Nightwish founder Tuomas Holopainen will make a guest appearance on the re-recording of The 3rd and The Mortal’s, track ‘Why So Lonely’, from their 1994 album, ‘Tears Laid In Earth’, performing piano and keyboards.

The 3rd and the Mortal, active between 1992 and 1995, while not a household name, have been cited as the forerunners of atmospheric metal, and are considered a highly influential act by music critics, noted as one of the first metal bands to utilise a female singer, Kari Rueslatten.
Ms. Rueslatten has carried on a solo career since the dissolution of The 3rd and The Mortal , and has indicated that the re-recording will be part of a new album released in early 2014.

The 3rd and the Mortal, led by Kari Rueslatten

Finnish multi-instrumentalist Holopainen founded Nightwish in 1996, along with guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and the two have remained the only constant members. Though one of Finland’s most successful musical acts, and arguably symphonic metals most important band, Nightwish have endured struggles over the last few years, notably with original vocalist, soprano Tarja Turunen, who was publicly – and controversially – fired from the band in 2005, and has since carried on a solo career. Annette Olzen replaced Turunen until last year, when she quit after becoming pregnant. Since then, Nightwish have taken an extended break, and have not yet confirmed the appointment of a new vocalist.
The re-recorded version of ‘Why So Lonely’ will be released on September 10th.

Have a listen to the original here: