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 their return in 2026 with a darker and heavier new direction, Joakem made their Bloodstock Open Air debut in the UK, adding to a live history that includes performances alongside Orden Ogan at London’s Islington Assembly Hall, Rotting Christ and Mother of Millions.
The band’s new era began with “Origins” and “Creature of the Abyss,” both receiving international attention following premieres through Metal.de and The ProgSpace. The two singles mark the opening chapters of Joakem’s forthcoming second album, with a third single now ready for release as the band builds momentum toward the full album.
Origins
Joakem was founded in Cyprus in 2018 by vocalist, composer and keyboardist Stelios Ioakim.
With a 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 through progressive rock and metal, diverse vocal styles, haunting ambience, evolving time signatures, aggressive guitars and heavy synth work. The album received international coverage, including praise from PowerPlay Magazine, which described it as “a masterclass in contemporary prog metal.”
Following the release of Mind Matter, Joakem evolved into a full live band, developing its live presence through shows in Cyprus and abroad. This included support appearances with Rotting Christ, Mother of Millions and Orden Ogan at London’s Islington Assembly Hall, culminating in the band’s Bloodstock Open Air debut in 2026.
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 Open Air debut completed, and the next single currently taking shape, Joakem is building toward the release of their second full-length album while looking to expand their live presence across the UK and Europe in support of the new material.
The latest releases represent 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
- BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2026 — UK festival debut
- ORIGINS — Out now — Premiered by The ProgSpace
CREATURE OF THE ABYSS — Out now — Premiered by Metal.de
SINGLE III — Release preparation underway
SECOND ALBUM — Forthcoming
