Finnish heavy alternative band Ceresian Valot has released their debut album Uumen today, May 23, 2025, via Prophecy Productions, now available for streaming on YouTube. Formed in 2020 by four ex-members of Ghost Brigade—Wille Naukkarinen (guitars), Veli-Matti Suihkonen (drums), Tapio Vartiainen (guitars), and Joni Vanhanen (keyboards, vocals)—alongside Panu Perkiömäki (vocals) and Ville Angervuori (bass), the band delivers a 7-track, 44-minute journey blending alternative, rock, progressive, and metal elements. The album, already acclaimed with a #3 spot in Metallian’s soundcheck and #10 in Rock Hard Germany’s top 47, features doomy riffs, northern melancholia, fragile interludes, and trip-hop soundscapes, as guitarist Naukkarinen describes: “It’s not the easiest album to digest, but… albums like this are needed.”
Thematically, Uumen explores insecurity—both global and personal—while emphasizing nature’s importance, as vocalist Perkiömäki notes: “The lyrics are gloomy, but… there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Tracks like “Uumen” and “Hyöky” highlight contrasts with instrumental-turned-vocal passages, per Vanhanen. Recorded DIY-style in Jyväskylä and Helsinki, mixed by Suihkonen, and mastered by Vanhanen, the album’s artwork and layout were crafted by Naukkarinen.
Order Uumen in Digipak CD, black vinyl LP, or limited marbled black & white vinyl (200 copies) at lnk.spkr.media/ceresianvalot-uumen.
