Label: earMusic
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Links: https://tarja.lnk.to/CircusLifePR
Tracklist:
“Mystique Voyage”
“500 Letters”
“Naiad”
“Diva”
“You And I”
“Love To Hate”
“Demons In You”
“Never Enough”
“Falling Awake”
“I Feel Immortal”
“I Walk Alone”
“Victim Of Ritual”
“Innocence”
“Die Alive”
“Tears In Rain”
“Dead Promises”
“Until My Last Breath”
“Shadow Play”
A powerful two-hour concert experience, Circus Life captures Tarja’s 2020 performance at Circul Metroplitan Bucuresti in Romania’s capital. Currently working on new studio material for a 2026 release, this concert means something special to Tarja, as anyone who attended knows.
Performed in-the-round, this lavish affair featured multiple costume changes and a true circus vibe. The show included backing vocalists, strings, percussion, a drummer, three guitar players, bass players, keyboard players, and several guest appearances – including Toni, Tarja’s younger brother, and Clémentine Delauney from Visions of Atlantis.
For those with the foresight to purchase the limited edition mediabook or deluxe box set of Best Of: Living The Dream when released in December 2022, the show and its 17 tracks walking through Tarja’s solo career were a special treat. The rest of us – those who missed the show and didn’t go “all-in” with the best-of set – have waited over 2 years for this formal release.
The time has finally come, and as we settle down to listen (also available on Blu-ray and DVD), it opens with the most respectful round of applause – similar to what a conductor receives before a classical concert. This refreshingly demonstrates the true crossover element where the audience appreciates both classical and rock/metal equally. Tarja has never feared embracing both sides, and this show plays to both the classical and metal elements. Imagine Cirque du Soleil producing a symphonic metal show and you’re close to what’s presented here.
I Feel Immortal in the middle of the set delivers real impact, while personal favorites Demons In You, Dead Promises, and show closer Until My Last Breath really hit home. Recording this unique, one-off event as both audio and visual experiences guarantees the performance’s immortality.
Should Tarja never manage to create something similar again, this will stand as a tremendous career highlight.
Score 8/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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