Sweden’s Vokonis will release their fifth album, Transitions, on Oct. 25 through Majestic Mountain Records. It is unmistakably the boldest work the band have ever done, and that it is introduced to public eyes and ears by a goofball video for “Pink Fang” that includes Evil Dead 2 nods, well, could hardly be more perfect. Themed as a chronicle of guitarist/vocalist Simona Ohlsson‘s trans experience, the undertaking that is transitioning and the emotions surrounding, highs, lows, and a good bit of headbanging, as well as dealing with the shift in dynamic following Jonte Johansson‘s departure from the band.

The record could easily have gotten lost in navelgazing indulgence, not the least for the band’s foundation in progressive and atmospheric heavy rock. But while Transitions is for-sure a journey and intended to be one as it crucially delivers an it’s-going-to-be-okay message in putting the declarative “Arrival” before the tumultuous closing title-track on side B — the two extended cuts are clear complements and something of an album unto themselves — at no point do Vokonis let go of considering their audience, whether that’s such delivering of emotional comforts or, as with “Pink Fang,” throwing heavy bruiser elbows with chugging radness and riding a groove that dares to be fun, catchy and sweeping in a breakout triumph that’s no less a statement of freedom on the band’s part, and thus an all the more suitable analog for the 43-minute LP from whence it comes.

We’re a ways off from Oct. 25, and barring disaster, I’ll have a proper album review up before then as well (I would both do another premiere if offered and not presume to ask or be asked), but if you caught Vokonis‘ 2023 EP, Exist Within Light (discussed here), you have a good foundation as regards perspective for where Transitions is coming from. If you missed that, it’s streaming near the bottom of the post for when you’re done with “Pink Fang” and are inevitably ready for more. I think album preorders start tomorrow, when the single officially hits streaming services and all that.

Enjoy “Pink Fang” below. The PR wire brings context for song and LP beneath, in the blue text:

Vokonis, “Pink Fang” video premiere

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We are thrilled to bring you the first single “Pink Fang” and accompanying video from the much-anticipated new album “Transitions” by Sweden’s Vokonis.

“Pink Fang” launches directly into the heavy swing of what’s to come with the release of “Transitions” and features a heavy dose of hypnotic head nod with stomping grit and a glorious, anthemic chorus. Simona’s powerful vocals and raging riffing are unmistakably ever present with their constant fire and confident ferocity whilst the immensely thunderous rhythm section dead lifts the driving framework and added growl for this incendiary track.

Simona tells us a bit about the track and the video:

“..Its one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. It’s upbeat with a huge chorus and I just felt like I wanted to have a song that was fun and danceable. When we were making the video, we had some discussions with Hampus who shot and edited it, and we wanted to do something that was very early YouTube. Subpar acting and FX but with a lot of heart and nods to films and shooting styles we love, like as Evil Dead 2. It’s comedy, it’s a little stupid in a way, and I love it.”

With beautiful artwork from the talented Kyrre Bjurling, though heavily censored, which in a way is allegorically fitting as well as kind of hilarious, we are served the full package of Vokonis in their current essence, a band at the top of their game, continuing their epic journey with the fiercest of focus and fire, kicking ass at it, and dare we say, having a bit of fun while doing it. (You’ll be able to see the full uncensored version of the artwork on Bandcamp who continue doing the good work by allowing artists to present their visuals unencumbered by the algorithm.)

“Pink Fang’s” official release [is] this Friday on 23.08!

Pink Fang was shot and edited by Hampus Melin.
Featuring Daniel Jönsson as “The Thief.”
Art by Kyrre Bjurling.

Majestic Mountain Records is proud to announce the official release of “Transitions” the fifth full length release from the incredible Vokonis.

“Transitions” is a triumphant and deeply multifaceted expression of resilience, determination, unflinching bravery and becoming and this highly anticipated new release from Sweden’s ever evolving Vokonis is nothing short of stunning in its conception, performance and delivery. This album demands space, time and attention and submitting to its power is a true and rewarding joy unlocked on the spectrum of modern, heavy rock.

In this latest addition to the Vokonis lore, the band unfurls six, huge tracks of progressive, technically articulated heavy metal with tinges of post rocking glory and djenty crush, blended vocals on the spectrum of blackened harshness to melodic, grungy crooning. Expect to be enthralled by absolute walls of gorgeously sanguine yet viciously viscous tone erupting from the vast spectrum of Simona’s masterful riffing, alongside bounding swing, neck snapping dirge and churning chug from the beguiling din of Oscar Johannesson’s rumbling bass and the blinding, percussive pertinacity of drummer Sven Lindstrom. In all of its supreme heaviness, “Transitions” gives us over 44 minutes of pure, exhilarating, heaving emotion and the band shows no signs of slowing their experimentally visceral, evolutionary train whilst they continue to build evocatively upon their progressively expansive trajectory. Emerging from the fire of this release is a reverent tenderness and an enveloping light enters through the shadows, like the warm luminosity of golden hour catching the reflection of the soul in its slow, languid glow. It is also through this vivid and tangible light that a sense of deep explorative wonder, dare we even say “fun” enters the proceedings as the band seem to truly let loose, harnessing their newest constellation with a natural finesse and a strong sense of purposeful, cathartic release.

Simona gives us this insight on the album: “Transitions is a vulnerable album for me. Obviously, it references myself and my transition, but it also reflects the band and how to adapt and transition into a new unit without Jonte. This band always felt like me and him against the world, so Transitions is a reflection of how to navigate life as a band without one of its most important pieces. This new constellation of the band is something I never thought possible and though we never approached things like we had to fill the shoes of Jonte, we thought more of what we wanted to do moving forward. With adding another guitar into the mix, we certainly can let loose a bit more and I have also been able to challenge myself with my vocals and grow into something I never thought I could.”

“Transitions” is a vehemently vulnerable and incandescently volatile elegy to the past yet it fiercely holds space in the present for the beauty of truth, the push of forging one’s own life’s path and regardless of the hardship, retaining a hope for the future. MMR is honoured to bring this seminal album from one of Sweden’s most spectacular bands to the world.

The pre-sale for “Transitions” begins on Friday, August 23 at 19:00. The album will come in three beautiful editions with the full Majestic treatment for your collections. “Transitions” officially hits the streets on October 25th.
More information to come.

Vokonis are:
Simona Ohlsson – guitar/vocals
Hedvig Modig – noise/guitar/backing vocals
Oscar Johannesson – bass/backing vocals
Sven Lindstrom – drums

Vokonis, Exist Within Light (2023)

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