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.
I'm a self-confessed musical nut with an eclectic taste ranging from lo-fi indie to crushing heavy metal. I also make a blizzard of noise in my band Final Coil (recently seen deafening audiences in the midlands area). I also like cheese. Cheese is possibly the single greatest food (if one excludes bacon). Sometimes I write songs about cheese... but not often 
hello, very interesating your post.. so if you have the songs.. can you upload it??? it will be great.. upload in youtube.
Alas – we’re in something of a privileged position to receive promo versions of songs/albums and can’t upload anything as that would ruin our standing with the companies who provide us with our material. Thanks for checking out the review and I’d recommend getting hold of the 10″ as it’s way more satisfying than a download!
Great Review!!!!! We agree
/anetteolzoncentral.com (working on re-opening)
tarja para mim é transcedental!
parabéns pelo artigo.
I am also quite surprised with this song. I didn’t expect it to be so powerful. They lyrics are really interesting too. Her first album was a grower but this one? This one will be an ass kicker, I’m sure of that!
Yeah, Nightwish was really special with her.