Wheel

Charismatic leaders. These are the dictators, demagogues and false idols who, around the world at this very moment, are stoking division and igniting war in the name of nothing but self-gain. They’re also the unmistakable target of Wheel’s latest album of the same name: a seven-song prog metal opus that strives for all things right in a world gone wrong.

Since forming in 2015, Wheel have swiftly grown from underdogs of Helsinki, Finland, to an international tour de force. The angular riffs, unforgettable melodies and adventurous scope of the trio’s 2019 debut, Moving Backwards, was instantly adored by fans of megastars from Tool to Coheed & Cambria. Then, 2021 follow up Resident Human received rave reviews from publications across the planet, praising its sonic evolution and bravely dystopian themes.

Charismatic Leaders was meticulously crafted to meet Wheel’s ever-heightening benchmarks. Its songs date as far back as 2020, and recording with engineers/co-producers Daniel Bergstrand and Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) stretched from August to December 2023. The end result, mixed by Forrester Savell, has consolidated all the gains of what came before: singer/guitarist James Lascelles, lead guitarist Jussi Turunen, bassist Jere Lehto and drummer Santeri Saksala’s third album represents their heaviest and most conscious music to date.

Already, Wheel have toured the world with such prog metal idols as Epica, Leprous, Vola and Soen, and it’s easy to imagine the irresistible hook of “Disciple” or the explosive guitars of “Submission” only amplifying the excitement of their shows.

Wheel’s The Dark Side Tour 2026 will take fans deep into the band’s musical universe, showcasing songs rarely heard on stage next to classics from their catalogue. Wheel will revive hidden gems, creating an intense and immersive live experience. This tour promises a unique journey for longtime followers and a thrilling discovery for newcomers alike.