The final single release from forthcoming album IV, released on the 21st March 2025
Cats of Transnistria release their final single ahead of new album IV which arrives on the 21st March. “Thunder as an Arrow” goes deep into layered sounds, epic chord patterns and spatial drones aligned with rich drum ricochets. Epitomising much of what can be found within the sounds of the forthcoming album, “Thunder as an Arrow” brings large swathes of sound to the senses.
The band tells us of the track “It’s a powerful, dark and sinister song, and the lyrics are quite heavy metal, a spell for strength.”
“Thunder as an Arrow” is released on the 28th February, 2025 via Soliti Recordings.
Listen to “Thunder as an Arrow”
Composition, production, mixing, guitars, bass, synthesizers, drum machine, programming: Tuomas Alatalo
Composition, lyrics, vocals & vocal production: Henna Emilia Hietamäki
Mastering: Pekka Tuomi
Watch “Thunder as an Arrow”
The video for “Thunder as an Arrow” was filmed and edited by the multi talented musician Tytti Roto, who draws inspiration from old Music Television to her DIY aesthetics.
Initial reaction
“The ominously crackling and at the same time chillingly beautiful song promises good things for the upcoming album, especially since the previous singles from the upcoming album, Big Sleep and Horrors, are also the best Cats of Transnistria ever.” Rumba
Cats of Transnistria “IV” (Soliti 117)
Release date 21st March 2025
Cats of Transnistria IV album sleeve by Anni Porrasmäki
1. The Lore.
2. Big Sleep.
3. Thunder as an Arrow.
4. Eyes in the sky.
5. Horrors.
6. Basement.
7. In Lumine.
8. Ceiling of Stars.
Composition, production, mixing, guitars, bass, synthesizers, drum machine, programming: Tuomas Alatalo
Composition, lyrics, vocals & vocal production, synthesisers: Henna Emilia Hietamäki
Mastering: Pekka Tuomi Cats of Transnistria “IV” album sleeve by Anni Porrasmäki
Of the new album “IV” , Henna explains “We are very excited and proud to finally release new music. We were hibernating for a while, and after the pause it’s been very inspiring and fun to create something different together. The songs still sound distinctly like Cats of Transnistria, but the beats and the fuller production make a big difference to our previous albums. You can almost dance to some of the songs, although very, very slowly.”
“Having beats and all kinds of synth and bass tracks made the whole process very different compared to previous Cats albums. And it feels that we have taken our thing (and dramatism) to a new level. It definitely still sounds like Cats of Transnistria. Basically we’re just digging deeper.” Tuomas tells us
Upcoming Shows
Cats of Transnistria also announce two special performances for IV in late March
28.3. Vastavirta, Tampere:
CATS OF TRANSNISTRIA / DRAAMA-HELMI / UHRISAVU
29.3. Bar Loose, Helsinki:
CATS OF TRANSNISTRIA / OLIMPIA SPLENDID / UHRISAVU
Poster design Tekla Valy.
***** New date just added – 25.4. Kuudes Linja, Helsinki with Thelma’s Dream and Pia Fraus!
Promo pic Tekla Valy
Praise for advance singles “Big Sleep” and “Horrors”
“…you’ll be ripped from your roots when the 3:15 minute mark hits, crashing against you with thunderous beauty.” Austin Town Hall
“Hietamäki’s voice adds an angelic and dreamy feel to the piece, while synths and guitars bring melodies and a really tasty and pleasant cinematic feel.” Indie For Bunnies
“Horrors is a rather melodic and all around cinematic expression which finds the duo making great use of rhythm and bass.” Destroy/Exist
“…an atmospheric and immersive song that shows the duo’s cinematic style based on dreampop and shoegaze sounds.” Darkenin Hearts
“…an epic and cinematic musical exploration” With Guitars
“And this is a very good song. I’m sure the album will be, too.” Nordic Music Central
“…laced with fuzzed-out abrasive swelling riffs, and swept by dramatic diaphanous synth drifts, to build a dark melancholic aura encapsulated by angelic vocals” White Light/White Heat
“With ‘Big Sleep’, Cats of Transnistria reaffirm their status as pioneers of the genre, delivering a poignant and evocative piece that leaves listeners yearning for more.” Tits Upon Tyne
“…the track promises to captivate listeners with its unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the great 4AD sound, should immediately proceed!” Last Day Deaf
“”A number of grandiose sounds, of strong, tribal beats, making the bed for ethereal vocals and a very beautiful, epic, contemplative and intense atmosphere.” Heatwave
“The Finnish band did something rare” preview via Rumba
“…taking their expression in new directions” Soulwavez
DISCOGRAPHY
Aligning, LP 2019 (Soliti)
Opium, LP 2018 (Soliti)
Divine, LP 2016 (Soliti)
Away, EP 2015 (Soliti)
COT 2 by Tekla Valy
Cats of Transnistria was founded by Tuomas Alatalo and Henna Emilia Hietamäki in Helsinki in 2014. Their sound combines dream pop, post-rock, dark wave, softness and noise. Cats of Transnistria has released three full-lengths and one EP, which have gathered loyal listeners and beautiful words from critics worldwide. On the albums Opium and Aligning the band had the pleasure of working together with violinist Sanna Komi. During their career, Cats of Transnistria has performed at numerous festivals both in Finland and abroad – including Flow Festival, Lost in Music, Ja Ja Ja London.