TARJA
"My Winter Storm"
(Universal; 2008)
Reviewed by Metal Mark
This is the second solo album from Finnish soprano and former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen. This is obviously her show as the music is largely in the background and her vocals take center stage. There are both classical arrangements as well as some metal guitar. There is certainly more symphonic elements here than just straight-out metal stylings.
There is little doubt that Tarja has a huge voice and a tremendous range. However, this style of music isn't just about range, it's also about the vocalist's ability to convey emotion. As far as that ability goes, I think Tarja is a bit of a hit and miss at times. Some songs are rich and flow nicely and the vocals cut in with an instant amount of charm and she manages to sway the mood of the song with her vocal inflections. However, on other tracks her vocals -- although strong -- sound more like she is doing vocal exercises because the emotion is just not coming across. Great talent doesn't always translate to great songs if there is just not enough going on to sustain the entire track.
The music, although lush and spectacularly produced, doesn't always work. It is more in the background and meant to complement the vocals; many times it's enough and other times it just ... well, exists.
This album is an ambitious effort considering how much
it really relies on the vocals and the fact that it's over an hour long. It's overall more hot than cold yet there were numerous moments where
everything came across being a little bland and cold. If you love Tarja's voice then this may be for
you but, if you are expecting a complete solid album, then it comes up way short.
For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/tarjaturunen.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 12 Aug 2024 14:34:00 -0400.
