Trap hi-hats and hand clap samples enter ALASE’s music for the first time on ‘Power’, according to guitarist and composer Janne Lunnas. Released through Inverse Records, the single continues the Finnish band’s atmospheric modern progressive metal approach, with Ville Haavisto appearing as its 18th guest vocalist.
Lunnas names Hacktivist as an inspiration during the writing process, while drawing a distinction between the influences he used and the song’s overall classification.
“When I started working on Power, I felt very inspired from listening to Hacktivist, which has been a long time favourite band for me.”
He explains that the new samples introduce elements the band had not previously used, adding: “Still I wouldn’t call Power a rap or nu metal song even though there’s definitely some influences and elements from those genres.” Lunnas describes experimenting with sounds and composition as a rewarding process that keeps writing new songs fresh.
Haavisto contributes clean vocals, screams and growls. The announcement suggests a possible Muse resemblance in his clean delivery, with the harsher vocals supporting the track’s aggressive edge. Ninni Swan’s lyrics examine how much influence people have over the direction of their own lives.
Founded in Finland in 2014, ALASE built its concept around working with different guest vocalists, with nearly 20 having participated so far. Atmospheric and progressive elements have remained central as the band has developed its sound.
The group combines modern heavy music with atmospheric synths and electronic sounds, aiming to create emotional soundscapes. Its supplied biography identifies similarities with A Perfect Circle, Tesseract, Allt and Periphery.
ALASE released its second album, ‘A Matter of Time’, in April 2023. The four-song EP ‘Beyond Our Imagination’ followed in early 2024, after which the band returned to issuing individual singles.
Lunnas composed ‘Power’, with production, mixing and mastering credited to Janne Lunnas / Hidden River Audio. Swan wrote the lyrics and created the single cover. ‘Power’ is the release’s sole listed track, with ISRC FI3FC2604401.
The current lineup lists Lunnas on guitars, Ari Miettinen on bass, Ville Aatsinki on drums and Swan on lyrics, with Haavisto guesting on vocals for this single. The supplied promotional photograph is credited to Nina Nyberg.
