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. Watch the lyric video for ‘Blakey Ridge‘: https://youtu.be/ZHJd6DJUU6E
Stream the album on all platforms: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings 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 | 
