Melodic metal band Stråle are excited to share the new single and official lyric video, “Close Is Not Enough”, taken from their new EP “Reformation”, digitally available now via Frontiers Music Srl.
Daniel Jakobsson commented: “When I was 19, a suicide in my school really shook things up for everybody. Why are we here? What’s the point of life? Those questions became reality, and I remember one night, driving a car with my brand new driver’s license, filled with freedom and the future ahead. But all I could think of was driving home to safety, to my parents, where everything had been safe”.
“The song tries to capture the feeling of desperation that follows when life takes a turn that you didn’t expect. The powerful melodies and the pulsating rhythm of the song underline the hopelessness that you can feel when life doesn’t follow your plans”, he explained.
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