Tarja – Act I

No-one has influenced the female fronted symphonic metal genre as much as Tarja Turunen.  Described as being a pioneer in Goth and Symphonic Metal, the classically trained Finn rose to fame with the symphonic metal outfit Nightwish, whose face and voice she had been for 9 years. With a vocal range of a soprano, Turunen started her solo career in 2004. Releasing two very successful symphonic metal solo albums in 2007 and 2010.

“Act I” is Tarja’s first solo live audio and video product in her rock outfit. The main content was filmed and recorded on two show nights this March 2012 in Rosario, Argentina, at the Teatro El Círculo. The release will come in various formats: 2CD, 2DVD and Blu-Ray with the dvd/blue ray versions including bonus video and photographic material.

Opening track “Anteroom Of Death” sets the scene for Tarja’s first solo live offering since parting ways with symphonic masters Nightwish.  Continuing on in a similar manor to the sounds that you were accustomed too, it comes as no surprise that this live offering is packed with orchestral arrangements and set pieces designed to bring the best out of Tarja’s breathtaking octave vocal range, which puts most opera singers to shame, while incorporating the polished, symphonic metal sounds that Nightwish were known for.

The songs themselves are taken mostly from Tarja’s solo albums incorporating the poignantly named “I Walk Alone” as well as the brand new tracks “Never Enough” and “Tired Of Being Alone” from her upcoming studio album.

Also featured are the Nightwish tracks “Nemo,” as well as the expected cover versions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s operatic masterpiece “The Phantom Of The Opera” and Gary Moore’s classic “Over The Hills and Far Away”.

A surprising cover version of Whitesnake’s “Still Of The Night” finds its way onto the album, as does the mash up “Where Were You Last Night” which incorporates elements of “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” and “Livin’ On A Prayer” being seamlessly merged together demonstrating Tarja’s ability to effortlessly shift between differing octave levels.

Tarja has once again proved that she walks alone, 8 long years have passed since she parted ways with Nightwish, and throughout that time she has continued to prove that she is a successful artist in her right.  “Act I” managers to successfully capture all of the magic behind her live performances and going from new tracks “Never Enough” and “Tired Of Being Alone” the new studio album looks to be very promising indeed.

Highlight of the cd: “Into The Sun”

Rating: 9/10

Track Listing

Members:
Tarja Turunen – Vocals

Guest Musicians:
Diego Valdez – Vocals
Julian Barrett – Guitars
Doug Wimbish – Bass

Additional Information:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tarjaofficial
Website: http://www.tarjaturunen.com/
Record Label: earMusic
Release Date: 24/8/12

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