Karisma Records is proud to announce a new album from Finnish collective Onségen Ensemble. The band’s fifth album, “A Tale,” will be released June 26th on vinyl, CD and digital formats, and will be available on all major streaming platforms. With “A Tale,” the band’s expression becomes more ethereal and profound than before. While Onségen Ensemble operates within a progressive mindset, they deliberately avoid traditional genre boundaries, creating music that moves forward by absorbing influences intuitively, free from stylistic dogma.
Words from the artist:
On the album A Tale, we felt a strong need to explore something new. As with our previous records, we’ve always introduced new elements along the way — instruments as well as musicians — and this album is no exception.
Vilma’s contribution as a vocalist has influenced our sound far beyond that of a single instrument. In many ways, her presence is defining. We believe this significant shift expands our expression into something broader, richer, and even more nuanced. The central theme of the album is peace. In many ways, it feels like the only value that still truly holds meaning in today’s world. Peace is diverse, what we dare not be.
The first taste from “A Tale” is the opening track “Garden of Celestials,” which is released both as a digital single and video on the 30th of April. Watch the official music video via the YouTube player below:
Purchase and Stream “Garden Of Celestial” here: https://orcd.co/garden-of-celestials
Words from the artist:
Garden of Celestials is an excellent example of the direction we have taken as a band — hazier, more softer and more ethereal. Like many of our songs, it explores the far side of the horizon of thought: an unreachable destination that we move toward with deliberate determination, not fully knowing what it may ultimately offer us.
Based in the north and shaped by its environment, Onségen Ensemble has built a distinctive identity through constant transformation. Rather than a fixed lineup, the band functions as a living ensemble: a stable core surrounded by ever-changing contributors. Each album introduces new voices, instruments and perspectives, allowing the music to evolve freely and remain open to the unexpected.
The album was produced by Niko Lehdontie, known for his work with Oranssi Pazuzu, Kairon, IRSE!, Grave Pleasures, and Kaleidobolt. His involvement brings a subtle Psychedelic undercurrent to the album, balanced by a strong sense of beauty and restraint.
Artwork by Merja Järvelin.
“A Tale” will be released on June 26th in CD, Digital and Black and Transparent Rabbit Hole Vinyl formats, and is now available to pre-order.
Pre-Order “A Tale” here: EU Shop | US Shop | Bandcamp
Tracklist:
01. Garden of Celestials
02. To be Led by the Lost
03. A Thought
04. The Word
05. Oldest Father
06. The First Casualty
07. Crystal Water of Spring
Lineup:
Heikki Hallanoro / Percussions
Tuuli Jartti / Violin
Merja Järvelin / Backing Vocals, Artwork
Esa Juujärvi / Bass, Vocals, Recording and Co-Production
Samuli Lindberg / Drums
Joni Mäkelä / Guitar
Vilma Pesola / Vocals
Mikko Vuorela / Flute, Harmonica, Soundscapes
Jarmo Väärä / Trumpet