Finnish progressive metal band End of Abyss has released its long-prepared debut album, Escape to a New Empire. The album combines progressive metal, symphonic arrangements, and powerful storytelling into a cinematic musical experience. At its core are grand emotions, memorable melodies, and an ambitious concept.
“The music speaks for itself. One person swipes left, another finds a lifelong friend,” says lead guitarist Alpo Pöytäkangas.
The album is the realization of a long-term vision by Petrus Syvänperä from Jyväskylä, Finland. The project traces its roots back to a time before the first End of Abyss demo was released in 2010. Over the years, the music and story universe developed in a home studio gradually evolved into a full-length album, brought to life with the help of several experienced musicians from the Finnish metal scene.
Listen to the album on music services (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz etc.): https://push.fm/fl/endofabyss-escapetoanewempire
“The goal was to create a progressive metal album without sonic or artistic compromises. We wanted to build music that transports the listener to another world while also encouraging reflection on our own time,” says composer and producer Petrus Syvänperä.
Escape to a New Empire is a concept album set in a medieval-inspired fantasy dreamworld. The story follows a protagonist who joins a group capable of fighting their enemy through dreams. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the darkest forces in the world are deeply rooted within society itself. Despite its fantasy setting, the album explores contemporary themes such as escapism, the use of power, institutions, societal structures, and the individual’s relationship with them.
Musically, the album draws inspiration from artists such as Kamelot, Ayreon, Symphony X, and Stam1na, while also embracing the ambitious melodic sensibilities often associated with Queen.
“What stands out most about the album is its versatility. Every song reveals new details with each listen, yet the overall journey remains cohesive from beginning to end. The compositions and arrangements have been carefully crafted to serve the story and atmosphere,” explains guitarist Juha-Matti “Masa” Berg.
During the album’s production, End of Abyss evolved from a one-man project into a full-fledged band. The lineup features renowned Finnish rock and metal vocalist Mikko Herranen, guitarist Alpo Pöytäkangas, and bassist Janne Koskenkorva (Baulta, Portrait of Beyond). The album also includes performances by Juha-Matti “Masa” Berg and Antti Koivistoinen.
“To me, End of Abyss is above all an incredible story of growth. We came a long way even during the period when I was involved in the production. If I were asked to write the story of how this album was made, I would title it: ‘End of Abyss: From a Dream to a Masterpiece’,” comments vocalist Mikko Herranen.
The primary recording location for the album was Syvänperä’s home studio, which he built and developed over the course of many years. Additional recordings took place at Noise Floor Studio, operated by Herranen, and Musakonttori, owned by Berg. The album was mixed and mastered by Mikko Herranen.
“During the making of this album, I learned more than I could ever have imagined at the beginning of the project. Looking back, there are many things that would have been useful to know in advance,” Syvänperä laughs.
End Of Abyss began in Jyväskylä, Finland in the early 2000s as Petrus Syvänperä’s one‑man project. The first self‑recorded demo appeared in 2010, slowly planting the idea of creating a full progressive metal album. A key part of the band’s musical evolution was the development of Petrus’s home studio, where years of demos shaped both the band’s sound and the album’s narrative. During this period, the project worked with several artists but did not yet settle on permanent members.
When the debut album entered the production phase in 2024, guitarist Alpo Pöytäkangas joined and contributed also to the songwriting. Shortly after, bassist Janne Koskenkorva became part of the lineup.
The band’s sound took a major leap forward when vocalist Mikko Herranen joined. His strong melodic sense, professional experience, and human‑centered working style helped shape the album’s sweeping, symphonic atmosphere.
In addition to Pöytäkangas and Syvänperä few tracks include solos by Antti Koivistoinen, who was involved also during the demo years, and rhythm guitars by Juha‑Matti “Masa” Berg (Remastered).
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