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Literally translating as a dark, chilling shiver or a horrific chill, Finnish soprano Tarja’s immaculate new album, ‘Frisson Noir’, is about the physical reaction that music can provoke, the shiver that runs through the body when sound, emotion, and performance align in a real moment.
One in the eye for AI-created music, as a machine cannot comprehend the emotions on display through the near-60-minute run of the album.
The centrepiece of the album is the 10-minute long lead-single ‘At Sea’, which, rather than using plug-ins or studio trickery, features orchestral arrangements and choir performances recorded in Budapest with the Budapest Art Orchestra and Budapest Art Choir, conducted by Gyorgy Gulyas Nagy.
A daring move to launch the first studio album of original material in seven years with a 10-minute soundscape of proggy, symphonic metal that takes the listener on a journey full of contrasts. Featuring Mervi Myllyoja & Niklas Pokki (violin and piano, respectively), it is simply staggering. The instrumental midsection is dramatic and dark, like Tarja’s Dark Christmas projects, and mixed with the live orchestra and Tarja’s trademark vocals (the perfect mix of traditional and operatic), the result is Tarja’s solo ‘Ghost Love Score’.
Nothing else could have been the lead single. It had to be ‘At Sea’. But that doesn’t mean that the remaining nine tracks are substandard. Far from it, as there is much to admire on ‘Frisson Noir’. The gradual build on the gentle introduction to the title track, which opens the album, is classic Tarja. Time stands still for a brief pause, and then the band crash in with an explosion of heavy, aggressive riffs and thick, crushing drums. The cinematic qualities are still there in abundance, and like a great deal of Tarja’s material, it’s not a million miles away from a James Bond theme song in some glorious, alternative universe. Brief moments of calm (just Tarja and piano) in amongst the storm. Perfect.
‘The Eternal Return’ is one of Tarja’s speedier songs; fuelled by sharp, Metalized riffs, and bending, down-tuned slabs of doom. ‘Blaze Forever’ is slower in pace, but similar in feel, with a fantastic dreamy mid-section that gives way to a full-on assault of riffs in a stellar guitar solo. Alex Scholpp, is it? And the score-like, industrial-tinged outro to ‘Blaze Forever’ – play it loud!
‘Anemoia (feat. Julián Bedmar & Valter Freitas)’ is the calm amongst the storm. Flamenco guitarist Julián Bedmar is all over the track, adding gorgeous flourishes here and there. Cellist Valter Freitas is alongside him, with the darkest, most expressive string instrument out there. Chances are that this gorgeous slice of solace will strike a chord with many of the Tarja faithful. Perfect for one of Tarja’s famous church gigs, it is enchanting.
Like the majority of Tarja albums, ‘Frisson Noir’ features a healthy number of collaborations. Ex-Nightwish buddy Marko Hietala lends his unmistakable tones to ‘Leap Of Faith’; Japanese musician Sayo Komada helps give ‘The Trace Outlives’ a spooky, atmospheric edge by playing the shamisen, a traditional three-stringed Japanese musical instrument. Meshed with the heavy, pounding drums and monster riffs, it is one of many highlights on the album.
The guys from Apocalyptica pop up on ‘Tango’ and almost steal the show. A live collaboration has to be on the cards? And just to keep it eclectic and the listeners on their toes, here comes ‘I Don’t Care (feat. Dani Filth)’, which, although it might sound like an odd collaboration, works insanely well. The instantly recognisable Cradle of Filth frontman, duetting with Tarja, couldn’t have been on many 2026 bingo cards, but the positive reception that met its release as a single should ensure that it is not a one-off.
Whilst not as overused as “Our best album to date”, an artist proclaiming that their new album is the “Heaviest album” of their career is still very often a go-to headline in the run-up to the release of a new album. In the case of ‘Frisson Noir’, it is entirely justified, as that is exactly what it is: Tarja’s heaviest album to date. It’s also arguably her best solo album to date.
Available June 12th on earMUSIC.
Review – Dave
Portrait image – Tim Tronckoe
Live image – Dave Jamieson
Tarja will embark on the Frisson Live Tour 2026, launching 30th September 2026 in Berlin. Dates can be found HERE.
