TONIC BREED Drops Epic New Single "Close In" Ft. Guest Drums From Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch)

Apr 10, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments News

Norwegian metal project Tonic Breed, led by founder Patrik K. Svendsen, has unleashed the new 2026 single "Close In", a powerful, emotionally charged track featuring guest drums by Charlie Engen, known for his work with Five Finger Death Punch, Scale the Summit, and Ideology.

The single follows last year’s collaboration "Anew," which featured legendary drummer Chris Adler (Firstborne, ex‑Lamb of God, ex‑Megadeth), continuing Tonic Breed’s ongoing evolution through high‑profile guest musicians and bold stylistic shifts.

Originally formed in 2006 as a four‑piece thrash and heavy metal band from Sarpsborg, Norway, Tonic Breed transitioned into a one‑man project in 2019. Since then, Svendsen has pushed the project into new creative territory, collaborating with world‑renowned musicians including Chris Adler, Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), and Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam).

With "Close In," Tonic Breed continues this trajectory, this time exploring a more melodic, atmospheric, and emotionally layered sound.

"Close In" dates back to its original writing more than two decades ago and was revisited many times over the years, but never fully came together until now.

“This is definitely the track that’s taken the longest to finish. It’s been sitting with me for years, and it wasn’t until the right people got involved that it finally came together the way it was supposed to,” says Svendsen

Co‑producer Adrian Bjerketvedt helped shape the final structure, while Engen’s drum performance added nuance and dynamic movement. Composer Ben Zimmermann contributed orchestration. Some piano arrangements even transformed early guitar‑based ideas into emotional layers that complete the song’s atmosphere.

While still rooted in the project’s heavy foundation, "Close In" marks a shift toward melody, space, and emotional depth. It's a semi‑ballad with clean passages, heavier sections, and dynamic contrasts. The song incorporates harmonies, choirs, and orchestration, rich layering, and atmospheric textures, a first for Tonic Breed.

Svendsen anticipates that "Close In" may surprise listeners.

“It still has weight and intensity, but it leans more into melody and atmosphere than what I’ve done before. Some will probably not expect it, but it still feels like a natural step for me.”

Lyrically, the song explores the long‑term weight of loss, how losing someone close can reshape a person over time, and the struggle to find oneself again while learning to live with that emotional burden.

“It comes from a pretty heavy place. It’s about losing people close to you and carrying that weight with you,” adds Svendsen.

Recommended for fans of Soilwork, Evergrey, Alter Bridge, and Trivium, listen to "Close in" at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/2l8pHhSRdhWfmJbrHQ5r8z?si=lc3Rf9hnShWzcZRR7_SB4Q