tour."

Jukka will still be involved in managing the day-to-day affairs of the band, but playing drums is, for the time being, not possible. Says the sleepless drummer:

"On a personal level, my decision obviously feels indescribably sad. Fortunately, looking at it with some distance, it is 'just' part of the constant, inevitable ebb and flow of life. The sad things are part of it as well as the beautiful, unforgettable experiences and adventures that I've already had the pleasure to experience in spades."

Due in early 2015, Nightwish's as-yet-untitled eighth studio album will be the first to feature Dutch vocalist Floor Jansen (Revamp, ex-After Forever), who has been touring with the Finnish band since October 2012.