The momentum is building for Porto based outfit, AELEEN — the world’s rising Nu Metal force prepare to release their explosive new single ‘Misfits’ on 12th September 2025.
Defiant and unapologetic, AELEEN’s new single – ‘Misfits’ is a fierce anthem for outsiders everywhere. With biting lyrics that switch between French and English, the track rages against hypocrisy and false virtue — a rejection of those who hide behind façades of respectability. Carried by crushing riffs, groove-heavy rhythms, electronic textures, and a commanding vocal performance that moves between screams and soaring cleans, the track embodies both aggression and freedom. It’s a sound that will resonate with fans of Korn, Linkin Park, Deftones, and Guano Apes, while standing entirely on its own.
AELEEN are more than a band — they’re a collective of contrasts, where technical mastery meets raw emotional release. Fronted by Kti Cruz’s dynamic vocal range, from visceral screams to soaring melodic lines, the group finds its backbone in Mike Klyuykov’s crushing guitar riffs, Fabien Colette’s precision drumming, and Ilia Dokshin’s bass and electronic textures that inject depth and atmosphere. Their chemistry lies in how these elements collide: intensity with vulnerability, heaviness with groove, chaos with clarity. By embracing their diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, AELEEN craft songs that feel globally resonant yet deeply personal, inviting listeners not just to hear their music, but to confront their own truths within it.
“Misfits was born from an instrumental and musical exploration. I wanted to give the song an offbeat tone while keeping a strong social critique, true to AELEEN’s spirit,” explains vocalist Catie. “The theme touches on human nature, hypocrisy, appearances, and above all the idea of daring to be yourself and walking your own path. It’s an anthem for those who proudly embrace their difference.”
Formed by musicians from different countries and musical backgrounds, AELEEN embody the beauty of multiculturalism within the heavy music landscape; Each member brings a wealth of professional experience across genres — from classical and progressive to hip hop and hardcore — merging into a sound that is raw, refined, and deeply moving. Since making their live debut in early 2025, the band has been praised for their powerful stage presence and minimalist, amp-free live setup that lets their music speak loudest.
The release of Misfits follows their breakout single ‘Amy’, which gained international attention with placements on Spotify’s Modern Female METAL, ROCK & CORE playlist, features on the Cascais Garage radio programme (broadcast on more than 30 stations), and an interview on the DRAC show (Rádio Foz do Mondego). AELEEN’s rise continues this autumn with the release of their debut EP — a brutal, melodic, and deeply personal record exploring trauma, identity, and rebirth (coming early 2026).
The release of Misfits is accompanied by a striking music video that visually amplifies the track’s themes of defiance and individuality. Created by Alex Avelur, who also directed, shot, coloured, and edited the film, the video brings AELEEN’s chaotic yet empowering energy to life with raw, uncompromising imagery. Supporting the production were Andrew Trainspotted as gaffer, Aksinia Avelur on photography, Natalie Rusak as make-up and hair artist, and Liza Koroleva handling administration. The track itself was recorded at Redbox Studios and mixed and mastered by Jorge Lopes, while the video was filmed at Unblur Studio, completing a collaborative effort that matches the band’s sonic intensity with equally bold visuals.
“Misfits is about the feeling of not belonging and the restless energy that comes with it. We wanted the video to capture that raw intensity — the tension, the struggle, but also the power that comes from embracing who you are.
In the video we wanted to keep things raw and honest, without polish or distraction, to let the emotion drive everything. It’s about intensity, movement and energy — showing the struggle but also the confidence that comes from embracing who you are and not trying to fit into someone else’s frame.”
AELEEN will support the release with live dates, including:
- 27/09 – Socorro (Porto), Paws & Claws Fest
- 11/10 – Buraco Pub (Ovar)
- 17/10 – Wish You Were Here Pub (Porto)
- 06/12 – RCA Club (Lisbon)
With their eyes set on the international stage, AELEEN are ready to carry their hybrid assault into the next generation of heavy music.
Misfits is out 12th September 2025 on all major streaming platforms.
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ABOUT AELEEN
The momentum is building for AELEEN — the world’s rising Nu Metal force — as they charge into the spotlight with fierce energy and genre-defying sound.
AELEEN exists in the meta-modern space: using chaos, irony, and beauty to speak the uncomfortable. Their debut single broke onto the scene with dark grooves and lyrical weight, resonating with listeners who crave heaviness with substance.
Formed by musicians from different countries and musical backgrounds,
AELEEN brings the beauty of multiculturalism and national musical traditions into the metal landscape. Each member contributes significant professional experience across genres—from classical and progressive to hip hop and hardcore—merging into something truly unique and powerful. The result is a sound that feels raw, refined, and a little bit magical.
They made their live debut in early 2025, quickly gaining traction on the local scene with a powerful stage presence and a minimalist, amp-free setup that lets the music speak loudest. Their debut EP is slated for release this fall — a brutal, melodic, and deeply personal record that confronts trauma, identity, and rebirth.
And this is just the beginning. With their eyes set on the international stage, AELEEN is ready to bring their hybrid assault to the next generation of heavy music fans…