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Personnel:
Alexandra Căpitănescu – vocals
Bogdan Stoican – guitars
Matei Cohal – bass
Luca Șofron – drums
Thomas Cîrcotă – keyboards
Production: Bogdan Stoican, Nathan Smart
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Record Label: Universal Music Romania
After a historic third-place finish at Eurovision, Alexandra Căpitănescu has now released her debut full-length album, Choke Me, cementing her place in the metal scene and showing how far she has come since her early television appearances. Named after the hit single that took her to the top of the charts, the album has some high expectations to meet, with its mix of heavy rock riffs, emotional songwriting, and powerful vocals.
Choke Me makes a great first impression, opening with the title track and massive hit, which is a very smart production move to start the album on a high note while also getting the major hit out of the way to give the rest of the album attention. The momentum never drops, thanks to the way the album perfectly shifts between aggressive, heavy riffs and soft, emotional melodies. The unique song intros and unpredictable pacing keep the whole record feeling fresh, while the majestic vocals easily hook you from the very first minute to the last.
If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.
The striking cover shows a dark and artistic distorted portrait that reflects the intense emotions running through the album. Its gritty, high-contrast look sets the tone for the aggressive, heavy alternative rock waiting inside.
The album keeps moving between soft, calm melodies and heavy, hard-hitting parts, with the songs taking some unexpected turns in the way they open and close. Some intros and calmer sections use acoustic guitars before gradually building into heavy hooks, as heard on tracks like “CMYM” and “HEAL.” Fast, energetic rhythms keep the momentum going, while atmospheric elements add more layers to the heavier parts. The guitar work also stands out throughout the record, with powerful, driving riffs and excellent solos that fit perfectly with the emotional side of the music.
What makes Alexandra’s vocals stand out is not only her distinct timbre, but also the passion and feeling she puts into every performance. She has been known for this intense delivery since her first appearance on The Voice Romania, and that talent has grown more refined and elaborate at this stage. Her performance is majestic across both the softest and heaviest parts of the record. She shifts effortlessly from soft, emotional melodic tones and breathtaking high notes to powerful, harsher heavy rock singing. The vocals on “HEAL” are siren-level (the mythical creature, not the modern warning device), while the vocalizing on tracks like “HEAT” and “Choke Me” brings emotions out as clear as daylight.
Choke Me explores internal struggles and emotions, alongside the urge to rebel and fight back. “Hollow Heart” deals with the fear of failure, chasing other people’s approval, and what comes after, while “RESTRAIN” tackles societal expectations and control. “HEAL” expresses a strong desire for liberation, and “UTOPIA” offers an intelligent critique of society. The contrasts in the music bring out the different sides of these topics.
A grand collision of talent, emotions and hard work, heavy in its foundation and its core. Alexandra Căpitănescu’s deeply passionate vocals along with the majestic guitars provide the base for another success story in her young but glorious career.
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Stairing at the roof – great music for when you’re thinking your life choices
Gaming – can be a soundtrack for any action game
Working – listen to while working to focus your energy, or cover the sound of your annoying co-working
Driving –unless there’s a traffic jam
Cover photo credit: Alma Bengtson/EBU
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