Review: Tarja — What Lies Beneath (2010)
The grand cinematic evolution where heavy symphonic riffs dissolve into raw and intimate vulnerability
For today's album of the week, I have chosen What Lies Beneath—a release with a truly impressive lineup of participants and, overall, a highly fascinating LP.
The album was released during a time when Tarja's name was still too firmly associated exclusively with the Nightwish scandal, so it is no wonder that it contains a significant amount of that corresponding, so to speak, “exposing” sentiment.
From a musical standpoint, What Lies Beneath represents a step toward heavier and more straightforward rock music compared to her debut solo effort, My Winter Storm. At the same time, the album retains the symphonic theatricality characteristic of Tarja. She herself described the sound of that era as a blend of rock and cinematic classical music.
In my opinion, What Lies Beneath appeals precisely because of its diversity, which, unfortunately, I rarely find in Tarja's current releases.
The album was released during a time when Tarja's name was still too firmly associated exclusively with the Nightwish scandal, so it is no wonder that it contains a significant amount of that corresponding, so to speak, “exposing” sentiment.
From a musical standpoint, What Lies Beneath represents a step toward heavier and more straightforward rock music compared to her debut solo effort, My Winter Storm. At the same time, the album retains the symphonic theatricality characteristic of Tarja. She herself described the sound of that era as a blend of rock and cinematic classical music.
In my opinion, What Lies Beneath appeals precisely because of its diversity, which, unfortunately, I rarely find in Tarja's current releases.
From a compositional standpoint, this release is a true gem—just look at “Crimson Deep,” “I Feel Immortal,” or “In for a Kill.” The latter, by the way, remains one of my absolute favorite songs in Turunen's entire catalog.
The record creates a fascinating sensation: heavy guitars and orchestral interludes alternate with almost chamber-like moments, and these transitions enhance the overall mood. It feels as if Tarja is guiding the listener through the corridors of her own mind—shifting between open aggression and deep vulnerability. It is precisely this inner conflict that makes the album feel alive, rather than just a collection of loud tracks.
Now, with several solo works under Tarja's belt, one begins to better appreciate how special this release turned out to be. Later, she would experiment more frequently with electronics or return to safer formulas, but here, the energy of creative exploration is still very much alive.
Personal recommendations: “Until My Last Breath,” “Dark Star,” “Underneath,” “In for a Kill,” “I Feel Immortal,” “Falling Awake,” and “Crimson Deep.”
The record creates a fascinating sensation: heavy guitars and orchestral interludes alternate with almost chamber-like moments, and these transitions enhance the overall mood. It feels as if Tarja is guiding the listener through the corridors of her own mind—shifting between open aggression and deep vulnerability. It is precisely this inner conflict that makes the album feel alive, rather than just a collection of loud tracks.
Now, with several solo works under Tarja's belt, one begins to better appreciate how special this release turned out to be. Later, she would experiment more frequently with electronics or return to safer formulas, but here, the energy of creative exploration is still very much alive.
Personal recommendations: “Until My Last Breath,” “Dark Star,” “Underneath,” “In for a Kill,” “I Feel Immortal,” “Falling Awake,” and “Crimson Deep.”
Rating: 10/10
- Tuuli TalvinenFounder & Editor-in-ChiefInterviewer