Speaking with Ibagenscast, vocalist Tarja Turunen reflected on the nine years she spent fronting Nightwish, helping to establish the band as a force in the metal world.
When asked if she missed being in Nightwish, Tarja offered the following:
“I don’t, actually. We did great albums together. We did great music together, but we were not happy, I have to say. This is the thing: the happiness is everything to me. Even with the people that I work with today, I want everybody being happy around me. It’s so important, because if you really go through this life without being happy, even without being able to be happy and feel the happiness… Music is emotion, and it starts eating you up. You need to find that love inside of you. Love, for me, was music. The first love ever in my life was music. And if I cannot express myself, really, with that love that there is in me, it’s not good. I’m not in a good place.”
Tarja was with Nightwish From 1996 – 2005 and recorded five studio albums with the band: Angels Fall First (1997), Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000), Century Child (2002) and Once (2004). She is also featured on two live albums / DVD’s; From Wishes To Eternity (200) and End Of An Era (2005).
One of the most iconic songs in Tarja’s solo career, “I Walk Alone” is reimagined in a stunning new live version recorded in Bucharest during her extraordinary Circus Life concert.
Originally released as the lead single from her 2007 debut solo album, My Winter Storm, the song remains a powerful declaration of independence, strength, and identity — and has become an unshakable pillar in her live repertoire.
“‘I Walk Alone’ was one of four tracks that I picked from the over 500 demos sent to me by the label for my first album My Winter Storm. I fell in love with it straight away and the chorus really grabbed me. There is a lot of positivity in the track. It is also where I got the idea of calling all my fans and supporters ‘My Winter Storm.’ They have always been there and still are, and despite the title, I do not feel that I walk alone, and I never am because you are always there,” says Tarja.
Stream “I Walk Alone” (Live in Bucharest)” here. Watch the video below:
A digital photobook is now available to accompany next week’s release of Tarja’s latest live release Circus Life, offering an atmospheric visual journey through the powerful live moments of Tarja’s celebrated concert. Featuring a carefully curated selection of photos from on stage, the photobook captures the emotion, energy, and artistry that define Tarja’s performance.
Access the digital Circus Life photobook here.
Recorded in January 2020, in Bucharest, Romania, the Circus Life show was one of a kind when Tarja performed in this very special “in the round” format. Two hours of powerful music featuring a setlist that spans Tarja’s career, including all of her greatest hits such as “I Walk Alone,” “Until My Last Breath,” and “Innocence,” as well as fan favorites like “Victim Of Ritual” and “Demons In You,” showcasing her evolution as an artist.
Featuring 16 accomplished musicians, including her brother Toni and a diverse ensemble from various stages of her career, it was an extraordinary event. All songs were provided with new arrangements just for this concert, making the show a unique experience for the long-time Tarja fan, as well as the first-time listener.
Circus Life was recorded in one take, 100% live – no re-recordings, no overdubs, no special effects. Just pure, raw music.
Originally included as bonus content in the strictly limited and sold-out Mediabook and Box Set of Tarja’s 2022 Best Of: Living The Dream – the Circus Life concert is now made available as stand-alone Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak, featuring the 2-hour live show on audio and video, and as Ltd. Black 3LP Gatefold, including a LP-sized booklet and Blu-ray softcase.
Formats:
Ltd. 2CD+Blu-ray Digipak
Ltd. 3LP Gatefold (black, 180g, incl. Photo-Booklet)
Blu-ray softcase
Pre-order here.
Tracklisting:
“Mystique Voyage”
“500 Letters”
“Naiad”
“Diva”
“You And I
“Love To Hate”
“Demons In You”
“Never Enough”
“Falling Awake”
“I Feel Immortal”
“I Walk Alone”
“Victim Of Ritual”
“Innocence”
“Die Alive”
“Tears In Rain”
“Dead Promises”
“Until My Last Breath”
“Shadow Play”
“Diva” (Live In Bucharest) video:
“Shadow Play” (Live In Bucharest) video;
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