Symphonic metal band DOLIA has unveiled a captivating new single and music video, "Duet", marking the second chapter in a trilogy inspired by the ancient Slavic legend of the goddess Morana. This release delves into themes of identity, inner conflict, personal transformation, and the struggle between authenticity and societal expectations, showcasing the band's ambitious artistic narrative.
Led by the powerful vocalist and young artist Sara Vojicic, DOLIA's "Duet" explores the duality within every person, the conflict between the version of ourselves we show to the world and the instinctive, authentic part we often hide. Vojicic's wide vocal range, emotional intensity, and powerful high-register performances have drawn comparisons to leading voices in the symphonic metal scene, such as Floor Jansen, Sharon Den Adel, and Amy Lee. Her experience in major musical theatre productions, including Croatian productions of "Les Misérables" and "Six", further enhances her ability to combine vocal power with storytelling and theatrical expression.
The song raises a universal question: where does the version of ourselves created to fit society's expectations end, and where does our true identity begin? For Vojicic, "Duet" represents the closing of a challenging chapter in her life, pushing her to become stronger, freer in her relationships, and more honest with herself. It is a story about letting go of the fear of judgment, rejection, and the need to live according to someone else's expectations.
Musically, "Duet" showcases DOLIA's evolving sonic identity, blending elements of symphonic and progressive metal with cinematic orchestration, layered vocal arrangements, and dynamic musical storytelling. The composition develops alongside the emotional journey of the story, creating a dramatic and immersive listening experience, moving away from traditional song structures.
The music, lyrics, and arrangement are created by the band members, while orchestration and production are handled by Riad Music, adding a cinematic dimension and emotional depth to DOLIA's sound. Mixing and mastering were completed by Slovenian producer Simon Jovanovic, whose experience in rock and metal production brings additional depth and clarity to the band's sound.
The music video for "Duet" is directed by Tarik Hodzic, known internationally for the acclaimed documentary "Scream for Me Sarajevo", which tells the extraordinary story of Bruce Dickinson's historic 1994 concert in Sarajevo during the city's siege. The collaboration between DOLIA and Hodzic continues the connection between music, storytelling, and powerful visual narratives, transforming "Duet" into a visual world that follows the symbolism, mythology, and emotional atmosphere of the song.
DOLIA, consisting of Sara Vojicic, Riad Music, and Erik Müller, alongside their collaborators, plans to release additional singles leading towards their debut album, set for release at the end of the year in both digital and physical formats. With their cinematic approach, fantasy-inspired storytelling, and a powerful blend of symphonic and progressive metal, DOLIA is building a unique sound that connects the heritage of Slavic mythology with the emotional intensity of modern metal.
