Kiuas
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Espoo , Finland |
| Products | Power metal music, albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | www |
Kiuas is a power metal ensemble originating from Espoo, Finland, known for integrating elements of folk metal, extreme metal, and progressive metal into their sound.
History
Prior to the formation of Kiuas, members Markku Näreneva, Teemu Tuominen, and Ilja Jalkanen were part of Iconofear, a dark heavy metal group that emerged following the dissolution of the blackened death metal outfit Agonia. After producing a single EP with Iconofear, these musicians shifted their focus to Kiuas, which was established in 2000 by founding members Mikko Salovaara, Markku Näreneva, Teemu Tuominen, and Atte Tanskanen, with Ilja Jalkanen as the lead vocalist.
In 2002, operating independently, they released a demo titled The Discipline of Steel, comprised of four tracks inspired by the cultural symbolism of steel. The following year saw the launch of Born Under the Northern Lights, which garnered enough acclaim to secure a contract with Rage of Achilles.
Their initial label-supported EP, Winter in June (2004), received praise for its fusion of extreme metal subgenres alongside hard rock and classical guitar influences. Unfortunately, Rage of Achilles soon ceased operations due to overexpansion, leaving Kiuas and other associated bands such as Amoral, Elenium, and Omnium Gatherum without record deals. Subsequently, Spinefarm Records signed Kiuas.
The band's debut full-length album, The Spirit of Ukko (2005), explored themes centered on Pagan deities. This was followed by their sophomore release Reformation in 2006, which was recognized for its enhanced structural complexity and technical proficiency while preserving their distinctive style.
In 2008, Kiuas unveiled their third album, The New Dark Age, which showcased a move toward a more intense sound. Prior to the album's release, the single "Of Sacrifice, Loss and Reward" was issued. The band supported Children of Bodom during a concert at London's Astoria and performed internationally, including an appearance at the Alimas Carnival in the Maldives.
Their 2010 album Lustdriven featured compositions predominantly crafted by guitarist Mikko Salovaara. Later that year in October, vocalist Ilja Jalkanen departed to explore opportunities beyond heavy metal. Asim Searah stepped in as frontman in January 2011 but was released from the band in September 2012.
On 29 August 2013, Kiuas declared their disbandment, culminating in a farewell performance held in Helsinki on 18 October.
Reformation
Kiuas announced their return on 24 February 2021, revealing intentions to produce new material and resume live performances within that year. The reassembled lineup includes original members Tuominen, Näreneva, Salovaara, Tanskanen, and Jalkanen.
On 1 March 2024, the original lineup issued a four-track EP titled Samooja: Pyhiinvaellus.
Current members
- Mikko Salovaara – guitar, vocals (2000–2013, 2021–present)
- Teemu Tuominen – bass guitar (2000–2013, 2021–present)
- Ilja Jalkanen – vocals (2000–2010, 2021–present)
- Markku Näreneva – drums (2000–2011, 2021–present)
- Atte Tanskanen – keyboard (2000–2011, 2021–present)
Former members
- Asim Searah – vocals, guitar (2010–2012)
- Rainer Tuomikanto – drums (2011–2013)
- Jari Pailamo – keyboard (2011–2013)
Studio albums
- The Spirit of Ukko (2005)
- Reformation (2006)
- The New Dark Age (2008)
- Lustdriven (2010)
EPs
- Winter at June (2004)
- Kiuas War Anthems (2008)
- Sailing Ships (2009)
- Samooja: Pyhiinvaellus (2024)
Singles
- "Race with Falcons" (2006)
- "Of Sacrifice, Loss, and Reward" (2008)
- "Of Love, Lust, and Human Nature" (2010)
Music videos
- "The Decaying Doctrine" (2008)
- "Conqueror" (2008)
- "Of Love, Lust, and Human Nature" (2010)