Review OUTLANDERS ‘Outlanders’

Outlanders, that is the moniker of a collaboration, including EDM pioneer Torsten Stenzel and Finish singer Tarja. The latter is well-known from her time with Nightwish, but also the impressive solo career Tarja is driving since many years.

‘Outlanders’, that is also the title of a debut album, the duo worked on for 10 years and now it is time to unveil the result of the effort. The realize this longplayer, Stenzel and Tarja worked together with great guitarists. Guys like Al Di Meola, Trevor Rabin, Joe Satriani, Jennifer Batten, Steve Rothery, Mike Oldfield, Walter Giardino, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Vernon Reid und Marty Friedman, they all contributed to at least one song of the album and added some extra spice to the tunes.

Since eight singles have been released already, much of this 12-song featuring record is known already and the ones of you who had listened to some of the singles know, that Outlanders blend the electro elements with Tarja’s soprano voice and the guitars by the mentioned six string virtuosos.

The title track is at the same time the opener of the album and it is immediately obvious, that we are not confronted with a usual rock album. Bigger and atmospheric soundscapes are what reaches your ears, including a well-done guitar solo by Walter Giardino.

The first song of the album sets the tone of voice for the other eleven tracks. Sometimes a bit more classic and other times a bit more rocking, it is the combination of the mentioned three main pillars what makes this longplayer to a solid release.

Like the artwork indicates, the album is more of a musical soul treat than a rocking blast. Soft, powerful and dreamy is how these 12 songs can be described. Hereby the album becomes a soundtrack for a relaxing summer evening with a cold drink in your hand and a view right into the summerly sunset.

‘Outlanders’ is your little soul treat. It is a musical escape from the rough times of daily life, reflected by great songs that are different from what you normally listen to when reading this blog.