Members of Children of Bodom, Nightwish members Announce Crownshift debut LP

CROWNSHIFT? Indeed: CROWNSHIFT. New rulers are now ascending the throne – or in this case, rather, the stage. New rulers? Here we go, pay attention: Daniel Freyberg, Jukka Koskinen, Heikki Saari and Tommy Tuovinen – CROWNSHIFT release their debut, self-titled LP 10th May via Nuclear Blast.


Now, if you’ve followed the world’s heavy metal scene even remotely, then these aforementioned Finnish gents and extraordinary musicians are no strangers to you. How on earth could they be? Daniel played guitar in metal legends CHILDREN OF BODOM and Jukka’s five-string bass carries both NIGHTWISH and WINTERSUN.

Heikki, on the other hand, is easily one of the most talented drummers out there, and for example, FINNTROLL and the already mentioned WINTERSUN have not trusted his skills for anything. And MYGRAIN-singer Tommy? Well, let’s quote Daniel’s wise words here: “Tommy was a natural choice as the front man because he can do practically anything with his voice.”

The modern crown of diverse metal is now inevitably moving in the direction of these guys, but CROWNSHIFT ‘s unstoppable power has been seeded under the surface for quite some time. “Until 2012, me, Jukka and Heikki were banging our heads in the melodic death metal band Norther. When that ensemble reached its end, the three of us swore that one day we would do something together again. This promise was fulfilled in 2019 – and since then we have been working on Crownshift”, says Daniel.

Well, there it was: the term “melodic death metal” was thrown on the table. But for CROWNSHIFT that’s just the beginning.
“Of course, melodic death metal as a musical style has an important place in our hearts, but over the years of intensive work, our diverse sound has gone much further – it has become richer and richer”, says Daniel.
“As of now, Crownshift’s style combines prominent influences from many styles of heavy metal, modern rock and maybe even pop – without forgetting progressive elements. Catchy melodies and layered harmonies, clean and not so clean vocals, fast and furious metal, slow and atmospheric parts… I guarantee you: there’s a lot of hooks and twists to digest!”

Perhaps needless to say, but the band’s first full-length album, simply and elegantly titled Crownshift, did not come to fruition without extensive – albeit rewarding – efforts.

“Here’s the thing: we’ve all made some pretty excellent records over the years, but I still don’t think any of us have worked so hard on any album before this one.”

Of course this relentless work ethic also applies to the record’s adventurous lyrical world. “The big story, which is mostly fictional, is eclectic and quite dark. There are songs such as ‘A World Beyond Reach’, ‘My Prison’ and ‘The Devil’s Drug’, and these titles give clues about the story’s plot”, Tommy states. “The lyrical themes revolve around personal transformation and resilience in the face of adversity, symbolizing the quest for personal growth and inner illumination.”

Crownshift by CROWNSHIFT will arrive to satisfy hungry metal fans in May. The band’s long-awaited first concert will take place at Helsinki’s legendary Tavastia club on May 15, and from then on, CROWNSHIFT will storm forward unstoppably.

“The steps after the release of the album are obvious: we will play festivals and do tours,” Daniel nods.

“And let’s also make one thing clear: Crownshift is not a side project for any of its members. From now on, this band will have our full attention and we’re going to be really active in all areas. So in the coming times, we intend to wave the Crownshift flag with pride and passion – absolutely without any fear of change and evolution!”

Following an album release show in Helsinki on May 15th, CROWNSHIFT have already been booked for several high profile Summer festivals all across Europe, including Nummirock (FI), Graspop (BE), Rock Fest (ES), Fezen Festival (HU), Rockstadt Extreme Fest (RO) and Hellsinki (FI). Not many bands are getting booked by high profile festivals based on just one previously released single, which again speaks for the level of quality that CROWNSHIFT bring to the table.

FFO: In Flames, Children of Bodom, The Halo Effect

PRESS RELEASE: https://www.nuclearblast.com/blogs/news/crownshift-self-titles-debut-album-out-may-10th

Crownshift ARE: 

Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals 
Jukka Koskinen: Bass
Heikki Saari: Drums

TRACKLISTING:
01.    Stellar Halo
02.    Rule The Show
03.    A World Beyond Reach
04.    If You Dare
05.    My Prison
06.    The Devil’s Drug
07.    Mirage
08.    To The Other Side