Published: August 15, 2025
Photo Credit: Pete Voutilainen
The symphonic folk collective Auri unveil their third studio album III Candles and Beginnings weaving ethereal melodies and cinematic soundscapes into a captivating sonic journey
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: Click Here
The album comes in following formats:
CD Jewelcase, 20-page booklet
CD Earbook, 36-pages booklet - limited edition!
2 LP Gold, 16-page booklet
2 LP Green/White/Dark Green Splatter, 16-page booklet
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, Queens 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
TICKETLINK: Click Here
Line-up:
Johanna Kurkela | voices, violin, viola, keys
Tuomas Holopainen | keys & backing voices
Troy Donockley | guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, voices
