TARJA TURUNEN Issues Update On New Solo Album

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen recently entered Petrax Studios in Hollola, Finland to begin recording her new solo album, "What Lies Beneath", for a late 2010 release. She writes on her blog, "Some of you were wondering that 17 songs is quite much for an album. Not all the songs are going to end up on the actual album. We need bonus tracks and b-sides for different territories and singles. In the worldwide release, there are always countries asking for bonuses. On my album you can expect to have around 11-12 songs. I am lucky though to have more than enough material."

She adds, "The band recordings are pretty much done now. We still need the keyboards and cello parts. These two instruments are not going to be recorded here at Petrax, but both Christian (Kretschmar) and Max (Lilja) are recording in their home studios.

"We had some guests in Hollola today. Max helped us to contact musicians from Lahti Symphony Orchestra to record a string quartet. Max played himself the cello parts and did the arrangement for the quartet. The recordings went really well and the sound I was seeking for was accomplished.

"I read in the blog that many [fans] were surprised to see how fast the recordings are progressing. Have in mind that we have been working, discussing and living with these songs for nearly two years in some cases. So at the moment of the actual recording, everything is very clear already.

"Tomorrow the vocal session will begin, so wish me good luck."

Turunen previously stated about "What Lies Beneath", "The process for my second album started back in June 2008. Among the first songs that my friends and I composed at that time, a character called Naiad was born. The fantasy story of Naiad gave me the idea for the album title and for the whole album concept: 'What Lies Beneath'.

"It has been wonderful to be able to brainstorm again and decide the direction the album is going to take. I hope that you will be surprised again by my work; because that's the way I like it."

Turunen will perform a special "Classic and Divine" opera rock show with a symphonic orchestra and choir on June 12, 2010 at the Miskolc International Opera Festival at at the Miskolc Ice Hall in Miskolc, Hungary. Tarja's two-hour set will include a selection of the best-loved songs from her "My Winter Storm" solo album, classical gems, unpredictable rock covers, tracks from her career with NIGHTWISH, and songs from her upcoming album, "What Lies Beneath". She will be accompanied by her own band, a symphonic orchestra and a choir.

Turunen recently recorded three songs for a Finnish Christmas album, produced by Olli Ahvenlahti. According to Turunen, this was "a charity project for missionary workers in Finland."

Tarja's last album, "My Winter Storm", was re-released in January 2009. This double CD "extended special edition" was packed with 32 tracks, including the CD "My Winter Storm" with the addition of the song "The Seer" in its original version. The bonus disc presented several new tracks, remixes and live recordings. Among them, the new song "Enough" and "The Seer", this time featuring a duet with German rock star Doro Pesch.