Tarja Releases "Diva (Live in Bucharest)" Video

Originally featured on Tarja's 2016 album The Shadow Self, "Diva" is a dramatic and powerful anthem that quickly became a fan favorite and one of the classics played on tour. This rendition, recorded in Bucharest at the spectacular Circus Life concert, showcases Tarja's signature vocal mastery, theatrical presence, and the grandeur of her live shows.

"There is a lovely memory behind 'Diva.' We were in Antigua and walking around the local harbor when we saw this old boat stored outside the water and that quickly inspired me to write a pirate themed song," Tarja says. "I playfully described the last walk of the 'Diva' on the ship before being pushed out by the rats on board. Any resemblance to reality is pure coincidence."

Access "Diva (Live in Bucharest)" below.

Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the Circus Life show was one of a kind when Tarja performed in this very special "in the round" format. Two hours of powerful music featuring a setlist that spans Tarja's career, including all of her greatest hits such as "I Walk Alone," "Until My Last Breath," and "Innocence," as well as fan favorites like "Victim of Ritual" and "Demons In You," showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Featuring 16 accomplished musicians, including her brother Toni, and a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career, it was an extraordinary event. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the long-time Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.

Circus Life was recorded in one take, 100% live – no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects. Just pure, raw music.

Pre-order Circus Life HERE.

Originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja's 2022 Best Of: Living The Dream, the Circus Life concert is now available as a stand-alone limited 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the full two-hour live show on both audio and video. It will also be released as a limited black 3LP Gatefold edition, including an LP-sized booklet and a Blu-ray softcase.

FORMATS:
*Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak
*Ltd. 3LP Gatefold (black, 180g, incl. Photo-Booklet)
*Blu-ray softcase 

Tarja Announces Greatest Hits Live Album "Circus Life" + Share Single "Shadow Play (Live In Bucharest)"

Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the Circus Life show was one of a kind when Tarja performed in this very special "in the round" format. Two hours of powerful music featuring a setlist that spans Tarja's career, including all of her greatest hits such as "I Walk Alone," "Until My Last Breath," and "Innocence," as well as fan favorites like "Victim Of Ritual" and "Demons In You," showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Featuring 16 accomplished musicians, including her brother Toni and a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career, it was an extraordinary event. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the long-time Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.

Circus Life was recorded in one take, 100% live – no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects.

Just pure, raw music. 

Pre-order Circus Life HERE.

Today also marks the release of the first single "Shadow Play (Live in Bucharest)."

This symphonic metal masterpiece comes to life with soaring vocals, a complex piano arrangement, and an intense stage presence that only Tarja can deliver. 

View "Shadow Play (Live in Bucharest)" Below:

Originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja's 2022 Best Of: Living The Dream – the Circus Life concert is now made available as stand-alone Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the 2-hour live show on audio and video, and as Ltd. Black 3LP Gatefold, including a LP-sized booklet and Blu-ray softcase.

Tarja's "What Lies Beneath" Gets Remastered And Reissued + Share Video For "Dark Star"

ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

What Lies Beneath is the second rock studio album by Finnish solo artist Tarja.

Originally released in 2010, the best-seller is a true fan favorite and one of her most successful releases to date. Considered a classic and must-have for both fans and critics, it includes timeless Tarja hits like "Until My Last Breath," "I Feel Immortal," and "Falling Awake."

This year, the album will be re-issued for the first time as 2-CD Special Edition and, for the first time, as Heavyweight 2LP Vinyl (Gatefold, 180g, black).

Both formats feature a beautifully restored artwork and all tracks were remastered at Sterling Sound for superb sound quality for the ultimate 2024 What Lies Beneath experience. 

The 2CD Special Edition includes the 14 original album tracks and a special bonus CD including alternative versions, single edits, and remixes — for the first time all combined on this Bonus CD. It also includes "The Good Die Young" performed by the Scorpions and Tarja, originally included as bonus track on 2010s Limited Dreamers Box Set.

Very few copies of the 2010 Limited Dreamers Box Set are still available via Tarja's official web shop here.

Today, Tarja also releases the special single edit of "Dark Star."

The digital single bundle also includes Tarja's lead vocals version of "Dark Star" and the song "Underneath," featuring Jyrki Linnankivi (The 69 Eyes).

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "DARK STAR" Below

Tarja Shares "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

With Christmas only being a little more than two weeks away, Tarja treats us with the release of the video for the single "All I Want For Christmas Is You," taken from her recently released album Dark Christmas. 

In this rendition, Tarja captures the essence of Christmas with soaring vocals that effortlessly traverse the realms of emotion. She puts her own twist on Mariah Carey's iconic track, infusing it with her signature blend of classical and rock influences.

As B-sides, the single contains Tarja's "Last Christmas," as well as the song "O Christmas Tree," taken from the "Dark Versions" of 2017 release From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas). 

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS I YOU" 

With enchanting and captivating renditions of well-known Christmas carols, such as Wham!'s "Last Christmas," Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Frosty The Snowman," and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," as well as Tarja’s brand new original song "Dark Christmas," it's the perfect album for those who want to embrace the holiday spirit while exploring a more mysterious side of the season. 

"It was fascinating to dive into this new world. You will appreciate these Christmas songs with our spooky arrangements truly sound in a way they never did before. It was my pleasure to team up once again with Jim Dooley and Tim Palmer. I hope you will dig in our take of a Dark Christmas spirit," says Tarja 

ACCESS THE ALBUM DARK CHRISTMAS HERE.

FORMATS:
1CD Digipak / 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g, 45rpm) / Ltd. 2LP Gatefold (Green Splatter 180g, 45rpm) / digital

Tarja To Release "Dark Christmas" Album + Shares "Frosty The Snowman" — WATCH

This year, Tarja is bringing the festive season early with the release of Dark Christmas, the sequel of her 2017 album From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas). Utilizing the sound of a grand orchestra and the playfulness of a children's choir, the Finnish solo artist once again perfectly blends her classically-trained voice with darker gothic influences for a masterful cinematic eerie soundtrack to the world's most beloved Christmas tunes.

With enchanting and captivating renditions of well-known Christmas carols, such as Wham!'s "Last Christmas," Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," classics such as "Jingle Bells," "Frosty The Snowman" and "Rudolph The Red- Nosed Reindeer," as well as Tarja's brand new original song "Dark Christmas," it's the perfect album for those who want to embrace the holiday spirit while exploring a more mysterious side of the season.

"It was fascinating to dive into this new world," says the singer. "You will appreciate these Christmas songs with our spooky arrangements truly sound in a way they never did before. It was my pleasure to team up once again with Jim Dooley and Tim Palmer. I hope you will dig in our take of a Dark Christmas spirit." 

The release is accompanied by 12 music videos — a video for each album song, as well as a full-length music feature film made available with DOLBY ATMOS immersive audio mix on all supporting platforms.

LISTEN TO "FROSTY THE SNOWMAN" HERE

Today also marks the release of the first single "Frosty The Snowman" and the corresponding music video. Tarja transformed the usually joyful "Frosty the Snowman" into a hauntingly beautiful winter ballad. The song is a captivating fusion of holiday cheer and Gothic elegance, taking the listener on a journey through a winter's night filled with both magic and mystery...

WATCH THE VIDEO OF "FROSTY THE SNOWMAN" BELOW

Dark Christmas will be released on 1CD Digipak, 2LP (Gatefold, 180g, black), Ltd. Christmas Green Splatter 2LP (Gatefold, 180g), and on Digital.

Tarja Shares Live Rendition of In Flames' "Alias" — WATCH + LISTEN

After first releasing a cover of Linkin Park's "Numb," Tarja has chosen In Flames' "Alias" as the second single taken from her brand-new live series release Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church.

Watch the "Alias" video 
below.

Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church is the document of a very special concert in the idyllic setting of Wacken Church. It will be released on August 11, 2023 via earMUSIC and is the first release of the live series Rocking Heels.

In front of just 300 hand-picked fans, this one-time-only event opened the Wacken Open Air Festival in 2016. Tarja presents unique arrangements of rock and heavy metal classics by her favorite artists including Metallica's "The Unforgiven," songs by Joe Satriani and Slipknot, as well as a Nightwish song and Tarja originals.

PRE-ORDER ROCKING HEELS: LIVE AT METAL CHURCH HERE.

With its captivating performances of well-known songs paired with Tarja's iconic voice, this live album is a treasure for fans, as well as a discovery for Tarja-newcomers and all those who missed the chance to attend this exclusive concert. Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church will be released as a Ltd. 2LP Vinyl Edition, CD Digipak in LP-replica design and on Digital.

ABOUT TARJA:
The brightest star of the symphonic rock scene, Tarja Turunen is certainly the most internationally well-known Finnish voice in the world of music. Soprano, composer, and songwriter, she reached international fame co-founding and being for nine years the voice and image of the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, collecting with them Gold and Platinum Record Awards in several countries.

The unique combination of metal music with Tarja's soprano lead vocals gave birth to a new genre, quickly achieving critical and commercial popularity and inspiring many other metal bands and performers. But singing only somebody else's creations was not her destiny, and her talent could fully bloom only outside that crate. Tarja had to walk alone.

Finally free to follow her own inspirations, heart, and dreams, Tarja started her own solo career successfully devoted to both classical and rock music.

Tarja was nominated for the Emma Award in Finland in 2006 and 2007 and for the Echo Award in Germany in 2007, and she is the first Finnish solo artist to achieve a Gold Record in Germany and even more, the only one to do it both in a band and as solo artist. In 2015 and 2016, she was also busy starring as coach in two seasons of The Voice of Finland, which is the most watched TV-program from Channel 4 in Finland and leading her team to victory for two years in a row, something that never happened before in the history of the Finnish show.

After over 15 years of a solo career, it was finally time to celebrate. The Best Of: Living the Dream combines the best and most beloved songs from Tarja’s prolific solo career in one outstanding package.

Tarja Announces "Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church" + Shares Live Rendition of Linkin Park's "Numb

TARJA ANNOUNCES ROCKING HEELS: LIVE AT METAL CHURCH, THE FIRST RELEASE OF HER BRAND NEW LIVE SERIES

FIRST SINGLE, A COVER OF LINKIN PARK'S "NUMB," IS OUT TODAY — LISTEN

Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church is the document of a very special concert in the idyllic setting of Wacken Church. It will be released on August 11, 2023 on earMUSIC and is the first release of the live series Rocking Heels.

In front of just 300 handpicked fans, this onetime-only event opened the Wacken Open Air Festival in 2016. Tarja presents unique arrangements of rock and heavy metal classics by her favorite artists including "Numb" by Linkin Park, In Flames' "Alias," Metallica's "The Unforgiven," songs by Joe Satriani and Slipknot, as well as a Nightwish song and Tarja originals.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "NUMB" Below.

The first single, a cover of Linkin Park's "Numb," perfectly reflects the intimate setting of this concert. Tarja's operatic prowess and hauntingly beautiful vocals add an extra layer of ethereal magic to an already powerful masterpiece. The song explores themes of emotional isolation, frustration, and the struggle to find one's identity in a world that often feels overwhelming. The lyrics convey a sense of detachment and numbness, reflecting the emotional struggles and inner turmoil of the protagonist.

PRE-ORDER ROCKING HEELS: LIVE AT METAL CHURCH HERE.

With its captivating performances of well-known songs paired with Tarja's iconic voice, this live album is a treasure for fans, as well as a discovery for Tarja-newcomers and all those who missed the chance to attend this exclusive concert. Rocking Heels: Live at Metal Church will be released as a Ltd. 2LP Vinyl Edition, CD Digipak in LP-replica design and on Digital.

Tarja is on tour now! Buy tickets
here.

2023 LIVING THE DREAM TOUR DATES:
6/14 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of The Living Arts
6/16 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage
6/17 — New York, NY  Irving Plaza
6/18 — Boston, MA — Big Night Live
6/20 — Detroit, MI — Saint Andrew's Hall
6/21 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues Chicago
6/22 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
6/24 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
6/26 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
6/27 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
6/28 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues Las Vegas
6/30 — Berkeley, CA — The UC Theater

ABOUT TARJA:
The brightest star of the symphonic rock scene, Tarja Turunen is certainly the most internationally well-known Finnish voice in the world of music. Soprano, composer, and songwriter, she reached international fame co-founding and being for nine years the voice and image of the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, collecting with them Gold and Platinum Record Awards in several countries.

The unique combination of metal music with Tarja's soprano lead vocals gave birth to a new genre, quickly achieving critical and commercial popularity and inspiring many other metal bands and performers. But singing only somebody else's creations was not her destiny, and her talent could fully bloom only outside that crate. Tarja had to walk alone.

Finally free to follow her own inspirations, heart, and dreams, Tarja started her own solo career successfully devoted to both classical and rock music.

Tarja was nominated for the Emma Award in Finland in 2006 and 2007 and for the Echo Award in Germany in 2007, and she is the first Finnish solo artist to achieve a Gold Record in Germany and even more, the only one to do it both in a band and as solo artist. In 2015 and 2016, she was also busy starring as coach in two seasons of The Voice of Finland, which is the most watched TV-program from Channel 4 in Finland and leading her team to victory for two years in a row, something that never happened before in the history of the Finnish show.

After over 15 years of a solo career, it was finally time to celebrate. The Best Of: Living the Dream combines the best and most beloved songs from Tarja’s prolific solo career in one outstanding package.

Tarja's Outlanders Project Shares "A Peaceful Place (Return To The Oasis)" — LISTEN

BAND ANNOUNCES LONG-AWAITED ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON JUNE 23 VIA EARMUSIC — PRE-ORDER HERE 

OUTLANDERS
is the unique project of Finnish soprano legend Tarja Turunenand EDM pioneer Torsten Stenzel.

They worked on the album for over 10 years and had support from some of the most influential guitarists of our time. Each song features a special guitarist as a guest including Al Di Meola, Trevor Rabin, Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten, Steve Rothery, Mike Oldfield, Walter Giardino, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Vernon Reid, and Marty Friedman. Seven tracks have already been pre-released digitally.

Now, the long-awaited album will be released on June 23 on CD and "blue curacao" limited edition vinyl.  

OUTLANDERS have succeeded in creating something exciting and new: the music combines relaxed but exciting electronic beats with Tarja's emotional, classically trained voice and unique guitar performances. The sound is mysterious, gentle and yet powerful, catchy and dreamy, modern and classic at the same time. The music contains opposites that attract each other in a magical way. 

The eighth track "A Peaceful Place (Return To The Oasis)" with Walter Giardino as special guest is available on all digital platforms and as limited collector's edition on 7" vinyl exclusively in Tarja's online store.

Listen to the song here

Tarja's Outlanders Project Shares "Echoes" — LISTEN

The brand new OUTLANDERS track "Echoes" featuring Jennifer Batten has arrived.

Listen here.

Inspired by the love for Africa and its people, "Echoes" is a tribute to this beautiful land. The emotional lyrics are wrapped in Tarja's vocals.

"Echoes" is the seventh of eight singles and is available as a limited edition 7" vinyl exclusively at Tarja's online store and digitally at earMUSIC.

PREVIOUS OUTLANDERS DROPS:
"The Cruellest Goodbye" (Feat. Al DiMeola)
"Closer to the Sky" (Feat. Trevor Rabin of YES)
"World in My Eyes" (Feat. Vernon Reid of Living Colour)
"The Sleeping Indian" (Feat. Joe Satriani and Nkoye Zifah)
"Land of Sea and Sun" (Feat. Marty Friedman)
"We Own This Sky" (Feat. Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal)

Tarja Announces "Living the Dream" 2023 Tour

TARJA ANNOUNCES 2023 LIVING THE DREAM TOUR

Tickets On Sale Starting Friday, February 3 at 10AM Local on Ticketmaster.com

Today, award-winning Finnish heavy metal artist TARJA announced her upcoming 2023 Living the Dream Tour.

Produced by Live Nation, the 12-city run kicks off on Wednesday, June 14 in Philadelphia, PA at Theatre of The Living Arts, with stops across the U.S. in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping up on Friday, June 30 in Berkeley, CA at The UC Theater.

The tour will support her most recent album Best Of: Living The Dream, which was released December 2 via earMUSIC.

 The album was released in the U.S. digitally and as a Digipak CD, and will be available in deluxe formats coming out on February 24: a Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Mediabook, 2LP (Gatefold, 180g, black), Limited Crystal Clear 2LP (Gatefold, 180g), and a Limited Box Set. All configurations are available here.

The album reflects back on the past 15 years of the singer's solo career, featuring TARJA's most well-known tracks, as well as her personal favorites from all six studio albums — "My Winter Storm," "What Lies Beneath," "Colours in the Dark," "The Brightest Void," "The Shadow Self," and "In the Raw" — as well as her new single "Eye Of The Storm." Following the release of Best Of, TARJA was presented with six Impala Awards commemorating more than 250,000 sales in Europe for her albums, Beauty And The Beat, Act II, Luna Park Ride, The Shadow Self, In The Raw, and From Spirits and Ghosts (Score For a Dark Christmas).    

Tickets go on sale starting Friday, February 3 at 10am local time here.

2023 LIVING THE DREAM TOUR DATES:
6/14 — Philadelphia, PA — Theatre of The Living Arts
6/16 — Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Soundstage
6/17 — New York, NY  Irving Plaza
6/18 — Boston, MA — Big Night Live
6/20 — Detroit, MI — Saint Andrew's Hall
6/21 — Chicago, IL — House of Blues Chicago
6/22 — Minneapolis, MN — Varsity Theater
6/24 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater
6/26 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren
6/27 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
6/28 — Las Vegas, NV — House of Blues Las Vegas
6/30 — Berkeley, CA — The UC Theater

ABOUT TARJA:
The brightest star of the symphonic rock scene, Tarja Turunen is certainly the most internationally well-known Finnish voice in the world of music. Soprano, composer, and songwriter, she reached international fame co-founding and being for nine years the voice and image of the Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, collecting with them Gold and Platinum Record Awards in several countries.

The unique combination of metal music with Tarja's soprano lead vocals gave birth to a new genre, quickly achieving critical and commercial popularity and inspiring many other metal bands and performers. But singing only somebody else's creations was not her destiny, and her talent could fully bloom only outside that crate. Tarja had to walk alone.

Finally free to follow her own inspirations, heart, and dreams, Tarja started her own solo career successfully devoted to both classical and rock music.

Tarja was nominated for the Emma Award in Finland in 2006 and 2007 and for the Echo Award in Germany in 2007, and she is the first Finnish solo artist to achieve a Gold Record in Germany and even more, the only one to do it both in a band and as solo artist. In 2015 and 2016, she was also busy starring as coach in two seasons of The Voice of Finland, which is the most watched TV-program from Channel 4 in Finland and leading her team to victory for two years in a row, something that never happened before in the history of the Finnish show.

After over 15 years of a solo career, it was finally time to celebrate. The Best Of: Living the Dream combines the best and most beloved songs from Tarja’s prolific solo career in one outstanding package.