Ethereal Metal

Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer

r.m.music84@gmail.com

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In Circus Life, Tarja Turunen opens a portal—not just to a concert, but to a vivid memory suspended in time. Captured live in Bucharest in a stunning “in the round” format at a working circus arena, this release is more than just a celebration of a storied solo career. It’s a communal, cinematic experience that radiates warmth, artistry, and a powerful sense of presence—something sorely missed during the years that followed.

Visually, the production is breathtaking. The choice to stage the concert in the round—with the audience encircling the stage on all sides—creates a rare intimacy. It allows fans to experience Tarja from every angle, quite literally, as the camera work glides around her and the 16 musicians/vocalists that form her live ensemble. From the sweeping aerial shots to the tight, emotionally charged close-ups, every frame is curated with care. The lighting design leans into drama and elegance without overwhelming the stage, allowing the performers to remain the focal point. The result feels less like a traditional concert film and more like a hybrid of live theater and immersive cinema.

Behind the lens, the production crew deserves full credit. The editing is smooth and dynamic, never rushed—allowing songs to breathe and moments to linger. Whether it’s the delicate exchange of glances between players, the thunder of a chorus cresting over the crowd, or the sheer joy on Tarja’s face, everything is captured with emotional fidelity. There’s a palpable sense of respect not only for the music but for the space in which it’s performed.

Musically, Circus Life is a career-spanning triumph. From the opening shimmer of “Mystique Voyage” to the final breath of “Shadow Play,” the setlist flows like a theatrical arc—emotive, commanding, and rich with sonic contrast. “500 Letters” and “Naiad” bring a sense of introspective atmosphere early in the performance, letting Tarja’s voice spiral outward in slow-burning waves. The fan-favorite “Diva” electrifies the arena with its unapologetic flair, while “You and I” provides a moment of heartfelt stillness.

Songs like “Love to Hate” and “Demons in You” flex Tarja’s dynamic range, both vocally and emotionally—one simmering with tension, the other exploding with full-band ferocity. “Never Enough” and “Falling Awake” drive momentum forward, grounded in powerful rhythm and lush harmonies. With “I Feel Immortal,” the show pivots into more celestial territory, her soprano soaring above a sea of strings and synths.

And then come the pillars: “I Walk Alone,” “Victim of Ritual,” and “Innocence”—a trifecta that defines Tarja’s identity as a solo artist. The emotional conviction she brings to these tracks is staggering. “Die Alive” and “Tears in Rain” follow with urgency and catharsis, culminating in the muscular drive of “Dead Promises.”

By the time “Until My Last Breath” roars through the speakers, the audience is unified, lifted by a kind of musical alchemy that only live performance can conjure. And as “Shadow Play” brings the night to a close, it feels less like an encore and more like a curtain call—cinematic, reflective, and quietly triumphant.

Tarja’s voice, of course, remains the anchor—effortlessly navigating the delicate highs and operatic intensity that have made her a global icon in symphonic metal. Yet Circus Life is as much about the ensemble as it is about the frontwoman. Her choice to forgo elaborate wardrobe in favor of a more minimalist look was intentional, placing the spotlight squarely on the music and those sharing the stage with her.

One of the most touching moments comes with the appearance of her brother Toni, whose vocals add a familial intimacy to the night. Their performance together doesn’t just offer a novelty guest spot—it underscores the emotional thread that runs through the entire show: unity, vulnerability, and joy.

Another striking moment comes courtesy of Clémentine Delauney, best known as the powerhouse co-vocalist of Visions of Atlantis. Her guest appearance isn’t just a cameo—it’s a moment of sheer synergy. Standing beside Tarja, two commanding forces in symphonic metal unite in harmony, bringing theatrical elegance and emotional gravity to the performance. Delauney’s precision and innate stage charisma elevate the shared vocals, but more importantly, there’s a genuine respect exchanged between the two artists. It’s a fleeting but unforgettable highlight that bridges their worlds beautifully—and fans of Visions of Atlantis will instantly recognize the signature conviction she brings to the stage.

It’s also worth noting how Circus Life avoids the pitfalls of overproduction. Unlike some concert films that lean too heavily into post-processing, this release lets the live mix breathe. The audio is spacious, detailed, and true to the venue’s unique acoustics, balanced beautifully by the mastering team. Listeners who pick up the audio-only versions (2CD or 3LP) will still be treated to a deeply immersive soundscape, though the Blu-ray adds crucial dimension and context.

Originally included only as bonus material in the Living the Dream Mediabook and now receiving its standalone release, Circus Life feels like a gift finally unwrapped. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Tarja’s journey or a newcomer drawn in by the visual spectacle, this is a document of an artist in full bloom—confident, connected, and unafraid to share the stage.

In a world that’s often fragmented and chaotic, Circus Life reminds us of what it means to gather, to perform, and to feel—together. It may have been recorded just before the world shut down in 2020, but it pulses with a sense of timelessness, and a longing to hold on to joy.

Circus Life isn’t just a live album—it’s a cinematic celebration of connection. For fans of Tarja and lovers of symphonic performance alike, this is a must-watch, must-hear release. Tarja strips away the spectacle and proves the music alone is more than enough — raw, commanding, and deeply human.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM TRONCKOE

The Band

Lead Vocals & Piano – Tarja

Drums – Timm Schreiner

Percussion – Andy Pupato

Bass & Guitars – Doug Wimbish

Bass & Guitars – Pit Barrett

Guitars & Vocals – Alex Scholpp

Guitars – Julian Barrett

Guitars – Rafael Bittencourt

Keyboards & Piano – Christian Kretschmar

Keyboards – Guillermo De Medio

Vocals – Clémentine Delauney

Vocals – Chiara Tricarico

Vocals – Toni Turunen

1st Violin – Marco Cano

Violin – Alexey Aslamas

Viola – Petr Suslik

Cello – Zachar Fedorov