Act II cover

Act II

Tarja Turunen · 2018

117 min · 20 tracks · classical music

A sweeping blend of operatic vocals and symphonic arrangements intertwined with heavy metal riffs and emotional depth.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    No Bitter End Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a powerful tone with its soaring melodies and poignant lyrics about resilience, exemplifying Tarja's unique vocal prowess.
  • →
    Demons in You — This song delves into themes of inner struggle and self-reflection, showcasing a darker musical aesthetic that contrasts with the album's more uplifting moments.
  • →
    Calling From the Wild — A standout track blending orchestral elements with heavy guitar riffs, it captures the essence of Tarja's artistic vision while highlighting her theatrical stage presence.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic narratives with grand themes
  • immersive storytelling through multiple tracks
  • dynamic contrasts between intensity levels
  • cathartic moments of emotional release
  • reflective listening for contemplative minds

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • dislike lengthy listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Act II showcases ambitious production and vocal performances, marking a high point in her career.
Themes
inner demons· symphonic resilience· theatrical storytelling
Career context
Released on January 1, 2018, Act II marks Tarja Turunen's fifth solo studio album and follows her 2016 release, The Shadow Self. At this point in her career, Tarja had solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the symphonic metal genre, building a distinct identity apart from her past with Nightwish. This album showcases her continued evolution as an artist, delving deeper into personal themes and intricate compositions.
Stylistic neighbors
Nightwish· Within Temptation· Epica
New to Tarja Turunen? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Demons in You

    The bridge shifts into a confessional tone where the singer confronts their insecurities head-on amid a backdrop of haunting instrumentals.

    This moment marks a significant tonal shift in the song, emphasizing vulnerability in a way that contrasts sharply with earlier declarations of strength.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 No Bitter End Start here 4:25
  • 2 500 Letters 4:14
  • 3 Eagle Eye 4:40
  • 4 Demons in You 4:58
  • 5 Lucid Dreamer 6:42
  • 6 Shameless 3:52
  • 7 The Living End 4:55
  • 8 Calling From the Wild 9:03
  • 9 Supremacy 5:03
  • 10 Tutankhamen - Ever Dream - The Riddler - Slaying the Dreamer 6:38

Disc 2

  • 1 Goldfinger 4:13
  • 2 Deliverance 7:40
  • 3 Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone 10:28
  • 4 Love to Hate 5:52
  • 5 Victim of Ritual 5:57
  • 6 Undertaker 6:40
  • 7 Too Many 7:57
  • 8 Innocence 4:43
  • 9 Die Alive 4:01
  • 10 Until My Last Breath 5:01

What to play next

In the Raw
Listen next

In the Raw

2019

Continues the blend of symphonic elements with a more raw, personal edge.
The Shadow Self
Go back to

The Shadow Self

2016

Precedes Act II with similar themes and orchestral intensity.
Full Tarja Turunen discography Where to start with Tarja Turunen Artists like Tarja Turunen
power metal traditional heavy metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata