The ethereal trio known as AURI, guided by the celestial voice of Johanna Kurkela, the sonic landscapes of Tuomas Holopainen, and the instrumental artistry of Troy Donockley, is set to release their long-awaited third studio album, “III – Candles & Beginnings,” on August 15, 2025. Prepare to be transported to a world that defies genre, a realm where folk, progressive, and symphonic elements intertwine with touches of world, pop, and avant-garde influences.

“III – Candles & Beginnings” promises an immersive journey for the senses, a testament to AURI’s unique ability to weave intricate sonic tapestries. The creative process for this new chapter began in 2023, following the completion of Nightwish’s “Yesterwynde” album. Troy composed in the serene landscapes of Yorkshire, while Tuomas and Johanna crafted melodies and lyrics from their home 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 Ville Lipiäinen. Troy Donockley describes the track as “a mysterious song, obscured by its own slow rising power. Auri thrives on mystery and ambiguity so all is well…”

Watch the mesmerizing video for “Shieldmaiden”:

Listen to the enchanting “Shieldmaiden”: https://auri.bfan.link/shieldmaiden

Pre-order your passage into “III – Candles & Beginnings”: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings

“III – Candles & Beginnings” will be available in the following formats:

• CD Jewelcase, 20-page booklet
• CD Earbook, 36-page booklet – limited edition!
• 2 LP Gold, 16-page booklet
• 2 LP Green/White/Dark Green Splatter, 16-page booklet

For the first time, AURI will embark on a live European tour, bringing their ethereal soundscapes to the stage.

AURI – A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings – European Tour 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

Tickets for this extraordinary journey are available at: linktr.ee/auri.band

Deep Dive into the Universe of AURI: 🎧✨

Website – Backstage Rock Shop