Finnish melodic death/folk metal band Warfarer released their long-awaited debut concept album, ‘A Tale Beyond the Pale’ on November 15th 2024 via Inverse Records.
LISTEN to the album on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/warfarer-album
The band comments:
“The wait is over. ‘A Tale Beyond the Pale’ is here — a journey through Finnish myth and legend: jealousy, scheming, Viking raids, and duels under the northern lights. We’ve poured our hearts and souls (or what’s left of them) into this album, and it feels incredible to finally share it with the world.
But this is just the beginning — our TO-DO list is long and relentless. Warfarer is gearing up to hit the road, bringing our full live sound to stages across Finland and beyond. We’re also deep into the pre-production of our second album, so rest assured, more music is on the horizon.
To our fans, thank you for your unwavering support. See you in the longhalls!”
STORIES BEHIND THE TRACKS:
Heir Uncrowned:
“The beginning. Two brothers, raised as one, by blood bound. Our protagonist, the firstborn son, is destined to become the tribe’s chieftain. When he commits a shameful deed, he is disgraced by his chieftain father and disavowed. After the chieftain dies and the second son takes our protagonist’s place as the new chieftain, the firstborn son begins to resent his own brother.”
As the Portents Foretold:
“The raid. The brothers lead a raid over the sea against a southern village. Amidst the battle, the jealous firstborn son looks for an opportunity to plant his dagger in his brother-chieftain’s back, but is continuously denied the chance. Finally, as the sounds of battle fade and everyone else has fallen, he turns his blade toward his brother.”
Brotherslayer:
“The duel. The firstborn son, cold-blooded, faces the bewildered brother-chieftain, who does not understand what madness has overtaken his dear brother. In the end, the firstborn son stands over his slain brother as the morning sun dawns.”
Bereaver:
“The homecoming. As the raiders return, carrying their beloved chieftain on a funeral bier, the firstborn son is exhilarated. He assumes his place as the new chieftain, but among the subdued cheers, murmurs of discontent and rumors surrounding the circumstances of his brother-chieftain’s death persist.”
Betrayer:
“The resentment. The firstborn son is the new chieftain, but he is not beloved like his brother. Even in death, his brother makes him jealous, and this resentment begins to turn into anger. Soon, the flames of his hate engulf the whole village.”
In the Gravelight:
“The loneliness. Alone, despised, amidst the burning ruins of his sanity, the firstborn son hides in the north. The realization of his deeds finally drives him over the precipice, and he descends into grief-stricken madness.”
March Through the Endless Snow:
“The march. Giving up everything, the firstborn son begins his journey further into the north. Determined to find his end on his own terms, he marches to reach the dark river of Tuonela.”
The Gates to Realms Beyond:
“The end. Collapsing in the snow, he sees the gates open to the realms beyond. The firstborn son leaves this world, leaving behind his legacy — the myth of the brotherslayer.”
A Tale Beyond the Pale CD available HERE
WATCH Brotherslayer music video: https://youtu.be/My-6xbnEEmo
WATCH Heir Uncrowned video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AmN6t0Mj5Y
BIOGRAPHY:
Born from the frost of Northern Finland in 2013, Warfarer weaves chilling tales of small people’s great struggles amidst ancient myths. Their ferocious blend of melodic death metal and symphonic elements bites like the freezing wind and grips you like the flu.
After releasing an EP in 2017 and undergoing a complete reincarnation with new singles in 2018 and 2020, the band is more alive than ever, preparing for war with brutal new songs and sharpened axes. Their upcoming concept album, ‘A Tale Beyond the Pale’, set for release in 2024, delves into the Finnish myth of the Brotherslayer, taking listeners on a journey through jealousy, scheming, Viking raids, duels under the northern lights, and an eventual descent into guilt and madness.
Track list:
01. Heir Uncrowned
02. As the Portents Foretold
03. Brotherslayer
04. Bereaver
05. Betrayer
06. In the Gravelight
07. March Through the Endless Snow
08. The Gates to Realms Beyond
Line-up:
Kalle Puutio – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars
Seppo Kolehmainen – Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Klaus Telenius – Bass, Backing Vocals
Tuomas Rahikainen – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Julius Lehtonen – Drums
Links:
https://www.warfarer.fi
https://linktr.ee/warfarer
https://www.instagram.com/warfarerband
https://www.facebook.com/warfarerband
https://www.youtube.com/@warfarerband
https://warfarer.bandcamp.com