Tarja Turunen released her new themed album, “Dark Christmas,” in November, the sequel to her album released in 2017, “From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas).” Tarja released her first solo album back in 2006, but we all know her career has paved a long way since 1997 when she became one of the first female frontwomen in the metal scene. To this date, one can perceive that other singers are still inspired by her powerful vocals.
The aesthetic unveils an eerie glow to quite well-known Christmas carols and, symbolically speaking, brings an interesting duality – the white snow representing a pure soul represents the deepest meaning of Christmas, combined with a dark shadow descending. The album cover is almost divided into two, one side for the light and another for the dark. Tarja is standing closer to the dark side, but the way her hands are positioned allows one to easily connect to an old piece of knowledge: as above, so below.
The album kicks off with “The First Noel,” initially focusing on her voice, echoing in the distance and bells timidly resonating along the track. There is a clear snowy and winter magic to the sound, while “Frosty The Snowman” leads to a much more dramatic, even wicked, take—very contrasting to the Christmas spirit.
“O Holy Night” is almost whispered at first and then changes to one of the softest choruses presented. The orchestra also contributes enough elements to create a soundtrack-like vibe. “Dark Christmas” is a fresh new track that once again leads us to see the duality that is part of every single one of us: “Let the brightest star of Bethlehem make your darkness fade away.” Personally, I only reconciled with Christmas a couple of years ago, and it is indeed a good chance to reflect on one’s deeds and misdeeds before the new year approaches.
The fifth track is “Jingle Bell Rock,” and the musical arrangement was made in such a way as to present a completely new song at first. It took a few seconds to recognize it, and the ending with a chorus was “so fetch.” “White Christmas” simply shows how Tarja’s voice is amazingly beautiful, and the whole vibe of the song is dreamlike, which made me enjoy it thoroughly. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the highlight of the album.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” does not leave room for in-between; such a nostalgic song is either a classic love or hate case, showcasing a brave step to include this tune. The song takes a slower pace compared to Mariah Carey’s, which allowed Tarja to make it her own. In a similar fashion, “Wonderful Christmastime” is transformed into a new song, powered by drums and chorus.
“Last Christmas” brings out the reminiscence of the Gothic aesthetic from the end of the 1990s, as if taking a path of no return that fits the storyline of the lyrics. “Jingle Bells” is also here, and it is a crescendo until the very last second. “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” begins with children singing and leads to an ever-changing melody, again to a darker approach. “Angels We Have Heard on High” is placed as the last song, serving as a gentle and kind reminder for those who believe. Coincidentally or not, it is the most lighthearted rendition of all.
This album is not only for Christmas time but is also portrayed in a fairy tale world of snow and long dark nights; one cannot be without the other. Aesthetically pleasing, it composes a coherent piece, binding piece-by-piece, to a character’s journey to finding the light that is unparalleled in comparison to any other time of the year.
Written by Denise Di Lallo Ragazzo
Tracklist
- The First Noel
- Frosty The Snowman
- O Holy Night
- Dark Christmas
- Jingle Bell Rock
- White Christmas
- All I Want For Christmas Is You
- Wonderful Christmastime
- Last Christmas
- Jingle Bells
- Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Angels We Have Heard On High
Lineup
Tarja Turunen – Vocals
Julián Barrett – Guitars
Naomi Cabuli Turunen – Drums
Ida Elina – Kantele
Mervi Myllyoja- Violin
Label
earMusic
Links
Official Website: https://tarjaturunen.com/landing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarjaofficial/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarjaofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tarjaofficial
