Former Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen has revealed that her days of wearing high heels during live shows have come to an end. In a new interview with Jaimunji, the singer explained that a recent attempt to return to her signature footwear during a German tour resulted in severe physical pain and a direct warning from her doctor.
The injury occurred during a demanding stretch of seven shows in seven days. Tarja noted that she had avoided high heels for several years before deciding to wear them for the German dates, a move she now describes as a mistake.
“I had a tour, seven shows in seven days in Germany, recently, and I was wearing high heels. And I hadn’t worn high heels since maybe three years or something like that. And it was a mistake, because I came back home, and I had a severe pain again on my heels. So yeah, it was a sign. And my doctor, I went to see my doctor, and she was, like, ‘What have you done?’ I said, ‘Yeah, because I love wearing high heels.’ But those times are over,” Tarja stated.
Beyond the change in footwear, Tarja discussed the rigorous physical preparation required to maintain her vocal and stage performance. As she approaches her 50th birthday next year, the singer has prioritized working with a physical therapist to ensure she stays in touring shape.
“[I get] a lot of practice, obviously, physical training. Now I get to be at home. I get to be at home. I have my PT [physical therapist] coming over, and I’m really working out. It’s good. And I’m turning 50 next year, so nothing is staying, let’s say. You need to work it out or the gravity will take it,” she added.
The update on her health comes as Tarja prepares for the release of her latest studio effort. Her new album, Frisson Noir, is scheduled to be released on June 12 via earMUSIC.
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.
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
