New York rock outfit Circus Mind have returned with a brand-new single, “Viking Princess” featuring Scott Metzger, which is available across all platforms now. Dropping today across digital platforms, the track sees the band dive headfirst into a gritty, groove-heavy sound that blends blues, psychedelia, and theatrical flair in equal measure. This acts as the follow-up to Circus Mind’s previous single “Whole Lotta Nuthin“; and Scott Metzger’s feature on Jim Keller’s extended version of his single “Black Dog”, which also features Nels Cline.
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Built around a vividly drawn character, “Viking Princess” plays out as a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of a larger-than-life presence who quickly outstays their welcome. Beneath the swagger and humour, the track taps into a dynamic many listeners will recognise—the delicate balance between loyalty and personal limits. It’s exaggerated for effect, but rooted in emotional truth.
Discussing the inspiration behind the track, Circus Mind singer-songwriter and keyboardist Mark Rechler explained, “Just imagine the worst, loudest, stinkiest house guest you ever had and multiply it by a factor of 10 and you have the Viking Princess. You may still love that person, but eventually you need them to leave to maintain your sanity.”
Frontman Mark Rechler channels that chaos into a performance that feels both unrestrained and tightly controlled. Musically, the track leans into swampy blues textures and a rolling rhythmic backbone, creating a soundscape that feels as though it could spill out of a late-night barroom jam session. The arrangement is bolstered by featured guitarist Scott Metzger, whose sharp, expressive playing injects extra bite into the mix, especially when he takes the spotlight during the expansive instrumental segment that showcases his exceptionally skilled talent; while harmonica from Noel Lustgarden deepens the track’s blues foundations.
The result is a song that feels deliberately larger than life—loud, playful, and packed with personality. It embraces theatricality without losing its musical precision, striking a balance between tongue-in-cheek storytelling and tight musicianship. Every element feeds into its rolling groove, making it as infectious as it is eccentric.
Circus Mind continue to build on the momentum of their previous release, “Bioluminate”, which showcased their ability to fuse rock with New Orleans-inspired funk and melodic pop influences. Led by Mark Rechler and featuring Brian Duggan (guitar), Michael Amendola (saxophone), Mathew Fox (bass), Steve Finkelstein (percussion), and Dan Roth (drums), the band have carved out a reputation for fluidly moving between genres while maintaining a distinct sonic identity.
As for Scott Metzger, he has long been recognised as one of the most expressive and versatile guitarists on the American live circuit, known for blending technical precision with raw, improvisational fire. A core member of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and a collaborator across multiple projects, including LaMP, he has built a reputation for reinterpreting classic material with fearless creativity while bringing his own voice to every performance. Whether leaning into blues grit or expansive psychedelic textures, Scott Metzger’s playing consistently balances control and spontaneity, making his contribution to this track a natural extension of his dynamic musical identity.
With “Viking Princess”, Circus Mind reaffirm their knack for character-driven songwriting wrapped in infectious grooves, elevated further by Scott Metzger’s fiery guitar work. It’s a bold and spirited return that invites listeners to laugh, nod in recognition, and perhaps reconsider who they’re inviting to stay the night.
“Viking Princess”, by Circus Mind featuring Scott Metzger, is available to download and stream, right now, across platforms, via Outhouse Music.
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