Finnish blackened gothic/doom metal trio SIDEWALK MAFIA have announced their signing to Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records alongside the release of their new single ‘To Go’. The first of two new tracks scheduled to arrive through the label, the single marks the beginning of a new chapter in the band’s musical direction.

Formed in Helsinki in 2021, SIDEWALK MAFIA combine low-tuned guitars, dark melodies and oppressive atmospheres. Having released two full-length albums, including 2024’s “Soulcrushers”, the trio have also maintained an active live presence, performing across Finland, the UK and the Baltic states.

‘To Go’ offers a glimpse of the band’s evolving musical direction. Built around a different production approach, the track retains SIDEWALK MAFIA’s melancholic character while giving its melodic framework a more pronounced sense of momentum.

The band describe the song’s atmosphere as a world that can evoke deceptively positive feelings while concealing an unknown, dark void beneath the surface. Although the tempo of ‘To Go’ represents an attempt to escape the impending calamity, as the band put it, nothing is entirely safe in the darkness.

Rather than following up “Soulcrushers” with another full-length album, SIDEWALK MAFIA have opted to release their upcoming material as standalone singles. The band explain that this approach allows them to present their current musical identity one track at a time, adding that they are looking forward to taking the new songs to the stage.

The ‘To Go’ single is available to listen to here, released via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records.

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SIDEWALK MAFIA lineup:

  • Tommy Angelov – Vocals, Guitars

  • Johannes Wolfpathon – Drums, Vocals

  • Tom O’Valley – Bass

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