Published: March 20, 2026
The Moldovan metal band unveils a powerful new single exploring identity and transformation while launching their 2026 “Mutation Phase” tour across Europe, the UK and the U.S.
Moldovan modern metal force Infected Rain have released the official music video for their brand new single “Stranger”, offering the first glimpse into the band’s upcoming musical chapter and marking the beginning of a new creative phase as they continue to evolve their sound.
Built around themes of identity, transformation and inner conflict, “Stranger” explores the moment of realizing you no longer fully recognize the person you have become, pairing introspective lyrics with driving rhythms and the band’s sharp modern metal edge.
Vocalist Lena Scissorhands explains the inspiration behind the song:
“‘Stranger’ came from the moment when you realize you don't fully recognize yourself anymore. It's an inward fight with identity, with the roles you've worn for too long, and the distance that grows between who you are and who you think you should be. In the end, it's about becoming strangers to ourselves, and trying to find the way back.”
The release arrives just days before the band hits the road for their “Mutation Phase” Tour 2026, co-headlining across Europe and the UK alongside Butcher Babies. Kicking off on March 25 in Glasgow, the tour will bring Infected Rain’s explosive live performance to audiences across the continent, combining fan favorites with new material.
Speaking about the new single and the band’s current direction, Infected Rain add:
“‘Stranger’ is part of the Mutation Phase Infected Rain is entering right now. It's the sound of Infected Rain pushing forward, leaving comfort behind, and stepping into something sharper and more direct. This song belongs in the setlist for the upcoming EU and U.S. tours because it represents what the band is becoming. The album is still in progress, but we're proud of where it's heading and wanted to share a first taste of the next record with everyone already now.”
Formed in Chisinau, Moldova, Infected Rain have emerged as one of the most distinctive and rapidly rising acts in modern heavy music. Blending elements of modern metal, metalcore, nu-metal and alternative influences, the band has built a powerful sonic identity defined by emotional intensity and dynamic songwriting.
Over the past decade, the group has expanded its global reach through relentless touring and a series of acclaimed releases, including Endorphin, 86, Ecdysis and TIME. Their reputation for explosive live shows has taken them to major international festivals and extensive tours across Europe and North America.
MUTATION PHASE TOUR 2026 — EUROPE & UK (WITH BUTCHER BABIES)
Mar 25 — Glasgow, UK — Slay
Mar 26 — Newcastle, UK — Anarchy Brew
Mar 27 — Manchester, UK — Club Academy
Mar 28 — London, UK — O2 Academy Islington
Mar 29 — Bristol, UK — The Fleece
Mar 30 — Birmingham, UK — O2 Institute
Mar 31 — Southampton, UK — The 1865
Apr 01 — Brighton, UK — Concorde 2
Apr 03 — Kortrijk, Belgium — DVG Club
Apr 04 — Nijmegen, Netherlands — Doornroosje
Apr 05 — Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany — Easter Cross Festival
Apr 07 — Essen, Germany — Turock
Apr 08 — Mannheim, Germany — Alte Feuerwache
Apr 09 — Paris, France — La Machine
Apr 10 — Lyon, France — La Rayonne
Apr 11 — Barcelona, Spain — Salamandra
Apr 12 — Madrid, Spain — Mon
Apr 14 — Toulouse, France — Metronum
Apr 15 — Milan, Italy — Legend Club
Apr 16 — Zurich, Switzerland — Dynamo Saal
Apr 17 — Lindau, Germany — Club Vaudeville
Apr 18 — Munich, Germany — Backstage
Apr 19 — Budapest, Hungary — Barba Negra
Apr 20 — Vienna, Austria — Szene
Apr 22 — Warsaw, Poland — Hybrydy
Apr 23 — Hamburg, Germany — Bahnhof Pauli
Apr 24 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Pumpehuset
Apr 25 — Stockholm, Sweden — Kollektivet Livet
Apr 28 — Helsinki, Finland — Ääniwalli
Apr 30 — Kopervik, Norway — Karmøygeddon Metal Festival
MUTATION PHASE 2026 — U.S. TOUR
May 04 — Lubbock, TX — Jakes
May 05 — Austin, TX — Come And Take It Live
May 06 — Dallas, TX — Club Dada
May 10 — Daytona, FL — Welcome To Rockville
May 12 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
May 13 — Greensboro, NC — Hangar 1819
May 14 — Virginia Beach, VA — Scandals Live
May 15 — Baltimore, MD — Zen West
May 16 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts
May 17 — New York, NY — Mercury Lounge
May 19 — Millersville, PA — Phantom Power
May 20 — Rochester, NY — Montage Music Hall
May 21 — Lakewood, OH — The Winchester
May 22 — Columbus, OH — The King Of Clubs
May 23 — Westland, MI — The Token Lounge
May 24 — Joliet, IL — The Forge
May 26 — Denver, CO — The Roxy
May 27 — Salt Lake City, UT — Metro Music Hall
May 29 — Seattle, WA — El Corazon
May 30 — Portland, OR — Star Theater
Jun 02 — San Jose, CA — The Ritz
Jun 03 — Los Angeles, CA — Whisky A Go Go
Jun 04 — San Diego, CA — Brick By Brick
Jun 05 — Mesa, AZ — The Rosetta Room
Jun 06 — Las Vegas, NV — Swan Dive
INFECTED RAIN ARE:
Lena Scissorhands — Vocals
Vadim “Vidick” Ozhog — Guitars
Alice Lane Pandini — Bass
Eugene Voluta — Drums
With a new album currently in progress, Infected Rain now enter what they describe as their “Mutation Phase”, a transformative period that pushes their sound into sharper, more direct territory while maintaining the raw intensity that has defined their career.
Watch Infected Rain – “Stranger” below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
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