Kataya - Canto Obscura

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Review by Randy Mazie

Album Review: Canto Obscura by Kataya – A Finnish Folk-Prog Odyssey Released in 2008 under Presence Records and Nordic Notes, Canto Obscura is a strikingly original work from the Finnish band Kataya. Blending folk rock’s earthy textures with prog rock’s ambitious flair, this album feels like an intimate journey through soundscapes both familiar and otherworldly. It’s not just music—it’s storytelling wrapped in layers of melody, rhythm, and raw emotion. Kataya wears many hats here: composer, arranger, performer, producer, even cover artist. But what truly elevates the record are the contributions of multi-instrumentalist Sami Sarhamaa (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards) and mastering engineer Pauli Saastamoinen, who polish these tracks into something that gleams without losing its soul. The spoken-word interludes by Matti Kervinen add another layer of intrigue—his whispers and shouts feel spontaneous, almost as if he wandered into the studio mid-recording. Two tracks stand out vividly on repeat listens. First up is “On A Moose,” which isn’t about riding actual moose but instead paints a surreal picture of nature meeting human imagination. Its haunting vocal harmonies paired with intricate guitar work create a dreamlike atmosphere that sticks with you long after it ends. Then there’s “Mindfrost,” a track so charged with energy it could wake the dead. Between the pulsating rhythms and unexpected time signatures, it’s the kind of song that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen. These tunes aren’t just memorable—they demand your attention. The album also includes gems like “Lento” and its reprise, “Karahka,” and “Ahava,” each offering their own distinct vibe while staying true to the overarching theme of exploration. Whether it’s the delicate acoustic strumming or the bold keyboard flourishes, every moment feels intentional yet unforced, like they stumbled upon magic and decided to keep it. What strikes me most about Canto Obscura is how deeply personal it feels despite being packed with technical complexity. You can tell this wasn’t some corporate project; it’s Kataya’s heart and vision laid bare for all to hear. And honestly? That’s kinda rare these days. If I had one critique, it’d be that the album occasionally leans too heavily into its experimental side, leaving listeners adrift. But maybe that’s the point—to challenge us, make us think. After all, great art doesn’t always have to spoon-feed you answers. In the end, listening to Canto Obscura feels like wandering through a dense Finnish forest at twilight—beautiful, mysterious, slightly disorienting, but ultimately rewarding. Who knew a bunch of Finns could craft such a timeless piece of rock history? Now excuse me while I go find out if moose really do sing…

Download Kataya - Canto Obscura
Artist: Kataya
Album: Canto Obscura
Rating: 3.67

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: kataya-canto-obscura.zip
  • MP3 size: 98.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 689 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Avojaloin4:15
On a Moose04:40
Canto Obscura3:20
Lento Reprise1:06
Valaistu2:59
Opening Marsh4:20
Putkivaara7:17
On A Moose4:41
Mindfrost3:20
Koera5:13
Karahka3:52
Ahava4:01
Lento3:01

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Catalog Numbers

PRECD-008, NN020

Labels

Presence Records, Nordic Notes

Listen online

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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Presence Records
Copyright (c)Manus
Licensed FromG/A/S
Manufactured BySonopress Arvato
Recorded AtSiniaalto
Mixed AtPerfect Sound Studios
Mastered AtFinnvox

Credits

RoleCredit
Composed ByKataya
Arranged ByKataya
PerformerKataya
ProducerKataya
CoverKataya
GuitarSami Sarhamaa
BassSami Sarhamaa
DrumsSami Sarhamaa
KeyboardsSami Sarhamaa
Voice [Spoken WordMatti Kervinen
Shouting And Whispering Here And There]Matti Kervinen
Mastered ByPauli Saastamoinen
Mixed BySami Sarhamaa
Recorded BySami Sarhamaa, Teijo Tikkanen

Notes

  • [Recording Details]
  • Recorded at Siniaalto Studios and Perfect Sound Studios during 2005-2007.
  • © 2008 Manus
  • ℗ 2008 Presence Records
  • Made in EU

Barcodes

  • Barcode (Text): 6 430022 640146
  • Barcode (Scanned): 6430022640146
  • Matrix / Runout: Sonopress Arvato [logo] 52630467/PRECD008 21
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LP73
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 0764
  • Rights Society: BIEM n©b Teosto
  • Label Code: LC 14502

About Kataya

3-member folk-prog-ambient-group from Finland

Members

  • Sami Sarhamaa
  • Matti Kervinen
  • Teijo Tikkanen

Interesting fact about Album

Here's an interesting fact about the album *Canto Obscura* by Kataya: It’s a one-person powerhouse. Kataya, the mastermind behind the project, did almost everything—composing, arranging, performing, producing, and even designing the cover. The only other key contributors were Sami Sarhamaa, who handled multiple instruments like guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, and Matti Kervinen, who added spoken word elements. Released in 2008 in Finland, this Folk Rock and Prog Rock gem is packed with unique tracks like "On A Moose" and "Mindfrost." It’s fascinating how much creativity one person can pour into a single album, making it feel both personal and expansive.