Balina

Balina is an instrumental duo formed in Izmir in 2011 by guitarist Alican Öyke and drummer Burçin Esin. Moving between progressive rock, psychedelia, post-metal and improvisation, their music is built around heavy riffs, dynamic structures and long-form compositions. After releasing their self-titled debut independently in 2013, Balina established themselves as a notable name in Turkey's independent music scene. In 2015, they shared the stage with Mogwai in Istanbul, followed by their 2017 album Kaybetmenin Mitolojisi, released by Ada Müzik and later pressed on vinyl. In 2023, the duo released Ateşten Yıllar, shaped in a home studio in Urla and distributed internationally through The state51 Conspiracy and GRGDN Müzik. In 2026, Balina shared the stage with Amenra in Istanbul. Today, the duo is entering a new phase in its musical journey. Çoban & Keşiş is the first piece from this new phase. Built as a single composition in two distinct movements, it moves from a heavier, structured and grounded first part into a freer, more psychedelic and improvisational second half. The Shepherd (Çoban) represents order, responsibility and attachment to the world; the Hermit (Keşiş) turns inward, embracing solitude, individuality and detachment.