Tarja reveals Shadow Self prequel album

Tarja Turunen has revealed details of a prequel album to be launched ahead of her solo title The Shadow Self.

It’s due on August 5 – but The Brightest Void, a nine-track work, will arrive on June 3, complete with guest appearances from singer Michael Monroe, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and a new mix of Paradise (What About Us), her Within Temptation collaboration from 2013.

Tarja says: “Surprise, surprise! During the process of recording The Shadow Self, I realised that there were so many tracks, too many too dear to me, for just one album. So I decided to keep nothing for myself and to share all my favourite new songs with you.

“The Brightest Void gives more than a first taste of The Shadow Self. I hope the release of the prequel sweetens the wait until August and that you will like the songs as much as I do. I will present songs from both albums at summer festivals and in my headline tour later this year.”

She adds: “Keep your eyes open – there might be further surprises down the road.”

Both albums are available for pre-order now.

Tarja: The Brightest Void tracklist

No Bitter End (Video Clip Version)
Your Heaven And Your Hell – with Michael Monroe
Eagle Eye – with Chad Smith
An Empty Dream
Witch Hunt
Shameless
House of Wax
Goldfinger
Paradise (What About Us) – new mix

Tarja 2016 tour dates

Jun 04: London Rock On Green Festival, UK
Jun 11: Kouvola Vaakuna Piknik, Finland
Jun 19: Hellfest, France
Jul 16: Kostryn Nad Odra Woodstock Festival, Poland
Jul 21: Nordholz Deichbrand, Germany
Aug 07: Saint Maurice De Gourdans Sylak Open Air, France
Oct 08: Hamburg Docks, Germany
Oct 10: Berlin Huxleys Neue Welt, Germany
Oct 11: Cologne Live Music Hall, Germany

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.