I had the chance to listen to “My Winter Storm” and I love it. It takes you on a journey. Tarja’s voice is (as is sometimes Lara’s) like an added instrument. There is a great mix of rock, metal, classical and orchestral, the lyrics are superb. Some are dark and gothic, others are hymn like but all make you feel.
It’s hard to choose my favorite songs.
1) Boy And The Ghost – I love the piano
“The streets are empty
inside it's warm.
his hands are shaking
they locked the door
a voice is calling
asking to get in
all he wanted was a toy
all he needed was a gentle heart
to lead him through the dark
when his dreams are running wild”
“wake up, wake up:
there's an angel in the snow
look up, look up:
it's a frightened dead boy
with so much hate, such bad dreams.
he could have seen
the toy's the key
but no one saw
no one saw”
2) The Reign – Leona said it all. I would just like to add very nice violins.
3) I Walk Alone – Great beat. The video is great too.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwbtbfAnI80“I’m never gone
Go tell the world I’m still around
I didn’t fly, I’m coming down
You are the wind, the only sound
Whisper to my heart
When hope is torn apart
And no one can save you
I walk alone
Every step I take
I walk alone
My winter stormHolding me awake
It’s never gone
When I walk alone
Go back to sleep forever more
Far from your fools and lock the door
They’re all around and they’ll make sure
You don’t have to see
What I turned out to be
No one can help you”
4) Oasis – This is a great example of Tarja’s voice being like an instrument. I love the mellowness of the cello and piano. This song is like a prayer. I believe Tarja sings this song in Finnish.
“Hyvyyden varjo peittää kyyneleen,
löytäneen luo vie askeleen.
Rauha saa, kehto uneen tuudittaa.
Toivo jää, tie rakkauteen.
Tie syvään vaupauteen.
[English translation:]
The shadow of goodness covers the tear,
Takes the step to the one found.
Peace may, rock the cradle to sleep.
Hope remains, a way to love.
A way to a deep freedom.”
5) Sing For Me – Reminds me of something out of Phantom Of The Opera. It’s very theatrical.
“It's getting hard to breathe
Darkness in my head frightens me
There's a little devil in my mouth
Writing ugly words for you to shout
The virgin soul that lived in me
Is raped by insecurity
I need you to sing
Sing for me my love
Sing the right from wrong
Here inside my mind
Truth is hard to find
It's getting too crowded here
All alone and playing with my fear
I don't want this anymore
I've tied myself down to the floor
I need you to sing”
6) Damned And Devine (also called Damned Vampire & Gothic Devine) – Very dark and gothic
“I won't help if you wait for me.
I'm a slave to the dark.
I Know I'm not saint, you see.
The Dawn is when it starts.
Feel the shadow of my oblivion
hoping mercy would show her face
on the road to your own perdition
in the coal-blackened rain.
Frozen in time yearning forbidden wishes.
Damned and divine.
Scars of my broken kisses.
What will follow if tomorrow's blind?
My eternal night.
As the wind takes me away from you
before the morning light.
My sins are fading into view
I'm so weary deep inside”
This is a great album. It’s on the dark and gothic side but very well done. The melodies, lyrics, voice and orchestra combine for a real treat.