Former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen recently opened up about her relationship with her early discography, admitting she struggles to revisit the band’s foundational releases.
During a new interview with the Metal Addiction webzine, Tarja was asked if there were any specific Nightwish tracks she would like to perform live today. In her response, she revealed her critical perspective on her vocal performances from the beginning of her career.
“Oh, wow. There is quite a lot of things that I have actually forgotten. If I would take now an album, Oceanborn, or even the first one that is turning 30 years [old in 2027], Angels Fall First, I don’t remember those songs any longer. Seriously — it’s a long time [ago that those albums were recorded], and for me it’s even hard to listen to those albums because I barely can hear my voice. I really do not like how I sound on those records, because it was the beginning for me, and I didn’t know how to use my voice still. My focus was in operatic singing, and it was very difficult to get away from it,” she said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Despite her mixed feelings about those early studio sessions, she did identify one classic track that she would welcome the opportunity to sing with her fully developed voice.
“But which would be my favorite Nightwish song to sing? Maybe a song like ‘Swanheart,’ a ballad from Oceanborn. I did it a few times with the symphonic orchestra in the past, but it was a long time ago. And [it’s a] challenging song vocally. I don’t know how I pulled it out at that time when I did it. I remember struggling a lot. I remember really having really a struggle in the studio while that album was recorded. But now it should be more fun.”
Fans of the singer’s heavier material have a new project to look forward to. Tarja Turunen is preparing to release her next solo metal album, Frisson Noir, on June 12 via earMUSIC.
Mixed by Grammy-winning producer Neal Avron, known for his work with Linkin Park, Skillet, and Disturbed, the 10-track LP is officially described as the heaviest record of her career. The ambitious album will feature several high-profile guest appearances, including Dani Filth of Cradle Of Filth, cellist metal group Apocalyptica, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and her former Nightwish bandmate, bassist and vocalist Marko Hietala.
Boasting a rare three-and-a-half octave vocal range, Tarja Turunen has maintained a highly successful solo career since releasing her first solo effort in 2007. Frisson Noir follows her most recent rock release, 2019’s In The Raw. Her tenure with Nightwish famously concluded at the end of their 2005 world tour, when the band dismissed her via an open letter published on their official website.
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
