Former NIGHTWISH vocalist TARJA TURUNEN is set to release her new studio album "Frisson Noir" on June 12, 2026 via earMUSIC. Described as "the heaviest record of her career and a powerful statement of identity, strength and belonging," the album marks a significant shift in Tarja's sonic ambitions.
The record was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Neal Avron, known for his work with LINKIN PARK, SKILLET, and DISTURBED — a choice that signals the album's hard-hitting direction.
Tarja herself spoke candidly about her long pursuit of a heavier sound: "I've been looking for a really heavy sound for my albums...I reach that heaviness in my live shows...but I haven't been able to kind of reach it for my album productions." With "Frisson Noir", that barrier has apparently been broken.
The 10-track album boasts an impressive roster of guests. Marko Hietala — Tarja's former NIGHTWISH bandmate — appears on "Leap Of Faith." APOCALYPTICA join for a reworking of "Tango." Metal royalty Dani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH) lends his iconic voice to "I Don't Care." And in a striking crossover, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith appears on "Against The Odds."
Full tracklist:
- 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. Julian Bedmar & Valter Freitas)
- I Don't Care (feat. Dani Filth)
- Against The Odds (feat. Chad Smith)
An international "Frisson" live tour launches on September 30, 2026 in Berlin, promising to bring this heavier vision to concert halls across the globe.
"Frisson Noir" arrives as one of the most anticipated releases in the symphonic and gothic metal sphere for 2026 — and if its collaborators and production team are any indication, it will be a defining statement from an artist who refuses to stand still.