The ethereal trio Auri returns with their long-awaited third studio album, “III – Candles & Beginnings”, set for release on August 15th, 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…”
Watch the music video for “Shieldmaiden” below.
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
Pre-order & pre-save “III – Candles & Beginnings” here.
Tracklist:
1. The Invisible Gossamer Bridge
2. The Apparition Speaks
3. I Will Have Language
4. Oh, Lovely Oddities
5. Libraries of Love
6. Blakey Ridge
7. Helios
8. Museum of Childhood
9. Shieldmaiden
10. A Boy Travelling With His Mother
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 below.
European & UK Tour Dates 2025:
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
Get tickets 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
Weblinks:
linktr.ee/auri.band
