In the Raw (Tarja album)

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. 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. However, many of its shows were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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".

Personnel
All information from the album booklet.

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