Visionary filmmaker, guitarist, and composer Kimmo Kuusniemi unveils a haunting reflection of our times with his latest endeavour, the ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA). This formidable cross-arts project, conceptualised by Kuusniemi and enhanced by the musical prowess of his sole permanent collaborator, internationally acclaimed violinist and ethnomusicologist Tuomas Rounakari, paints a somber picture of our world teetering on the edge of environmental collapse.

Kuusniemi’s past environmental pursuits since the 80s, from impactful documentaries to the globally resonant ‘Dream On’ project for World Wide Fund for Nature, converge in ASA with a sharper edge. Together with Rounakari’s immersion in ancient traditions, they craft a chilling reminder of our environment’s fragile state, urging society to tap into ancestral wisdom as a lifeline.

The initial offering from ASA is the eerily captivating song “Perpetuae Memoriae”, set against a dystopian backdrop. This composition not only demonstrates the collective brilliance of Kuusniemi and Rounakari’s combined talents but also shines a spotlight on Steve Di Giorgio, the iconic fretless bassist from the revered metal juggernaut, Testament.

“This video encapsulates the bleak landscape we’re navigating. ASA is an urgent wake-up call, a clarion cry, urging humanity to resonate with the harmonies of ancestral wisdom before we drift past the point of no return,” shares Kuusniemi.

The “Perpetuae Memoriae” serves as a precursor to ASA’s forthcoming environmental music documentary, hinting at the depth and passion that the team is channeling into their larger project.

However, ASA’s commitment extends beyond mere awareness. To bridge the gap between realisation and action, ASA highlights emblems of notable environmental charities at the end of their video. This gesture is designed to steer viewers towards meaningful channels of change, transforming awareness into tangible action.

Ancient Streaming Assembly beckons artists, environmentalists, and the global audience to confront this stark reality, seeking solace and guidance in the echoes of our ancient predecessors.

Witness the unsettling narrative of “Perpetuae Memoriae” and delve deeper into ASA’s grim vision by visiting:

Watch “Perpetuae Memoriae” video here:

Stream and buy “Perpetuae Memoriae” at: https://social.tunecore.com/linkShare?linkid=Kd3jkr93s9vRK0yh5HoH2Q

More information at: http://www.ancientstreaming.com

For collaborations, inquiries, and more, please contact:
Tarja Virmakari
Press Media Officer
ASA Team
tarja@ancientstreaming.com

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.

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 recognized 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. As a current doctoral student at the Sibelius-Academy, he’s uniting traditions, times, and cultures, inviting all into a transcendent musical experience exclusively through the soundscapes of Shamanviolin.

About Steve Di Giorgio

In the vast spectrum of metal music, Steve Di Giorgio is a luminary, distinguished by his unparalleled mastery of the fretless bass. While he is prominently recognised for his pivotal contributions to the renowned metal band Testament, Steve’s virtuosity extends beyond. He showcased his adaptability as a session musician for Megadeth’s 2022 release, “The Sick, the Dying … and the Dead!” Over time, his collaborations with diverse bands and artists have underscored his stature as one of the metal realm’s most coveted bassists. Di Giorgio’s relentless pursuit of innovation, coupled with his unwavering dedication, cements his legacy as a stalwart in the ever-evolving heavy metal landscape.