Tarja's new album 'Left In The Dark'

While we're waiting for Tarja's new rock album, which she is already recording, we get the chance to buy new album 'Left in the Dark'.The title of the album may sound familiar to you. Basically, we get previously unreleased material such as demos, instrumental versions, live acoustic radio recordings and B-sides from 'Colours in the Dark'.

Tracklist:

1. Victim of Ritual (demo)
2. 500 letters (acoustic recording)
3. Lucid Dreamer (demo)
4. Never Enough (demo progression)
5. Mystique Voyage (demo)
6. Into the Sun (studio version)
7. Deliverance (instrumental)
8. Neverlight (full orchestra version)
9. Until Silence (acoustic recording)
10. Medusa (Tarja's solo version)

Neverlight - Full Orchestra Version Video

Within Temptation ft Tarja - Paradise (What About Us?) single out now

Today, Within Temptation released an official video for their new single Paradise (What About Us?).

Enjoy!

Within Temptation's new single Paradise (What About Us?)

On September 27th, Within Temptation will release new single 'Paradise (What About Us?) featuring Tarja Turunen as a guest vocalist.

'Paradise (What About Us?) will be released as an EP, containing four new songs. The songs are 'Paradise (what About Us?), demo versions of  three brand new songs 'Let Us Burn', 'Dog Days' and 'Silver Moonlight'.


Here's a little teaser:

CD Review: Colours In the Dark by Tarja

After 3 years of waiting, Tarja released her new album 'Colours In the Dark' in August/September. Before the release of the album, Tarja teased us with lyric video 'Never Enough'  and official first single 'Victim of Ritual', which was released in July.

Personally, I'm not really surprised with the direction of Tarja's new album. In many interview Tarja anticipated, that her main influences were film soundtracks and American heavy metal. Although, the album has only 10 tracks, it doesn't seem to be necessarily a bad thing as some fans were complaining. Most of the songs are longer than 5 minutes anyway.

The album's opener is also the first single 'Victim of Ritual' which immediately reminded me of  'Anteroom of Death' from her second album 'What Lies Beneath'. Followed by '500 Letters', which is supposed to be the second single released sometime in September. This song is really catchy and is about Tarja's obsessives fans. I like this song along with more atmospheric 'Lucid Dreamer', which features Tarja's daughter Naomi, 'Mystique Voyage', where Tarja sings in 3 different languages. My personal highlight of the album is 'Deliverance'. A perfect combo of all Tarja's favourite musical styles which blend in together very nicely. 'Never Enough' and 'Neverlight' are the heaviest songs on the album and definitely bear the 'stamp' of American heavy metal which Tarja is so fond of. As with the previous 2 albums, Tarja decided to make another cover.

This time it is Peter Gabriel's 'Darkness', which along with the ballad 'Until Silence' are 2 songs which I tried to like, but failed to do so. Maybe they need even more time to grow on me, but in the case of  'Until Silence' it's not only the lyrics, which I find rather repetitive and boring, but the song itself sounds a bit dull to me. The last song of the album is a duet 'Medusa' featuring Justin Furstenfeld know as the lead singer of the rock band Blue October. 

Since I bought the deluxe version I received a one off download code for the bonus track 'Into the Silence'. When Tarja played this song for the first time during her 'What Lies Beneath World Tour' I wasn't really impressed with this song. I liked 'Never Enough' more. But this studio version not only has new intro added but also the middle part is changed and it became on of my favourite songs of 'Colours In the Dark'. I consider it to be one of her best ballads.

So to say at last. To me 'Colours In the Dark' is a very big step forward. It seems like Tarja found herself a style which she shines in and also record company, which helps her to improve and evolve. Also, I must not forget to mention booklet. If you can, buy the CD because the photos are just stunning! Tarja looks beautiful, relaxed and so natural. I always complain about her official photos, because she pulls horrible faces but these are just great. And if I ever get a chance to see her live, I will definitely go. Even though, her accent still bothers me a lot.

To find tour dates check here. If you haven't ordered your copy yet, do it here.

First official single: Victim of Ritual

Mike Oldfield ft Tarja - Never Too Far

A couple of days ago, English multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield released new remix album  'Tubular Beats'. The album includes Oldfield's most popular songs with new arrangements and sounds. A brand new song 'Never Too Far' features Tarja's vocals.

Not really liking it. Tarja herself sounds good but the song is just too long and too boring for my taste. I heard this song twice and can't see myself giving it another go. Sorry Tarja.

DVD Review: Act I by Tarja

Act I the first live rock DVD of Tarja's solo career was released on 24th August. Tarja chose Teatro El Circulo in Rosario, Argentina as place where 2 concerts were filmed.

When Tarja announced that she is going to release live DVD and CD I had mixed feelings. On the one hand I was looking forward to it, since Tarja's concerts are always full of energy and her band members are great performers, on the other hand I was afraid  a bit how it will turn out. Lately I realised I'm no more a big fan of Tarja's live vocals. I really enjoy her vocals on CD but when it comes to her live performance I struggle to be able to enjoy it. And it's not only her weird pronunciation that bugs me. So when I received my copy of DVD I didn't have very high expectations.

My first thought when I looked at the cover art work was: "What the hell are these strings doing there? They're just ruining it!" Also shall I mention Tarja's boring facial expressions and never ending pouting? Come on Tarja, you are so beautiful and yet you manage to look so bad sometimes. Like on most of your promo photos. But apart from that the booklet is nice and simple.

But back on topic now. I paid £11 for my DVD and I think it is a really good bargain. Basically we get 2 concerts, photo gallery from fans and band members, some interviews with Tarja and band member and also the video "Into the Sun".

The choice of songs on DVD 1 is quite obvious. Songs, such as "Anteroom of Death", "I Walk Alone", "Nemo" and "Die Alive" just to name few, are the most popular ones and can't be missing on the setlist.
Also the iconic "The Phantom of the Opera" is present here with Diego Valdez's vocals. I must admit I didn't like him as Phantom. But to be really honest, I am tired of this song. Another song I was a little bit disappointed with is "Nemo". This song sounds bad live. It doesn't matter, whether she sang it in 2004 or 2012. I wish Tarja would choose other song from her Nightwish's days. Be it "Stargazer" or "Bless the Child" since she performed both during her final tour shows. But I understand that "Nemo" is a must. You will see how the audience goes wild when they hear the first tones of this song.
The rest of the songs sound good. Tarja sang her standard and 2 new songs from the forthcoming album "Never Enough" and "Into the Sun" are received by the audience very well. Especially "Never Enough" is very good, energic live song.

DVD 2 includes Whitesnake's cover "Still of the Night", 80's medley, Tarja's heaviest live song "Cirana's Well"  and my favourite songs "Crimson Deep" and "Tired of being Alone".

All in all this DVD was worth my £11.(Although while watching the DVD on my TV I got headache because of the horrible audio. I still don't think that mess was caused by my TV or DVD player and I know I said I want my money back, but hey, I changed my mind.). Teatro El Circulo is very beautiful. The light and laser show helps to underline the emotions of each song and together with amazing audience create a great experience that makes you to want to go to one of Tarja's concerts.
Also I can't forget to mention Tarja's band. Their performance was great. Energic running from side to side, interacting with the audience. It was a real joy watching these guys - Alex Schlopp, Kevin Chown, Christian Kretschmar, Mike Terrana, Max Lilja, Doug Wimbish and Julian Barrett - play.

Tarja's New 2DVD & 2CD "Act 1"

So we finally have new Tarja's live rock DVD and CD, which was recorded back in March 2012, Argentina. The release date is August 24th.

Since it's Tarja we are talking about, we are going to get 2 CD, 2 DVD and Blu-ray and every single release has it's own cover.

2CD track list & cover:

CD1

01. Anteroom Of Death
02. My Little Phoenix
03. Dark Star
04. Naiad
05. Falling Awake
06. I Walk Alone
07. Little Lies
08. Into The Sun
09. Nemo
10. Never Enough
11. Still Of The Night
12. In For A Kill

CD2

01. Boy And The Ghost
02. Lost Northern Star
03. Ciaran‘s Well
04. Tired Of Being Alone
05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin’ On A Prayer
06. Underneath
07. Oasis / The Archive Of Lost Dreams
08. Crimson Deep
09. The Phantom Of The Opera
10. Die Alive
11. Until My Last Breath
12. Over The Hills And Far Away

Blu-ray cover

2DVD & Blu-ray track list:

DVD1

01. If You Believe

02. Anteroom Of Death

03. My Little Phoenix

04. Dark Star

05. Naiad

06. Falling Awake

07. I Walk Alone

08. Orpheus Hallucination / Orpheus In The Underworld

09. Little Lies (band jam)

10. Little Lies

11. Into The Sun

12. Nemo

13. Acoustic Set:

• Rivers Of Lust

• 

  DVD cover
  
  

  Minor Heaven
• Montañas De Silencio
• Sing For Me
• I Feel Immortal

14. Never Enough

15. In For A Kill

16. Toccata And Fugue D-minor (BWV 565) / The Phantom Of The Opera

17. Die Alive

18. Until My Last Breath

19. Over The Hills And Far Away

DVD 2

01. Boy And The Ghost

02. Lost Northern Star

03. Ciaran‘s Well

04. Tired Of Being Alone

05. Where Were You Last Night / Heaven Is A Place On Earth / Livin’ On A Prayer

06. Underneath

07. The Reign

08. Oasis / The Archive Of Lost Dreams

09. Still Of The Night

10. Crimson Deep

+ Bonus: Photogallery, video clip, EPK

The Blu-ray track list remains the same.

Also Tarja is about to release her new single "In to the Sun", July 13th. This is will be only digital release, though.

If you have any questions regarding "Act 1" you can post your question here. Tarja will choose the most interesting ones and will blog her answer later on.

Here is "Act 1" trailer: 

Tarja's new songs

Yesterday, Tarja started her "What Lies Beneath Final Tour 2012" and performed for the first time ever two new songs from her upcoming rock album - "Never Enough" and "Into the Sun".

You can watch the full concert here.
                 

                                                                                                  "Into the Sun"

                                                                                                "Never Enough"

Out of these two I like "Never Enough" more. I think this song is catchy and might be a really good single to draw attention of new fans but somehow, I doubt it will end up on the upcoming album.

In recent interview Tarja revealed, that her new rock album will be released in 2013.

Also Argentinian promoter announced Tarja's intention to record her first rock live DVD during the concert on 30.03.2012 in Rosario, Argentina.

Some News

1. "Requiem for the Indifferent" is the title of  Epica's fifth full-length album . According to the band: "This title refers to the end of an era. As we are all connected; the universe, earth, nature, animals and human beings, this period in time will be the prelude to the end for those who still don't want to, or simply won't see it. 'A Requiem For The Indifferent', but also a possibility for a new beginning with great new chances!" The album will be out on March 9, 2012.

2. Another Dutch metal band Delain revealed the title of their third album. "We Are the Others" is also a song from the album, which will be out in spring.

3. Today, The Helsinki district court dropped all charges and compensation demands related to the Nightwish book. In other words, Marcelo Cabuli lost the lawsuit against publisher and author of the Nightwish's official biography. Finnish speakers can read more about it here. For the rest of us, here is the translation of the article.

4. Within Temptation decided to make a full length film about the concept of ''The Unforgiving". Since the comic does appeal to a lot of people and the short films were received very well the film should be out within next few years.

5. Couple of days ago, Lacuna Coil released "Trip the Darkness" music video. The single is from their upcoming album "Dark Adrenaline" due to be out January 23.

Tarja's new song "Outlanders"

Yesterday, Tarja introduced a new song "Outlanders" inspired by writer Paulo Coelho's text from books:  The Alchemist, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept and Life: Selected Quotations. The song tells about the meaning of moments, how important it is enjoy life every day.

Outlanders is also the name for Tarja's and German producer Torsten Stenzel's new assembly. Outlanders has brought together people who have found their home outside the country they were born in.

According to a source from the event, which was held at a bookstore in Helsinki, Tarja said that they have no plans at all for the group Outlanders, but that it isn't impossible that it will be released somehow someday, but they haven't decided anything.

DVD Review: Nightwish's From Wishes to Eternity

In the dawn of the new Nightwish album Imaginareum, I have finally decided to review From Wishes to Eternity. I know I have waited a little long to review this DVD since I said I was going to review it back on my Dark Passion Play review, but here it is!

In 2001 during Nightwish's Wishmaster tour, the band released their first live DVD recorded in Tampere, Finland which was on December 29th, 2000. And boy what a treat it is to watch anytime I get around to it! I could honestly say that this DVD really gives me chills every time watching it as well as reminding me how great Nightwish was during the peak of their career with Tarja Turunen as lead vocalist. It is also the only live DVD of the band to feature Sami Vänskä as their bassist. I actually prefer Marco at bass since he brings a bigger dimension to the band with his powerful voice, but Sami did a great job in Nightwish nonetheless.

What is great about this DVD is that everyone in the band is performing at a very high level. For example, Tarja's vocals on this release shattered all of the studio versions of the songs performed at this concert. Her voice is very angelic and powerful, as it usually is, but her performance at this particular show is beyond amazing and nothing I have heard before from her! She really knows how to bring the emotions out in Tuomas' songs. And speaking of Tuomas', he showcases his best keyboard work on this DVD, most notably in "Wanderlust" and "The Pharaoh Sails To Orion" where is completely shreds with confidence and style.

The other members were also on top of their skill level too. Emppu's guitar work is creative and stellar, especially when he adds his own guitar fills where it actually enhances the songs more. I especially dig him in the "Crimson Tide" "Deep Blue Sea" covers, but unfortunately that track was not on the DVD I got, which is quite a shame because that performance was outstanding! Jukka's drumming is just fun to watch. I love how he always shows so much passion when playing drums, like how he still does to this day! Sami also seems to be pulling out some good bass licks in the songs too! It's great seeing the band have so much fun on stage together! During the song "Fantasmic part 3", Tuomas jumps out from his keyboard and headbangs with the rest of the band! That is something you don't see everyday! Another funny moment is when there was a break in "Wanderlust", Emppu gave a friendly pat on Tarja's head! How cool is that! :D

Another cool aspect of this DVD are the guest vocalists. My personal favorite performance of the concert is "Beauty & the Beast", where Sonata Arctica's vocalist Tony Kakko provides the male voice. He was a great choice to sing this as opposed to Tuomas, who is a great songwriter and keyboardist, but not a great vocalist. I love how both Tarja and Tony showcase great stage presence together with so much passion and emotion. It looks so theatrical and bad ass at the same time! The other guest vocalist, Tapio Wilska, provides live vocals on "The Pharaoh Sails To Orion". Being the former vocalist of Finntroll, his on stage theatrics are a sight to see. It is really cool to see a guy have so much fun on stage with a band like Nightwish. It is very rare that you will hear his vocal style in a Nightwish song. It is probably the closest Nightwish will ever sound to being death metal!

Other cool additions to the DVD are the bonus features on it. There are interviews with Tuomas and Tarja, two music videos, two live videos, a cool photo gallery, and their discography as of 2001. There is also some off-stage footage where you can see Nightwish backstage! If you happen to get this DVD, you need to watch that because you will get a good laugh at some of the stuff they did during their tour!

So that is my review of From Wishes to Eternity. Here are my overall thoughts:

Pros:

• An excellent performance by an excellent band!
• Great camera work and sound quality.
• Enough bonus material to keep you wanting more!

Cons:

• Wish there were a few more Oceanborn songs on the setlist, but this is a minor complaint.
• Some DVD's do not have the "Crimson Tide" and "Deep Blue Sea" covers.

You can tell by watching this that Nightwish was at the height of their career as a band during this show. The energy that radiated from this show is something that was special here and I don't think it could ever be repeated again! I actually think this performance overall tops End of an Era, though both concerts were very good in their own respect. This is probably my favorite live DVD despite the fact that the "Crimson Tide" and "Deep Blue Sea" covers were not on my copy. At least there is a video of it on YouTube! This DVD is a must have for any fan of Nightwish or symphonic power metal in general. It doesn't get much better than this! Horns up for me! \m/

Overall rating: 5/5

Tarja Turunen & Harus: "In Concert Live at Sibelius Hall"

Today earMUSIC released teaser trailer of Tarja's  upcoming CD/DVD with her project Harus.

The CD will be out on November 25th and the DVD December 2nd.

In case, you would like to buy a single "Walking In the Air (Live)", you can do it on itunes here.

Come Cover Me: Angra's Phantom of the Opera version live Rock in Rio 2011 with Tarja

When I found out that Angra was performing live with Tarja in Rock in Rio 2011, I was so excited that I nearly exploded! Haha, just kidding but you know what I mean. I was excited until I heard the performance itself. I myself am a big Angra fan, but to be honest, their performance at Rock in Rio this year was pretty lackluster compared to what I have heard out of this band before. This video showcases Angra covering the famous Phantom of the Opera song with Tarja Turunen:

Nightwish's version of this song is obviously far superior and it is apparent that both Edu and Tarja are out of key. Apparently from metal gossip on YouTube, they were both mic'ed up very poorly and could not hear the music well at all. Well I can actually see that, but Edu's singing is just not very good here at all. I actually like his voice with the band normally, but he sounded very course and rough at this concert. He must of had a rough night because he even sang Angra songs very poorly as well. Here is a video of Angra's setlist in Rock In Rio 2011:

If you look up any Angra live video besides RIR 2011, you will see that they are normally a very good live band and that Edu is usually an excellent vocalist. I myself find them to be one of the best live power metal bands around, and this performance actually shocked me. We all have bad days and experiences so rest assured that Angra is still a very good band but had some issues that day.

So yeah, this is not a very good version of POTO.

Tarja's Christmas CD & DVD release dates

Aftrer a long time Tarja is releasing live CD and DVD from her Christmas concerts. The CD will be released on November 25th and the DVD on December  2nd. The footage is from Tarja's Christmas tour back in 2009.

Harus is Tarja's classical line up with whom she has done concerts together since 2006. Learn more about Harus here.











Live video of "You Would Have Loved This" from the DVD

 CD cover

DVD cover

Photoshop FTW :)

Tarja's classical album update

In April, Tarja confirmed that she's going to release a classical album. Recently, Finnish yle.fi published update on Tarja's new album.

The album will consist both of very well-known and uncommon Ave Marias of several composers. But there will be Tarja's own composition also.
The recording of several Ave Maria's was originally Kalevi Kiviniemi's idea. The duo has made co-operation from the year 2006.
There will also be harp, cello, organs and female choir. Instrumentation and song list are still seeking their final form.

Tarja's New Musical Group

Yesterday, Tarja announced on her web site a new musical group she started with a guitarist, organist, and drummer.  The group is call Harus, which, according to Tarja's site "is a rather peculiar, uncommon Finnish word that describes the four tensors that keep a tent together or the tensor that keeps the mast from falling in a sailing boat."  The project started in 2006, but is just now being revealed. You can read more about it here.

Wow!  The site says that the music will "tie together exquisite classical music developed strongly and in a very stable way, with a taste of experimental, modern feel."

There wasn't any news about releases or performances, but this sound very cool to me, so I am looking forward to hearing what Harus puts out!

Not funny anymore

 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

This quote crossed my mind today while watching one video on YT. Probably, some disappointed NW fan, decided to "pay tribute" to Marcelo Cabuli, husband and manager of Tarja.

Sladen Dead, the "artist", wrote the song in early 2006 after the infamous Open Letter and Tarja's departure.  As you will hear, the lyrcis are not really nice and are even worse than Tuomas' "Master Passion Greed", IMO. And I though, that no one can compose shittier lyrics than MPG.

Some news

Sarah Jezebel Deva's new single "The World Won't Hold Your Hand" was released yesterday. The single comes from her new album "The Corruption Of Mercy".

Tarja works on her new rock album. She has written 18 songs already and wants the songs to be ready at the end of the summer. The name of the album or release date is not known yet.

Simone Simons from Epica will join Kamelot on their NA tour singing "The Haunting". According to Kamelot's founder/guitarist Thomas Youngblood, the members of the band have already begun searching for a permanent replacement for Roy Khan.

Johnny Depp recently joined Alice Cooper on stage to play "I am Eighteen" and "Schools Out".

Come Cover Me: Eva Urbanova does some Nightwish

Apparently, if you're a Tarjaholic you might be up in arms over this interview snippet in which Czeck opera diva Eva Urbanova states that she doesn't think Tarja is a great singer.

I am so over Nighwish/Tarja dramas that I don't really care who says what about whom anymore, but listening to Eva's covers of two NW songs was an interesting experience indeed.

First up, "Deep Silent Complete".  Vocally, it's fine-ish.  Performance-wise, way to turn a great metal song into a pop parody with silly back-up dancers!  Ridiculous!  Check it.



Eva also covers "Wish I Had an Angel" and I have to say this is pretty bad to my ears.  It completely loses all impact in her translation of the song.  It's awful. It's hideous.



What do you think?

Come Cover Me: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Tarja

If you think that Poison and Still of the Night are the worst covers she has come up with yet, let me disappoint you! In my humble opinion, this one is definitely the worst song of her repertoire (so far). The song was performed during the Marimekko fashion show in 2007.

Smells Like Teen Spirit is a song by American rock band Nirvana and since its release, it has been massively covered by lots of bands and artists from different genres.

Let's have a look at couple of recent but also older covers.

Miley Cyrus 

      

      

The Ukulele Orchestra (could be better without singing)

Jazz cover by Paul Anka 

My personal favourite Herr-A-Chick