Tarja – The Brightest Void

Having been trying to patiently wait until August for the release of Tarja‘s upcoming album ‘The Shadow Self‘, I was very pleasantly surprised to hear she was also treating us to an extra Prequel album whilst we wait ‘The Brightest Void‘.

Kicking off with No Bitter End leading in with a catchy guitar riff, which over the years Tarja‘s solo work has collected quite a few of. It may sound crazy to some as everyone knows Tarja for her voice, but over the years I’ve fallen in love with so much of her music and a lot of the guitar riffs have always stuck with me such as from ‘Die Alive‘ and ‘Never Enough‘. No Bitter End has a just as stomping and catchy riff, and is contrasted with the beautiful melodies we have come to expect from Tarja. The next track is ‘Heaven and Hell’ featuring fellow Voice of Finland Judge and Hanoi Rocks front-man Michael Monroe already only on track 2 and its a completely different direction; his vocals offer up an interesting contrast to Tarja’s. Another special guest treat, this time an appearance from Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on drums; a great ballad with some heavier moments.

Track 4 An Empty Dream instantly became a favourite of mine, it shows a side of Tarja’s music I really love. It’s hauntingly beautiful mostly vocally orientated but featuring some beautiful synths and underlying bass-lines. It really reminded me of a Najad from 2010 release What Lies Beneath. A really immersive track you can blissfully get lost in. This leads perfectly into Witch Hunt which has a similar feel to it so is another favourite; it really relies off the sheer vocal talent and range of Tarja. Shameless is the last original on the album taking things more upbeat again and in a completely different direction. Since the start of Tarja’s solo career with each album she has tried something different and unexpected and this album does too, there really is a track here for everyone.

As the album comes to a close we get 2 covers; firstly House Of Wax by (Paul McCartney) which sits well with the theme of the album and really is a nice and different addition. This leads into quite a brave choice for a cover; Dame Shirley Basseys’ James Bond main theme hit “Goldfinger”. I initially had a lot of reservations on seeing this was going to feature on the album; an iconic song such as this is either gonna go one way or another. On my first listen I adored the arrangement and when I was lucky enough to see Tarja perform it live a few days ago its just as, if not more so jaw dropping. The Brightest Void finishes off with a new mix of Paradise (What About Us) the collaboration with Within Temptation and Tarja, this song was such an incredible moment for all the symphonic metal fans out there, and it’s nice to revisit it and hear Tarja’s mix of this fantastic track.

Overall a fantastic release which will successfully get Tarja fan’s even more excited for the upcoming release of ‘The Shadow Self’ I eagerly await it’s release and getting to see Tarja headline Metal Female Voices Festival shortly after!  My top recommended track is An Empty Dream, although it was hard just picking one out!

Track-list –

1. No Bitter End -Video Clip Version

2. Your Heaven And Your Hell -with Michael Monroe

3. Eagle Eye -with Chad Smith on drums

4. An Empty Dream

5. Witch-Hunt

6. Shameless

7. House of Wax

8. Goldfinger

9. Paradise (What About Us) [Tarja Mix] -Within Temptation feat. Tarja

Links

http://www.tarja-theshadowself.com/

http://www.tarjaturunen.com/en/