Tarja Turunen - The Shadow Self (Special Edition)

Facts Deluxe two disc (CD + NTSC/Region 0 DVD) edition. 2016 release from the Finnish metal vocalist. The Shadow Self picks up where The Brightest Void left off. The driving beat and groove of the catchy "Innocence" sucks you in with its striking chorus and melody whereas the album version of "No Bitter End" presents an extended almost progressive instrumental part - a trait which can be found in more than one song on both albums. "Diva" on the other hand can be described a darkly folkloristic and theatrical song that heaves you to a gigantic soundscape during the chorus. "Demon's In You", Tarja's remarkable collaboration with Alissa White-Gluz of melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, brings a surprising edge and heavy element to the record and shows that this is indeed the heaviest album Tarja has ever done whereas the closing song of the album "Too Many" features an unusual, unexpected sound and once more makes clear to always can expect the unexpected from the most successful Finnish solo artist.