Helsinki’s own Frozen Factory are back, and they aren't pulling any punches. Following their recent triumph as Best International Band at the Radio Wigwam Awards, the Finnish-British outfit has solidified their reputation as a powerhouse of "prog-metal alternative." Their latest offering, ‘Apocalypse Inc.’, is a sprawling, 14-track journey that clocks in at exactly one hour, proving that the quintet is far from just a northern curiosity.
Formed in 2018, the band has mastered the art of the musical chameleon’, stitching together a tapestry of influences ranging from the atmospheric weight of Pink Floyd to the galloping melodies of Iron Maiden, with the grit of Alice in Chains and the synth-driven pulse of Depeche Mode thrown in for good measure.
‘Apocalypse Inc.’ serves as a scathing critique of modern life, using the corporate world as a metaphor for a society that has traded its soul for profit. The album kicks off with the industrial bite of ‘Apoca-Lip-Sync’, a track that suggests our civilisation is merely "lip-syncing" to a pre-recorded playback while the real music has died.
The record is a masterclass in balance, guided by the crystal-clear production of bassist Tomi Hassinen. Whether it’s the sonic claustrophobia of the six-minute ‘Can't Fight The Spiral’ or the venomous, punk-infused energy of ‘Get More Stupid’—a sharp jab at today’s scrolling culture—the band moves between styles with a blending that is almost unnoticeable.
A standout moment arrives with ‘Call Off The Firing Squad’. Singer Stephen Baker builds an intimate atmosphere before the track erupts into sharp metal riffs and the physical, pulsing percussion of Marianne Heikkinen.
Through the darkness, the album also touches on moments of profound humanism. ‘Petrov’s Light’ pays tribute to Stanislav Petrov, the man who prevented nuclear war in 1983, while the ethereal ‘Interstellar’ offers a dose of escapism, reminding us that we are all part of a connected whole. From the delicate folk foundations of ‘Burning The Butterflies’ to the haunting, unanswered phone call that closes ‘Happy Ending Not Included’, Frozen Factory has delivered a work that is as intellectually demanding as it is musically rewarding.
Experience the corporate meltdown for yourself—stream ‘Apocalypse Inc.’ on Spotify and follow Frozen Factory on Facebook and Instagram for more updates from the factory floor.
