Auri

Auri is a Finnish progressive folk trio formed in 2011, though they did not release their debut until 2018. The group serves as a significant creative outlet for Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley of Nightwish, alongside acclaimed vocalist/violinist Johanna Kurkela.

Their sound identity is defined by a high-fidelity blend of Celtic traditionalism, cinematic scoring, and dream-pop sensibilities. Unlike the heavy metal context of their primary bands, Auri emphasizes 'rabbit hole music' - an immersive, escapist style that prioritizes atmosphere and intricate acoustic textures. Their work is heavily influenced by literature, specifically Patrick Rothfuss's 'The Kingkiller Chronicle', which provided the band's name. Critically, they are viewed as a sophisticated evolution of the neofolk and chamber folk genres, praised for their exceptional production quality (often recording at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios) and their ability to create 'metal-adjacent' music that remains entirely acoustic and ethereal. They occupy a unique space between the folk-rock of Blackmore's Night and the ethereal wave of Loreena McKennitt.