On June 2, New York-based alt-metal artist Crystal Joilena released her latest single, “The High Priestess.”
On June 2, New York-based alt-metal artist Crystal Joilena released “The High Priestess,” a majestic, enthralling track that explores what it means to connect with your higher self in the midst of forces that seek to usurp your power. With a captivating sound that transcends genre and draws listeners in like a magic spell, Joilena channels the divine in her latest single, offering further evidence that she is a rising artist to watch.
“Breaking down and building myself back up now / How many times will this cycle repeat itself? / Half risen, half fallen, but something awakened in me / Voices of tomorrow whisper even when you think you’re done, the dawn always comes,” Joilena sings in the opening lines.
Backed by melodic electric guitar, atmospheric pads, and sparse electronic drums, Joilena’s beautiful, haunting voice takes centerstage from the start. While lyrics are absolutely important in “The High Priestess,” the song conveys emotion beyond words to a striking effect. The sonic balance of harmony, rhythm, and overall instrumentation feels elemental and otherworldly. Fans of Imogen Heap and Evanescence will identify with the track (check out Crystal Joilena’s cover of “Bring Me to Life” ft. Tommy Roulette).
Crystal Joilena explains that “The High Priestess” was inspired by the “shadow side of the music industry,” including the gatekeepers who “steal lesser-known artists’ work and claim it as their own, or their own artist’s work, without any credit at all from where they got the inspiration from.” Joilena in addition to some of her colleagues, mostly women, have experienced their work being taken and used without consent, which she notes is all too common in the music industry.
“Deceptive people, frauds, predators, those who use others to get ahead, those who choose not to see the worth in someone else just because they’re different (maybe they suffer from disabilities, maybe they don’t fit the general stereotypical and physical beauty standards or behavior of what is considered ‘worthy’),” Joilena adds, and the list goes on.
However, “The High Priestess” does not remain in a state of defeat based on the understanding that she has the upper hand in the game. The universe always finds its way back to equilibrium, and this time will be no different.
“Your veil is at its thinnest, your simulation is in fragments / I can see all the glitches, you can’t hide anymore / They know what you’ve done,” Joilena sings in the chorus, showcasing her impressive vocal range. By confronting the painful truth, she is able to begin the healing process.
“The song as a whole is about me aligning with my higher self and exposing all of those hidden secrets to myself, coming to terms with the truth of all things, and facing every shadow,” said Joilena. “Shadows also include my struggle with ADHD and other mental illnesses that come with it, my own negative self-beliefs of unworthiness, body dysmorphia, the unhealthy habits and alcoholism I’ve struggled with in the past (I’ve been sober for 8 months, so I won that fight).”
Within the saturated music industry, Crystal Joilena offers something that is truly special. “The High Priestess” stands with timeless distinction, carving out a place of its own that you will be in no hurry to leave.
“I am faced with uncertainty every day due to my autoimmune illnesses I’ve had since I was a child, I never know what tomorrow is going to bring, so I have no choice but to live in the present,” said Joilena. “I have no choice but to give everything my all and believe the best is going to happen, because no matter what happens and what I’m faced with in life, the sun always rises, the dawn always comes.”
Connect with Crystal Joilena here to learn more. Find this track on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist on Spotify and YouTube.
Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
Subscribe to Alchemical Records today to support our efforts online and in print.
Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.
After AFI DOCS’s departure, the capital city once again has a documentary festival.
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
