The promise of WITHIN TEMPTATION’s first new music since 2011’s Billboard Top 200 album (#50) The Unforgiving already has the band’s loyal international fan base chomping at the bit in anticipation. The renowned symphonic rock band will release their Paradise (What About Us?) EP digitally in North America on October 1st, which features a unique collaboration with classically trained Finnish rock diva TARJA TURUNEN guesting on the title track.
Sharon den Adel, WITHIN TEMPTATION’s extraordinary vocalist, comments:
“When we had written the first version of ‘Paradise’ and listened back to the demo we’d recorded and the epic power of the song, we thought of Tarja instantly. How well this track would fit her classical voice and how extra special it would be if we sang it together. The more we thought about this wild idea, the more excited we got about it!”
Following several video trailers teasing the track, fans have been speculating on the band’s Facebook page who the duet would be with, some guessing it couldn’t possibly be a “competing” artist like Tarja. However, the two singers had no hesitation joining forces, having never thought of themselves as competitors!
“Of course I didn’t know what to expect from Tarja, as we’d never actually met in person ‘til June this year,” shares Sharon den Adel. “Our first encounter was via a Skype call we’d set-up to discuss the collaboration and we immediately clicked, not only creatively but personally. After we’d spoken, it felt completely natural that we would do this together!”
“It was very nice to finally meet Sharon and the WITHIN TEMPTATION guys,” adds Tarja, whose new album Colors In The Dark is out now via earMUSIC. “I truly appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to work with them on their song ‘Paradise.’ So wonderful that they thought of me! I hope our fans will like this ‘girl power’ duet!”
The song and accompanying music video share a central theme: that only constructive cooperation can lead to creation. To establish a new paradise, to rise from the ashes of the old, we must work together.
For the first time, WITHIN TEMPTATION have also decided to give fans a very intimate insight into how they capture their song ideas early on. The Paradise (What About Us?) EP will contain 3 additional tracks - demo versions of brand new songs intended for the forthcoming album. The demos include “Let Us Burn,” “Silver Moonlight,” and “Dog Days.” Despite the demo versions missing their intended symphonic, orchestral sounds and a finished mix, the powerful energy surging through the tracks can be heard right from the start.
The Paradise (What About Us?) EP can be pre-ordered now from iTunes: http://smarturl.it/WT-Paradise-iTunes
The duet between Sharon den Adel and Tarja is just one facet of the new material. WITHIN TEMPTATION guitarist & band mastermind Robert Westerholt reveals the following: “For the first time, WITHIN TEMPTATION will release an album with several artistic collaborations, some of which will be seen as groundbreaking for our band and musical style.”
Due to the recording and production schedule of WITHIN TEMPTATION’s sixth studio album - which is still underway and estimated for an early 2014 release in the U.S. and Canada - it was necessary for the band to reschedule the previously announced first leg of their worldwide tour to allow time to rehearse the live show and prepare for the new album’s release.
Robert Westerholt explains: “We understand that the rescheduled tour dates are a blow for the many fans who have bought tickets early and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. We hope they feel a little compensated by the release of our new, special priced 4-song EP, which gives them full insight into the kind of album we are working on. To make up for the rescheduled dates, we’re now pressured to work even harder to deliver our best and most impressive live production ever on the upcoming tour, however, t
