METAL HAMMER STUDIO REPORT
(many thanks to T-chan)
Classical case of hardship
In the middle of Camden, the hip precinct of London, is the little Musicbox Studio located. But although it’s not much greater than 5 square meter, it has what it takes: on the one hand Tarja Turunen fidgets restless but smiling on her seat. On the other hand blasts new songs of her upcoming album What Lies Beneath out of the loudspeaker. “I’m totally nervous.” Admits the Finn and shows to the representative of her record label. “This is a premiere for everyone, because Colin just had finished the mix of the songs.” The producer gives Tarja a reassuring nod. Thereby Colin Richardson was an surprising choice. The Brit usually produces more heavy band like Slipknot or Cradle Of Filth. “Colin was the right man for songs like “Little Lies”, “In For A Kill” and “Dark Stars”. praises Tarja. “Right this dynamic was missed yet.“
Therewith the singer criticises her solo-debut album My Winter Storm (2007). However the Finn says that she is still very proud of her first album. She views this as the search for her own style, which combines Rock and Metal, Classic and elements of film music. “It’s just normal that I have to learn fist how to transform my ideas into music.” She says.
“The first recordings and many concerts were a learning process for me. Beside I know the people working with me better.”
The result of her ripening process can be heard from: What Lies Beneath sounds more heavy, more diversified and more precise than the first album. But even the lovers of Tarjas soft voice will get there money’s worth, what the songs “Rivers Of Lust”, “Underneath” and “Until My Last Breath” show.
These are mixed by Tim Palmer in the USA, who already worked for HIM. Supporter of the finnish singer can really looking forward late summer, then Tarja win over with new momentum and classical hardship.
First audio sample:
Little LiesAfter an electronic Intro the staccato-guitars point a big bang. The song goes an chopped, dark and modern till Tarja feint some classic in the powerful refrain. Thereto urge the keyboards and the massive choir in the foreground for a short while, till the guitars come up again.
In For A KillAfter another electronic intro and Tschaikowski-strings, the E-guitars come up as an rhythmical pulse. Tarja give a lot of “Vibrato” into her voice and genuines with classical dramatic and dynamic across several octaves. If James Bond allowed some heavy guitars, the film music will sound like this soon.
Dark StarAn rocking Middle-tempo-bingo follows on an oriental intro. Cellist Max Lilja repeated an catchy part over an over again. Tarja demonstrates unusually hardship and All The Remains singer Philip Labunte puts up some resistance. A born hit!
Falling AwakeThis song will be the first single from the album.
At the beginning are some heavy guitars. Next a softer plug-in follows with a melancholy Tarja. But it’s getting more heavy and sums in an epic refrain. Great song.
UnderneathPiano and strings let grow up some cinema-feelings. It seams to be a ballad. Tarja declassifies all her rivalry with her fantastic voice. The drums beat a march-melody.
Kalo koritsi fainesai esy apo pou eisai?? 
Απ: What Lies Beneath (2nd album)
ekei me ton James Bond m arese eidika 