In the vast landscape of heavy music, it is rare to find a collaboration that feels both like a fresh start and a homecoming. Beyond Black, the powerhouse duo consisting of Dan Wande and Tomas Ylivainio (aka Tylivain), have managed to capture exactly that. Their latest two-track offering, aptly titled ‘II’, serves as a gritty, high-octane successor to last year’s debut, proving that distance is no barrier to creative chemistry.
The pair’s story is as compelling as their riffs. Despite residing nearly 900 kilometres apart in Sweden, they have forged a bond that transcends geography. Remarkably, the duo only met face-to-face for the first time in August 2025 during a press interview. This meeting confirmed what they had already discovered through their remote sessions: they were musical soul mates. During their discussions, they unearthed a startling shared history, realising they had moved in the same circles and even graced the same stages for years without ever meeting.
Tomas Ylivainio is the project's multi-instrumentalist engine. Having stepped away from the industry for over two decades, his return in 2018 saw him mastering modern production while channelling the spirit of 70s and 80s icons like Van Halen and the Sex Pistols. On the other side of the mic is Dan Wande, a seasoned frontman whose resume reads like a map of Swedish rock history, including stints with Vandee Unit X and Backseat.
The new release kicks off with ‘Money Talks’, a staggering metal anthem that tips its hat to the golden era of Black Sabbath and AC/DC. It’s a potent dose of layering, featuring searing guitar work and thunderous percussion that feels revitalised by modern production. Wande’s vocals are particularly fiery here, carrying the authority of a man who has lived and breathed the genre since the early 80s.
In contrast, ‘Shadow Warrior’ leans into a more atmospheric, theatrical territory. It’s a darker, more cinematic cut that highlights the duo's versatility. As they continue to build their catalogue, it is clear that Beyond Black isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about two veterans finally finding the perfect partnership. As Tomas puts it, they are simply "crafting the music they genuinely love and breathe together."
You can stream the new double release above, along with last year’s debut, and for more, be sure to catch the duo on Facebook and Instagram.
