Melodic metal band Stråle are pleased to share their revisited edition of “Blinding Lights”, the chart topping hit by Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, originally released in 2020.
The track is taken from their new EP “Reformation”, digitally available now 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. 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”, said singer Daniel Jakobsson.
Teemu Aalto, who both mixed and produced the song, added: “I was pretty sceptical about the song’s potential because there were already a million different versions of it out there. 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”.
Stream “Reformation” HERE
Stråle is a melodic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, combining 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 brought new color and emotion to an already solid foundation, and together the band refined their signature sound – melodic, heavy, and deeply emotional.
The new EP “Reformation” 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. Songs like “Resist & Reform (feat. Björn “Speed” Strid, Soilwork)” and “Close Is Not Enough” showcase the band’s emotional range, while their acclaimed cover of “Blinding Lights” and the cinematic ballad “The Flame” display both versatility and soul.
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 favorites 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”.
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). With over 250,000 total streams and a growing fanbase across Europe, Stråle’s sound stands as a powerful statement of emotion, melody, and contemporary Nordic metal.
“Reformation” Tracklist:
1. Resist and Reform (featuring Bjorn Strid)
2. Close Is Not Enough
3. The Heart You Tore Apart
4. Destined For Desire
5. Blinding Lights (The Weeknd Cover)
6. The Flame
Line Up:
András Lehtinen
Daniel Jakobsson
Rasmus Bruun
Sakari Komulainen
Janne Jääskeläinen
Jaakko Suomalainen
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