Separatist speed/epic metal from the frozen climes of Finland that relishes in the unexpected while giving metal fans exactly what they want. Destiny Calls, the first full-length from Finland s Chevalier, whips up ferocious speed metal while stretching itself out with epic song arrangements, all capped off by the not-for-the-faint-of-heart vocals of Emma Grönqvist. Bands are often the sum of their influences. Some wear them on their sleeves almost too much, where every riff, vocal line and drumbeat is practically telegraphed, thus, negating any sort of individuality. Others, like Finland s Chevalier are masterful at disguising what brought them into the metal game in the first place. While their avoidance of genre clichés and norms is commendable, it s the band s ability to push the envelope while maintaining an air-tight grip on memorable songwriting that makes their first full-length, Destiny Calls, the intrepid endeavor it is. Recorded across two separate sessions in November 2018 at Black Floyd Analog Studio in Hämeenkyrö, Chevalier made it a point to ensure the rough and ragged atmosphere found on last year s Chapitre II EP was captured. The album s nine cuts including a re-recording of The Curse of the Dead Star from Chapitre II find Chevalier weaving between their speed metal template and labyrinthine song arrangements. It s a difficult balance to strike, but Chevalier (who comprise vocalist Emma Grönqvist, the guitar tandem of Tommi and Mikko, bassist Sebastian Bergman and drummer Joel) found a formula that works for them, namely, the usage of momentous intro segments to kick off each song. From there, it s off to the races with a deft combination of old-school metal savvy influenced by underrated metal heroes ADX and Omen, mixed with progressive song builds. Grönqvist, handpicked to front Chevalier because of her superlative range and the band s desire to avoid having a generic metal karaoke vocalist, is critical to the overall sound of Destiny Calls. She capably controls her powerful lungs on The Immurement, Road of Light and Stormbringer, while teaming up with Tommi on the album s lyrics, which deal with themes of life, death, freedom and destiny. Even though Chevalier is firmly embedded in Finland s capital of Helsinki, they see themselves as outsiders in a fertile, growing scene. Fitting in or going with current trends is contrary to Chevalier s overall purpose, who, admittedly, are less concerned with recreating the sounds of yore and more inclined to carve a path of their own. It shines through on Destiny Calls, an album that breaks with convention while setting an entirely new speed metal pace.
Release date:
April 26, 2019
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Shungu Faith in the Unknown
Lex Records
November 28, 2025 -
False Reality FADED INTENTIONS (Opaque White)
Hassle Records
November 14, 2025 -
Warren Zevon My Ride's Here Emerald
Friday Rights Management Llc
October 3, 2025 -
Elton John Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy (50th Anniversary Multicolor) [2xLP]
Mercury
October 24, 2025 -
Arthur Buck Arthur Buck 2
LONELY ASTRONAUT
October 3, 2025 -
Citizen Everybody Is Going to Heaven (10 Year Anniversary Edition) [2xLP]
Run For Cover
October 10, 2025 -
Earl Sweatshirt Live Laugh Love
Warner Records
October 24, 2025 -
Sigur Rós Takk... (20th Anniversary) [3xLP]
Krunk
September 26, 2025 -
Alison Wonderland GHost World (Glow-In-The-Dark)
Casablanca/Republic Records
October 3, 2025 -
Rochelle Jordan Through The Wall [2xLP]
Rochelle Jordan
October 10, 2025 -
Chase Rice Eldora
Dack Janiels Records
October 10, 2025 -
Mariah Carey Here For It All
Gamma.
September 26, 2025 -
Big Special National Average. (Orange/Yellow Marble)
So Recordings
October 3, 2025 -
OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) Crush: 40th Anniversary (Deluxe) [2xLP]
Universal UK
October 17, 2025