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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 new 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 followup 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 and drummer Santeri Saksala’s
third album represents their heaviest and most conscious music to date.
This was the most fun I’ve ever had at a concert. Wheel is maybe my favorite band. Their song Wheel is my favorite song…of anything I’ve ever heard. They are from Finland and not in the US that much-but you need to check them out-even if it means a great reason to travel!
Finally seeing them live completely blew away my expectations. They owned the stage and played a wide variety of their songs. The sound quality was perfect and they sounded like I was listening to their cd. Then for them to spend what time they had left with the fans after the show was truly amazing. I really wish more people knew them because it would benefit the band and the new listener as well. Every time they come around, I will be in the audience with whoever I can manage to bring with me.
This band is so good! They have such a great sound and are very tight musically.
The concert was overwhelmingly awesome. This band is what’s up. Even at a smaller venue with a smaller crowd, they killed it. I can’t wait to see them packing arenas when they get big. Definitely recommend catching a show.
They sound perfect. Such an incredibly talented group of artists. Had the pleasure of meeting them as well and they were all so kind and friendly. If you like prog metal, do yourself a favor and see Wheel live if you can!!!
