ALBUM REVIEW: II – Those We Don’t Speak of – Auri

Considering that for a long time NIGHTWISH mastermind Tuomas Holopainen was somebody who didn’t dabble in other projects, one could forgive him for wanting to scratch a musical itch that wouldn’t have suited the works of his main project. Step forward AURI. Although conceived way back in 2011 by Holopainen, vocalist Johanna Kurkela and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley (who would officially join NIGHTWISH in 2013), the band remained largely unknown for most of the decade until the release of their self-titled album in 2018. Three years later and Friday 3rd September sees the release of II – Those We Don’t Speak Of via Nuclear Blast, an album also utilising the drumming work of Kai Hahto from – yep, you guessed it – NIGHTWISH.

Although not a million miles away from what two of AURI‘s members perform on huge stages across the globe, it’s certainly not a carbon copy. There’s no hint of electric guitars at all, nor the bombastic keyboards or pounding drums. Instead, more traditional folk and classical instruments such as the violin, bouzouki and bodhran are the chief music makers. It’s also got far more of a soundtrack feel than anything NIGHTWISH have put their name to. Nothing on here would seem remotely out of place if used for a montage scene in the upcoming series of The Witcher, for example. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it’s an album to appreciate – there’s no desire within Those We Don’t Speak Of to incite pits or sing-a-longs, instead requesting the listener sit back and relax for the period of time it’s playing.

As for the album itself, there’s always a place for folk music within the alternative world; the intrinsic links it has with various religious and societal elements that also appear in rock and metal is well-documented. Certainly, the haunting title track that opens the album bears promise and some resemblance of interest, but the truth is there’s nothing particularly memorable thereon, at least from The Valley through to Scattered To The Four Winds. Sure, there are moments – the choral vocals in The Duty Of Dust, and closing track Fireside Bard has a spark, if only because Holopainen takes on lead vocals, but otherwise there’s… barely anything to report on. Kurkela is a great singer – she has warmth and a lot of organic soul within her voice which is perfect for this style of music – but there’s not enough outside of the name power to make Those We Don’t Speak Of stand out from the rest. However, it’s not a bad album by any stretch – as a matter of fact, it’s probably impossible for those involved to make a truly dreadful record given their immense talents. The kicker, though, is that you are listening knowing that they can do so much better.

If you were a fan of the first AURI album, you’ll love this; if not, you won’t. Those who want something on whilst they complete chores or simply kick back after a long week will definitely get more out of it than others, but otherwise there’s not much present to excite or intrigue.

Rating: 5/10

II – Those We Don’t Speak Of is set for release on September 3rd via Nuclear Blast Records.

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