The Finnish Progressive Jazz supergroup Mortality is set to release their highly anticipated second album, titled “Volume II.” The album, which will be released on September 06 2024, will be available on vinyl LP, CD, and streaming platforms. ItĀ once again features the leading figures of Finnish jazz, with guest appearances by guitarist Teemu Viinikainen and the virtuosic vocalist Teri Mantere. The release of the new album will be celebrated with two concerts: on September 11, 2024 at Sellosali in Espoo and on September 12 at G Livelab in Tampere.
The band published the official music video for the track “Mortality part II,” watch it through the YouTube player below:
“Mortality captivated both audiences and critics with their debut album released at the end of 2019. The debut album, heavier in theme than words can express, carried the emotional burden of composer and producer Tapio Ylinen’s personal tragedy. Skillfully blending contemporary jazz with elements of progressive rock, the album unfolded as a musical journey full of sensitivity and hope. The album received critical acclaim all over Europe, was nominated for the Finnish equivalent of the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album and got producer-composer Ylinen awarded personally by the national broadcaster YLE.“
Following the successful release of their debut album, the band’s composer/producer has been working on a beautiful sequel to the original release. The twists and turns of personal life continue to serve as the undercurrent of the compositions.
The new album “Volume II” creates melancholic tones and bittersweet harmonies, balancing delicately on the edge of joy and melancholy. The central theme of the album is the dualism of beginnings and endings. The Big Bang and the expansion (and eventual cooling) of the universe are reflected in the titles of the tracks, as are births and deaths.
Tapio Ylinen‘s soulful compositions come to life with a new lineup featuringĀ Jori HuhtalaĀ on bass,Ā Mika KallioĀ on drums,Ā Mikael MyrskogĀ on keyboards, andĀ Johannes GranrothĀ on guitar. The top-level brass and wind section includesĀ Manuel Dunkel, Max Zenger, Mikko Pettinen, andĀ ‘Gunu’ Karjalainen. Additionally, guitaristĀ Teemu ViinikainenĀ makes a special appearance, as does vocalistĀ Teri Mantere, whose reinterpretation of Ylinen’s composition “Desperate Measures” – originally released by the Progressive bandĀ 5th Season – is sure to be one of the year’s most remarkable vocal performances in Finnish Jazz.Ā “Desperate Measures” will be released as the third single from the album on August 16, 2024.
Pre-Order the album on Bandcamp: https://mortalityband.bandcamp.com/album/mortality-vol-ii-2
Tracklist:
01. For Oona (introduction)
02. Towards Darkness
03. The Expanding Universe, part I
04. The Expanding Universe, part II
05. Mortality, part II
06. For Oona (reprise)
07. Desperate Measures
Lineup:
Manuel Dunkel / Tenor Saxophone
Mikko Pettinen / Trumpet
Max Zenger / Alto Saxophone
Mikko āGunuā Karjalainen / Trumpet & FlugelhornĀ
Mikael Myrskog / Keyboards
Johannes Granroth / Electric Guitar
Jori Huhtala / Electric Bass & Double Bass
Mika Kallio / Drums
Tapio Ylinen / Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Feat.
Teemu Viinikainen / Guitar (track 6)
Teri Mantere / Vocals (track 7)
