JOAKEM
Heavy • Atmospheric • Cinematic • Progressive
Joakem is a progressive metal band from Cyprus, combining atmospheric soundscapes, cinematic dynamics and melodic depth with the weight and rhythmic complexity of modern progressive metal.
Following a period of evolution and reinvention, Joakem returned in 2026 with a new chapter of music beginning with “Origins”, followed by “Creature of the Abyss.” The releases introduced a darker, heavier and more expansive direction for the band, while retaining the emotional and cinematic character at the core of Joakem’s sound.
The new material has already begun attracting international attention. “Origins” premiered through Metal.de, while “Creature of the Abyss” premiered through The Progspace, building momentum toward Joakem’s appearance at Bloodstock Open Air 2026 in the UK.
The two singles form the opening chapters of Joakem’s forthcoming second album. A third single is currently in production, with further material and the full-length album to follow.
Origins
Joakem was founded in Cyprus in 2018 by vocalist, composer and keyboardist Stelios Ioakim.
With a musical background beginning in classical piano and later expanding into rock, metal and composition, Stelios developed Joakem as a vehicle for music that could move between progressive complexity, heaviness, atmosphere and melody without being confined to a single genre.
The band’s debut album, Mind Matter, established that foundation, drawing on progressive rock and metal showcasing diverse vocal styles, haunting ambience, evolving time signatures, aggressive guitars, and heavy synth work. Its release received international coverage, including praise from PowerPlay Magazine, which described the record as “a masterclass in contemporary prog metal.”
Following the album’s release, Joakem evolved into a full live band, performing extensively across venues and festivals both locally and internationally. This development brought a new dimension to the project, translating its progressive and atmospheric sound into a live setting while establishing Joakem as an active performing band.
Rather than repeat the approach of the debut, the years that followed became a period of writing, experimentation and development. That process ultimately shaped the sound and identity of Joakem’s second album: more focused, heavier and increasingly cinematic in scope.
The Next Chapter
With “Origins” and “Creature of the Abyss” now released, a Bloodstock debut completed, and the next single currently taking shape, Joakem is building toward the release of their second full-length album, alongside plans for a UK and European tour in support of the new material.
The record represents the band’s most ambitious work to date, bringing together progressive metal, atmosphere, melody and cinematic scale within a more defined musical and visual identity.
2026 / CURRENT ERA
- ORIGINS – Out now Premiered by The ProgSpace
- CREATURE OF THE ABYSS – Out now Premiered by Metal.de
- BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2026 – UK festival debut
- SINGLE III – In production
- SECOND ALBUM – Forthcoming
