Rooted in the ancient Finnish mythology, “Lovi” is a word that refers to an otherworldly state, a liminal space, or a rift between worlds where the veil between the living and the dead is thin enough for crossing over. It is also the title of the new album, released independently on May 9th, 2025, by the rising stars of Finnish dark-folk, NOIDUIN. I just witnessed the band in action, bringing nothing short of a shamanic closure to this year’s Tuska Festival at the small sweatbox of the KVLT stage, and they were impressive. Then, having barely recovered from the festival weekend, it came to my attention that the band had just recently released their debut full-length. I simply had to embark on this 9-track sonic journey with my trusted headphones on, no question about it. While NOIDUIN is by far not the first Finnish folk outfit to draw inspiration from the Finnish Kalevala mythology, nor the first to use traditional instruments exclusively, there is something rather unique and enchanting about this band. Much of their appeal stems from the dark, entrancing atmosphere of the songs. Still, while leaning heavily into the ambient side of things, the songs do reach rather intense spheres, too. The band’s traditional Finnish instruments are self-made, adding a unique finishing touch to the music.
The album opens with the hypnotic kargyra-style throat-singing drone by the band’s male vocalist, Henri Virolainen. Throat singing is always a plus! “Nouse Maa” unfolds like a caleidoscopic, ambient soundscape where the intricate vocal layers intertwine, weaving nothing short of an enchanting vocal tapestry laced with emotional resonance. The steady drum beat creates a trance-like feel that slowly builds up tension on par with the vocal delivery, recalling the dynamic folktronica of the Danish outfit, VALRAVN, minus the electronics, of course. The song, let alone the album as a whole, resonates thick with cinematic air, so it is no wonder the song, “Svinfylking,” made in collaboration with the German folk artist, Bjorth, a few years ago, ended up in the trailer for the next season of the video game series, Call of Duty Black Ops – although, I could think of an even more appropriate video game franchise for this type of dark folk – Hellblade!
It’s quite obvious that HEILUNG has been a huge influence for NOIDUIN, and I mean this as a compliment; both bands skillfully avoid the typical trappings of the Nordic folk genre by writing memorable, if not even catchy songs, rather than mere panoramic soundscapes to provide some sonic background for long-winded storytelling. Both bands also put a lot of effort into the visual side of their stage appearance, as I couldn’t help but notice at Tuska. As clichéd as the Neo-Pagan flourishes may be, why not use them if they work? They do add a further touch of Nordic mystique to the band’s music that’s rather mystical, to begin with. While these Finnish folk shamans share traits with other Nordic Noir bands, such as VIGUNDR, WARDRUNA, and HEILUNG, the music is charged with a profoundly unique air that sets them apart.
Listening to the album from start to finish in one go proved difficult. After each song, my finger reached for the repeat button. It took me over an hour to finally get to the sixth track – and I’m not even the biggest fan of folk music. The dark, enchanting atmosphere in the song is just that immersive, especially with headphones, that you would rather have it last a little bit longer. With a great effort of will and voodoo, however, I have managed to listen through the album a few times now, and a couple of tracks stand out slightly more prominently than others. Yeah, every track is a banger, but the reworking of the track, “Käärmeen Synty,” which was originally released on the 2023 EP, “Alinen,” is even more so. It is by far one of the most goosebumpey tracks on the album by virtue of contrasting the band’s signature ambient serenity with the ever-growing intensity of the vocals. The track features some cool goblin vocals by Virolainen, too. Then, changing the mood entirely, “Matka” unfolds like a ritual chant, adorned with some haunting flute and kantele motifs. For this once, to say that you can feel the music literally embrace you is not a hyperbole. It surely does, especially if you ever get to see the band on stage! “Sielulintu” continues with a somewhat similar, yet more plaintive footing so that the word “Epic!” does not even begin to describe it.
The rest of the album rolls out somewhat more traditional, yet banging Nordic folk songs – until the closer, “Nostatus – Kantele Version,” proves yet another soul-stirring moment of spectral beauty that leaves you speechless. I’m no expert when it comes to this type of music, but there’s something in NOIDUIN that I have not found in contemporary folk very often; I guess it is the delicate balance between the atmospheric, almost weightless feel about it and the poignant, mesmerizing pull of the music, mixed with memorable melodies. Although I had to skip the last big headliner of this year’s Tuska to catch these folk sages in action, it was well worth it! Now, I can re-live that experience by listening to this magnificent album at home. It is easily one of the most haunting album releases this year.
Written by Jani Lehtinen
Tracklist
- Nouse Maa
- Päästä Minun
- Käärmeen Synty
- Matka
- Sielulintu
- Unohdettu
- Karhun Synty
- Kirottu Rauta
- Nostatus – Kantele Version
Lineup
Jemina – vocals, the bowed lyre
Henri Virolainen – vocals, the bowed lyre, kantele
Matilda Lepistö – vocals, jaw harp, percussion
Mikko Lahti – drums, percussion
Label
Independent
