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Symphonic Metal
earMusic
New Release
Tarja
Frisson Noir
Reviewed in issue:
115
Release Date:
12 Jun 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Graeme Wright
For Fans Of
Nightwish
Within Temptation
Epica
Top three tracks
• At Sea
• I Don't Care
• Tango
Fireworks Verdict:
"the whole album is of the highest quality"
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
Tarja Turunen has had an amazing career, but is occasionally in a no-win situation. Many of the old-school fans just want material that sounds exactly like Nightwish, complaining about the lighter, more Classical sound of her solo work. Others want Tarja to concentrate on the Classical side of things as broached in the ‘Ave Maria – En Plein Air’ record, as well as many other flirtations with a more organic, traditional sound. All you need to know about her new record ‘Frisson Noir’ is that it’s bloody fantastic. It’s her sixth solo Heavy Metal album, it’s the heaviest and darkest Tarja album to date, and there is already a heavy anticipation amongst fans with a hugely positive reception being afforded to the first two singles, ‘At Sea’ and ‘I Don’t Care’.
"All you need to know about her new record ‘Frisson Noir’ is that it’s bloody fantastic."
There are some amazing collaborations on this record, including with the band Apocalyptica, ex-Nightwish bass player Marko Hietala, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and most intriguingly of all, Dani Filth from the legendary Cradle Of Filth. The opening song and title track sees Tarja setting out her stall early. It’s a stunning song, one that is ominous, heavy, Operatic and oppressive by turn, and it’s one of the best things ever released by the artist. ‘At Sea’ was the first single released from the album and it gave the fans notice that something special was on the cards. A silent movie style piano opening breaches the listeners defences, and it’s clear that this ten-minute song is both epic and a masterpiece of immense proportions. It’s so beautiful that it was impossible to believe that the rest of the record could maintain these standards, but to be honest the whole album is of the highest quality and I’m sure will be at the top of many album of the year lists in 2026.
"the whole album is of the highest quality and I’m sure will be at the top of many album of the year lists in 2026."
Whether it’s the amazing string section found within ‘Tango’ (courtesy of Apocalyptica), the thunderous Heavy Metal of ‘Blaze Forever’, the outrageous pomp and feeling of ‘Against The Odds’, or the Spanish guitar work of ‘Anemoia’, the standards never slip for a second. Most intriguing of all is ‘I Don’t Care’ featuring Filth. It’s a collaboration that has no right to work, but its Horror-infused melody and the rasping male vocal somehow enables it to do so perfectly, and it’s just another highlight on an album of masterpieces. My highest recommendation.
Reviewer:
🟣 Graeme Wright
Let Us Know The Score!
115
18
4
4
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