Their first new album in over 5 years, IV arrives digitally and as a Limited edition vinyl on the 21st March.
IV reveals the most expansive sounding music of Cats of Transnistria thus far. For the first time the duo of Henna Emilia Hietamäki and Tuomas Alatalo experimented with rhythms and bass guitar, filling out the Cats of Transnistria sound with a sonic foundation not found on their previous releases. The addition of new textures merely heightens the intensity of the music whilst supplying a more cinematic epic feel to their songs.
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
Listen to IV
Cats of Transnistria “IV” (Soliti 117)
Release date 21st March 2025
Cats of Transnistria IV album sleeve by Anni Porrasmäki
The Lore
Big Sleep.
Thunder as an Arrow.
Eyes in the sky.
Horrors.
Basement.
In Lumine.
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
Album sleeve by Anni Porrasmäki.
Cats of Transnistria by Tekla Valy
Watch “Thunder as an Arrow”
Watch “Horrors”
Upcoming shows
28.3. Vastavirta, Tampere (album release show)
CATS OF TRANSNISTRIA / DRAAMA-HELMI / UHRISAVU
29.3. Bar Loose, Helsinki (album release show)
CATS OF TRANSNISTRIA / OLIMPIA SPLENDID / UHRISAVU
25.04. Kuudes Linja, Helsinki
CATS OF TRANSNISTRIA / PIA FRAUS (EST) / THELMA’S DREAM
Cats of Transnistria by Tekla Valy
Advance word
“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
“It’s an epic experience guided by a higher power and an unshakable inner strength, all set within a hypnotic atmosphere and sound.” rmas
“Once the voice begins to take control, you can hear many of the nuanced details being put into play, from synthesized beats to harrowing wails of feedback, all of it building this huge composition. It’s slowcore, but with much more noise! ” 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 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
“”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 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
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.