Often, an artist can be floating around and have success in other corners of the globe… yet you have no idea who they are. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Often, it is because the said artist may not have been given proper exposure in your part of the world. This is considered when you do find them; it is all new and exciting, as if you are discovering a Wonka Golden Ticket. The true joy of music for many, a band that has been making their way for some time but is perhaps new to broader audiences, is VUKOVI.
Out of Scotland, VUKOVI is a red hot band ready to explode onto the international scene in 2025 with their forthcoming album MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN. Set for release on January 24th, it will mark their fourth studio full-length; however, their first with mass distribution. Making waves around the UK Rock/Metal scene for over a decade, releasing several EPs between 2011 and 2012 independently, in the summer of 2023, they signed on with SharpTone Records (home of bands like August Burns Red and Boston Manor) with eyes set on a major impact.
A rightful opportunity to expand their reach, it seemed like it was a long time coming when their 2022 album, NULA, received five nominations at the 2023 UK Heavy Music Awards. Putting them in the company of several other big artists, it seemed almost natural that bigger things were on the horizon. The result of years of hard work, impassioned songwriting, and a unique style, these series of events found VUKOVI on their first-ever North American Tour in the spring of 2024 when they co-headlined with Calva Louise. An exciting moment for the band and their growing following across the ocean, they also spent time in 2024 supporting Babymetal across the UK, plus playing huge festivals such as Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Download Festival, Rock For People, and Graspop.
These are very big milestones for VUKOVI, but 2025 looks to be an even bigger year with the worldwide release of MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN. This is not to mention their bold, headlining European tour set to take place between February and March. Riding high, they also amassed many streams with late 2024 singles such as “GUNGHO,” “MISTY ECSTASY,” and “SNO.” All samples of what MY GOD HAS GOT A GUN will offer… let us dig a little deeper into the understanding of VUKOVI.
Taking a name that means “wolves” in Serbian, VUKOVI has steadily been led by Vocalist Janine Shilstone and Lead Guitarist Hamish Reilly. The songwriting forces behind the music and their sound have certainly progressed through the years, with early efforts leaning more toward Pop-Punk as they pushed their boundaries further into other genres, including Modern Metal, pop, Alternative, and Electronic Rock. Although a difficult sound to describe, you could say that VUKOVI unites everything mentioned into something all their own.
Offering comparison to other bands, in an attempt to give some reference, you could say that fans of Ash Costello’s New Year’s Day, Lynn Gunn’s Pvris, or Maria Brink’s In This Moment will have their interest piqued by VUKOVI. With this in mind, VUKOVI, as stated, is truly unique to themselves. In short, their songs are melodic and filled with irresistible vocal hooks, but they also have quiet lyrics that challenge thought and ignite a fire inside.
Overall, 2025 could be a massive breakout year for VUKOVI, with endless possibilities, so getting in on the ground floor is recommended.
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