Biography

The Finnish jazz supergroup Mortality released their highly anticipated second album Volume II in September 2024. It once again features the leading figures of Finnish jazz, with guest appearances by guitarist Teemu Viinikainen and the virtuosic vocalist Teri Mantere.

Mortality captivated both audiences and critics with their debut album released at the end of 2019. The debut album, heavier in theme than words can express, carried the emotional burden of composer and producer Tapio Ylinen's personal tragedy. Skillfully blending contemporary jazz with elements of progressive rock, the album unfolded as a musical journey full of sensitivity and hope. The album received critical acclaim all over Europe, was nominated for the Finnish equivalent of the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album and got producer-composer Ylinen awarded personally by the national broadcaster YLE.

Following the successful release of their debut album, the band's composer/producer has been working on a beautiful sequel to the original release. The twists and turns of personal life continue to serve as the undercurrent of the compositions.

The new album Volume II creates melancholic tones and bittersweet harmonies, balancing delicately on the edge of joy and melancholy. The central theme of the album is the dualism of beginnings and endings. The Big Bang and the expansion (and eventual cooling) of the universe are reflected in the titles of the tracks, as are births and deaths.

Tapio Ylinen's soulful compositions come to life with a new lineup featuring Jori Huhtala on bass, Mika Kallio on drums, Mikael Myrskog on keyboards, and Johannes Granroth on guitar. The top-level brass and wind section includes Manuel Dunkel, Max Zenger, Mikko Pettinen, and 'Gunu' Karjalainen. Additionally, guitarist Teemu Viinikainen makes a special appearance, as does vocalist Teri Mantere, whose reinterpretation of Ylinen's composition Desperate Measures—originally released by the progressive band 5th Season—is sure to be one of the year's most remarkable vocal performances in Finnish jazz.

Tracklist

1. For Oona (introduction)
2. Towards Darkness
3. The Expanding Universe, part I
4. The Expanding Universe, part II
5. Mortality, part II
6. For Oona (reprise)
7. Desperate Measures