“A Tale,” the fifth, and latest album from the Finnish collective Onségen Ensemble was released on Karisma Records, on June 26th of this year.
Their PR release states, “Based in the north of Finland, 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.” And I can verify that because I reviewed their last album, Realms, on November 10, 2022. “Realms,” was so much fun and took me back to the “spaghetti western”, movie soundtracks of the 1960s; like Ennio Morricone or Luis Bacalov. So, the moment I saw this album up for review I jumped at it.
Onségen Ensemble, describes, “A Tale”, as, “The band’s expression of more ethereal and profound music than in their past. While Onségen Ensemble operates within a progressive mindset; they deliberately avoided traditional genre boundaries, creating music that moves forward by absorbing influences intuitively, free from stylistic dogma. As with their previous records, they’ve always introduced new elements along the way — instruments as well as musicians — and this album is no exception. 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.”
Onségen Ensemble is made up of members for “The Tale,” including: Heikki Hallanoro, on percussions; Tuuli Jartti, on violin; Merja Järvelin; on backing vocals, and album art work; 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, and soundscapes; and Jarmo Väärä, on trumpet.
Esa Juujärvi, one of the founding members of Onségen Ensemble, sings, on one of the best songs on the album, “Garden of Celestials;” to open the album. His kind of monotone delivery is full of straight-ahead authenticity. This track has a supporting music video which is the best music video the band has produced for this album, so far. The song opens with that trademark Ennio Morricone backdrop, complete with dynamic flute added into the building soundscape. Esa Juujärvi sings the powerful lyrics, “Dandelion choir, enchanting calls, revealing a realm unknown to me. Vivid shades, like a gathering storm, illuminate the gateless gate. Clouds like sparkling silver, frozen sea folds into the sky. Footprints on the freshly fallen snow invite us to pass through the wide-open gate. To the garden of celestials, the garden of celestials.” Yes, just the way I had hoped they would start this album. Powerful and direct. Unflinching and raw. Esa sings, “Joyful and caring souls of your blood, rejoicing and dancing to the choir. To free ourselves and become one, together we’ll cross the gate. To the garden of celestials, the garden of celestials.” Like something you may have heard from Jim Morrison, back in the ‘Era of Freedom’.
The next song, “To be Led by the Lost,” I really appreciate the lyrics. As if they asked me what to write about. This needed to be said so badly. The song opens with perfect flute. Like somehow, they harnessed the wind and sound of Chris Wood from Traffic…from the beyond. The lead guitar playing reminds me of early Doors and others from that era. Esa Juujärvi sings, “Our will, our hope, our love. Dreams to live for. Spirits, our souls, the aether, pure sky. Our tales and time, our faith and hearts. To be led by the lost. Our passion, our fury, our grace. Forces to live by. The sun, the fire, thunder and storms. Lust and desire, our rapture, our wars.” Yes, we are led by the lost right now. And it is not as ideal as these words speak. It is at times very frustrating. But the rest of the words are good. We need to get back to nature so immediately. The bass, drums, horns and flute build one powerful soundscape reminiscent of the kind of music I was lucky enough to grow up hearing. I wish more bands could capture this sound so authentically.
“A Thought,” opens with deep bass and strings. Esa Juujärvi sings, “Peace is a thought, followed by the word. A tale told by the old, leads to learning’s end. Told to be forgotten, forgotten to be retold. Never beginning. Peace is a flame, lit by devastation. Dependent on shelter, never meant to fade. Burns, caresses and devours, yearning to be free. Starves when left unfed.” Yes, powerful lyrics fill this album completely. Here are some more from Esa, “Peace is blood, boiled in rage. Narrowing veins, a hug fueled by loss. Peace is diverse, what we dare not be. Longing for it only once it’s gone. Peace is a thought, followed by the word. A tale told by the old, leads to learning’s end. Told to be forgotten, forgotten to be retold. Never ending.” We all want and hope for never-ending peace. This is a song to worship it.
“The Word,” is a powerful instrumental filled with electric guitar, bass and steady drums. Merja Järvelin fills in spaces with wonderful vocalizations as the trumpets and soundscape rise higher. I believe I even hear a didgeridoo. They had one on their last album.
“Oldest Father,” opens with a blast of powerful soundscape rhythms, full of strings, electric guitar, bass and drums. Esa Juujärvi returns to sing, but I could not locate the lyrics to the final three songs. The strings and violin on this one are enormous and reminds me of some of Zeppelin’s classics like “Kasmir.”
“The First Casualty,” opens quietly with percussion and Pink Floyd like lead guitar, surrounded by flute and people chanting. A little like some of the early songs I remember from Santana. The drum playing is perfect as that bold lead electric guitar stands up on the soundscape. Then, they bring in trumpet to top off the sound. Just like a wonderful drift back in time to Ennio Morricone. Close your eyes and takes this wonderful instrumental ride. Choirs join in to complete the feeling of human warmth surrounding the song.
“Crystal Waters of Spring,” opens just like you would have hoped. Those brilliant keyboards sound like the drops of rain falling. This gets surrounded with soft flute and all manner of wonderful percussion. A real glide back in time to maybe Santana’s “Caravanserai.” The kind of album you need to sit quietly to, and appreciate every moment. The acoustic guitar and flute absolutely take you on the wind, like another favorite of mine, from the Seattle band, Heart, in the song, “Mistral Wind.” A wonderful and epic closing song for this masterpiece of an album. Percussion, flute, drums, guitar, bass, and everything else you would require on a trip to meditation.
Onségen Ensemble’s “A Tale,” isn’t so much a tale of anything specific. It is a tale of wandering, dreaming, and meditation, for all listeners to enjoy as a journey of their own, to a destination they favor. It is so much, like Santana’s “Caravanserai.” It takes me right back where Carlos needed a shot in the creative spirit. And he took his own journey of peace with “Caravanserai.” He had been searching for something new, and he found it. Santana created this journey that any of us can take. That is how I look at Onségen Ensemble’s “A Tale.” It is a journey of your own, that you imagine; using their music to stimulate your creativity. The objective of this album was to create, “peace.” So, lie back, relax and enjoy the peaceful journey that is “A Tale!”
TRACKLIST:
1. Garden of Celestials
2. To be Led by the Lost
3. A Thought
4. The Word
5. Oldest Father
6. The First Casualty
7. Crystal Waters of Spring
“A Tale,” 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. Produced by Niko Lehdontie (Oranssi Pazuzu, Grave Pleasures etc.).
Limited edition LP, 180g Black/Transparent “Rabbit Hole” Vinyl. Digital singles: “Garden of Celestials,” (30/4), “A Thought.” (28/5).
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://onsegenensemble.bandcamp.com/album/a-tale-2
https://www.facebook.com/KarismaRecords
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAY-ZErJ3YEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8gaOLwoMUA