Longing and loss shape NEMECIC’s music video for ‘Petrol and Spark,’ written, directed and filmed by Aki Suomela. The Finnish melodic death metal band’s third and final advance single introduces a more melodic approach ahead of an upcoming EP scheduled for late 2026.
Suomela developed the story while repeatedly listening to the band’s demos. He describes the video as an exploration of a ‘devastating, paralyzing sense of longing and loss,’ asking what happens when that feeling takes over and someone becomes willing to do anything.
‘The aim was to create a cinematic and visually striking piece that combines powerful emotions, dance, flames and a sense of mythology that blurs the boundaries of reality,’ Suomela explains.
The song also changes the balance of voices within NEMECIC. Guitarist Tuomo Salonen handles lead vocals, while vocalist Aki Salonen supplies growls and harmonies. Tuomo’s singing previously appeared on ‘The Crowing of Swans’ and ‘The Chatter of Teeth,’ tracks from the band’s previous full-length album.
‘If our previous single, “Mysterion,” was perhaps the heaviest song we’ve written to date, this time we’re heading in the opposite direction,’ the band comments. ‘By our standards, you could even describe this one as a ballad.’
The lyrics examine the end of existence and whether it must necessarily be understood as something negative. Tuomo Salonen composed ‘Petrol and Spark,’ with lyrics by drummer Niko Anttila. The single’s supplied listening link covers Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, YouTube Music and other services.
Founded in Heinola in 2005 and now based in Jyväskylä, Finland, NEMECIC combine double bass drumming, downtuned guitars and guitar solos with harsh growls and clean vocals. Their stated influences include Fear Factory, Lamb of God, Katatonia and Bolt Thrower.
The band’s newer material takes a critical view of contemporary society, addressing alienation and a search for meaning in a world perceived as lacking values. Grief, loss and existential reflection run through those songs, providing context for the questions raised in ‘Petrol and Spark.’
NEMECIC’s two previous full-length albums are The Deathcantation (2017) and The Last Magic in Practice (2021), both described in the announcement as having received positive reviews. The forthcoming EP remains untitled in the supplied announcement.
The lineup comprises Aki Salonen on vocals, Tuomo Salonen on guitar and vocals, Pasi Rajakallio on guitar, Emil Borg on bass and Niko Anttila on drums. The supplied band photograph is credited to Petteri Ruotsalainen.
