Wheel

Wheel is a Finland-based quartet operating in the prog-metal realm. Their approach centers on groove foundations yet incorporates post-punk passages, polyrhythms rooted in the bass, and time signatures that range from abstract to densely layered. Ex-pat Englishman James Lascelles, who handles vocals, guitar, and keyboards, first appeared with the band on two EPs issued in 2017 and 2018. The group’s subsequent full-length releases arrived as Moving Backwards in 2019, Resident Human in 2021, and Charismatic Leaders in 2024.

The Helsinki outfit took shape in 2015 once Lascelles relocated to Finland. During an appearance by his prior group Flute of Shame on a Finnish talent program, he spoke with house-band guitarist Saku Mattila backstage; that exchange led directly to their decision to start a new project together. Mattila then brought in bassist Mikko Määttä and drummer Santeri Saksala. Mattila and Määttä remained for the 2017 single “The Path,” the 2018 Divide EP, and the accompanying live dates. After Saksala exited, guitarist Roni Seppänen—previously of Tracedawn and Montage—joined for the debut album Moving Backwards, released on Odyssey Music Network. Both Seppänen and Määttä departed before work began on the 2021 follow-up Resident Human, during which Lascelles also handled an array of keyboard parts. Critical response and touring prospects nevertheless grew stronger.

Late in 2023 Wheel entered an agreement with Germany’s Inside Out/SPV imprint and returned to the studio at the start of the next year. The sessions featured guitarist Jussi Turunen alongside returning drummer Saksala, while bass duties were divided between Lascelles and Niilo Ryti. Cellist Tuukka Helminen contributed to the recordings as well. Charismatic Leaders, the band’s third album, appeared in May, and the non-album track “Fit” was issued the following day.