Tarja’s ‘Circus Life’: A Spellbinding Celebration of Symphonic Majesty

Review By Halina Wegner

Tarja Turunen, the undisputed queen of symphonic metal, returns with a jaw-dropping live experience in Circus Life, due for release on May 16, 2025, via earMUSIC. This is not just another concert album—it’s a bold, majestic, and deeply personal celebration of her career, captured in all its cinematic glory during a very special performance recorded in January 2020 in Bucharest, Romania.

What makes Circus Life truly stand apart is its stunning “in the round” staging, placing Tarja at the literal and metaphorical centre of the music. Surrounded by fans and supported by a full ensemble of 16 talented musicians—among them her brother Toni Turunen—Tarja delivers a performance that is intimate, immersive, and unfiltered. With the audience encircling the stage, the energy flows in every direction, making the experience feel both theatrical and deeply human.

From the opening notes of “Mystique Voyage,” listeners are drawn into a soundscape where classical elegance meets metal’s raw intensity. Her crystalline soprano on “500 Letters” and “Naiad” floats effortlessly over rich arrangements, while tracks like “Demons In You” and “Dead Promises” explode with unrelenting drive and darker textures. Tarja’s control over dynamics and mood is masterful, making each song feel like its own short film.

The magic of Circus Life lies in its authenticity. This is a true live album—recorded in one seamless take with no overdubs, no backing tracks, and no safety nets. What you hear is what happened, in real time. That kind of bravery and trust in artistry is rare in today’s highly edited live releases, and it’s what gives this album its visceral punch.

The setlist spans the full breadth of Tarja’s solo journey—from ethereal ballads like “I Feel Immortal” and “You and I” to the bombastic firepower of “Victim of Ritual” and “Die Alive.” Longtime fans will be thrilled to hear classics like “I Walk Alone” and “Until My Last Breath” presented with fresh intensity, while newcomers will find a perfect introduction to her catalogue.

Visually and sonically, Circus Life is a feast. Available in multiple formats—including a limited edition 2CD + Blu-ray digipak and a luxurious 3LP black vinyl gatefold with Blu-ray—this release caters to collectors, audiophiles, and casual fans alike. The Blu-ray captures every dramatic gesture, lighting cue, and emotional nuance of Tarja’s performance, preserving the magic for those who couldn’t witness it in person. There’s no doubt about it—Circus Life is more than a live album; it’s a career-defining statement and a masterclass in performance art. From the flawless vocals to the cinematic production and raw emotion, this is Tarja at her most powerful, passionate, and fearless. A must-have live release for fans of symphonic metal, operatic rock, and theatrical live shows. Tarja reminds us why she remains one of the most important voices in modern metal.

Tracklist:

1. Mystique Voyage
2. 500 Letters
3. Naiad
4. Diva
5. You and I
6. Love To Hate
7. Demons In You
8. Never Enough
9. Falling Awake
10. I Feel Immortal
11. I Walk Alone
12. Victim of Ritual
13. Innocence
14. Die Alive
15. Tears in Rain
16. Dead Promises
17. Until My Last Breath
18. Shadow Play