Combining Scandinavian melancholy, modern metal power, and cinematic emotion, Helsinki, Finland based Stråle return with new singles and official lyric videos, taken from their new EP Reformation, available digitally now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Formed in 2009, the band steadily evolved from underground beginnings to become one of Finland’s most exciting metal acts. After their debut album Bourbon Soul, vocalist Daniel Jakobsson and guitarist Jaakko Suomalainen came on board and, alongside the founding members, refined their sound.
The new EP Reformation captures this evolution. Produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Ginger Evil) and Jani Autero, and mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe), it is said to blend “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.”
Reformation features the tracks: ‘Resist and Reform’ featuring Bjorn Strid, ‘Close Is Not Enough’, ‘The Heart You Tore Apart’, ‘Destined For Desire’, a The Weeknd cover ‘Blinding Lights’ and ‘The Flame’.
‘The Heart You Tore Apart’ is their latest single. You can stream it and check out the video below.
“This was one of the songs that led us into a rawer emotional space. It’s about balancing heavy riffs with vulnerability and brokenness and letting the emotion drive both the lyrics and the performance,” said the band.
Prior to that they issued ‘The Flame’ as a single, with Daniel Jakobsson commenting: “This song was a bit trickier than a lot of the other songs. I knew it was there somewhere, but it wasn’t until the last session in the studio with Teemu Aalto that the pieces fell into place. It turned out to be a beautiful ballad about the dream of everlasting love. It’s about rediscovering the spark that keeps love and life alive.”
“The solo by our new guitar player Jax was perfect for the song,” added founder and songwriter Andi. “It gave it the final touch as a Stråle masterpiece.”
You can stream ‘The Flame’ and watch the video below.
