On April 28th, 2023, Elvenking will continue their epic quest with “Reader Of The Runes – Rapture”, the sequel to their 2019 blockbuster record “Reader of the Runes – Divination”! Forging a potent magic stronger than ever by evoking the essence of heavy metal, pagan metal, folk and melodic death metal, they set sail to horizons more distant than ever before, boldly taking the world by storm with our quintessentially unique approach to heavy, powerful music.

“HERDCHANT is the last single out of our new album “ROTR Rapture”.” The band comments. “It perfectly represents the two souls of Elvenking: on one side the love for all the great Metal of the 90s, in this case the melodic death metal from The Gothenburg scene and on the other, the traditional folkloristic music with its magical and dark atmospheres. That is why it is a perfect single to introduce the listeners to the darker chapter of this trilogy also thanks to the grand epic chorus that embodies the most tragic and solemn vein of our sound.”

Here’s their new single ‘Bride of Night’, guest vocals by Heike Langhans.

Their previous single ‘The Hanging Tree’.

Says the band: “The Hanging Tree is a song that sets a violent darker tone as we dive deep into the core of the story narrated in the second part of the “Reader of the Runes” trilogy. If “Rapture” was more epic, slow paced and filled with many different shades and textures, “The Hanging Tree” is a merciless fast cavalcade that goes straight to the point with a heavy fast riffing, melodic yet aggressive vocals, big choirs in the chorus, two insane guitar solos and a folk break in the middle that our dear EK fans will definitely love. It will surely be a highlight in our forthcoming live shows.”

“Reader Of The Runes – Rapture” was written between 2020 and 2022, and was recorded between May and October 2022 by us and by renowned producer Scott Atkins (Cradle of Filth, Behemoth) who also took over mixing and mastering duties.

Tracklist

1. Rapture
2. The Hanging Tree
3. Bride of Night
4. Herdchant
5. The Cursed Cavalier
6. To the North
7. Covenant
8. Red Mist
9. Incantations
10. An Autumn Reverie
11. The Repentant

Album artwork by Zsofia Dankova
Single artwork by Dan Goldsworthy
Photos by Cunene Photography