Okay. I am flabbergasted. AURI is a Folk band which incorporates some Progressive elements into their music and the odd use of distortion on their guitar. As for drums, what drums? When they are being used, it is sparse as well. Let me put this bluntly; I know that Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley are associated with NIGHTWISH, but the music that I hear on "III - Candles & Beginnings" has bugger all to do with Metal in any way or form. So, I need to put on another hat and try and make sense of what AURI has to offer on what is effectively their third album to date.

I haven't mentioned singer Johanna Kurkela yet. The reason being that she has a voice like an angel, which high in pitch, soft in tone and as clear and impressive as a nightingale. She will remind you of ENYA. When AURI decides to use distorted guitars, like in "The Apparition Speaks",  it is done in such an understated way that all the other instruments take precedence over the riffing, even though it is very impossible to deny or avoid. And that is the kind of vibe that is prevalent throughout the whole "III - Candles & Beginnings" record. Everything needs to make way for the soft and gentle tones and sounds that are being emitted in the songs. The music that AURI brings should and could be used in a spa retreat, at a massage parlour or even in a waiting room. I reckon the latter would be quite dangerous, as the possibility will arise that people will fall asleep whilst listening.

The songs on "III - Candles & Beginnings" themselves are not bad at all, if this is the kind of music you like. They have all been composed and played in a good way, giving room to all the instruments as well as the multiple layers of voices. If you ever need a respite from the heavy and loud noises of your Metal addiction, this might be a good antidote. But it can also render you restless. I have had a few good listens, and I have to conclude that although AURI has made a good record with "III - Candles & Beginnings", it definitely isn't one that suits me in any way or form. But I know there are NIGHTWISH afficionados out there that will lap this up. I wish you a lot of pleasure wit AURI.