“AURI is a magical experience” – Interview with drummer Kai Hahto

Interview with Kai Hahto (AURI, NIGHTWISH, WINTERSUN) and live report

Munich, Sept 26, 2025

Back to the roots and out into the realms of sorcery and enchanted forests: AURI proved that their unique kind of music is appealing to people through all generations and with different backgrounds. However, I spotted many NIGHTWISH t-shirts in the audience at Carl-Orff-Saal (Gasteig) in Munich, and probably, most AURI fans still only heard about the self declared “atmospheric gothic folk” band hailing from Finland and the UK because of their interest in founding members Tuomas Holopainen and Troy Donockley of said symphonic metal band. AURI’s lead vocalist, the famous finnish pop artist, Johanna Kurkela (also EYE OF MELIAN) completes the trio and since their second album, another NIGHTWISH member, drummer Kai Hahto, attracted even more fans from the harder parts of music culture. AURI nevertheless are convincing more and more music lovers, as they should, and footage of their extraordinarily beautiful first ever live performances is currently spreading like wildfire on social media.

The moment I saw clips of the tour posted by friends, I was stunned by the quality of the production, keeping in mind, that although AURI is made by internationally famous, skilled musicians, and not by newbies, their music is based so outside of any box, that they are still considered “insider tips” despite the effort of their label to boost AURI’s reputation by listing it under progressive. Nuclear Blast actually being a ‚metal band only label‘ had been wise enough though to only book small venues, and to use an inexpensive but effective stage set up, which turned out to be exactly what AURI needs.

The intimacy of the room and the stage design, the possibility for lead performer Johanna Kurkela to directly look into the eyes of everyone in front of the stage, the lantern light inspired illumination, the projection of morphing shapes to the ceiling and walls, helped create this immersive experience that wouldn’t have worked in a bigger setting. The whole concert brought the concept of AURI to life as an entity, while the tour clearly has not the intention to only promote the latest album, as the set list contained mostly songs of the first two AURI albums, but only four of the new ones. More important seemed to be the evolution of the stories they wanted to tell us.

During “Duty of Dust”, several deeply heartfelt sighs and sobs could be heard in the audience, not only due to the excruciatingly beautiful delivery by Johanna Kurkela, but also background singer Johanna Iivanainen’s haunting harmonization. Consequently, at the end of the concert, Johanna Iivanainen earned a roaring applause and Kurkela’s curtsies.

All in all, the composition of the set list offered a well balanced mix of slow, emotional, then thrilling, even creepy, moments, lightened up every now and then with cheerful, up beat dance tunes. It took the band repeated invitations though, until the Bavarians felt at ease enough to stand up and actually take on the floor for “Blakey Ridge”. My biggest surprise was “Them Thar Chanterelles” which I never really appreciated on the record, but played life, it turned out to make the whole crowd clap, whistle, and chant. Standing ovations had been inevitable after the masterfully performed “Shieldmaiden”, which is one of my favorites of the new album. The AURI chapter of the day was closed with the cozy “Fireside Bard” played by the three main members only. The experienced musicians visibly enjoyed this intimate evening just as much as their fans.

To everyone hesitating: Go to AURI concerts ASAP or you’d miss out on one of the most wholesome musical experiences! The band is still touring, so check out below, where you’ll find the upcoming shows.

Sadly, I couldn’t get a license for live photography, and I also respected the band’s wish for a screen free concert – therefore I can only contribute a few shots to this article.

However, that’s been not too bad, as SKULL NEWS got honored by an interview with drummer Kai Hahto who also recorded a nice little greeting for our new playlist on Spotify!

Jasmin: Thank you very much for agreeing to do this interview and welcome to Munich!

Kai: Sure! And again, in Munich. Of course, I’ve been here before, many many times, but this is the first time with AURI.

Jasmin: And you were wild enough to come to Munich during Oktoberfest!

Kai: Ah, it’s a shame that we can’t go there! We are traveling to Vienna after tonight’s show, so we won’t have the time for visiting the Oktoberfest! Would have been fun.

Jasmin: It’s not very different to a metal festival, to be honest, thousands of drunk people singing and dancing …

Kai: True, just different music!

Jasmin: How would you describe AURI in three words?

Kai: In only three words … huh …

Jasmin: In English or Finnish, whichever is easier.

Kai: Magical. For me, it’s magical.

Jasmin: One.

Kai: [laughs] the second word would be “interesting”: “magical interesting collaboration”. It truly is a magical and interesting collaboration of the three main band members Troy, Tuomas and Johanna. They’re are all writing music for the band, not only Tuomas. All three of them are writing for AURI in a perfect equal balance. AURI is a magical, equal balance and collaboration of three wonderful musicians.

Jasmin: Now, you’re here with AURI. A couple of years ago, would you have thought that AURI would release three albums and that you’d be touring with AURI, one day?

Kai: For the recording, I’ve only done the second and third album. On the first album, Frank Van Essen played the drums, the violin, some of the string parts. I was involved as a drummer since the second AURI album II – Those We Don’t Speak Of [our review here] and then on the recent one, III – Candles & Beginnings [our review here].

Jasmin: When AURI debuted, in the beginning, they announced it as a studio project without a further intention to do live shows. The fans have therefore been completely surprised about the release of a second, then third album. And to everyone’s surprise, you’re touring this year!

Kai: We thought, as NIGHTWISH is currently taking a break from touring, we’ve got the time for other activities. The AURI concerts are feeling really refreshing, because NIGHTWISH had been a constant in my life. I played over 300 shows since 2015 with NIGHTWISH, since I stepped in for Jukka. Then, we toured with Endless Forms and the Decades shows, so the band hasn’t really taken much of a break in between and everyone of us also has a life besides playing music. I mean, if I could and if I’d be alone at home, I’d probably make music all the time, but you know, everyone has a family, I’ve got my wife, kids and dogs, there is a life outside of the music as well. Yet, it feels nice to be back on stage this time with AURI.

Jasmin: From the entire three albums, which is your favorite song?

Kai: “Desert Flower”, definitely. From the first time that I heard it, it’s one of my favorite. We couldn’t play it on the last show as Troy had a bad flu and wasn’t able to sing this song, but we’re trying, if he’s well enough tonight.

Jasmin: Poor Troy! He should go to the sauna to cure his flu!

Kai: He should! But Troy’s an english man, he doesn’t the sauna! He’s only been maybe twice in his life in a sauna, being in a mostly Finnish band, he had to try it.

Jasmin: If not the sauna, maybe he could try tervasnapsi [a finnish spirit flavoured with birch tree tar].

Kai: Tervasnapsi, and salmiakki [a finnish schnaps with salty licorice] ! That would help! At the soundcheck, everyone sounded fine, I think that we can play “Desert Flower” tonight. Of the songs, where I was involved, I love “Duty of Dust” most. It’s very emotional. Of the new album, I enjoy “Blakey Ridge”, which is a fun song about singing in a bar, inspired by the pubs in Northern England, where Troy lives. You’ll see, it’s a fun song live!

Jasmin: Comparing your drumming styles, in NIGHTWISH, or WINTERSUN, you’re the true metal beast, and in AURI, your style is more gentle, more subtle. Which style is more challenging for you?

Kai: AURI. For AURI, for example, I change sides several times: In one song, I’m holding the shaker in the left hand, in another song, I use my right hand, and compared to metal drumming, I use both hands more, depending on where my hands have to move next. My style in AURI is minimalist, but the drums are where they have to be, intentional. As I played metal so so long, it’s more in my DNA, than other styles, but I’ve also played Dixieland jazz in the past, or even Finnish schlager music, even pop music and a little bit of Latin music and some African music. All of these different styles are coming together now in AURI. Without all of what I’ve played and learned in the past, I probably wouldn’t be capable to play this kind of music.

Jasmin: With your diverse experiences in mind, do you think there are any limits? Are there any music genres that you would never consider playing?

Kai: To me, music is music. If I like the music, I play it. And if I don’t like it, then usually I just say no. If you never try something new, however, if you never challenge yourself, you will never be able to grow as a musician. Back then, there was a time when I said yes to everything, because that was the only way to grow personally. Later, I found that I needed to play with people who’re above my level, with better musicians, so I could improve.

Jasmin: What is your advice then, for people who are aspiring artists, starting a career as a drummer: Would you tell them to try out many different things and then head into one direction? Or would you say it’s better to find your niche very early?

Kai: I’ve played drums for so long, that I am sure that all doors remain open at all times as long as you don’t limit yourself. And even if you decide to play in a very specific genre, let’s say jazz, you should keep yourself your opportunities open. If you want to play jazz, then be prepared to suffer, like financially, because that music is not like something that it’s really easy to do for a living. On the other hand, I would never base my decisions on where I could earn the most money. I am playing music because of my love for music. And I like to challenge myself. Whenever I made a decision, when I left SWALLOW THE SUN for example, another door opened and I joined NIGHTWISH. Then, Troy Donockley joined the group and something else developed, which is now AURI.

Jasmin: Prior to this interview, I collected questions from friends and fan groups, which I’d hope you can answer.

Kai: Sure!

Jasmin: This one is from Randy who wants to know, as you’re often seen with IRON MAIDEN shirts and caps, if you’re a collector and if yes, which one is your favorite Maiden item at home?

Kai: Yes, I have a lot of IRON MAIDEN stuff at home, but I don’t really collect it. I don’t have two dozens of T-Shirts or those mini figures, although, of course, I do buy new IRON MAIDEN merch, as I’ve been a fan of the band since I was 8 years old. I do actually have one mini Eddie with the Trooper flag, however, I mostly buy their music. The music is the most important. From the albums, it’s hard for me to tell which is my favorite, as it varies from time to time. Sometimes, it’s Peace of Mind, sometimes it’s Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, sometimes it’s Powerslave. Killers was of course the first album by IRON MAIDEN that I listened to, that’s why I’ve got my Killers tattoo on my left arm. It’s been my first love.

Jasmin: This question comes from a dear friend of mine, Matan Shmuely [drummer of ORPHANED LAND].

Kai: Oh, he’s a good friend of mine as well, because we used to work together.

Jasmin: Matan told me all about your support years ago, when you helped him land an endorsement contract for which he is forever thankful.

Kai: I remember Matan, he’s a great guy, and I love the band [ORPHANED LAND].

Jasmin: Me too! Well, Matan wants me to ask you your opinion on the following: In Matan’s view, in metal music live on stage, nowadays, it oftentimes are the vocalists and the drummers only, who are still the authentic part. With today’s technology, where some bands don’t use amplifiers anymore, or certain instruments, as you can replace them with playback tracks, emulator pedals – do you also think that these technological innovations will one day replace live drums? Do you think we will continue to see live drummers on metal stages?

Kai: I hope so! I totally hope so! Of course, you can already replace the drummers, but I think that the drummers, especially in metal, are giving the energy into the performance which has to be played live. Nothing can beat this. It’s reasonable, however, to play with symphonic backing tracks, like we do with NIGHTWISH, because we can’t bring a whole orchestra everywhere – but the band’s instruments, we play all of them live as much as possible. Our guitars, bass, the drums, everything is actually played live, as how it should be, how the fans expect us to play live. It’s true that some bands do pretend playing guitars or bass on stage, but I won’t tell any names, but for the drums, I don’t think anything could replace the energy that we’re bringing on the stage.

Jasmin: Christian from the NIGHTWISH Family fan group wants to know if you feel a difference performing on a big NIGHTWISH stage, compared to the more intimate AURI concerts?

Kai: At a NIGHTWISH concert, there are more people in the audience, but I don’t really think about it while playing. I’m fully focused on the music I’m playing and I don’t care if there are 50 or 5000 people, as long as we’re all enjoying the moment. Well, to be honest, I feel that I have to be more present for a small audience, because you would notice if I would be slacking. I’m fully there on the stage at 100% every evening, if it’s for just a few people or a big audience. You don’t have to drag me back on stage by force, because I love the people who I’m playing with, I love the music and I love to play for you. It’s wonderful to go on stage with these five people every night.

Jasmin: For the people who are still not sure whether or not to come to the AURI shows, what would you like to tell them? Why should they come and see your live shows?

Kai: Because it’s real, honest music, what we do. If you want to have an experience of a different kind, outside of the normal, come to our concerts and be surprised by the magic.

Kiitos, Kai, for this delightful interview! Thank you to the people for sending us questions!

Upcoming AURI concerts

27.09. AT  Wien, Simm City
29.09. HU  Budapest, MOM Kult
30.09. CZ  Prag, Hybernia
01.10. DE  Berlin, Passionskirche
02.10. DE  Leipzig, Kupfersaal
04.10. PL  Warschau, Palladium
06.10. DE  Hamburg, Laeiszhalle
07.10. DK  Kopenhagen, Amager Bio
08.10. SE  Stockholm, Nya Cirkus
09.10. NO  Oslo, Sentrum Scene
10.10. NO  Bergen, Grieghallen

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