In the Raw (Tarja album) explained

In the Raw
Type:	studio
Artist:	Tarja
Cover:	Tarja_IntheRaw.jpg
Released:	^[1]
Recorded:	2019
Genre:	Symphonic metal^[2]
Length:	57:18
Label:	earMUSIC
Producer:	Tarja Turunen
Prev Title:	Act II
Prev Year:	2018
Next Year:	2022

In the Raw is the eighth solo studio album by Finnish soprano vocalist and composer Tarja Turunen. The record was released on 30 August 2019.

Background

On In the Raw, released on August 30, 2019, composer and vocalist Tarja Turunen joined forces with other Heavy Metal vocalists such as Soilwork vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid, Tommy Karevik of Kamelot, and Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia, thus including in the album vocal collaborations with them.^[3] Strid is featured in "Dead Promises", Scabbia's vocals can be heard in "Goodbye Stranger", and Karevik is featured in "Silent Masquerade".

On 12 September 2019, Turunen started the "Raw Tour" to promote the "In the Raw" album.^[4] However, many of its shows were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[5]

Critical reception

In the Raw has been widely acclaimed by both heavy metal fans and music critics in general, as Gary Hernandez from "Metal Temple" wrote: "In the Raw reminds us how good Symphonic Metal can be: Vocal performances executed to perfection, versatile songwriting, thoughtful arrangements, deeply talented musicians, excellent production values".^[6]

Personnel

All information from the album booklet.^[7]

Tarja

• Tarja Turunen – lead vocals, piano, art director
• Alex Scholpp – guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals, drum programming
• Christian Kretschmar – keyboards
• Kevin Chown – bass

Additional musicians

• Björn Strid – additional vocals
• Cristina Scabbia – additional vocals
• Tommy Karevik – additional vocals
• Tim Palmer – guitars, keyboards, percussion, narration, mixing
• Timm Schreiner – drums
• Julián Barrett – guitars, drum programming, co-producer (tracks 8 and 10), recording
• Bart Hendrickson – keyboards, programming, drum programming, ambient design
• Doug Wimbish – bass
• Peter Barrett – bass
• Anders Wollbeck – keyboards, programming
• Johnny Andrews – keyboards, co-producer (track 3)
• Erik Nyholm – keyboards
• James Dooley – keyboards, programming
• Carlinhos Brown – percussion
• Thiago Pugas – percussion

Production

• Marcelo Cabuli – art direction, recording
• Travis Kennedy – mixing assistant
• Justin Shturtz – mastering
• Max Vaccaro – executive producer
• Anja Obersteller – executive producer
• Isabelle Albrecht – executive producer
• Bernhard Hahn – recording
• Jim Dooley – ambient design

External links

• Tarjaturunen.com
• Album: In the Raw
• Tarja: In the Raw

Notes and References

1. Web site: ALBUMS / IN THE RAW. tarjaturunen.com. 2020-04-10.
2. Web site: Tarja "In the Raw" . metalhamer.pt. 2020-04-10.
3. Web site: In The Raw. 2020-04-11.
4. Web site: Past Event. 2020-04-11.
5. Web site: Tarja's concert in Barcelona Postponed. 2020-05-28.
6. Web site: Tarja - In The Raw: '"In the Raw" review. 2020-04-10.
7. (2019). "In the Raw liner notes". In In the Raw [CD booklet]. earMUSIC.
8. Web site: Tarja: Official Charts. en . OfficialCharts.com . 5 October 2023.
9. Web site: Tarja: Charts and Sales History . en . Ukmix.org . 5 October 2023.