
Former DRAGONFORCE And SKID ROW Singer ZP THEART Releases Re-Imagining Of NIGHTWISH's 'Nemo'
November 8, 2026Power metal vocalist ZP Theart, the founding voice of DRAGONFORCE and former frontman of SKID ROW, has released a new cover of NIGHTWISH's iconic track "Nemo" accompanied by a studio playthrough video on his official YouTube channel.
Originally released in 2004 on NIGHTWISH's acclaimed album "Once", "Nemo" became one of the band's most recognizable songs, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Tarja Turunen. Theart approaches the track from a different perspective, trading the original's operatic female vocals for his own distinctive, gritty and powerful delivery.
While retaining the song's melodic identity and dramatic atmosphere, his interpretation brings a harder metal edge to the arrangement, offering a fresh take on a symphonic metal classic.
Theart has carved out one of the most distinctive vocal paths in modern metal. He first exploded on to the scene as the founding voice of DRAGONFORCE, shaping the band's trademark blend of turbo-charged guitars and sky-high melodies. Across albums like "Valley Of The Damned", "Sonic Firestorm", "Inhuman Rampage" and "Ultra Beatdown", his vocals became the backbone of a sound that pushed the power metal group into the global spotlight and to RIAA gold and platinum certification. The era-defining anthem "Through The Fire And Flames" became a worldwide phenomenon, appearing in video games "Guitar Hero III", "Fortnite" and even the movie "Minions 4", while their single "Heroes Of Our Time" earned a Grammy nomination, cementing Theart as one of metal's most recognizable frontmen.
After his departure from DRAGONFORCE in 2010, Theart launched I AM I, exploring a more hard-rock-driven sound, and briefly joined NWBHM veterans TANK, adding his intensity to their 2015 album "Valley Of Tears".
In 2016, he surprised many by stepping into American hard rock as the new vocalist for SKID ROW. Initially touring with the band, he became their official frontman in 2017 and spent several years performing internationally, injecting fresh energy into their revered live shows. He also ventured into gaming-inspired metal, lending his voice to Riot Games' virtual band PENTAKILL as the character Karthus on their 2014 album "Smite And Ignite", proving his versatility across mediums. He also recently collaborated with YouTube sensation Stevie T on the viral hit "Isugaku Never Say Goodbye".
From speed-metal pioneer to hard-rock frontman to digital-era metal icon, Theart has spent more than two decades proving he can command any stage and any genre. His return isn't just a comeback, it's the next chapter in a legendary career built on relentless energy and intensity, a visceral force of vocal power and a presence that demands attention, ready to set the world on fire once again.
Theart, who hooked up with SKID ROW in 2016 following the departure of Tony Harnell (TNT, STARBREAKER),was abruptly fired from SKID ROW in February 2022 and replaced by ex-H.E.A.T frontman Erik Grönwall.
This past May, Theart released the official music video for his "Electric Beings" single. It followed his solo debut "Dark To Light" and his 20th-anniversary reimagining of the DRAGONFORCE anthem "Through The Fire And Flames".
Fans can stay updated on upcoming tour dates and new music at the official ZP Theart web site.