Today, Tarja releases “The Trace Outlives,” the third single from her upcoming studio album “Frisson Noir,” which is set to arrive on the 12th of June – in less than three weeks. The track offers a glimpse into a more introspective and emotional side of “Frisson Noir,” while retaining the signature heaviness that defines Tarja’s sound.
Inspired by the Japanese phenomenon of “Johatsu” people who deliberately disappear from their lives “The Trace Outlives” tells a story of vanishing without a trace, exploring the emotional weight of leaving one’s identity behind to start anew in anonymity, while reflecting on regret, freedom, and the invisible marks that remain even in absence. Rooted in this concept, the song also incorporates the sound of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument resembling a guitar but with a distinctly more percussive character, brought to life by the young talent Sayo Komada.
Musically, “The Trace Outlives” blends crushing heaviness with sweeping symphonic arrangements and operatic elements, staying true to the signature sound we know and love from Tarja, while elevating it to an entirely new level, making it feel like a bold and refined next chapter of her artistry.
“I was looking for a sound that would take me to Japan and found a beautiful ancient instrument that resembles a guitar, but has a more percussive sound – the shamisen, traditionally used in puppet theaters. I invited the young talent Sayo Komada to blend her art with my song.” – Tarja
The official music video, released alongside the single today, brings the song’s atmosphere vividly to life through a cinematic visual language, unfolding like a uniquely crafted love story shaped by tension, longing, and emotional depth. With its carefully developed narrative and striking imagery, it translates the track’s intensity into a powerful on-screen experience, merging performance and storytelling into a compelling and immersive whole.
Official Music Video for “The Trace Outlives” HERE
Access the album “Frisson Noir” HERE
“Frisson Noir” reflects Tarja’s ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the power and intensity of contemporary metal. The album moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful guitar-driven moments.
At the center of the soundscape is Tarja’s distinctive voice, moving effortlessly between fragile emotional expression and operatic power. Around it, orchestral arrangements, choirs, and layered instrumentation create a cinematic world that constantly shifts between darkness and light, exploring deeply human themes such as fear, beauty, nostalgia, resilience, defiance, transformation, identity, disappearance, independence, trust, and perseverance.
Across 10 tracks, Tarja delivers intensity, emotion, and strength, joined by special guest Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth), Apocalyptica, Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Avron (Linkin Park, Skillet, Disturbed), the album blends a modern, hard-hitting sound with the dramatic and emotional elements that define Tarja’s unmistakable metal identity. The album will be available in retail as CD Digipak, Black 2LP Gatefold and Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold. The first pressing of all formats is finished with high-quality copper foil and logo embossing. Further exclusive formats as formats as signed editions and a strictly limited Collectors Box Set (incl. Black 2LP Gatefold (180g) with 24-page vinyl size booklet of illustrations, photographs, and lyrics, CD Digipak with 28-page booklet, Box Set exclusive 7″ vinyl single with “I Don’t Care (Tarja Solo Version)” and “I Don’t Care (Dani Mix)”, four Box Set exclusive animal print postcards, Box Set exclusive DIN A2 “Frisson Noir” poster, and a fine art print signed by Tarja) will be available in the official album store.
The album will be available in retail as CD Digipak, Black 2LP Gatefold and Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold. The first pressing of all formats is finished with high-quality copper foil and logo embossing. Further exclusive formats as signed editions and a strictly limited Collectors Box Set (incl. Black 2LP Gatefold (180g) with 24-page vinyl size booklet of illustrations, photographs, and lyrics, CD Digipak with 28-page booklet, Box Set exclusive 7″ vinyl single with “I Don’t Care (Tarja Solo Version)” and “I Don’t Care (Dani Mix)”, four Box Set exclusive animal print postcards, Box Set exclusive DIN A2 “Frisson Noir” poster, and a fine art print signed by Tarja) will be available in the official album store.
About Tarja
Since launching her solo career, Tarja has consistently charted internationally and built one of the most loyal fanbases in the genre, willing to follow Tarja in every new adventure.
Across more than two decades, Tarja has released a highly successful catalogue, reaching the Top 10 of multiple European album charts and establishing herself as an artist of rare consistency and presence. Her live performances have become a defining element of her career: touring worldwide and appearing as a celebrated guest at major metal festivals, Tarja creates a powerful and emotional connection with audiences, turning every show into a memorable experience.
Tarja on TourFollowing the release, Tarja will embark on the International Frisson Live Tour 2026, launching 30th September 2026 in Berlin. Further dates to be announced. Full tour dates can be found below and HERE.
30.09.2026 Berlin Huxleys Neue Welt
01.10.2026 Hamburg Markthalle
02.10.2026 Rostock M.A.U. Club
04.10.2026 Dresden Parkhotel Ballsaal
05.10.2026 Jena F-Haus
06.10.2026 Munich Backstage Werk
08.10.2026 Innsbruck Music Hall
09.10.2026 Pratteln (CH) Z7
11.10.2026 Lindau Club Vaudeville
12.10.2026 Cologne Essigfabrik
13.10.2026 Frankfurt Batschkapp
15.10.2026 Osnabrück Hyde Park
16.10.2026 Gersthofen Stadthalle
17.10.2026 Vienna (AT) Szene
