Scandinavian melodic metal band Stråle has a new single out in ‘Blinding Lights’, a band reworking of the 2010 hit song by The Weeknd, and it’s also featured on their new their new Reformation EP, digitally available via Frontiers Music Srl.
“The original song’s brilliant melodies and Stråle’s heavy yet energetic approach make this a perfect live song, and I just love singing ‘Blinding Lights’ on stage,” said Stråle vocalist Daniel Jakobsson. “It’s kind of perfect for my voice and the audience always starts dancing and singing along. For me that’s worth everything. That is why I do this. To give the audience a chance to be in the moment and enjoy music.”
“I was pretty sceptical about the song’s potential because there were already a million different versions of it out there,” remarked Teemu Aalto, who mixed and produced the song, “But… When I first heard the demo the guys had done I was sold!! It’s gonna be huge!! Daniel had done the vocal tracks before anything else, and those tracks were totally amazing!! It was very easy to build up the rest of the song on them with other guys. Like in a go-with-the-flow mindset. Everything came together very easily! And of course it was pure joy to mix it all up! Svante Forsbäck also did a wonderful job finishing up the sound! We really have done something special”.
Stråle come from Helsinki in Finland. They combine Scandinavian melancholy, modern metal power, and cinematic emotion. Formed in 2009, the band has steadily evolved from underground beginnings to become one of Finland’s most exciting metal acts, known for their explosive live energy and massive choruses.
After their debut album Bourbon Souls (FDA Records, 2020), mixed by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia), Stråle entered a new chapter with a refreshed lineup and creative energy. The arrival of vocalist Daniel Jakobsson and guitarist Jaakko Suomalainen is said to have brought new colour and emotion to an already solid foundation, and together the band refined their signature sound – Melodic, heavy, and deeply emotional.
The new Reformation EP captures this evolution. Produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Ginger Evil) and Jani Autero, and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), it blends intensity with introspection.
The band commented: Reformation marks a new era for Stråle – Musically, emotionally, and as a band. These songs have already proven themselves live, especially ‘Close Is Not Enough’ and ‘Resist & Reform’, which have become real fan favourites on stage. It truly feels like a reformation for us; the sound, the energy, and the connection within the band are stronger than ever. We’re thrilled that Frontiers is now taking these songs under their wings and giving them the chance to fly as high as they can.”
‘Blinding Lights’ follows previous single ‘Close Is Not Enough‘, about which Jakobsson commented: “When I was 19, a suicide in my school really shook things up for everybody. Why are we here? What’s the point of life? Those questions became reality, and I remember one night, driving a car with my brand new driver’s license, filled with freedom and the future ahead. But all I could think of was driving home to safety, to my parents, where everything had been safe.
“The song tries to capture the feeling of desperation that follows when life takes a turn that you didn’t expect. The powerful melodies and the pulsating rhythm of the song underline the hopelessness that you can feel when life doesn’t follow your plans.”
Before that was the single, ‘Resist & Reform’, featuring Björn ‘Speed’ Strid of Soilwork and Night Flight Orchestra and you can check out the video here at RAMzine, as with their new single.
Guitarist Andi Lehtinen said: “Signing with Frontiers feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter for Stråle. It’s a label that has believed in melodic, emotional metal for decades, and to now be part of that family means a lot to us. We’ve worked hard to get here – And we’re ready to take everything we’ve built to the next level.”
Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP of Frontiers, commented: “We’re very happy to welcome Stråle to the Frontiers family. When we first heard their music, we immediately recognised something special – a perfect blend of melody, energy, and Scandinavian attitude that fits right into what Frontiers stands for. The band has great songs, strong identity, and the kind of passion that reminds us why we do what we do. We truly believe Stråle has the potential to reach a wide audience, and we’re excited to be part of their journey!”
Tracks featured on the EP are: ‘Resist and Reform (featuring Bjorn Strid)’, ‘Close Is Not Enough’, ‘The Heart You Tore Apart’, ‘Destined For Desire’, ‘Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)’ and ‘The Flame’ – You can stream it here.
In 2024, Stråle completed a 16-date European tour with Orphaned Land, performing in iconic venues such as The Underworld (London), Razzmatazz (Barcelona), and Petit Bain (Paris). The band has received over 250,000 streams and has a growing fanbase across Europe.
