Šamane moves timelessly along the dark halls of cold, mesmeric tones and ancient soundscapes. In their music, deep rhythms, echoing electric guitars, Arabian oud and drony basses play together with scenic and serpentine vocals, inviting the listener to open the door to one's own inner journey.
The Finland three-piece has been building a distinctive, immersive sound of their own since their initial formation in 2017. Singer-bassist Saara Šamane’s expressive voice, singing in Finnish as well as in the absence of words, feels ancient, elegant and powerful. Guitarist Aleksi Kiiskilä’s untraditional use of the Arabian oud and the electric guitar combine ageless and contemporary scales, with a dynamic touch spanning from the most fragile brush of a finger to full-blown black metal tremolo picking. Merged together with Otto Heino’s hypnotic drum work, with timpani-like toms and captivating cymbal use, these elements together create a deep listening experience. Šamane has played together with bands like Buzz’ Ayaz and 1000Mods.
After releasing their three genre-bending albums, Kaukana virtaa Eufrat (2019), Šamane (2020) and Solstice (2024) via their own label Last Day of the North, the band is currently working on their fourth album, reaching ever deeper into the layers between the conscious and unconscious mind.
Line-up
Saara Šamane VOCALS & BASS
Aleksi Kiiskilä GUITAR & OUD
Otto Heino DRUMS
Albums
Kaukana virtaa Eufrat (2019)
Šamane (2020)
Solstice (2024)
Šamane 2024
Šamane at Tullikamarin Klubi. Photo by Matti Nevalainen
"This is a wonderfully constructed, elegiac record with which to calm the troubled mind and soul and one which I would have no hesitation in recommending. A truly fantastic aural experience."
The Sleeping Shaman
"Pitkiin säveliin, toisteisuuteen ja ambient-tunnelmiin nojaava materiaali vaatii keskittymistä ja rituaalin ääreen rauhoittumista. Kaikki tuo kuitenkin kannattaa, sillä Solstice tarjoilee portteja, joiden läpi kulkea kohti omaa sisäistä avaruutta – tai jotain kaikkia meitä yhdistävää totuutta."
Inferno Magazine