Apocalyptica releases 'Upperhand' for Control: Resonant
Apocalyptica has shared a new metal track 'Upperhand' featuring Kalandra, written for the game Control: Resonant. The song expands on the game's main theme and reflects the protagonist's emotional journey. The game launches today on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
The song began as instrumental music for the game's opening cinematic before evolving into a full vocal piece. Toppinen described the collaboration with Kalandra's singer as fortunate, noting her voice carried the track to its intended emotional destination. The composition mirrors the protagonist's state of mind as he faces an uncertain path into the unknown.
Control: Resonant picks up the story seven years after the original game, placing players in a transformed Manhattan threatened by paranormal forces. Players assume the role of Dylan Faden, brother of the first game's hero. The creative director spoke about music's capacity to elevate dramatic moments and convey narrative without dialogue, with six additional tracks from the game released ahead of the full soundtrack announcement.
This partnership between a Finnish metal act and a major game studio reflects the growing integration of heavy music into mainstream entertainment. It could expose Apocalyptica's catalog to millions of players who may not typically engage with metal, potentially expanding their audience. The game's deliberate use of music as a storytelling device may also influence how other developers approach soundtrack composition, treating songs as narrative tools rather than mere background elements.