MATS LEVÉN

Across a string of acclaimed performances with Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Vandenberg (and more!), vocalist Mats Levén long ago established himself among metal’s most dynamic performers. And now he brings that dynamism to bear on the latest single by fellow Swedes Every King Has A Clown.

“Victim of the Night” is the latest single from the band’s upcoming debut album, a self-titled monolith that delivers melodic, yet mighty metal, seamlessly blending the energies of European and international power metal with progressive touches.

Bass and keyboard player Ryker Castro says, ““Every King Has A Clown is my solo project. I created it to have total freedom over the songwriting, the sound and the artistic direction. The idea was simple: write the record I always wanted to hear, with strong melodies, heavy energy and no compromises. The jester-king on the album cover, named EKHAC, is the visual symbol of the project — the contrast between good and evil.

“This album is the sound of me fighting my own demons. I wanted a record built on strong songs, heavy energy and great voices — nothing else.”

“Victim Of The Night” meets those criteria and more. Ryker explains, “‘Victim of the Night’ was born from an obsession with the figure of Jack the Ripper — not just the crimes themselves, but the psychology behind them. I wanted to explore the darkness, the mystery, and the unanswered questions surrounding who he was and what drove him.

“Musically, it set the tone for the entire project: dark, atmospheric, and intense. It was the first song I wrote, and in many ways, it became the foundation for everything that followed.”

Single streaming: https://orcd.co/everykinghasaclown_victimofthenight

It was producer (and guitarist) Pedro Vallejo who suggested the song be recorded late at night, gathering together Ryker, Mat, and his own brother, drummer Alex, “To fully capture the atmosphere. That approach helped everyone involved connect with the mood and tension of the track, making the performances feel more natural, instinctive, and true to the song’s dark character.”

Ryker also recalls how Mats Levén was the voice he heard for this song from the beginning. “His ability to combine power, darkness, and emotion made him the perfect fit for the character and mood of ‘Victim of the Night.’ When he delivered the vocals, the song immediately reached the level of intensity and drama I had envisioned from the start.”

Levén serves up what Ryker describes as “the darker edge of the album,’ but Every King Has A Clown also includes contributions from some of the biggest names on the modern scene, as Ryker details.

“Ray Alder (Fates Warning – guesting on the album’s penultimate track, “Revenge”)) brings a unique emotional weight and intensity that lifts the track instantly.
“Mark Boals (Ring of Fire) adds precision, range and a classic melodic metal feel.
“Mike DiMeo (ex-Riot) brings grit and soul, [and] a strong hard-rock backbone.
“Anders Engberg (Sorcerer) adds depth and authority with his unmistakable tone.
“Göran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) brings clarity and elegance — his voice cuts through perfectly.
“Steve Braun (Halcyon Way) adds pure metal attitude and delivers exactly the punch [I] needed.
“Berzan Önen (Dreams in Fragments) brings raw energy and a modern edge to the album.
“Christian Palin (ex-Adagio) adds aggression and dynamic range, pushing the [music] forward.
“Fabio Alessandrini (Annihilator) gives the album a tight, precise and powerful foundation.
“Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adds intensity and drive, with a very sharp and modern drum approach.”

In addition, the album was mastered by Tony Lindgren (Katatonia, Enslaved, Testament, Haken and hundreds more) at his home base Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.

Every King Has A Clown will be out on January 30. But to whet your appetite, here’s “Victim Of The Night,” a sonic blast that will leave you hungry for more.

–CD: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=every+king+has+a+clown
–DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/everykinghasaclown_album

Track List: