In February, Finnish Occult Rock icons Jess and the Ancient Ones announced the parting of ways with long-time vocalist Jasmin Saarela but promised that they would be carrying on. While this divorce of sorts took us all by surprise, it was with an optimistic voice that JATAO promised to return. In their official announcement, they stated:
We know this is a major change and unfortunate news, but in order to continue our journey to create music that made us be, this was the only solution left. Without this transformation there might never have been another album coming from our direction.
We must underline that this decision truly was not made lightly, nor in emotional turmoil.
Truly we wish all the best to Jasmin’s future endeavours, and one can continue to enjoy her voice through her solo career.
On August 1, 2025, JATAO released an official announcement that they will be returning with a new vocalist, Laura Vesprini (Cherokee, Kyrnyx, Stryx), and the addition of new keyboardist Katya, once again bringing JATAO back to the power of seven.
— Return to Sevenfold —
From the depths of silence and shifting forms, we rise once more. Whole again, sharpened by change, and ready to tread the path ahead.
We are proud to welcome two new restless souls into the fold:
Laura Vesprini, whose voice channels the fierce and spectral, and Katya, weaving dreamscapes and colours through her keys.
With their arrival, our sound coils back to its early roots, now more potent and haunting.
Our long-dormant single “Skeleton” has at last been exhumed and completed by the new lineup.
It shall emerge on a later date through Doomentia Records as a 7-inch vinyl, bearing the marks of time and transformation.
From this point forward, we shall be known simply as JATAO. Old songs will remain in the rotation, and new art will follow in the future.
As tradition demands, our annual Halloween show with Ottopoika shall return this year. The first chance to witness this new manifestation live will be on 25.10.2025.
Old bones, new spells. Feed your minds.
JATAO
I will have more details on the “Skeleton” release as information becomes available as well as any future tour or album information.
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