Croatian rock collective Grinded Grin made an album with original The Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming; »Celestial Veil« out now via Olde Scratch Records!

Croatian alternative/stoner/psychedelic rock collective Grinded Grin is back with their new album, »Celestial Veil«, which was just released on May 2nd, 2025 via Olde Scratch Records. »Celestial Veil« features the original The Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming.

Tracklist:
01. Quantum Doors
02. Release The Weight
03. Arrest My Soul
04. A Play Of Power
05. Cosmic Order
06. Time’s Veil
07. Between Torments

Following the darker and more complex concept of their previous album »Charlatan«, Grinded Grin opens the door to a more accessible yet still artistically deep sound with their new release »Celestial Veil«. The album is infused with a stronger rock structure, clearer song forms, and an emotional weight that at times reveals a surprising tenderness – starting with a beautiful ballad as the opening track, perhaps the band’s most intimate moment to date.

A defining element of the album is the constant presence of female vocals – Fe Malefiz guides the listener through every moment of this seven-part journey with a voice that is hypnotic, piercing, and vulnerable all at once.

As a crowning achievement in the band’s discography, »Celestial Veil« features a collaboration with legendary drummer Blake Fleming, original member of the cult band The Mars Volta. His signature style gives the album a pulse that pushes the boundaries of form and rhythm.

The lineup on »Celestial Veil« brings together top international and regional musicians:
Fe Malefiz – Vocals
Aleksandar Vrhovec – Guitar, Synth
Andy Warner – Bass
Blake Fleming – Drums
Petar Šimčić – Guitar (2,3,4,7)

The album was produced and mixed by Aleksandar Vrhovec, the main creative force behind Grinded Grin, while Nathan Reiner handled the mastering. Once again, Vrhovec affirms his unique position on the regional scene – balancing experimentation with a strong sense of form, he creates music that is both exploratory and listenable.

»Celestial Veil« is an album for those who appreciate when concept and emotion meet in the right place – when experimentation becomes a song you want to hear again and again.

The album is available on all major streaming platforms – Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL, Bandcamp, and more – and can also be streamed in full on the YouTube channel of their label, Olde Scratch HERE.

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well