Album Review: Unwrapping the Enigmatic Beauty of Tarja’s “Dark Christmas”

Review by Glen Parkes

Stepping into the aural landscape of Tarja’s latest festive offering, “Dark Christmas,” feels like revisiting a twilight-drenched fairy tale spun by an operatic maestro. Having marvelled at her previous Christmas opus, “From Spirits And Ghosts (Score For A Dark Christmas),” I approached this new release with both eagerness and curiosity, wondering if it would be an echo of past brilliance or evolution into uncharted sonic realms.

Tarja’s operatic, orchestral stylings, known for their grandeur, permeate the essence of this album. Immediately evident is the collision of traditional yuletide tunes with a haunting twist that only she could conjure. From the onset, the reimagining of classics such as “Frosty The Snowman” veers into an eerie soundscape, stirring a sense of foreboding. Tarja’s vocals, supported by a children’s choir and a striking orchestration, turn the merry into the macabre, leaving an indelible mark of unease on familiar melodies.

In “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” a song synonymous with exuberance and joy, Tarja flips the narrative, shrouding it in shadow. The orchestral arrangement creates a foreboding aura, casting doubts on the intentions behind the desire. The addition of an eerie spoken echo, complemented by an outstanding guitar solo, further amplifies the album’s mysterious allure.

However, amidst the shadows lies “Dark Christmas,” a beacon of luminosity. Ironically titled, this original piece by Tarja stands as the album’s luminary, offering respite from the encompassing darkness. Her ethereal vocals intertwine seamlessly with hypnotic strings, painting a celestial soundscape that offers a fleeting glimpse of Christmas starlight.

For those considering a plunge into Tarja’s enigmatic musical world, the current single, “Jingle Bells,” serves as a litmus test. It either repels or entices, dictating which side of the dark symphonic spectrum listeners might lean toward.

Addressing the anticipated repetition, “Dark Christmas” walks a fine line between familiarity and innovation. While it echoes the tones of its predecessor, it extends its tendrils into uncharted realms, weaving a tapestry of shadows and radiance, pushing the boundaries of traditional holiday melodies into unexplored territories.

In answer to the pivotal query of its worthiness, “Dark Christmas” is an irresistible addition for enthusiasts of Tarja’s intricate musicality. It entices with its dark allure, beckoning listeners into an audial realm where festivity dances hand in hand with the mysterious and the sublime.

Hence, as the tracklist unfurls with its dark renditions of cherished carols, one might find themselves inevitably drawn deeper into the haunting embrace of Tarja’s “Dark Christmas.” It stands as a testament to her ability to transmute the familiar into something hauntingly beautiful, a dark symphony that beckons the daring to explore the uncharted depths of the holiday spirit.

Track Listing:

1. The First Noel
2. Frosty The Snowman
3. Holy Night
4. Dark Christmas
5. Jingle Bell Rock
6. White Christmas
7. All I Want For Christmas Is You
8. Wonderful Christmastime
9. Last Christmas
10. Jingle Bells
11. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
12. Angels We Have Heard On High