Tarja – Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest
Reviewed by Georgina Strilakos
Review Score 9
As a founding member of the band Nightwish, Tarja Turunen became one of Finland’s most recognizable and iconic vocalists. Her style is truly unique, ushering in a new dimension to symphonic metal by embracing epic elements while also incorporating other subtle influences ranging from alternative to pop. Despite exploring other styles, she has retained her metal roots, perfectly matching the overall aesthetic of the genre.
In addition to her work with Nightwish, Tarja embarked on a highly successful solo career. Recently, the Finnish vocal legend performed at the world-famous Hellfest, one of the most legendary metal festivals in the world, set in France. Hellfest serves as a landmark opportunity for both established and new bands to connect with audiences and further their legacies. For Tarja, this was an amazing platform to showcase her solo work and highlight her incredible vocal prowess in a live setting.
Many singers excel in the studio but fall short when it comes to live performances. This is certainly not the case for Tarja. She is a consummate professional who consistently delivers outstanding vocal performances. Her solo work provides her with the perfect opportunity to showcase the full extent of her range. The symphonic elements of her music add melodic textures and dynamics that further enhance her singing style, making her live performance even more captivating. The song “No Bitter End” is a perfect opener and an immediate example of Tarja’s amazing form for this particular live show. It’s an indication of a very strong start, with consistent energy pervading the entire release. The track “Victim of Ritual” is another highlight, showcasing more of the singer’s incredible range while allowing her to explore her most melodic style. Meanwhile, the song “Die Alive” retains a lot of melodic range, but it is also one of the most energetic tracks on the entire album, adding to the dynamic experience of this live performance.
In conclusion, “Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest” is set to be released on CD, video, digital, and vinyl formats on December 6, providing fans with multiple ways to experience Tarja’s remarkable artistry. This release promises to capture the magic of her Hellfest performance, delivering the same energy and emotion that fans have come to expect from her live shows.
Tracklisting:
“No Bitter End (Live at Hellfest)”
“Never Enough (Live at Hellfest)”
“Ciaran’s Well (Live at Hellfest)”
“Calling From The Wild (Live at Hellfest)”
“Supremacy (Live at Hellfest)”
“Victim Of Ritual (Live at Hellfest)”
“Tutankhamen / Ever Dream / The Riddler / Slaying The Dreamer (Live at Hellfest)”
“Die Alive (Live at Hellfest)”
“Until My Last Breath (Live at Hellfest)”