Finnish metal sextet AMORAL will release its seventh studio album, “In Sequence”, in Japan on January 29 via Ward Records, and in the rest of the world on February 5 through Imperial Cassette (Gordeon Music, GSA).
The second song to be released from “In Sequence”, titled “The Next One To Go”, can be streamed below.
“‘Rude Awakening’, the first single off ‘In Sequence’, presented the more modern, metallic side of the new album, whereas on ‘The Next One To Go’, the riff assault has changed to painting landscapes with chords, and the guitars make some room for vintage keyboard sounds,” says AMORAL guitarist and founder Ben Varon. “The lyrics look into the write’s block syndrome, and what pain such a state can bring to those who work in the creative field. We are also reminded of the dangers of postponing doing things of importance.”
The cover artwork for the follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows” was designed by Aki Siltala, who is also one of the most well-known tattoo artists in Finland.
“In Sequence” track listing:
01. In Sequence (Prologue)
02. Rude Awakening
03. The Betrayal
04. Sounds Of Home
05. The Next One To Go
06. Helping Hands
07. Defuse The Past
08. From The Beginning (The Note Part 2)
Said Ben Varon: “We went into making the seventh album with an Yngwie Malmsteen state of mind: more is more! Once we got our original singer Niko Kalliojärvi back in the band — expanding the group into a six-headed monster, with two vocalists and three guitar players — it was time to start the writing process, which was one of the most inspiring ones for me so far. More guitar parts, more keyboards, more back and forth between clean and growling vocals.”
Another angle used to get a fresh touch for “In Sequence” was the decision to invite a whole bunch of guest musicians — including percussionist Teho Majamäki, INDICA singer Jonsu and ACYL singer/mastermind Amine Benotmane — to play on the album, which was a first for AMORAL.
Stated Ben: “The album is filled with stellar guest performances from many talented musicians, who added percussion, female vocals, analog syths and ouds to the songs, amongst other things. The guests definitely helped take the songs to the next level.”
He added: “To me, ‘In Sequence’ is the logical follow-up to ‘Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows’, on which we took our love for grandieuse prog to new hights. ‘In Sequence’ continues on that path, though the return of Niko gives the new material some of that old school AMORAL vibe. And I think this one turned out a touch heavier as well, not least because of the real-life based concept of the album.”
Source: Blabbermouth
