Finnish dark metal project Vaaja have released their second single, Abalon, ahead of its accompanying music video premiering on July 31st. The atmospheric, theatrical track serves as a direct musical gateway into a larger dark fantasy and horror universe tied to an upcoming novel series penned by the band’s frontman.

Named after a central character from the upcoming debut novel—the elven ancestor of foxes—Abalon explores a narrative turning point where the character emerges as an unexpected ally to a vulnerable young vampire and his human companions. Sonically, the track bridges the contemporary emotional weight of Sleep Token with the melancholic, gothic melodies of HIM and the progressive, theatrical flair of Opeth.

For vocalist, songwriter, and author Malphas Miserable, the music and the literature are entirely symbiotic.

“I carried the idea of Vaaja for many years, but it was not until 2025 that I started to write the first book,” Malphas explains. “After that, everything happened very fast and effortlessly. All songs of Vaaja are designed to carry Finnish mythology with a unique horror-fantasy twist beyond Finland’s borders.”

By stepping away from overused folklore tropes, Vaaja aims to carve out a distinct identity rooted in their own regional heritage, choosing a playful, unpredictable approach to songwriting over rigid genre boundaries.

“We think the category of ‘Nordic gothic dark metal’ fits us the best, but we don’t want to restrict ourselves too much,” the band states. “We aim to maintain a playful, even blasphemous spirit—just like the old gods. The old gods are dear to us, and we feel that Finnish mythology is one of the richest yet still most underrepresented mythologies in metal. Vaaja is not Viking imagery borrowed from our neighbors. It is ours—ancient, magical, and largely unknown to the world”

The single Abalon is available now on all major streaming services, with the official music video scheduled to drop on July 31st.