Tarja – ‘Falling Awake’ Limited 10″ Review

Having spent most of the afternoon listening to Ozzy Osbourne’s excellent new album I didn’t expect the first cut from Tarja’s new album to kick in with such weight. Clearly having learned from the mistakes of her rather underwhelming debut, ‘Falling Awake’ packs a weighty punch and promises good things for those who mourned the departure of Tarja from her former outfit and worried that she would head in a more classical direction.

Showcasing her stunning voice with admirable clarity the track (which has the benefit of the mighty Colin Richardson behind the desk) gives plenty of freedom to the musicians who let rip with a fantastic solo on the bridge section and Tarja simply shines, letting her warm tones wrap the listener in a velvet cocoon before the guitars come crashing in upon the chorus. The track is especially notable as it differs from the album version and features a guest appearance from Jason Hook (5FDP/Alice Cooper) whose solo so enhances the bridge.

Available only in the form of an ultra-limited, marbled vinyl 10” this is a real collector’s piece, too, and the record comes with the track ‘The good die young’ from the Scorpion’s powerful Sting in the tail album, specially remixed to give Tarja’s vocals greater prominence. It’s a strong song that showcases the best of the Scorpion’s bombastic rock as well as Tarja’s voice. An excellent return to form for Tarja who reminds us, once again, quite why she made Nightwish so special.

‘Falling Awake’ will be available from What Records exclusively.