Finnish ritual folk artist VIRRENTAKOJA unveils their new album “Kirouksia ja kuolinlauluja”. The title of the album is Finnish for Curses and Deathsongs – an apt description of the contents of the album, which serves as a ritual depicting the spirit of ancient Finnish magic and heathenry. Drawing inspiration from real spellwork documented in Finnish archives, the album delves deep into the world of curses, particularly those dealing with death.

Musically, traditional instruments like the kantele and the jouhikko are employed to evoke the spirits of yesteryears, while the driving force of repetitive, massive ritual drumming adds an entrancing, otherworldly dimension to the music. Virrentakoja attempts to lull the listener into a trance – to embark on a journey through Tuonela, the underworld as depicted in Finnish folklore.

“Kirouksia ja kuolinlauluja” is available on CD and digital download through Savo-Karelian Productions.

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/YlL1bDhPyDI?si=-kFuRqyfGDyTt6ks
• Bandcamp: https://savo-karelianproductions.bandcamp.com/album/kirouksia-ja-kuolinlauluja

Tracklist:

1. Pimiähän Pohjolahan (To the Dark Northland)
2. Tuonen väen nostatus (Raising the Spirits of the Dead)
3. Lepo kuolleille, rauha eläville (Rest Upon the Dead, Peace for the Living)
4. Luinen lukko, lihainen linna (Lock of Bone, Fort of Flesh)
5. Uinutkohot uupunehet (May the Weary Ones Sleep)
6. Kalman päästö (Releasing Death)
7. Painajaisen sanat (The Words of Nightmares)
8. On kirstu kiinni pantu (The Coffin Has Been Closed)