The Chiefs Release Debut Single & Video “Jesus”

Helsinki-based band The Chiefs is preparing to release their debut album with a foreboding first single titled ”Jesus.” With this track, the band brings back a sense of danger to rock music, casting the holy man as a symbol of forbidden love. The song’s dark and hypnotic tone makes the band sound like the unwanted, illegitimate child of Suicide and Depeche Mode.

The music video released for the song deepens its atmosphere by playing with imagery related to its themes.

The lyrics of Jesus explore themes of alienation, rebellion, and social critique in an intense and provocative manner. The song blends erotic, violent, and religious language. One phrase, for example, can be interpreted as a reference to the Christian Eucharist, where the believer “receives the body of Christ,” but in this context, it takes on a sexual meaning, as if Jesus were physically inside the narrator in a sexual sense.

Founded in 2018, the core duo of The Chiefs consists of vocalist Jyrki Riekki and guitarist Jelina Rahikainen. The Jesus video is a joint production by Riekki, also known for his work as a visual artist, and Rahikainen. The band’s other members include drummer Ville Hirvonen, and during studio sessions, second guitarist Street Mike and bassist Aukusti Hukka. Following lineup changes, guitarist Kari Malmio and bassist Jukka Nyman later joined the group.

The Chiefs’ “Jesus” single artwork