Italian melodic metal veterans FELINE MELINDA are proud to present “More Than Ever”, the first official single from their forthcoming EP Duets II which will be released on October 2, 2026, via Diotima Records.
“More Than Ever” not only marks the beginning of a new musical chapter for the band, but also carries a deeply intimate and personal meaning. The lyrics were originally conceived and written by frontman Rob Irbiz to celebrate the birth of Chris Platzer’s daughter. Platzer is the drummer of FELINE MELINDA.
From this deeply personal inspiration emerged a universal message about unconditional care, protection, emotional closeness and the promise to remain by someone’s side throughout life’s sometimes difficult and winding paths.
The band comments:
“‘More Than Ever’ is a very important song for us. Its story has deeply personal roots, as Rob originally wrote the lyrics to celebrate the birth of Chris’ daughter. However, that intimate moment gave rise to a message in which anyone can recognise themselves, because it speaks about the desire to protect someone, remain by their side and accompany them through every challenge. In the lyric video, the words take on a new perspective and tell a moving love story. The vocal chemistry between Rob and Doris is given an intense and poetic visual counterpart, celebrating, more than ever, the unbreakable bonds that connect human beings.”
The voices of Rob Irbiz and Doris Albenberger come together in an intense and evocative duet. Their distinctive vocal chemistry is mirrored by the lyric video’s emotional imagery, transforming “More Than Ever” into a musical and visual journey dedicated to the enduring strength of human connection.
Stream/download the single: https://bfan.link/more-than-ever-2
Following the highly acclaimed Duets EP, released in 2019, Duets II once again features singer Doris Albenberger, whose distinctive pop-rock voice brings a new emotional intensity to some of the most beloved songs in the band’s catalogue.
As they celebrate their 40th anniversary, FELINE MELINDA honour their history with a project that combines tradition and renewal. Accompanied by a refreshed visual identity and an updated band logo, Duets II reaffirms the group’s enduring passion for memorable melodies and emotionally driven songwriting while continuing their musical evolution.
The EP features five carefully selected songs spanning different eras of FELINE MELINDA’s career. Two tracks have been completely re-recorded as brand-new duet versions, while three songs originate from the Seven era.
Powerful melodies, memorable choruses and expressive guitar work remain at the heart of the band’s sound. Guitarists Headmatt and Francesco Pinter enrich the songs with tasteful solos and melodic textures, while the vocal interplay between Rob Irbiz and Doris Albenberger gives each composition renewed warmth, depth and emotional nuance.
Duets II will be released digitally worldwide through Diotima Records on all major streaming and download platforms. A special limited-edition CD digipak will also be available directly from the band.
Pre-orders: https://bfan.link/duets-ii
The EP was recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by Marco Ober and Sascha Paeth, while its atmospheric cover artwork was created by Rhett Podersoo.
Tracklist:
More Than EverSeventh HeavenMorning DewSeven Sins Seven LiesBefore The Dawn
Formed in South Tyrol in 1986, FELINE MELINDA are one of Italy’s longest-running melodic metal acts. Throughout their 40-year career, the band have developed a distinctive musical identity by combining melodic hard rock, power metal, AOR and emotional ballads.
With Duets II, FELINE MELINDA celebrate their musical legacy while continuing to look towards the future, proving that passion, creativity and artistic chemistry remain the driving forces behind their music.
FELINE MELINDA online
https://www.felinemelinda.com/
https://www.facebook.com/felinemelinda/
https://www.instagram.com/felinemelindaband/
https://www.youtube.com/@fanoffelines
https://felinemelinda.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/2n7mLIYlPHzFUaB44LqlxW
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