Finnish progressive metal band End of Abyss has released its long-prepared debut album, Escape to a New Empire, today on October 23, 2026. 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 - Escape to a New Empire
Tracklist:
01. Vultures
02. Astral Dreams
03. One For The Broken
04. Parasites of the Stream
05. Incomplete
06. Fraudulent Rant
07. Veritas
08. Island of Isolated Minds
09. Sound Of Soul
10. Escape to a New Empire
ONLINE
LINEUP
Juha-Matti Berg - Guitars (rhythm)
Petrus Syvänperä - Keyboards, Guitars, Drums, Programming
Janne Koskenkorva - Bass
Alpo Pöytäkangas - Guitars
Mikko Herranen - Vocals
BIOGRAPHY/LOGO
End of Abyss is a Finnish progressive metal band from Jyväskylä, originally established in the early 2000s as a solo project by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Petrus Syvänperä.
The project began as a personal musical endeavour, with Syvänperä experimenting with compositions and developing his own recording studio. The first self-recorded demo appeared in 2010, marking an important step towards his ambition of creating a full-length progressive metal album. Over the following years, numerous recordings and collaborations gradually shaped the project's musical direction, combining intricate arrangements, atmospheric keyboards, powerful guitar work and symphonic elements.
A significant turning point came in 2024 when End of Abyss began evolving into a full band. Guitarist Alpo Pöytäkangas joined the project, contributing both lead guitar performances and songwriting. Bassist Janne Koskenkorva subsequently became part of the lineup, followed by vocalist Mikko Herranen, whose expressive vocal delivery and melodic approach brought an additional dimension to the band's sound.
End of Abyss developed a distinctive musical identity built around progressive metal, incorporating cinematic atmospheres, technical guitar passages, melodic vocals and dramatic contrasts between delicate arrangements and heavier sections. The band's compositions emphasize emotional depth, dynamic structures and storytelling, often blending traditional progressive metal influences with expansive symphonic textures.
After years of development, End of Abyss completed their debut full-length album, "Escape to a New Empire", scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, through Inverse Records. The album was preceded by the singles "Astral Dreams", "Vultures" and "Sound of Soul", introducing listeners to the band's ambitious and atmospheric approach to progressive metal.
The recordings also feature contributions from guitarist Antti Koivistoinen, who had participated during the project's earlier demo years, and rhythm guitarist Juha-Matti Berg.
With their debut album, End of Abyss marks the culmination of more than two decades of musical development, transforming an independent studio project into a fully realized progressive metal band.
DISCOGRAPHY
Full-length albums:
Escape to a New Empire - 2026
GENRE/COUNTRY
Progressive Metal
Finland
