Today marks the highly anticipated release of III – Candles & Beginnings, the third studio album from AURI — the visionary musical collaboration of vocalist Johanna Kurkela, Nightwish keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley.

With III – Candles & Beginnings, AURI once again open a portal to an otherworldly soundscape where folk, progressive rock, symphonic textures, world music, pop, and avant-garde elements entwine. At the heart of the album lies Kurkela’s ethereal voice, soaring across lush sonic landscapes crafted by Holopainen’s emotive keyboard playing and Donockley’s eclectic instrumentation.

This new release is a tapestry of emotion and imagination, where each track tells its own story — from nostalgic reflections to deeply personal experiences.

Coinciding with the album’s release is the launch of the third single, ‘Blakey Ridge’, accompanied by a brand-new lyric video. Joyful and transportive, the track pays tribute to The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, a historic and beloved pub nestled in the remote beauty of the North York Moors — a personal haven for the band.

Troy Donockley comments: “Can the remote, isolated, back of beyond feel like home? Is the middle of nowhere the middle of everywhere?
The sun is setting.
The moon is rising.
The night is coming.
The Lion is waking…
We’ll meet you up on Blakey Ridge.”

III – Candles & Beginnings is not just an album; it’s a journey to be felt with the senses, a sanctuary for dreamers and seekers alike.

Stream the album on all platforms: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Having been a studio endeavour in the past, AURI is finally going on tour with their first- ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates:

AURI – A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings 
13.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
14.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
16.08. FI  Tampere, Tampere-talo 
20.08. FI  Oulu, Madetojan Sali 
22.08. FI  Vaasa, Ritz 
23.08. FI  Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian) 
12.09. UK  Manchester, RNCM Theatre 
13.09. UK  Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall 
15.09. UK  London, Union Chapel 
16.09. BE  Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit 
17.09. FR  Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian) 
18.09. NL Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian) 
20.09. CH  Zürich, Volkshaus 
21.09. DE  Stuttgart, Liederhalle 
22.09. DE  Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian) 
23.09. DE  Essen, Lichtburg 
25.09. DE  Mannheim, Capitol 
26.09. DE  Munich, St. Matthäuskirche 
27.09. AT  Vienna, Simm City 
29.09. HU  Budapest, MOM Kult 
30.09. CZ  Prague, Hybernia 
01.10. DE  Berlin, Passionskirche 
02.10. DE Leipzig, Kupfersaal 
04.10. PL  Warsaw ,Palladium 
06.10. DE Hamburg Laeiszhalle 
07.10. DK Copenhagen, Amager Bio 
08.10. SE  Stockholm, Nya Cirkus 
09.10. NO Oslo Sentrum Scene 
10.10. NO Bergen Grieghallen 

Music has the power to open inner worlds—crafted from voices, sounds, and emotions that resonate deep within the soul. Today, AURI invites listeners into their ethereal soundscape with the release of ‘Museum Of Childhood,’ the second single from their highly anticipated upcoming album, III – Candles & Beginnings, out August 15, 2025.

‘Museum Of Childhood’ is a vibrantly beautiful composition, stirring emotion and sending shivers down the spine. It is a shining example of AURI’s ability to transport listeners away from the noise of reality into a dreamlike realm of serenity and wonder.

Accompanying the single is a stunning music video that immerses viewers in AURI’s enchanted world—where light and shadow dance with emotion and imagination.

Open your heart and ears. Let AURI be the beacon of light that guides you through the dreamscape.

Johanna Kurkela comments: “ As we venture deeper into the enchanting realm of our new album ‘Candles & Beginnings’, we take flight on the wings of imagination, across the safe havens of our hearts, into the ‘Museum of Childhood’. “

Listen to ‘Museum Of Childhood’ here: https://auri.bfan.link/museum-of-childhood

Pre-order the album here:https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Having been a studio endeavour in the past, AURI is finally going on tour with their first- ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates:

AURI – A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings 
13.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
14.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
16.08. FI  Tampere, Tampere-talo 
20.08. FI  Oulu, Madetojan Sali 
22.08. FI  Vaasa, Ritz 
23.08. FI  Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian) 
12.09. UK  Manchester, RNCM Theatre 
13.09. UK  Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall 
15.09. UK  London, Union Chapel 
16.09. BE  Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit 
17.09. FR  Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian) 
18.09. NL Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian) 
20.09. CH  Zürich, Volkshaus 
21.09. DE  Stuttgart, Liederhalle 
22.09. DE  Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian) 
23.09. DE  Essen, Lichtburg 
25.09. DE  Mannheim, Capitol 
26.09. DE  Munich, St. Matthäuskirche 
27.09. AT  Vienna, Simm City 
29.09. HU  Budapest, MOM Kult 
30.09. CZ  Prague, Hybernia 
01.10. DE  Berlin, Passionskirche 
02.10. DE  Leipzig, Kupfersaal 
04.10. PL  Warsaw ,Palladium 
06.10. DE  Hamburg Laeiszhalle 
07.10. DK  Copenhagen, Amager Bio 
08.10. SE  Stockholm, Nya Cirkus 
09.10. NO  Oslo Sentrum Scene 
10.10. NO  Bergen Grieghallen 

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/AURlband

The ethereal trio AURI returns with their long-awaited third studio album, III – Candles & Beginnings, set for release on August 15, 2025.

Propelled by the celestial voice of Johanna Kurkela, the lush sonic landscapes of Tuomas Holopainen, and the boundless instrumental artistry of Troy Donockley, AURI once again invites listeners into a world that defies genre. Fusing elements of folk, progressive and symphonic music with touches of world, pop, and avant-garde, III – Candles & Beginnings promises an immersive journey for the senses.

The creative process for this new chapter began in 2023, shortly after the completion of Nightwish’s 2024 opus Yesterwynde. While Troy composed in the serene landscapes of Yorkshire, Tuomas and Johanna crafted melodies and lyrics from their home base in Kitee, Finland—bridging worlds both musically and geographically.

As a first glimpse into AURI’s evolving soundscape, the hauntingly beautiful lead single ‘Shieldmaiden’ is available now, accompanied by a stunning cinematic video directed by longtime collaborator Ville Lipiäinen.

Troy Donockley comments: “Our new album Auri lll is waiting to be released, and one of its songs, ‘Shieldmaiden’, has already escaped. It’s a mysterious song, obscured by its own slow rising power.
Auri thrives on mystery and ambiguity so all is well…”

LISTEN TO ‘SHIELDMAIDEN’: https://auri.bfan.link/shieldmaiden
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

Having been a studio endeavour in the past, AURI is finally going on tour with their first- ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates:

AURI – A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings 
13.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
14.08. FI  Kitee, Kiteesali
16.08. FI  Tampere, Tampere-talo 
20.08. FI  Oulu, Madetojan Sali 
22.08. FI  Vaasa, Ritz 
23.08. FI  Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian) 
12.09. UK  Manchester, RNCM Theatre 
13.09. UK  Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall 
15.09. UK  London, Union Chapel 
16.09. BE  Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit 
17.09. FR  Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian) 
18.09. NL Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian) 
20.09. CH  Zürich, Volkshaus 
21.09. DE  Stuttgart, Liederhalle 
22.09. DE  Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian) 
23.09. DE  Essen, Lichtburg 
25.09. DE  Mannheim, Capitol 
26.09. DE  Munich, St. Matthäuskirche 
27.09. AT  Vienna, Simm City 
29.09. HU  Budapest, MOM Kult 
30.09. CZ  Prague, Hybernia 
01.10. DE  Berlin, Passionskirche 
02.10. DE  Leipzig, Kupfersaal 
04.10. PL  Warsaw ,Palladium 
06.10. DE  Hamburg Laeiszhalle 
07.10. DK  Copenhagen, Amager Bio 
08.10. SE  Stockholm, Nya Cirkus 
09.10. NO  Oslo Sentrum Scene 
10.10. NO  Bergen Grieghallen

Embrace the atmospheric auditory imagery of fantastical valleys of other fairytale dimensions and soon gone fireside bards. Dwell for just a moment in treasuries of dreamlands and ponderings that see mundane things turning into otherworldly miracles. Feel welcomed to embark on endless adventures on long roads untrodden and ships never sailed. As if frozen in time, you’ll be captivated by heart-burstingly elating fare-thee-wells for those dearly departed.

Today AURI‘s album “II-Those We Don´t Speak Of” is finally released, and treats us along with a third single and visualizer: “Kiss The Mountain”.

The song lives and breathes from the beautiful, multiple layered vocals. Sparsly but effective underlining instrumentation makes it a true candidate for a movie soundtrack.

Vocalist Johanna Kurkela muses over the song as follows:
“There’s a place at the edge of an ocean, where wind speaks through lungs of steel. A mountain awaiting a traveler. A dream awaiting a dreamer. You’ve come this far, do you dare to go all the way? Doubt may come and visit, but it’s just another friend along the journey. A gentle reminder of that perfect Kiss Of Life upon arrival. Imagine you’re already there. Find your smile, light a beacon, and let us hear you Roar!” – Johanna

Watch the visualizer here:

Hear the soft words that empower those feeling inadequate and reassurance to others fearing death.
AURI’s are the keys to a dimension of awe no one else sees. Only theirs to offer are the mystical, soundscapes and ethereal vocals.
Theirs to hold are the magical powers that can melt the steeliest of hearts and make grown men cry.
AURI invites the listener along for journeys no other band can provide.
Come, my love – now it‘s calm enough to go.

Order and listen to the new album here: https://auri.bfan.link/ii-those-we-dont-speak-of

Originally born in 2011 from the special connection of Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley, AURI was first introduced to the world as late as 2018. Now complemented by the dynamic percussive talents of Kai Hahto, the threesome carves fantastical worlds entirely their own.

Close your eyes and dive into the magical tunes and hear Johanna’s youthful and tender voice…fragile, yet powerful and moving beyond words.

You can almost see the green and peaceful little valley taking shape in front of your inner eye.

“The Valley” is the second single taken from the upcoming album “II – Those We Don´t Speak Of”, which will be released on September 3rd.

Tuomas Holopainen comments on the track as follows:
“The Valley is an ode to homecoming. It`s about things worth a long wait, and about all the wondrous waypoints on the road.
And, while you`re wandering on that road, why not write a little tune to keep you company. A tune most delicate and hard to catch, but willing to reveal itself once you`ve made your journey, and have almost reached home.”

You can watch the visualizer here:

Pre-order or pre-save the new album here: https://auri.bfan.link/ii-those-we-dont-speak-of

Stream or download ‘The Valley’ here: https://auri.bfan.link/the-valley
Watch the video for the first single “Pearl Diving” here: https://youtu.be/jiD_YdKCYTk

Last week, AURI, the enchanted three announced their new album, set to be released on September 3rd via Nuclear Blast. Today, the band unleashes their first single and video for the track “Pearl Diving”, which takes us on a beautiful journey of sounds and voices and taps directly into emotions.

Troy Donockley comments on the song as follows:
“No lifebelts needed.
Where is the sea and where is the boat but more importantly, what is ‘The Pearl’? How deep do we dive to find it? How was it made and how old is it? Shapeshifters and the whispering seagulls of the 12 note scale will tell us.
Aweigh anchor, Away!”

Pre-order or pre-save the new album here: https://auri.bfan.link/ii-those-we-dont-speak-of
Stream or download ‘Pearl Diving’ here: https://auri.bfan.link/pearl-diving

“II – Those We Don’t Speak Of” will be available in the following formats that you can now pre-order:
CD digipak
Earbook including CD and 36 booklet art pages
LP redgold
LP red marbled (NB mailorder exclusive, limited to 300)
LP transparent + green marbled (Levykauppa exclusive, limited to 300)
LP white + red marbled (UK exclusive, limited to 300)
LP silver (bandshop exclusive, limited to 300)
LP blue marbled (US exclusive, limited to 300)

With a total running time of 50 minutes, the album consists of 10 captivating tracks:
1) Those We Don’t Speak Of
2) The Valley
3) The Duty Of Dust
4) Pearl Diving
5) Kiss The Mountain
6) Light And Flood
7) It Takes Me Places
8) The Long Walk
9) Scattered To The Four Winds
10) Fireside Bard

In the fleeting moments between the state of being awake and reaching the doors of dreamworld lies aborderland whence comes the mood music of ancient stories told – the celestial unison of three creative souls known as AURI.
Originally born in 2011 from the special connection of Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley, AURI was first introduced to the world as late as 2018. Now complemented by the dynamic percussive talents of Kai Hahto, the threesome carves fantastical worlds entirely their own.

The cover artwork comes once again from Janne “ToxicAngel” Pitkänen and bestows in its simplicity and depth.