Apocalyptica release ‘Upperhand’ featuring Kalandra’s Katrine Stenbekk

Finnish cello metal pioneers Apocalyptica have released “Upperhand”, the official theme song for CONTROL Resonant, the new game from Finnish game developer Remedy Entertainment. The single features Norwegian alternative folk artist Katrine Stenbekk of Kalandra.

“Upperhand” is based on the instrumental main theme Apocalyptica created for the game, drawing from the paranormal and unsettling world at the heart of CONTROL Resonant. For the single, the band expanded the original instrumental into a full song, with Stenbekk‘s vocals adding another layer to its dark and atmospheric character.

According to Apocalyptica‘s Eicca Toppinen, the first version of “Upperhand” was written as music for the opening sequence of the game. He explains that the piece was intended to reflect the protagonist’s restless feelings as they move towards the unknown.

“I wanted to expand it into a full song and add lyrics, and we were really lucky to have Kalandra’s Katrine with her unique voice to take the song in the direction it was meant to go.”

Toppinen also describes adapting Apocalyptica‘s characteristic elements to the world of CONTROL as a challenging but rewarding process, expressing his hope that both fans of the game and the band will find the result special.

The accompanying music video for “Upperhand” was directed by Jens de Vos and is now available to watch.