Reaction / Marko Hietala - Left on Mars ( Feat. Tarja Turunen )

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

Proof that time heals all wounds! Their combined voices always create magic! Thank you for a nice reaction 😊

[@NateRockne]

Thank you

[@nightmary]

A love song to his wife. After Marko left Nightwish because of mental health issues, he found out he had ADHD. It's caused by our brains developing differently and it affects every aspect of our lives. Life is a struggle, especially when you don't know why you struggle so hard. Some depression is inevitable and his had been severe for years. You don't feel like you "fit" in this world - you feel like an alien. His wife accepted him for who he is and helped bring him back to the musical world he loves.

[@NateRockne]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 8. I completely understand that feeling of not fitting in and feeling like an alien. Music is my sanctuary and where I turn to when I need a sense of peace. I'm going to go back and listen to this song with the knowledge that it's a love song to his wife. Thank you for the info.

[@astridverrinen2558]

Marko had confirmed in one of his recent interviews that this song reflects their story with Tarja too. He told that she brought him back faith in himself and his music, so it's relatable. You can interpret lyrics both ways.

[@larryd4352]

I dealt with depression and it also led me to being an alcoholic for about years. I had a great job, made great money, but the depression and alcoholism was a lot handle. July 31,1999, quit drinking, got help for the depression, and I am closing in on 25 years sober! I am glad Marco is singing again and putting out some really great music a lot of people can identify! Marco should be hired by a major ADHD recovery Hospital, and let people know they are not alone! I hope Tarja and Marco put out more duets...they are great together!

[@NateRockne]

@@larryd4352 Congratulations on your sobriety! That's a huge accomplishment! I love everything I've heard from Marko. I'd be down for more duets from them too.

[@larryzigler6812]

Never tire of this fabulous stunning deep song and video !!!!!!!!!! Very kool live too on their epic tour together ☮☮💘💘💥💥

[@juliavilarsoprano]

Hey there, mate! Nice reaction as usual! 🥰About this song, I'm glad you enjoyed this masterful piece of music, I love it! I love their voices idividually already, then combined it creates such a transcendent magic, there are not enough words, I'm just so overjoyed they're back together again! 😍I love the sort of "classic old school rock" vibes with bluesy feels, the synth and the strings arrangement on the background, their legendary voices together, the emotion put into this production, everything, not to mention Marko's crazy awesome bass lines. I especially I love the fact that the meanings behind it are open to interpretation. If I'm not mistaken, Marko originally intended this song as love song to his wife, then it became a reunion between long-time friends (him and Tarja) and he quickly realised that what he wrote was actually bigger than he first thought it was, because it brings a multiplicity of meanings and all of them are true. I personally find this sort of melancholic nostalgia evoked in here so suited, for to me the song is partially about finding something that feels like home, a safe haven, that reasonates deep within, it's brilliant because the overall sound has this sense of familiarity that touches the depths of who we are for it has always been in there, does it make sense? To me it's all more metaphorical, not literal. In the song I think he basically implies he feels he doesn't fit anywhere in this bloody world, he never did and not by choice, but still tried for some time to meet the expectations of others to the detriment of his self in order to be accepted ("I never chose to be an Alien"/"And I've turned page after page"). It's as if the essence of who he really is simply is too diverging from everything on Earth, he's completely dissociated from all things in this planet thus has always felt closer to "foreign" things like the vast cosmic skies, because he feels like an outlander and is looking for his own homeland, he does not belong anywhere here and feels all alone because of that, forsaken, misunderstood, causing his heart to give in to rage and sorrow. They're just looking for a home, and what better home for an alien than Mars (Mars maybe being a symbol of the feeling of finally belonging somewhere or with someone who understands, accepts him and is just like him, an "alien", and they finally find home in each other). It's not about discovering who they are, as they already did that journey and knowing their true selves is precisely what makes them not only stand out, but also sort of be ostracized by others who don't undestand them and can't quite put them in any category or label. And despite all rage and hatred, they still believe in one another (that part of the video where their foreheads touch, OMG🥲). It's also so relatable! I mean, Marko has ADHD and that can be isoloating and thus devastating. In any case, who among us never felt that way during our lifetime for whatever reason, like an alien or even a freak, longing for a home, a place (not necessarily literal) where we can fully be ourselves and just belong? Plus, it's so fitting Marko's and Tarja's trajectories imo, their individual journeys to find themselves and express their souls through their Art, and the history of their friendship: both of them are "aliens" of sorts both as individuals and as artists, they just can't be put into a confining, limiting existencial cage; they always got along well and I think they have this magnificent vocal and stage chemistry and became friends while in NW for this reason, perhaps there's always been a mutual understanding between them, but then decades ago all that drama followed involving Tarja and the guys (once Marko himself said that he felt like he had lost a friend, a sister; indeed they treat each other like wise brother and sister, it's lovely🥰), and then years later Marko had his own personal issues which led him to leave the band... I reckon they both kind of felt isolated and lonely (in different moments in time, ofc) and overcame their respective inner struggles, pains and challenges, so they were always meant to find their way back to each other sooner or later, like kindred spirits ("Alone together left on Mars", as says the last line of the song), that's how I see it! I'm not saying it's the truth, it's just one possible interpretation and I do find it beautifully fitting this moment of their lives, the reunion of two soul siblings🖤 Now mate, as the Tarja huge, long-time fan/addict (or Tarjaholic, as some call us🤣) that I am, I wonder if I can encourage you to react more to her solo stuff too. I don't know if or how much you know of Tarja's stunning work after NW, how closely you've followed her long solo career, but she's been doing such a wonderful work, full of precious gems to find out! Therefore I'd love to see your reactions and to know your opinions, 'twould be awesome. I mean, Tarja's Music is another epic, life-changing journey, her work unlike anything else and I think it deserves more attention, it's creative and overall mindblowing, plus she's obviously much more mature now and developed so much her abilities, 'tis inspiring how she's constantly growing and improving herself as a singer, an artist and a person, imo one cannot hope to truly know Tarja as an artist without diving into her astounding solo work! And she's clearly much happier, free to be fully herself. She's simply a fantastic, hard working, super talented and phenomenal artist who's sometimes a bit underrated by some unfortunately, a remarkably beautiful soul too! Such an amazing, expressive artist, she plays the piano (since she was 6 actually), became a noteworthy songwriter/composer (yes, most of her songs are written and composed by herself), and a producer, collaborator... And a powerful, captivating performer; I love her stage presence and energy, she always gives all of herself and owns the stage. She's truly one of a kind! I got to see her live a few years ago and mate, what a mesmerizing voice and enthralling presence! She draws in every person in the audience, controls the crowd without having to say a word, as if she's casting a spell or is connected on a deep level, we feel that and she does too, and knows how to use it! The videos can capture a glimpse of that power, but seeing her live... Wow, it's an entirely different experience! She's much more energetic on stage now solo than while with NW, yet she managed to keep that same majestic aura and otherworldly presence! And at the same time with a distinctly dramatic expression, human approach, emotionally charged renditions when it is needed! I don't know how to explain it, but I also get this feel from her, this vibe of kind of like a dark sorceress warrior, Morrighan-like bewitching powerful entity or something lol She's such an inspiration to me, her voice and renditions give me deep, magical Eargasms💘 A-hem... Sorry about that lol. I just love her so much! Her heavenly voice and work speak deeply to my soul. Anyway, in case you don't already know, her musical rock/metal style (besides her classical music and dark Xtmas stuff, and other "out of the box" side projects of hers) is very unique and not easily defined or labeled, though it still has plenty of the symphonic metal elements as guidelines such as some kinds of guitar riffs, epic orchestral arrangements, dramatic theatrical "ingredients" and her remarkably dark, powerful operatic vocals (though now she hybridly adapts and mixes her classical singing tecnique with a few more "contemporary" styles and her strong chest voice in a very singular, non mainstream way). Her solo work is much more versatile, she incorporates and merges aspects of different stylistic elements, she's kind of vanguardist, always experimenting new things in her music without any fear of exploring the unusual, so you never really know what to expect or what she'll do next, AND I find it thrilling, exciting!!! Plus, I love the fact that she just walked her own path and found her "artist self", her own ways to translate her self into this world through her Art, and I absolutely LOVE the results of her choices, I hope you like it too. So, without further ado, should you wish to start doing some reactions of her solo stuff, if that's alright I'll drop down in the next comment a few recommendations (I tried to make a selection as short as I could, really difficult to choose from her vast, outstanding repertoire lol, but there's much more to explore as you go):

[@juliavilarsoprano]

1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIWQiKytbtGMr68 . Song "In for a kill". Album "What lies Beneath" (2010). Performance from her 2012 first live-album "Act I". Bombastic! Hear the lion within her roar! 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWS0noSEbLuGhKs . This is also from Act I, a kind of mixed version of two of her ballad songs ("Oasis" and "The archive of lost dreams"). Here she sings while playing a grand piano, showing some dramatic nuances of her expression and voice, sort of "gothic vibes". She delivers such a touching, emotional performance! It brings tears to my eyes! It's sort of a "forgotten" treasure! 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKnUoJetgbuXmbc . "Love to Hate", this song is part of her 2016 album "The Shadow Self" and the performance recorded in 2018 for her live-album Act II, at London's Metropolis Studios, a more intimate setting, which makes it even more special. Outstanding, breathtaking performance, one of my favorites! Plus, the song has an unusual structure, it's awesome. 4. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqeXiYqhibyEZq8 . "Undertaker", also live for Act II, and another track from "The Shadow Self". Brilliant! You'll love this one, her energy is amazing and the song is epic! 5. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3jOk4SgbcppgKs . "Crimson Deep", also from "What lies Beneath" and performance, from Act I too. It gives me chills, I just love it! 6. kzbin.info/www/bejne/injNnJ2Ejb51jas . "Dead Promises", live at Masters of Rock 2019, and the song is from her 2019 album "In the Raw". Freaking awesome! Great guitar riffs that function as a driving force to the song. Many songs in this album actually have this same characteristic, I think you'll love it. 7. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaHbcmiAibloe8U . "Shadow Play", also from her "In the Raw". Link to the studio version for the epic choir and orchestra, but there is an outstanding live performance at Circus Life where she plays piano too, worth checking out. 8. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqKQmJikeraBgqM . "Innocence", from "The Shadow Self" and live at 'Circus Life' in Bucharest, in 2022. Fantastic live version, no backtrack recordings or anything like that, everything literally live! Beautiful, it feels so alive to me, as the whole concert!! Worth checking out as well is the official video for context 9. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJCmgoGahceesK8 . That's a double 'cause I couldn't find a better live recording lol, so here it is: live at Luna Park Ride in 2011, first song is "Stargazers" by NW (from their album Oceanborn) but performed during her solo career, and following this she sings her own song "Ciarán's Well" (from her first solo rock album "My Winter Storm"). So epic, her operatic vocals and stage presence going wild, so much energy, sure you'll be blown away 10. kzbin.info/www/bejne/famnn5uYfLl9idU . "Victim of Ritual", live at Woodstock (Poland) in 2016. Insane great music inspired and built on Ravel's Bolero! Crazy vocals, wild energy, she's got such unbelievable stamina and ability to keep jumping and moving all around the stage while singing that way, with so much intensity, engaging the crowd and having fun! 11. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKK2pnaDgKtlpJYsi=aCwfhNlj2Jd026Wo . "Supremacy", it's a Muse cover, live in Milan for Act II. Astonishing presence, thrilling high notes! 12. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoLXlYSHo8plitU . "Passion and the Opera", this one is actually by NW but performed in Tarja's solo career, 'twas in 2007 (therefore after the breakup). I don't think they ever performed this song live together, neither did the other NW singers as far as I know. Anyway it's sooo amazing!!! In this song Tuomas seems to make "subtle" musical mentions of Mozart's "Queen of the Night" aria, from his opera "The Magic Flute". Love this and Tarja is gorgeous, showcases much of her vocal skills and powerful energy on stage! 13. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57EZaVvetWSocUsi=ffYuiRtg2LmxJknc . "The Reign", from her first rock album "My Winter Storm", but the performance from Act I. The song itself is alredy beautiful and emotional, definitely a hidden gem, and then what she does here.... So very touching, a unique moment that shows the special bond, reciprocal connection of love and trust between Tarja and her fans. I can't tell you more, you have to witness it lol 14. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnradGqGbN90hc0 . "Medusa", from her "Colours in the Dark" and live at Metropolis Studios as well. Greek mythology driven, very different atmosphere she evokes here, epic yet mystical, mesmerizing, sort of alluring in a sense, I have not enough words to describe it lol. The studio version is a duet, worth checking out as well 15. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57Vc319mbJolbcsi=iSCLrVdHidzqglu9 . "Eye of the Storm", the only new song in her 2022 compilation album "Best of: Living the Dream", which is a restrospective where she looked back to her career and handpicked songs from her six studio albums. She has such an interesting, remarkable way of putting hints that reference important parts of her personal and professional journey. And there's a unique mix of styles that she merges together, that's all I'm going to say for now lol 16. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHetnHaahLp4h8k . "Stand Away", this one is actually featuring Tarja. The song is by Angra, a Brazilian melodic power metal band, in a live performance in 2013 I believe. It's another astounding piece of art! Prepare to be blown away by the music and the voices!.. Also, I don't know if you're into classical music (I am, I'm a classical musician lol), so should you wish to see her go full 'operatic' (I mean, her purely classical singing so you can hear the difference), let me know and I'll give you as well a small list with videos of her classical performances, totally worth it! Thank you, mate! Hope to see you soon. And sorry for such a long, massive comment split in two, I might have exceeded myself, I just couldn't help it tho. We fans are very passionate lol

[@NateRockne]

I can tell you're passionate about Tarja and her music. When you talked about feeling like home (I had to read it a few times to get what you were saying) and how you explained it makes sense. I'll definitely check out more of her solo work. Thanks for all the info.

[@NateRockne]

@@juliavilarsoprano I'll refer to your list as I look in to her solo work more. I've never gotten into classical music, but I'm not against exploring more classical music.

[@juliavilarsoprano]

@@NateRockne I thank you, mate! I'm sure you won't regret checking out her work, it's a lot of fun! And really, no hurry, just enjoy the journey ☺. Yeah, I really am passionate and can't hide it 😜ahaha. I mean, apart from loving the sound of her music, her voice and the messages she sends through her lyrics, I also have a personal thing with her art, because it saved me and helped me through a lot of dark moments in my life, so... It's crazy because hers is often the voice that echoes in my mind giving me strength or courage when I need, idk why or how. Anyway, glad you think the way I explained the song makes sense ☺, I was kind of worried because I sometimes write (and speak) in a somewhat weird way, maybe my word choices idk, and English is not my native language lol And well, since you're not against exploring a bit of classical music and I can't help myself 🤣, there you go some from Tarja's concerts for starts, because I think she really brings the world of classical music in a more welcoming, less formal way and environment, that's something I admire too (again, no hurry, take your time😉): 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXapd6NpfJiWg8U . This is an Ave Maria composed by Tarja herself! It is a live performance recorded in 2013. Truly beautiful, strongly recomend that you listen to such a heavenly, divine and touching rendition, with a stunning arrangement as well! Try to hold back your tears lol 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imO5ept4bNZsq7M . This is a czech opera aria known (in english) as "Song to the Moon", from Dvorák's opera "Rusalka". Tarja sings it beautifully, so expressive, majestic and stunning! 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWeUooKwesmfbqc . This is the german aria "Mein Herr Marquis", from Johann Strauss' opera "Die Fledermaus". Here she shows some super high notes of her soprano vocal range and an agility that is quite impressive, for her voice has a more dramatic, heavier and darker tone, so it's not an aria exactly for her vocal Fach (the vocal classification of a singer). Considering this, Tarja's done a very good job! 4. kzbin.info/www/bejne/an-vZ6uJfbyErJI . This is Tarja singing the well-known Puccini's aria "O mio Babbino Caro". Exquisite and gorgeous! You can't miss it! 5. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2LVl6tsaNWZY5I . This is "Säv, Säv, Susa" by Jean Sibelius (a Finnish composer). I love this song (it's short but awesome) and the composer! Tarja is really incredible in this one!!! It's clearly recorded from a cellphone, but the audio and image are surprisingly good considering! And trust me, it's worth it hearing her in this! You'll witness her true dramatic, "spinto" soprano timbre in full; her rendition is so intense, it gives me chills from the beginning as well as her facial expressions haha. 6. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjVoIZ9g9aAeLs . This is "Vilja Lied", a german aria by Lehár, where she sings during her "Beauty and the Beat" project, just like "Song to the Moon". It's another "must listen" from her classical repertoire! Thanks again, and sorry (again lol) for another big comment! Well, I'll be around looking forward to accompanying you in this awesome musical journey! 🥰 See you!

[@NateRockne]

@@juliavilarsoprano Thank you for the classical recommendations. I'll check these out. You have got me excited to hear more from Tarja.

[@johannessilver8653]

I read that they met few years ago when doing RJ concerts (Heavy Christmas). Marco went to her hotel room and knocked the door. She came and opened. They looked each other a while and hugged a long time with tears. Soon they did the gig before Christmas and the audience was in a trans. Here they say being an outcast in Mars...but they "still believe in me". I understood that Marco made this song specially for them to perform.

[@NateRockne]

That's an awesome story.

[@larryzigler6812]

Indeed he sounds like Ian Anderson at times !!!!!!!!!!!

[@NateRockne]

I had the chance to meet Ian Anderson about 20 years ago before a show in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a really nice guy. I also remember him not shaking anybody's hand. He would just say "elbows please" So I guess you could say I rubbed elbows with him. lol.

[@larryzigler6812]

@@NateRockne Much different meeting TARJA !!!!!!!!!!! She will hug you . Thought I was going to faint ☮☮💘💘💥💥

[@noname-xw4uk]

🎉🎉