The Helsinki-based outfit Royal Sorrow has been quietly preparing for the launch of their new band in collaboration with InsideOutMusic, part of the Sony Music label family. First out the box is debut single ‘Metrograve’, showcasing a group that’s said to blend “alternative metal with a very catchy pop twist”.
The band comprises Markus Hentunen (Vocals, guitars), Eero Maijala (Bass), Janne Mieskonen (Drums), and Juha Rapanen (Guitars) and can trace their roots back to their childhood when some members met at a very young age and formed their first band.
“When we signed with InsideOutMusic, it also marked the start of a new era,” said Royal Sorrow. “Even though we’ve known each other since childhood, it was time to reimagine everything we knew; the look, the visuals and the music itself. We started to write material with newfound determination. A lot of rounds and sessions were needed for the pieces to fall into place. After all this, it feels amazing to get to release the band and the first song to the world!”
The hypnotic and driving ‘Metrograve’ takes the listener through a dystopian story, becoming the band’s mission statement.
“We wanted Royal Sorrow’s first single to convey the dynamic and energetic essence of the band,” they declared. “‘Metrograve’ is a crushing yet hypnotising journey through a dystopian setting. ‘Metrograve’ started with a rhythmic idea. We were inspired by the thought of bringing a rap beat to a metal setting, playing with it and creating a full song around it. The song became sort of like a mission statement for the band. The themes revolve around empowerment, fighting for the things that give meaning to you and ignoring the dogmas set by other people.”
You can stream the single here and check out the accompanying music video produced and directed by Jaro Koho here at RAMzine.
Koho, along with lighting designer and location manager Tommi Tiitta, captured the atmosphere of ‘Metrograve’ in the Hämeenlinna Ice Hall and other selected locations.
“It was definitely a unique experience to film at a huge ice rink. The cold locations really help to bring the kinds of atmosphere we were looking for. Jaro Koho did an excellent job in bringing the sights and sounds together! Special thanks to Tommi Tiitta for organising this unique location and designing amazing lights”.
