Onségen Ensemble – A Tale (Karisma Records, 2026)
Onségen Ensemble is a northern Finnish group that began as a trio and gradually expanded into a formidable collective with changing lineups and guest musicians. Their sound evolved from heavy and hard rock roots into a highly original mix of psychedelic progressive rock, Finnish folk, world music influences, cinematic sounds and captivating storytelling.
On top of that, the lineup is unusual for a progressive rock band. Onségen Ensemble uses flute, violin, trumpet, percussion, guitar, bass, and drums, with no dedicated keyboardist. Their style features warm, expressive vocals, intricate psychedelic electric guitar work, charming Agusa-like flute passages, spellbinding electronic atmospheres, and rich acoustic instrumentation.
A Tale is the band’s fifth studio album and their darkest, most cinematic work. Influences range from psychedelic folk and King Crimson-inspired guitar work to post-rock ambience, Dead Can Dance, and moody electronica.
“Garden of Celestials” has mystical, hypnotic, and majestic feel with dreamy female vocals, persistent flute, and Floydian space-rock with cosmic psychedelic guitars.
“To Be Led by the Lost” is a dark, reflective ballad with warm male vocals with trumpet and cinematic drama. It is atmospheric, shadowy, and contemplative.
“A Thought” is driven by deep bass, melancholic violin, and haunting vocals. It builds gradually into a powerful emotional climax.
The instrumental track “The Word” has a shamanistic flavor with galloping rhythms, chants and psychedelic guitars.
On “Oldest Father” the band takes you into dark folk realm with religious overtones. The song is repetitive, hypnotic, and meditative.
“The First Casualty” combines tribal percussion with electronica, trumpet, and choral sounds.
“Crystal Waters of Spring” is the album’s longest and most intricate composition. You’ll find hang drum, flute, layered vocals, psychedelic guitars, and gradual crescendos where folk traditions meet progressive rock complexity.
Musicians: Heikki Hallanoro on percussion; Tuuli Jartti on violin; Merja Järvelin on backing vocals; Esa Juujärvi on bass, vocals, recording and co-production; Samuli Lindberg on drums; Joni Mäkelä on guitar; Vilma Pesola on vocals; Mikko Vuorela on flute, harmonica, soundscapes; Jarmo Väärä on trumpet.
Cover by Merja Järvelin
Track Listing
- Garden of Celestials (6:20)
- To be Led by the Lost (7:09)
- A Thought (5:46)
- The Word (5:11)
- Oldest Father (4:50)
- The First Casualty (4:25)
- Crystal Waters of Spring (8:32)
Buy A Tale.