Former NIGHTWISH vocalist TARJA TURUNEN has announced her upcoming metal album Frisson Noir, set for release on June 12 through earMUSIC. Described as her heaviest work to date, the 10-track record was produced by Grammy-winning producer Neal Avron and boasts an impressive roster of collaborators: CRADLE OF FILTH's Dani Filth, Finnish cello ensemble APOCALYPTICA, former NIGHTWISH bassist MARKO HIETALA, and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith.
In a new interview with Metal Addiction, TURUNEN also spoke candidly about her relationship with NIGHTWISH's early catalog. The Finnish soprano admitted that she finds it difficult to revisit albums like Angels Fall First and Oceanborn because she dislikes how her voice sounds on those recordings.
"I really do not like how I sound on those records, because it was the beginning for me, and I didn't know how to use my voice still," she explained, citing her classical training background as both an asset and a challenge in those early years. Despite her reservations, she identified Swanheart from Oceanborn as a song she would consider performing again — calling it vocally demanding but now more approachable after years of experience.
Frisson Noir marks a significant creative leap, signaling TURUNEN's intent to push deeper into heavy metal territory than any of her previous solo work. With its star-studded lineup and heavyweight sound, June 12 is shaping up to be a notable date for fans of symphonic and heavy metal alike.