Today, Auri, the musical collaboration of Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas Holopainen from Nightwish, and Troy Donockley, released their third studio album, III – Candles & Beginnings. The album blends folk, progressive rock, symphonic textures, world music, pop, and avant-garde elements, showcasing Kurkela’s ethereal vocals alongside Holopainen’s emotive keyboard melodies and Donockley’s diverse instrumentation.
III – Candles & Beginnings is a tapestry of emotion and imagination, with each track weaving its own narrative, from nostalgic reflections to deeply personal experiences. The album’s launch coincides with the release of the single “Blakey Ridge,” which comes with a new lyric video. The track pays homage to The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, a historic pub in the North York Moors that holds personal significance for the band.
Troy Donockley describes the track as a reflection on the sense of home in remote places, capturing the transition from day to night and the awakening of the surroundings at Blakey Ridge. The album offers a sensory journey, serving as a sanctuary for dreamers and seekers alike, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its ethereal world.
III – Candles & Beginnings is available in various formats, including CD Jewelcase and Earbook editions, as well as LP versions in gold and green/white/dark green splatter designs. The tracklisting features enchanting titles like “The Invisible Gossamer Bridge,” “Oh, Lovely Oddities,” “Helios,” and “Shieldmaiden,” each adding a unique layer to the album’s atmospheric storytelling.
While Auri has primarily been a studio project, the trio is embarking on their first European tour, bringing their enchanting music to live audiences. The tour dates span across cities like Tampere, Oulu, Helsinki, Manchester, Edinburgh, London, Paris, Berlin, Warsaw, Stockholm, Oslo, and more, offering fans a chance to experience Auri’s mesmerizing soundscapes in person.
The lineup for Auri’s live performances includes Johanna Kurkela on vocals, violin, viola, and keys, Tuomas Holopainen on keys and backing vocals, and Troy Donockley on guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, and vocals. The band’s expansion into the live music scene marks a new chapter in their musical journey, allowing fans to witness the magic of Auri’s music unfolding on stage.
As Auri sets out on their European tour, their unique blend of genres and ethereal storytelling continues to captivate audiences, offering a transcendent musical experience that transcends boundaries and transports listeners to a realm of enchantment and wonder.
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