Finnish metal pioneers SARCOFAGUS announce the release of LIVE FOR THE LAST TIME, the long-awaited document of the band’s final concert, recorded at Dante’s, Helsinki, in 2010. After 15 years, this historic performance is now available in an extremely limited double vinyl first edition (only 10 copies), alongside a combined CD/DVD release.
The album and CD/DVD are released by Metal Warning (Henry Juvonen) — the same man who arranged the 2010 Sarcofagus comeback tour that led to this final performance.
A Note from Kimmo Kuusniemi: “Releasing this final Sarcofagus recording feels both emotional and complete. It closes a journey that began in 1977 and ends with the last notes played on the Dante’s stage in 2010. Sarcofagus was always about pushing boundaries, combining metal with progressive ideas and experimental impulses — and this release marks the true end of that cycle.
“But that same restless creativity didn’t stop. It simply moved into a new form.
“I let go of traditional guitar playing a long time ago — it stopped inspiring me. With the upcoming ASA Quantum Variations, I pushed that evolution much further. I use percussive attacks, harsh textures, microtonal scales, and even sounds that feel like creatures or birds.
“For me, this is the most adventurous and personal music I’ve made — a real turning point between cycles. I approached the guitar anew trying to communicate through gesture, atmosphere, and movement rather than melody, and blended metal, progressive structure, and experimental sound-shaping in ways I hadn’t explored before.
“ASA: Quantum Variations continues the environmental, societal, and philosophical themes that have guided my work for decades, now approached through a far more experimental instrumental form. One cycle ends. Another begins.”
The next release from Kimmo Kuusniemi’s Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA) “Quantum Variations”, is scheduled for 2026 — the opening chapter of this new cycle.
THE FINAL PERFORMANCE — RAW, REAL, AND UNTOUCHED
The audio of the concert is preserved exactly as it happened.
The sound is a direct blend of: –the straight feed from the sound mixer, and –the ambient audio captured by the fixed camera placed on top of the mixer –No overdubs. –No fixes. –This is the exact sound of the last Sarcofagus gig.
THE VIDEO — A LIVE PERFORMANCE ENHANCED WITH ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE
The full Sarcofagus “Live for the Last Time” video can now be viewed on YouTube:
The video was created using: –the fixed camera mounted on the sound mixer –a second audience-shot video (used only for visuals) –classic Sarcofagus music video clips –Egyptian imagery tied to the band’s mythology –additional archival and symbolic visual elements
The final result is a live performance video, enriched with thematic and historical material that reflects the full legacy of Sarcofagus.
CREATED WITH THE MEMORY OF ESA KOTILAINEN AT ITS HEART
This entire project carries the memory of Esa Kotilainen, whose visionary keyboard work shaped the identity of Sarcofagus. His presence resonates through the performance and through the visual material woven into this release.
LIMITED FIRST EDITION — ONLY 10 VINYL COPIES
The first vinyl pressing of LIVE FOR THE LAST TIME consists of only 10 copies. These are the rarest Sarcofagus vinyls ever created — true collector artifacts marking the end of the band’s journey.
FORMATS AVAILABLE –Double Vinyl (First Edition: 10 copies) –Combined CD/DVD release featuring the full edited performance + additional visual material
RELEASED BY Metal Warning – Henry Juvonen (Arranger of the 2010 Sarcofagus comeback tour)
Ordering information: metalwarning@yahoo.com
ABOUT SARCOFAGUS
Founded in the late 1970s by guitarist Kimmo Kuusniemi, Sarcofagus became one of Finland’s earliest heavy metal innovators. Known for conceptual themes, experimental production, and pioneering multimedia work, the band forged a distinctive path in Finnish metal history.
LIVE FOR THE LAST TIME stands as the closing chapter — a final performance, a visual and musical farewell, and the end of a journey that began in 1977.
“Alussa oli suo, kuokka ja liekinheitinkitara.” (“In the beginning, there was swamp, hoe, and a flamethrower guitar.”)
The long-awaited book Raskas Suomi: Suomalaisen metallin tarina has arrived—marking the most comprehensive and culturally significant documentation of Finnish heavy metal to date. With over 700 pages, photos, and more than 100 interviews, this genre-defining work by Ari Elo, Jukka Kittilä, and Juuso Määttänen captures the journey of Finnish metal from swampy obscurity to global recognition.
Opening with a reimagining of Finland’s most iconic literary phrase—“Suo, kuokka ja Jussi” from Väinö Linna—the book reframes the national mythos with a metal twist: “In the beginning, there was swamp, hoe, and a flamethrower guitar.”
That flamethrower belonged to Kimmo Kuusniemi, founder of Sarcofagus, Finland’s first heavy metal band and a central figure in the book’s beginning.
“There have been quite many books about Finnish heavy metal,” says Kuusniemi. “I even made an international TV documentary Promised Land of Heavy Metal in 2008—but finally we have the definitive bible of Finnish heavy metal. I’m very humbled to be the ancient one where it all started.”
*“The book starts ‘Swamp, mattock and a flame throwing guitar,’ which refers to ‘Suo, kuokka ja Jussi’. It’s a perfect reference—this is exactly how it felt fighting for metal as a pioneer, the prejudice and resistance. And yes, it’s quite funny that my flamethrower guitar now symbolises the beginning! This book is a testament to the true spirit that took Finnish metal where it is today. I’m happy it proves all the people wrong who thought metal was just a phase that would be forgotten. Most importantly, it’s written by people who understand the message of my old song ‘The Truth of a Thousand Megawatts.”
“There are more fans of Finnish metal outside Finland than inside—and they deserve to read this book. Raskas Suomi is only available in Finnish for now, but I truly hope it will be translated. I encourage everyone around the world who loves Finnish metal to email the publisher and ask for an English edition. Let them know the global scene is waiting.” – Kimmo Kuusniemi
Email the publisher: jaakko.pietilainen@kniga.fi
ABOUT KIMMO KUUSNIEMI:
Often called the godfather of Finnish metal, Kimmo Kuusniemi made history with Sarcofagus, and later with the Kimmo Kuusniemi Band featuring legendary vocalist Kirka on the track “1000 megawatin totuus” (The Truth of a Thousand Megawatts). Kuusniemi’s theatrical innovations—like his flamethrower-equipped guitar—pushed metal into performance art long before it became mainstream.
After his early musical breakthroughs, Kuusniemi has spent decades directing commercial films and international TV documentaries, collaborating with global artists such as Madonna, Van Morrison, Chaka Khan, and Vader.
ASA – Ancient Streaming Assembly
Now, Kuusniemi returns to his experimental roots with ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly), a groundbreaking multimedia project that combines instrumental experimental music, AI-generated visuals, and simulation theory. ASA’s debut release, Collective Failure, explores themes of societal collapse, environmental destruction, and the illusion of progress, with each track accompanied by its own glitch-driven visual story.
ASA is more than music—it’s a conceptual rebellion, built on decades of sonic exploration, environmental consciousness, and digital artistry.
Raskas Suomi – Book Details
Title: Raskas Suomi: Suomalaisen metallin tarina Authors: Ari Elo, Jukka Kittilä, Juuso Määttänen Publisher: Johnny Kniga Release: Hardcover & eBook – 29 May 2025; Audiobook – 4 June 2025 Pages: 731 + 24 photo pages ISBN: 978-952-362-017-9 (hardcover) Language: Finnish Available from: Bookstores, online retailers, and Johnny Kniga
KIMMO KUUSNIEMI, pioneering musician and filmmaker, finally unveils the long-overdue release of “Collective Failure”—an album that was never properly released but feels more relevant than ever. Published under Kuusniemi’s ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly) collective, this work stands as a haunting reflection of cycles of societal collapse, technological illusions, and humanity’s inability to escape its own self-destruction.
Unlike ASA’s latest instrumental work, “Collective Failure” remains the only ASA release to feature lyrics—a final message from a time when words seemed to matter. After this, even language is stripped away.
ASA – A Long-Term Vision Realized
ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly) is the culmination of Kimmo Kuusniemi’s lifelong artistic exploration in music and film, expanding on themes of societal manipulation, technology’s control, and the illusion of progress. It is also deeply rooted in his long-standing environmental work, reflecting decades of activism and filmmaking that warned of humanity’s unsustainable trajectory.
While the music of Collective Failure was recorded long ago, its full audiovisual realization was not possible at the time. Now, with the tools finally available, Kuusniemi presents Collective Failure as a complete art piece, with every song accompanied by its own visual counterpart.
To mark the release, the first music video for “Collective Failure” has been unveiled, setting the stage for a full audiovisual experience. Each video is created by Kuusniemi using AI as a tool to expand and visualize his vision, forming a multi-sensory deconstruction of reality itself.
Watch here:
A Soundtrack to a World Trapped in Repetition
ASA’s work is built around Ancient Simulation Theory—the idea that humanity exists within a pre-programmed system, endlessly repeating loops of progress and collapse, memory erased each time, never breaking free.
This concept resonates deeply with tracks like:
“Collective Failure” – A warning about society’s amnesia, blindly repeating history.
“Synthetic Illusions” – A critique of escapism, where people numb themselves instead of confronting reality.
“Machine Faith” – A reflection on blind reliance on technology as a savior.
Critics noted that Collective Failure refuses to conform to any genre, mirroring the ethos of ASA: a project that challenges artistic and philosophical boundaries. In ASA, music and video are inseparable, creating a multi-sensory experience designed to provoke thought and inspire reflection.
“For me, ASA is not just another project—it is the realization of ideas that have been present in my work for decades,” says Kuusniemi. “When Collective Failure was recorded, it wasn’t possible to create the visual world it needed. Now, I can finally release it as it was meant to be—a complete audiovisual experience.”
This press release also serves as a call to experience Collective Failure—an album that was lost in time but whose message has only grown more urgent.
Rediscover. Decode. Escape.
The cycle will continue unless we break it. Are you ready to see the simulation for what it is?
Finnish-born visionary artist, Kimmo Kuusniemi stands at the intersection of art, music, film, and environmental advocacy. Currently, Kuusniemi is engaged in several cutting-edge projects that blend technology, art, and environmental activism. One of his latest initiatives, the Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA), merges traditional wisdom with modern digital platforms to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
ASA: Collective Failure – A Lost Album Reborn
Alongside his latest instrumental ASA works, Kuusniemi has finally unveiled “Collective Failure”, an album that was never properly released but is now more relevant than ever. Unlike his recent instrumental works, Collective Failure remains the only ASA release with lyrics, a final message from a time when words still seemed to matter. This album is now being fully realized as an audiovisual experience, with every song accompanied by an individual video. Kuusniemi uses AI as a tool to expand and visualize his artistic vision, creating a multi-sensory deconstruction of reality. The themes of Collective Failure resonate deeply with ASA’s core ideas—humanity trapped in a cycle of societal collapse, illusions of progress, and the struggle to break free.
Godfather of Finnish Heavy Metal in the 70s
In the late 1970s, Kuusniemi established the legendary band Sarcofagus. Blending progressive and experimental elements with heavy rock, Sarcofagus crafted a version of heavy metal that was distinctly ahead of its time. Always at the cutting edge of innovation, Kuusniemi has consistently harnessed the latest technology to expand his artistic expression.
Music Video Pioneer in the 80s
In 1981, showcasing his forward-thinking prowess, Kuusniemi produced and directed a full album-length broadcast-quality music video for his third album, Kimmo Kuusniemi Band – Moottorilinnut. Coincidentally, this was the same year MTV launched in the USA, marking the beginning of a new era in music and visual media. Though MTV was launching on the other side of the Atlantic, Kuusniemi’s ambitious project positioned him at the forefront of the evolving music-video landscape.
Eco-Filmmaker Before It Was Cool
In the 1980s, Kuusniemi ventured into environmental filmmaking, producing a series of informational short films and documentaries aimed at raising public awareness of critical environmental issues.
Echoes from The Present in the 90s
This commitment to environmental consciousness culminated in 1991 with the “Dream On” project, a film and extended single produced for the International World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) under his Double Vision production company. The project gained widespread visibility, airing on Music TV Europe and Asia. More than three decades ago, the Dream On music video warned of an impending environmental crisis. Disturbingly, the future once envisioned in “Dream On” has now become reality, proving humanity’s prolonged inaction.
Architect of Alternative Global Documentaries
Following Dream On, Kuusniemi continued to leave his mark in international film and television, producing several globally distributed TV documentaries. Among his most notable works is the groundbreaking 8-hour adventure/history TV series “Baltic Sea Adventure”, which was broadcast worldwide from Greenland to Australia. The series is a comprehensive exploration of the Baltic Sea region, covering its cultures, history, and environmental challenges. Notably, the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior ship was meant to be part of the series, but due to an unforeseen delay, the planned meeting never took place.
The Visionary of Things to Come
Whether through documentaries, music, or multimedia projects, Kuusniemi’s work consistently reflects his deep concern for the environment and society. His ability to draw insights from the past and apply them to the present has shaped his artistic and philosophical approach, making him a true pioneer at the crossroads of music, film, and activism. His latest ASA project, Collective Failure, marks yet another milestone—a long-overdue release finally realized in its full audiovisual form. Through ASA, Kuusniemi continues his mission of challenging perceptions, questioning reality, and breaking the illusion.
Kimmo Kuusniemi, the visionary behind Finland’s first heavy metal band SARCOFAGUS, proudly announces the release of the full “Live for the Last Time at Dante’s 2010” concert video on YouTube. This immersive 1h 15min video captures Sarcofagus’ final live performance in 2010, enhanced with archival footage, classic music videos, and exclusive visuals.
This performance holds special significance as it features the legendary keyboardist Esa Kotilainen, whose artistry shaped the band’s sound. Kotilainen’s passing in 2023 makes this release an emotional tribute to his lasting legacy.
Sarcofagus “Live for the Last Time at Dante’s 2010” YouTube Premiere:
A Life of Conviction: From Sarcofagus to ASA
While Sarcofagus officially ended in 2020, Kimmo Kuusniemi’s lifelong commitment to environmental and social issues continues through his work with ASA (Ancient Streaming Assembly). ASA is not about Sarcofagus’ legacy but reflects the same convictions that have driven Kuusniemi’s career, from his 1980s environmental documentaries to the WWF International Dream On project in the 1990s.
“This release is a reflection of a journey, not just of music but of purpose,” Kuusniemi explains. “Sarcofagus, Moottorilinnut, Core Values, and now ASA are all expressions of the same passion: raising awareness and inspiring action for a better world. I hope this concert inspires fans to explore these themes in their own lives and discover how ASA continues this important conversation.”
Limited Collector’s Vinyl and CD/DVD Releases
To commemorate this historic performance, Sarcofagus will release a very limited-edition double vinyl of “Live for the Last Time,” featuring unique one-off copies. In addition, a special CD/DVD set of the concert will also be available for fans who want to own a high-quality physical version of this monumental performance. Both the vinyl and CD/DVD editions capture the raw, unaltered energy of Sarcofagus’ final bow and serve as lasting tributes to its creative vision.
Witness the Legacy
The release of this concert video is not just a celebration of Sarcofagus but a continuation of Kimmo Kuusniemi’s commitment to addressing critical issues through music, film, and storytelling. Fans can now experience the band’s electrifying final performance while exploring the deeper connections to Kuusniemi’s broader mission in ASA.
Sarcofagus Live Limited Edition Vinyl: Available soon (details to follow). Sarcofagus Live Limited Edition CD/DVD: Available soon (details to follow).
Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI is proud to officially launch ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) with the release of “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience. This release represents a significant milestone in ASA’s mission to merge art, music, and environmental advocacy, and marks the beginning of a bold new creative journey for Kuusniemi and his collaborators.
“Aurora Nuclearis” serves as a dynamic introduction to ASA’s unique blend of long-form and short-form content, seamlessly integrating music, visuals, and storytelling. The project draws deeply from themes of environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, with this inaugural piece setting the tone for future releases. ASA aims to create an immersive experience for a diverse global audience, offering both profound artistic expression and urgent environmental commentary.
Reflecting on the significance of “Aurora Nuclearis,” Kimmo Kuusniemi shares, “This piece beautifully bridges my musical journey, intertwining my past influences with the new creative direction of ASA. It’s a powerful start for the ASA project, paying homage to where we’ve come from while embracing where we’re headed. We are, after all, the sum of our past experiences, and ‘Aurora Nuclearis’ honours that truth.”
Dedicated to the memory of the late Finnish keyboardist Esa Kotilainen, who passed away in 2023, “Aurora Nuclearis” also pays tribute to a long-standing creative partnership. Kotilainen, known for his pioneering work in progressive music, first collaborated with Kuusniemi in the late 1970s with Sarcofagus—reputed to be Finland’s first heavy metal band. Their shared passion for pushing musical boundaries profoundly influenced the soundscapes of many projects over four decades. Originally conceived years ago, Kotilainen and Kimmo began working on “Aurora Nuclearis” together, with Kotilainen recording keyboards, but the project remained unfinished until now, symbolising both a continuation and a new beginning under ASA.
Viivi Kotilainen, Esa’s daughter, reflects on her father’s deep connection to nature: “Nature was everything to my father. He believed that the natural world was a source of endless inspiration and peace, shaping not only his music but his entire life. He often worried about the future, fearing that the beauty he experienced might not be available to future generations. My father saw nature as his refuge, his creative wellspring, and he passed that love down to us. Even in his later years, he shared moments from his nature walks with us, reminding us of the importance of staying connected to the world around us.”
To complement the full-length experience, ASA is also releasing several short-form videos, each approximately one minute long. These mini music videos, inspired by ancient environmental proverbs, offer viewers bite-sized yet thought-provoking content that underscores the urgency of today’s environmental crises.
Tuomas Rounakari’s shamanic violin brings an evocative, mystical layer to “Aurora Nuclearis,” enriching the piece with his deep cultural insights. Juho Martikainen’s innovative double bass playing adds a profound depth, complementing the piece’s rich, atmospheric soundscape.
ABOUT ASA:
ASA, led by Kimmo Kuusniemi with the support of Sakari Heiskanen and Tuomas Rounakari, is a cross-arts odyssey that fuses ancestral wisdom with modern digital platforms. ASA crafts narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences while drawing from ancient traditions. Through a combination of music, visuals, and storytelling, ASA aims to engage a global audience with its immersive and thought-provoking content.
Contact: For more information, please contact Tarja Virmakari at tarja@ancientstreaming.com
ABOUT KIMMO KUUSNIEMI:
Finnish-born visionary artist, Kimmo Kuusniemi stands at the intersection of art, music, film, and environmental advocacy. Currently, Kuusniemi is engaged in several cutting-edge projects that blend technology, art, and environmental activism. One of his latest initiatives, the “Ancient Streaming Assembly”, merges traditional wisdom with modern digital platforms to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
Godfather of Finnish Heavy Metal in the 70s: In the late 1970s, Kuusniemi established the legendary band Sarcofagus. Blending progressive and experimental elements with heavy rock, Sarcofagus crafted a version of heavy metal that was distinctly ahead of its time. Always at the cutting edge of innovation, Kuusniemi has consistently harnessed the latest technology to expand his artistic expression.
Music Video Pioneer in the 80s: In 1981, showcasing his forward-thinking prowess, Kuusniemi produced and directed a full album length broadcast quality music video for his third album, Kimmo Kuusniemi Band “Moottorilinnut”. Coincidentally, this was the same year MTV made its debut in the USA, signalling the onset of a new era for music and visual media. Though MTV was launching on the other side of the Atlantic, Kuusniemi’s ambitious project underscored his position at the forefront of the evolving music-video landscape.
Eco-Filmmaker Before It Was Cool: In the 1980s, Kuusniemi ventured deeply into environmental film-making. He produced a series of informational short films and documentaries highlighting various environmental topics, aimed at educating and raising public awareness.
Echoes from The Present in the 90s: This commitment to environmental consciousness culminated in 1991 with the Double Vision’s “Dream On” project—a compelling film and extended single produced for the International World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The project received high visibility in the Music TV Europe and Asia.
More than three decades ago, the “Dream On” music video projected a cautionary tale of an impending environmental crisis. Disturbingly, the future once envisioned by the “Dream On” project has now become our present reality, showcasing humanity’s prolonged inaction.
Architect of Alternative Global Documentaries: Following “Dream On”, Kuusniemi continued to make his mark in the realm of International film and television. He produced several TV documentaries that achieved international distribution.
Among his most notable works is the groundbreaking 8-hour adventure/history TV series, “Baltic Sea Adventure” which garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences globally from Greenland to Australia. The “Baltic Sea Adventure” series is a comprehensive TV series about the Baltic Sea countries, cultures, and environment.
Notably, the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior ship was meant to be part of the series, but due to an unforeseen delay with the diving boat being stuck in a different part of the Baltic, the meeting was missed.
The Visionary of Things To Come: Whether through his compelling documentaries, informational films, or innovative projects, Kuusniemi’s work continues to resonate with the imperative need to harmonise with nature, drawing insights from the past and weaving them into the tapestry of today’s narrative. His vision for a sustainable future is reflected in all aspects of his diverse and dynamic career.
ABOUT SAKARI HEISKANEN:
Sakari Heiskanen is a versatile Finnish media producer and transmedia specialist with a rich background spanning journalism, TV entertainment, and book publishing. Raised in a creative environment, Sakari’s passion for storytelling and media was sparked at a young age, influenced by his art director father. Over the years, he has evolved into a seasoned professional, pioneering event streaming and podcast production while making significant contributions to the digital media landscape.
The Architect of Transmedia Experiences: With a BA in Media Production and a thesis on virtual reality, Sakari has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in media. His expertise extends across multiple platforms, seamlessly blending traditional and digital media to create immersive experiences. As a creative wellbeing expert and advisor, Sakari’s work often intersects with themes of mental wellness and artistic expression, making him a sought-after figure in both the media and arts communities.
Chief Whisperer and Master of Brainwaves at ASA: Together with Kimmo, Sakari is a conceptual and ideological force behind the Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA), a groundbreaking collective cross-arts project by visionary artist Kimmo Kuusniemi. Serving as the “Chief Whisperer and Master of Brainwaves,” Sakari is instrumental in shaping the project’s narrative and ensuring its alignment with its core mission: merging traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology to promote environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
The ASA is already creating a new form of art that resonates with contemporary audiences while honouring ancient traditions. Sakari’s deep understanding of transmedia storytelling is crucial in realising the project’s ambitious goals, ensuring that it not only reaches a global audience but also inspires meaningful change.
ABOUT TUOMAS ROUNAKARI:
Diving deep into the archived recordings of Siberian shamans, Tuomas birthed the SHAMANVIOLIN performance. His art is deeply influenced by the historical wax-cylinder recordings made by Finnish ethnographer Kai Donner between 1912 and 1914, which highlighted extinct languages and forgotten songs. Tuomas’ field trip to Siberia in 2002 further immersed him in the indigenous Khanty and Forest-Nenets cultures, expanding his repertoire.
A child prodigy on the violin, he always had an affinity for music that sent him into a trance state. Moving to New York City in 1998, Tuomas explored World music and recognised the value of oral traditions. This epiphany led him back to his Finnish roots, where he discovered the intersection of Siberian shamanic music with Finnish laments.
By 2001, Tuomas was back in Finland, evolving his Shamanviolin performance and integrating his compositions with musical traditions from the Eurasian Arctic. This journey also led him to teach laments, revitalising this almost-extinct musical tradition.
Today, Tuomas continues to travel the globe, performing with Shamanviolin, while also conducting workshops on shamanic traditions and music.
Having completed his doctoral studies in music at the Sibelius Academy, he now holds the title of Doctor of Music.
Tuomas unites traditions, times, and cultures, inviting all into a transcendent musical experience exclusively through the soundscapes of Shamanviolin.
ABOUT JUHO MARTIKAINEN:
Juho Martikainen, a distinguished double bass player, began his musical journey in 1983. He studied at Kuopio Conservatory and Sibelius Academy, completing his Double Bass Diploma with honors in 2002. As an educator, he has taught at institutions like the Sibelius Academy, influencing many students who now perform in Finnish Symphony Orchestras.
A freelance double bass artist since 1994, Martikainen has played with major Finnish Symphony Orchestras and toured internationally across Japan, the USA, Europe, and South America. He co-founded the trio At The Hollow in 2008, releasing the acclaimed album “What I Hold Most Dear” in 2015, which showcased his innovative use of the double bass.
Notably, Martikainen has been among the pioneers in integrating the classical double bass into rock, ambient, and experimental genres, where it plays a central and melodic role.
In recent years, Martikainen has focused on composing and producing solo material under his own name. This has allowed him to fully express his artistic vision and continue his evolution as an artist. This personal work has produced the EP “Fragments from the Memory Line” and six singles, inspired by his wife’s, artist Mari Martikainen, paintings.
Forty-two years after its original release, Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY brings a pioneering ecometal classic into the modern age with a 4K re-release of Kimmo Kuusniemi Band (Sarcofagus) “Metallinen Sateenkaari” (Metallic Rainbow). This unique version merges Muska’s original 1981 vocals through AI technology, with the band’s 2010 recording with the original lineup except Anssi Nykänen steps in for the late drummer Upi Sorvali, honoring his legacy.
Watch the 2024 video version of Kimmo Kuusniemi Band’s “Metallic Rainbow” here:
Kuusniemi’s revisit is more than a nod to nostalgia. “Reintroducing ‘Metallic Rainbow’ to today’s audience reaffirms a long-standing truth,” he says. “The message, as resonant now as it was four decades ago, serves as a poignant reminder of our environment’s vulnerability.” The Kimmo Kuusniemi’s Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA), his latest venture, continues this narrative, underscoring our responsibility towards a sustainable future.
In ASA multi instrumentalist, Kimmo Kuusniemi, in collaboration with violinist and ethnomusicologist Tuomas Rounakari, casts a stark light on environmental threats, advocating a return to ancestral wisdom for solutions.
The recent release by Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA “Perpetuae Memoriae,” a collaborative effort with Testament’s Steve DiGorgio, underscores ASA’s environmental urgency. Set against a dystopian backdrop, it teases an upcoming ASA environmental music documentary.
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s Ancient Streaming Assembly (ASA) is dedicated to sparking tangible change. Through their music, film and initiatives, ASA encourages viewers to not only understand the environmental challenges but also to be part of the solutions needed for a sustainable future.
For collaborations, inquiries, and more, please contact: Tarja Virmakari, Press Media Officer ASA Team tarja@ancientstreaming.com
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Sarcofagus: Metal Milestones and Core Values Through Decades
Pioneering Influence: Sarcofagus, formed in 1977, is hailed as one of the most influential and original Scandinavian Progressive Heavy Metal Bands, inspiring numerous new metal acts.
Metallic Milestones:
First Finnish Heavy Metal Band. First Finnish Heavy Metal Band to sing in Finnish. First Scandinavian Heavy Metal Band with a female vocalist, Muska Babitzin. First in the world to release a full album-length story/broadcast quality video (Moottorilinnut/Motorbirds), predating the MTV era.
Discography Highlights (1979-1982): Released 1 single and 3 albums, including “Cycle of Life” (1980), “Envoy of Death” (1980), and “Moottorilinnut” (1982).
Cultural Impact: Kimmo Kuusniemi served as the first spokesperson for Finnish Heavy Metal and initiated the Finnish Heavy Metal Association, uniting metal fans. Kuusniemi played a pivotal role in bringing metal to Finnish radio, TV, and print media.
Revivals and Reissues: Albums like “Cycle of Life” and “Envoy of Death” were re-released on CDs in Italy in 1996. Various re-releases and web versions were made available in the 2000s. “Core Values” was released in 2007. This album, released after a 25-year hiatus, saw most of the original band members onboard, including Kimmo Kuusniemi (guitars/drums), Esa Kotilainen (keyboards), Juha Kiminki (bass), and Tanja Katinka Karttunen (vocals), marking a significant reunion and reaffirmation of Sarcofagus’s core principles of innovation and originality. A Sarcofagus anthology was published in 2009, showcasing the band’s early works.
Technological Innovations: First Finnish Metal Band to have an iPhone App (2010).
Legacy Album: “Back from the Valley of the Kings” (2016) marked the final original Sarcofagus lineup album, recorded in a single day studio session after comeback gigs.
Farewell: In 2020, a limited compact cassette release titled “Absence Of Light” signaled the end of Sarcofagus.
About Kimmo Kuusniemi
Finnish-born visionary, Kimmo Kuusniemi stands at the intersection of art, music, film, and environmental advocacy. In the late 1970s, Kuusniemi established the legendary band Sarcofagus. Blending progressive and experimental elements with heavy rock, Sarcofagus crafted a version of heavy metal that was distinctly ahead of its time. Always at the vanguard of innovation, Kuusniemi has consistently harnessed the latest technology to expand his artistic expression. In 1981, showcasing his forward-thinking prowess, Kuusniemi produced and directed a full album length broadcast quality music video for his third album, Kimmo Kuusniemi Band “Moottorilinnut”. Coincidentally, this was the same year MTV made its debut in the USA, signalling the onset of a new era for music and visual media. Though MTV was launching on the other side of the Atlantic, Kuusniemi’s ambitious project underscored his position at the forefront of the evolving music-video landscape.
In the 1980s, Kuusniemi ventured deeply into environmental film-making. He produced a series of informational short films and documentaries highlighting various environmental topics, aimed at educating and raising public awareness.
This commitment to environmental consciousness culminated in the 1991 with the Double Vision’s “Dream On” project—a compelling film and extended single produced for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). More than three decades ago, “Dream On” music video projected a cautionary tale of an impending environmental crisis. Disturbingly, the future once envisioned by the “Dream On” project has now become our present reality, showcasing humanity’s prolonged inaction. Following “Dream On”, Kuusniemi continued to make his mark in the realm of film and television. He produced several TV documentaries that achieved international distribution. Among his most notable works is the groundbreaking 8-hour adventure/history TV series, “Baltic Sea Adventure/Hunt For U479,” which garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences globally. Whether through his compelling documentaries, informational films, or innovative projects like the Ancient Streaming Assembly, Kuusniemi’s work continues to intertwine ancestral wisdom with the pressing concerns of the modern world. His efforts resonate with the imperative need to harmonise with nature, drawing insights from the past and weaving them into the tapestry of today’s narrative.
Chief Shock Video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 