Subway To Sally have officially released their moving ballad "Herz in der Rinde" today, offering fans a poignant glimpse of what to expect from their 15th studio album, titled Post Mortem, set to drop tomorrow via Napalm Records. Renowned for their unique blend of German folk and metal, the band showcases this time their more melancholic side, weaving together themes of love, loss, and nostalgic memories within this new single.
The poetic lyrics intertwine seamlessly with the band's signature folk sound, creating a captivating melody. Everywhere you listen, the song explores the sorrow of love once thought everlasting, only to succumb to the passage of time. The imagery of hearts carved from memory, laden with loss, elevates "Herz in der Rinde" to intense emotional heights, leading to a strong, heart-rending conclusion.
"'Herz in der Rinde' is a song our fans will love – it’s quintessentially us. Grand melodies, folk and violin, lutes, paired with Eric’s initially balladic vocals, collide with heavy metal guitars during the merciless finale of the story and the song. A piece like a great movie – we are incredibly proud of the result!" said the band, emphasizing their commitment to creating music with depth and resonance.
Just shy of two years since the release of their previous record, Himmelfahrt, Subway To Sally faced pivotal crossroads before launching their latest project. Initially, the band seemed ready to bid farewell to their musical career with the release of Himmelfahrt, which featured a symbolic title reflecting their intent for closure after more than 30 years of performing. Remarkably, the reception to their last work was overwhelmingly positive, captivating both fans and critics alike.
After numerous sold-out shows following the album’s launch, the energy ignited sparked creativity within the band, leading to the rapid development of Post Mortem. The new album captures their current state with tracks like "Phönix" which heralds their creative resurgence. Rather than fixate on past triumphs or future uncertainties, Subway To Sally presents sharp social critiques within their music, choosing to focus on contemporary themes and issues.
Songs like "Wunder," "Nero," "Lumpensammler," and "Die Erde bebt" highlight their signature sound, accompanied by lyrics frequently reflective of societal realities without pushing moralistic boundaries. This balance is important for them, as they continue to address the joy of existence without losing sight of darker topics.
A standout on the album, the title track “Post Mortem” alongside “Unter dem Banner” and the haunting “Atlas” offer powerful melodies combined with deep lyrical content. Their collaboration with labelmates Warkings on "Stahl auf Stahl" adds flavor as the two groups merge heavy power metal with folk elements.
Subway To Sally has gravitated back to their roots, with English lyrics appearing prominently within the chorus of select songs. The thought-provoking track "Kummerkind" deals with mental struggles many encounter, showcasing their acute awareness of present societal challenges.
"This world of contradictions and changes makes it hard to find our voice. But upon closer inspection, one notices parallels throughout history and art. What do figures like Putin and Nero, as well as Oppenheimer and Prometheus have common ground?" the band contemplated. "What rises from the ashes of Rome? Does history truly repeat itself – once as tragedy, the other time as farce?" These provocations encapsulate the band’s exploration of contrasts through their music, expressing how they see themselves as firmly active and engaged with the world through their work.
Fans can expect more from the band as they celebrate their album release with the annual “Eisheilige Nacht” tour. They will be joined by the formidable power metal comrades, Warkings, along with other stellar acts including the Irish folk punk band The O’Reillys & The Paddyhats and the German folk metal group Harpyie.
The time to experience Subway To Sally’s energetic live performance will be upon us soon, with events lined up across Germany. Concertgoers should grab their tickets now to witness what promises to be both captivating and deeply moving performances.
No matter the medium, be it through their albums or live shows, Subway To Sally continues to captivate and navigate through the highs and lows of human emotion, solidifying their place within the folk metal genre and beyond.
Post Mortem will be available for pre-order, presented across various formats—including limited edition albums with specially curated artwork. The anticipation for this new chapter of Subway To Sally's evolution is more palpable than ever as they push creative boundaries and redefine their legacy.
