Former Nightwish vocalist Tarja has officially announced her upcoming studio album, Frisson Noir, slated for release on June 12 via earMUSIC. Described in a press release as the “heaviest record” of her extensive solo career, the album serves as a powerful statement of identity, strength, and belonging, firmly cementing her place within the heavy metal landscape.
Frisson Noir explores the ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the raw intensity of contemporary metal. The 10-track collection shifts dynamically between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful, guitar-driven moments. At the center of the expansive soundscape is Tarja‘s distinctive voice, effortlessly oscillating between fragile emotional expression and soaring operatic power. The album’s themes delve deeply into human experiences, exploring concepts such as fear, resilience, nostalgia, identity, and transformation.
The album features a star-studded lineup of guest musicians, including Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth, the cello-metal group Apocalyptica, former Nightwish bandmate Marko Hietala, and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The record was mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Avron (known for his work with Linkin Park, Skillet, and Disturbed), ensuring a modern, hard-hitting sonic profile that perfectly balances her unmistakable metal identity.
Physical editions of the album will be available in retail as a CD Digipak, Black 2LP Gatefold, and a Limited Purple 2LP Gatefold. The first pressings feature high-quality copper foil and logo embossing. A strictly limited Collectors Box Set will also be offered via the official album store, containing an exclusive 7″ vinyl featuring “I Don’t Care (Tarja Solo Version)” and “I Don’t Care (Dani Mix)“, among other premium collectibles.
To coincide with the announcement, Tarja has released the album’s lead single, “At Sea“. The track embodies the core concept of the album—the physical shiver (frisson) that music can provoke when sound, emotion, and performance align. It features live musicians, orchestral arrangements, and choir performances recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra and Budapest Art Choir, conducted by Gyorgy Gulyas Nagy.
Frisson Noir Tracklist:
- “Frisson Noir”
- “The Eternal Return”
- “Leap Of Faith” (Feat. Marko Hietala)
- “At Sea” (Feat. Mervi Myllyoja & Niklas Pokki)
- “Blaze Forever”
- “The Trace Outlives” (Feat. Sayo Komada)
- “Tango” (Feat. Apocalyptica)
- “Anemoia” (Feat. Julián Bedmar & Valter Freitas)
- “I Don’t Care” (Feat. Dani Filth)
- “Against The Odds” (Feat. Chad Smith)
Following the release of the album, Tarja will embark on the “International Frisson Live Tour 2026.”
Tarja 2026 European Tour Dates:
- 9/30 — Berlin, Germany — Huxleys Neue Welt
- 10/1 — Hamburg, Germany — Markthalle
- 10/2 — Rostock, Germany — M.A.U. Club
- 10/4 — Dresden, Germany — Parkhotel Ballsaal
- 10/5 — Jena, Germany — F-Haus
- 10/6 — Munich, Germany — Backstage Werk
- 10/8 — Innsbruck, Austria — Music Hall
- 10/9 — Pratteln, Switzerland — Z7
- 10/11 — Lindau, Germany — Club Vaudeville
- 10/12 — Cologne, Germany — Essigfabrik
- 10/13 — Frankfurt, Germany — Batschkapp
- 10/15 — Osnabrück, Germany — Hyde Park
- 10/16 — Gersthofen, Germany — Stadthalle
- 10/17 — Vienna, Austria — Szene
