Tarja Turunen

Tarja Turunen is a Finnish soprano and songwriter, best known as the former lead vocalist of the symphonic metal band Nightwish, which she co-founded in 1996. Her operatic vocal style and theatrical stage presence helped define the band’s sound, blending classical elements with heavy metal. Notable works with Nightwish include the albums Angels Fall First (1997), Oceanborn (1998), and Once (2004), the latter featuring the hit single "Nemo."

Turunen left Nightwish in 2005, following creative differences, and embarked on a successful solo career. She has released several solo albums, including My Winter Storm (2007), What Lies Beneath (2010), and The Shadow Self (2016), showcasing her versatility across genres such as classical, rock, and pop.

Her impact on music is significant, particularly in the symphonic metal genre, where she paved the way for female vocalists. Turunen is celebrated for her powerful voice and has influenced many artists in both metal and classical music spheres. She continues to perform and record, maintaining a dedicated fanbase worldwide.