INSOMNIUM Open the Gates of Darkness: New Album Netherworlds Will Bring Finnish Melancholy in Full Force

Finnish melodic death metal band INSOMNIUM are preparing to immerse listeners once again in a world of melancholy, captivating melodies and crushing guitars. Their tenth studio album, Netherworlds, will be released on 16 October 2026 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2023's Anno 1696 will feature ten tracks in which the band's distinctive atmosphere intertwines with new musical shades.

The band formed in Joensuu, Finland, and gradually developed its own instantly recognizable style. Their music alternates between oppressive death metal passages, gentler melodies and stories steeped in sorrow. This very combination is also at the heart of the upcoming release, which the label describes as an exceptionally dynamic and cinematic recording.

Miiro Varjus contributed to the album's production, while mixing and mastering were handled by Jens Bogren, known for his work with AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY and KREATOR. The album artwork was created by Travis Smith. Netherworlds is also INSOMNIUM's first studio album with guitarist Tomy Laisto.

The first preview was the song Shadowlife. It was followed by the single Gleam in the Black, which the band also presented with a music video directed by Patric Ullaeus. Vocalist and bassist Niilo Sevänen described the track as one of the faster songs on the album, with the classic INSOMNIUM spirit and a dark love story in its lyrics.

The third released track is Arch of the Sky. Guitarist Ville Friman highlighted its more progressive side, shifting rhythms and alternation between calmer passages and heavier sections. The lyrics draw inspiration from Sámi mythology and the story of celestial hunters pursuing a deer across the sky. According to legend, catching it would mean the end of the world.

Another highlight is the more than eight-minute track The Hour Grows Late, featuring guest appearances by Tomi Joutsen, Tomi Koivusaari and Santeri Kallio of AMORPHIS. The standard album will contain ten tracks, while a limited two-CD edition will add three bonus recordings: Fading Aurora, Netherworld and Severed Blooms.

The current INSOMNIUM lineup consists of Niilo Sevänen (vocals and bass), Markus Vanhala, Tomy Laisto and Ville Friman (guitars), and Markus Hirvonen (drums). Netherworlds will be released on CD, vinyl and digitally, including several collector's editions. Fans can already preorder the album.