“Shadow War” Ignites KARU’s Next Chapter in Symphonic Death Metal and New Album "Perdition" Out Nov 2025!

Symphonic death metallers KARU return with the first single from their upcoming album "Perdition". Out on September 16th, 2025, “Shadow War” sets the tone for the record’s epic narrative and sonic scope.

At nearly ten minutes in length, “Shadow War” embodies the essence of KARU’s sound: brutal, unforgiving riffs and guttural vocals contrasted by sweeping orchestration and haunting melodic passages. The track mirrors the conceptual backbone of "Perdition", a journey through a folklore-inspired vision of feudal Japan, where villages are razed by demons and survivors confront both despair and resilience.

Musically, the single evolves like a saga. It opens with relentless death metal ferocity, transitions into an atmospheric middle section the band dubs the “Dreamworld,” and culminates in an emotionally charged guitar solo that balances virtuosity with narrative weight. This dynamic structure highlights the trio’s artistic synergy:

Niko Hienonen – vocals, production, orchestrations

Kalle Pöyskö – guitars

Toni Tieaho (ex-Mors Principium Est, Crystalic) – guitars

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Hienonen, “Shadow War” captures the next stage of KARU’s evolution after their acclaimed 2024 album "HYDRA". With "Perdition", the band pushes further, integrating clean vocals, Japanese voice acting, and even more intricate orchestration to craft an album designed as a seamless cinematic experience.