San Franisco (CA) – Ominous Ruin, the American death metal juggernaut known for their intricate compositions and unrelenting sonic brutality, has returned with their highly anticipated nine-track album, Requiem. Willowtip Records will release Requiem May 9 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

The official video for the album’s first single, “Seeds of Entropy,” has been premiered by Invisible Oranges. Check it out at the following link:

invisibleoranges.com/ominous-ruin-premiere

“Seeds of Entropy” is an explosion of chaotic riffs, intense vocals and rapid fire drums at a dizzying 270 beats per minute. The song begins after the intro to the album, a piano and guitar duet that represent a continuation from Ominous Ruin’s previous full length, Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone. Picking up from said album, “Seeds of Entropy” utilizes many of the same musical phrases and stylings, while expanding on motifs from Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone at even faster speeds. Lyrically, “Seeds of Entropy” represents the beginning of inevitable slip into darkness as entropy consumes reality, both physical and mental form. This theme is masterfully expanded on throughout the rest of the album.

“Seeds of Entropy” will be available March 7 on all digital platforms. Requiem album pre-orders will be available on the same day.

A formidable leap forward in both musical complexity and emotional depth, Requiem is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, the ravages of time, and the inevitable descent into oblivion. Requiem is at its core, a continuation of Ominous Ruin’s first release, Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone. Beyond that, its conception spawned from the raw emotion of personal issues and turmoil, as it was created during a dark time in the band’s lives.

The album begins with a direct continuation from the final song off Ominous Ruin’s first album, an emotional guitar and piano ballad that brings the mood to somber, yet melodic. It immediately transitions to an explosion of chaos with the first song, “Seeds of Entropy. “

The musicianship on Requiem is, as expected, nothing short of exceptional. Guitarists Alex Bacey and Joel Guernsey showcase their technical brilliance in every track, with blistering solos and complex, interwoven riffs that keep listeners on their toes. The rhythm section, comprised of Mitch Yoesle (bass) and Harley Blandford (drums), is hardly just a rhythm section, that provides a relentless foundation of precision, power and creativity, anchoring the music as it constantly shifts between ferocity and atmospheric beauty.

The production, handled by Alex Bacey is pristine yet dense, allowing every instrument to shine through the brutal wall of sound without sacrificing the intensity of the compositions. The layering of ambient soundscapes and acoustic passages throughout the album provides an immersive listening experience, allowing the heavier elements to hit even harder when they arrive.

Track Listing:

1 – Intro

2 – Seeds of Entropy

3 – Eternal

4 – Bane of Syzygial Triality

5 – Divergent Anomaly

6 – Fractal Abhorrence

7 – Architect of Undoing

8 – Staring into the Abysm

9 – Requiem

Scandinavian Pain is a cathartic exploration of personal struggles, mental health, and societal critique. Songs like “Grim Jesus” dive deep into themes of overcoming inner darkness and rejecting oppressive systems, showcasing lyrics that resonate with the resilience of the human spirit. “Castle of Purity” is a searing anthem that calls out the abuse and hypocrisy in organized religion – a powerful statement about pushing back against injustice and finding strength in individuality. Produced by Lasse Ballade (known for his work with Solbrud, Alkymist, and Halshug), the record combines visceral sonic landscapes with a deeply personal narrative. Prepare to experience the raw power and unfiltered honesty of KATLA on Scandinavian Pain.
 
Scandinavian Pain also marks the debut of new KATLA bassist and vocalist Theis Thorgersen. His addition not only breathes renewed energy into the band itself, but imbues an evolved sound that is heavier, darker, and sharper than ever before. KATLA’s meaningful yet uninhibited sound and high-energy live performances have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.
 
KATLA says about the album:
“Scandinavian Pain is an album about the shame of feeling depressed in a country that in many ways seems to be out of any misery or control of others. The inherent feeling of guilt, the despondent thoughts. The weight of cultural Christianity and being part of a system that is destroying both ours and other lives. It’s about watching the newest season of whatever decadent TV show is on while children are being murdered daily. All the songs are different, yet similar. This time, there’s an affirmation for you, who might need it, a story telling, a short grindy track, something with a blast beat, but of course also heavy sludgy doom. Welcome to the house of pain.”