Tarja Turunen and Torsten Stenzel – “Outlanders”

When Tarja Turunen decides to put together a greatest hit and covers album, she brings some of the best musical talent in the world along with her. That is what has happened with this year’s new music release Outlanders. The album was released on June 23^rd.It was recorded and mixed mainly on the Caribbean Island of Antigua during the last 10 years.

Finnish soprano legend Tarja Turunen and EDM pioneer Torsten Stenzel make up the project Outlanders. Tarja is a Finnish soprano who has released over 15 albums, both with the band Nightwish and in her solo career. Torsten Stenzel is a German musician, songwriter, composer, and producer for over 22 years. He recently co-produced Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Beats and worked as a keyboardist for Rick Nowels, Joss Stone, and Nelly Furtado. He is echo nominated and a multiple gold and platinum award winner, as one of the Trance/EDM pioneers in Germany.

Now, to those two wonderful musicians and singers, add this amazing guest list: Al Di Meola, Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten, Steve Rothery, Mike Oldfield, Trevor Rabin, Walter Giardino, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Vernon Reid and Marty Friedman. Yes, this album is epic.

The first track was released back on November 26th, 2021; and it was, “Closer to the Sky”, composed by Tarja and Erik Nyholm, with Trevor Rabin of Yes playing lead guitar.

Tarja describes the origin and inspiration for the Outlanders’ project in this way, “That is what has happened back in 2005, I was invited to co-write and sing the song “Tired of Being Alone” with the German electronic artist Schiller for his album, Tag und Nacht. I enjoyed the challenge and its outcome very much, since electronic music was a new field for me. I loved this different world of sounds I was getting myself into for the first time. I was inspired by Alan Parson’s electronic album A Valid Path, especially by the songs “Return to Tunguska” and “L’Arc en Ciel”, where David Gilmour played the guitar, I realized that I should do something in that same vibe. In 2010 I had written a song that I felt would work perfectly for this idea of mine and all I needed to do was find the person that could execute. I had met Torsten Stenzel back on the days when we wrote the first songs together for my rock solo career and we had been friends ever since. I wanted to approach him, and that took me to the island of Antigua in Caribbean, where he lived. I knew Torsten would be just perfect for my song, because he had been working with electronic music all his life and his knowledge in that field is incredible. We are finally ready to show you what we have been doing the last 10 years! It is a friendship project, done with lots of love and care. We really hope that you can enjoy our baby!!”

And so it begins…with the album title track, “Outlanders”. Wild atmospherics and orchestrations open the song, as Tarja makes some vocal sounds, surrounded by some awfully impressive keyboard and EDM sounds. Then, Argentine guitarist, Walter Giardino, guitarist for Rata Blanca; takes over with one of the best guitar solos I’ve heard since Steve Hackett. Tarja, almost narrates the next section with spoken word, in Finnish. Translated, she says, “To fight on behalf of her dreams. Reputation, honor, is fleeting. And it’s not our life measurement. The most important thing is to decide to leave or follow the strange path of life. Believe in your own illusions. And to fight for your dreams. We are all protagonists in our own lives. Often leave an indelible mark on the unknown heroes. Every day is different. Every morning, disguising your own miracle. A magical moment when the old universes are destroyed. New stars are born. The secret is in the now. If you are watching the current protection, you can do it better. And if you do it better than all the latter is better. Every day is an eternity in itself!” Wow, how do you top that? You can’t, just add her beautiful sighs and cries of happiness and you have gold! The perfect summarization of what she was hoping to achieve with this album.

“Closer To The Sky”, features one of my favorite guitarists, from one of my favorite bands; Yes. His name is Trevor Rabin, and he has created a massive discography of work, since Yes. Trevor steals the stage with his guitar soloing, but the atmospherics, keyboards, and orchestration are concert theater level. Tarja sings, while Trevor accompanies, “When the colors lose their meaning. Will the sun still cover me? If above the stars are bleeding. Only dust my eyes can see. Last twilight. Find me in this darkness. Take me with. Heal my shattered dreams. Once fallen but. In my heart. I keep fighting. Aiming high. Closer to the sky!” Absolutely excellent!

“The Cruelest Goodbye”, features Al Di Meola on guitar. He has his own massive discography of music. He has worked with many famous musicians around the world. His magnificent guitar playing matches well with Tarja’s incredible soprano voice. She sings some special lyrics here, “Two souls once connected. So close but apart. A dream has been wasted. Worship, blinded. The promise is broken. By hallowed beliefs. Restrained by devotion. Vicious madness. How can they let it all go?” A beautiful analysis of love and how to treasure, and try to keep it forever.

“World In My Eyes”, is one of my favorite songs by Depeche Mode. Tarja’s cover here is amazing. She sings it even better than Dave Gahan, and he sings it incredibly full of emotion. Vernon Reid, from the band, Living Colour, plays guitar on this track and does an incredible job; as he did with one of my favorite songs of the late 1980s, “Cult of Personality”. This song was beautifully recreated, and Tarja and Torsten deserve a lot of credit in almost equaling the original band’s performance. The opening introduction section is new and hauntingly spectacular.

“Mystique Voyage”, is my second favorite track on Traja’s Colours in the Dark album. Only “Deliverance”; is better, and that is my favorite Tarja song of all time. Now add one of my favorite guitarists, (By the way, who I have met), Steve Rothery, from Marillion; and you have the best song on the album. Tarja sings, “Welcome to my world!”, indeed!

“The Sleeping Indian”, is a mostly electronic keyboard affair, put on by Torsten Stenzel; until superstar guitarist, Joe Satriani, makes an entrance. And that entrance and performance is as big and bold as his always seem to be. Tarja adds sighs and vocal sounds; while Antiguan rapper Nkoye Zifah sings about the Antiguan mountain called “The Sleeping Indian”.

“Land of Sea and Sun”, features guitarist Marty Friedman, of Megadeth. His bold lead electric guitar chords enter with the sound of the tide and the piano. It sounds like pure magic. Tarja provide powerful “Ahs and ahas”. Then she sings, “Remember the last night you walked on my shore. Thousand lights in the sky, but you wanted more. Only the call of my ocean. Makes you come back with no fear. Land of sea and sun. Welcome to my life. Your paradise!” A magnificent love song indeed.

Walter Giardino, returns on guitar for his second performance; on the song, “1971”. Tarja explains the inspiration for the song here, “In 1971 did not only Apollo 14 land on the moon, but it was also the birth year of Torsten Stenzel. The Queen of the Sea and spring celebrations gave me the inspiration for the text of the song”. Tarja speaks, “From her throne decorated with spiritual motifs. The queen of the sea greeted the enthusiastic crowd. Which she met to welcome the season of flowers. The parade that included a dozen carriages. Was part of a warm and bright celebration. That happened in that evening in 1971”. (She was reading from a page of a newspaper from 1971. Wow…nice dedication, huh?

“We Own This Sky”, features guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, from Guns N’ Roses, Asia, and Sons of Apollo. It is a wonderful instrumental, with Torsten handling all the atmospherics and keyboards. Tarja sighs and sings the only vocals, “We own this sky…” What a space driven masterpiece of a guitar celebration.

“Never Too Far”, features the world famous guitarist, songwriter and tubular bells expert, Mike Oldfield. Tarja sings, “We’re never too far. We’re islands, but never too far! Torsten’s keyboards and cool electronic sounds and effects help make this another of the best tracks on the album.

“Echoes”, features Jennifer Batten on guitar. She has been a session and solo guitarist for years. Tarja sings, “Rescue the fire. Hope springs eternal. Vibrant desire. How can we learn from the reflection. Where the real darkness lies. Naked it burns. History’s passion. Now can you hear how they rise?” She seems to be upset and distracted, over some of the “echoes” from history’s darker past, that seem to be present in the global and political discussions of today.

“A Peaceful Place, (Return To The Oasis)”, featuring Walter Giardino, who returns on guitar, to close the album is a wonderful closer. Nkoye Zifah returns to sing an opening in his language. Tarja sings, “Breath in your deepest fears. Under waves bury the tears. Following the freedom of the wind. Love will show a peaceful place!” Absolutely leaves the listener feeling powerful, positive vibes. Thank you Tarja.

This is a beautiful change for Tarja Turunen. Getting lost in Antigua, was probably the best thing she could have done. It freed her from the regimen of making metal music. The sea and the ships she sailed in, helped free her soul and imagination. She and Torsten have created something they and I will never forget. This is one of the best albums of the year, because of the sounds of change. The sound and challenge of creating something completely different from what you are known globally. It challenged her and added to her ability and discography. Please do as Tarja did on this album, and give this music a chance. It will shine brightly for you and hopefully lift your spirit…as it did mine. Thank you Tarja and Torsten!