Canadian progressive-metal legendary performer and Ukrainian metal vocalist released a joint composition. Release 22 April 2026.
Tetiana Shmailyuk and Devin Townsend — Canadian progressive-metal legendary performer (known for bands Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend Project, current solo project) — released the joint single 'Eastern Light' (duration 8:42) on 22 April 2026 on InsideOut Music label. This is Shmailyuk's first collaboration with a North American performer in her 18-year career with Jinjer. Single concept — dialogue between two vocal schools: Canadian (Townsend — operatic-orchestral metal vocal) and Ukrainian (Shmailyuk — harsh/clean switching). Structure: I. 'Sunrise: Townsend' (operatic clean vocal, reflecting morning); II. 'Storm: Shmailyuk' (harsh growls, reflecting war); III. 'Dialogue' (both switching between each other); IV. 'Sunset: Together' (joint harmony). Recording took place in two locations: Canadian Hipposonic studio in Vancouver (January 2026) and MUSCOLO in Kyiv (February 2026). Townsend flew specifically to Kyiv for the final section recording — his first Ukraine visit since 2014. The music clip with duration 8:30, filmed in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Ukrainian Carpathians (showing physical geographic distance, symbolizing cultural solidarity), released 22 April — first 48 hours 6.5 million YouTube views.
