Published: March 18, 2026
The former Nightwish vocalist returns to metal with Frisson Noir, a new studio album blending orchestral elements with a heavier sound and an all-star lineup of collaborators.
Tarja has officially announced Frisson Noir, a new studio album set for release on June 12 via earMUSIC, marking what she describes as the heaviest record of her solo career.
After years of exploring different musical directions, the Finnish vocalist reaffirms her connection to metal, delivering a work that blends cinematic orchestration, classical influences, and modern heaviness.
At the core of Frisson Noir lies Tarja’s unmistakable voice, moving between delicate emotional passages and powerful operatic intensity, supported by orchestral arrangements, choirs, and guitar-driven compositions.
The album explores themes such as identity, resilience, transformation, and the emotional tension between darkness and light.
Across its 10 tracks, the album features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including:
Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth)
Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish)
Apocalyptica
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
The first single, “At Sea”, is now available and offers a glimpse into the album’s direction, combining orchestral arrangements recorded with the Budapest Art Orchestra and Choir with a powerful metal foundation.
The track reflects the central concept of the album, the physical and emotional reaction that music can provoke when sound, performance, and emotion align.
Frisson Noir Track Listing
“Frisson Noir”
“The Eternal Return”
“Leap Of Faith” (feat. Marko Hietala)
“At Sea” (feat. Mervi Myllyoja & Niklas Pokki)
“Blaze Forever”
“The Trace Outlives” (feat. Sayo Komada)
“Tango” (feat. Apocalyptica)
“Anemoia” (feat. Julián Bedmar & Valter Freitas)
“I Don’t Care” (feat. Dani Filth)
“Against The Odds” (feat. Chad Smith)
Since launching her solo career, Tarja has built a consistent presence in the metal world, maintaining a loyal global fanbase while evolving her sound beyond her early symphonic roots.
Her return with Frisson Noir reinforces her identity as one of the most distinctive voices in modern metal.
With Frisson Noir, Tarja not only revisits her heavier roots but expands them, merging classical depth with contemporary metal intensity.
The result is an album that stands as both a continuation and a reinvention of her artistic journey.
Watch the lyric video for “At Sea” below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
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