1. Epäonnistuneille 07:04
2. Epätoivo 05:27
3. Vapahtaja 06:00
4. Ylle palavan maailman 06:59
5. Kahleet 05:26
6. Tyhjyys 06:00
7. Tulevaisuudelle 04:53
8. Eksyneet 07:54
9. Kuoleman saattamana 05:13
Second full-lenght album by Virtaus.
Hailing from the cold lands of Finland, Virtaus unveil their second full-length opus, “Ajaton, ikuinen kuolema”. Containing nine ferocious and equally atmospheric pieces of Art, the title unleashes another dose of darkness and enormous emotional charge with raw intentsity. The trend transforms traditional Nordic black metal into a unique, cold, and bleak art form that deals with the darkness of existential pain, misanthropic themes, and imagery of the downfall of humanity. The band is supported by experienced names from the Finnish metal scene: T. Honkanen (Battlelore, Dark Elite), H. Hyytiäinen (Avathar, ex-Sear) and N. Pennanen (2 Wolves, ex-Mind Infection). Virtaus began in 2022 as Honkanen's solo project, but has since evolved into a full-fledged three-piece band. The new release deals with the themes of death, emptiness, and the end of humanity—both musically and lyrically. “Timeless, Eternal Death” is a haunting portrayal of the coldness of the universe and the insignificance of human life.
Virtaus: Biography
Virtaus is a Finnish Black Metal project, originating from Mäntsälä, Uusimaa. The band was officially formed in 2023 by founder T. Honkanen, and from its inception, the creative vision has been founded within the essence of the 90’s black metal scene.
Inspiration and Philosophy
Virtaus started as a deeply personal one-man project, operating under the philosophy that creation is simplified when the creator is the sole architect: "There is only one god."
The band's thematic core is forged in the darkest recesses of the mind. Its music and lyrics are a conduit for channeling the desperation of mankind and their failures, all of it viewed from the darkest shadows of the old forest. Virtaus dives into the depths of its creator's psyche to capture a bleak, unforgiving view on mankind and its failures.
Evolution and Lineup
The initial solo project began a significant evolution as it was realized that the original, primitive black metal idea had already risen to another realm, prompting a need for a development. This led to the expansion of the lineup:
N. Pennanen (NP): Joined in 2024 to handle drums. As a multi-talent, Pennanen brought drums to the project, crucial for the band's enhanced sound. He is also known for his work in other bands, including 2 Wolves.
H. Hyytiäinen (HH): Took over bass duties in 2024. A highly skilled musician, Hyytiäinen was a natural fit, already playing bass in Honkanen’s other band, Dark Elite, and being a familiar figure from previous musical collaborations. He also contributes to the band's sound by handling mixing and mastering.
The shift to a full band allowed Virtaus to realize its expanded vision. The latest album features this current, complete lineup, marking the project's transition from a solo effort to a unified force within the Finnish metal scene.
Album Introduction: “Ajaton, ikuinen kuolema”
The new album “Ajaton, ikuinen kuolema” from VIRTAUS (The Flow/The Current), is a work of total, uncompromising spiritual nihilism and ritualistic devotion to the abyss. Musically, it is a nuanced evolution of the extreme musical and lyrical art form, seeking to establish a distance to the generic black metal tropes. While the compositions never forget the harsh and brutal origins of the style, VIRTAUS introduces progressive and unconventional aspects, utilizing the destruction of the generic forms to enhance its thematic descent. The music is the relentless current that drags the listener through a world judged and condemned, ultimately delivering them to the transcendent freedom found in its absolute collapse.
While sung in Finnish, the lyrics communicate a universal and profound misanthropy. They paint the modern human endeavor as a futile creation of "hairless rats, blind in their dreams," celebrating the inevitable destruction of structures built only to fail. VIRTAUS is a direct rejection of all fleeting, earthly hope, finding a perverse and beautiful strength in failure, sorrow, and death.
This cosmic despair drives a furious occult transformation. The work details the desire for a twisted, dark resurrection, where the self is forged from "sulfur and filth" to become an "Anti-Life" form. It is the quest to rise above the "Burning World" as a bestial, divine entity, ultimately seeking to crush the false light and embrace a higher, inherent darkness.
The journey culminates in a surrender to "The Embrace of Eternity" and the necessary coldness of the void. The album proclaims that the only lasting identity is that of the "Eternal Force"—an unchained, blackest flame finally reduced to the "dust of the universe." Ajaton, ikuinen kuolema is a powerful, necessary statement: a ceremonial offering that guides the listener through life and into the long, cold sleep, where the eternal flow of darkness promises a final and true liberation.
ALBUM CREDITS
Music recorded by Virtaus.
Mixed & mastered by H.Hyytiäinen
Cover artwork by T.Honkanen
Band photo T.Salminen edited by T.Honkanen
