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
DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/crEB2U
To celebrate the release, KARU also unveils an official lyric video for “Shadow War”, offering fans a visual entry point into the song’s story and atmosphere:
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/kmaz_NyPDOo
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.
Perdition will be released worldwide on November 21st, 2025.
ALBUM PRE-ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/products/karu-perdition-cd
Track Listing:
1. Shores of Mist and Blood
2. Shadow War
3. Alone in the Forest
4. Embers in the Skies
5. Trail of Fire
6. Path of the Unforgiven
7. Perdition
For fans of Wintersun, Brymir, Whispered, and Nightwish, KARU’s “Shadow War” is both a statement of intent and an invitation into a mythic, immersive world where extreme metal collides with symphonic drama.
More info:
https://www.instagram.com/karu_band/
https://www.facebook.com/KARUbandofficial
Source: ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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