GENRE: Epic Progressive Metal
LABEL: Metal Blade Records
BOOKING: Doomstar

LINE UP:
Jón Aldará: Vocals
Jens Nicolai Gräs: Guitar
Jesper Gräs: Guitar
Eskil Rask: Bass
Bjørn Wind Andersen: Drums

BIO:
The Danish/Faroese metal band IOTUNN is ready to release their second full length album “Kinship“ on October 25th!

Kinship is a massive album arising from the primeval sea. A mythological music journey of eight songs which span across immense spheres musically and lyrically exploring the deep roots of the human nature, its connection and disconnection with everything and everyone, and how our choices have always defined ourselves and the lives lived. Eight songs which show IOTUNN expand their musical worlds to new territory without ever losing grip of the trueness of their core sound. A hard and extensive creation.

“The creation of Kinship has been the most extensive and wild journey we’ve ever been part of. Like trekking up the Galdhøpiggen mountain in Norway we have crossed peak after peak and seen things continuously brighter and wider until we reached the top, the end. Never have we been prouder and more pleased, and we hope our fans – old and new ones – will take this album into their hearts and let it unfold from there“, Jesper Gräs says.

Jens Nicolai Gräs agrees and weighs in: “Once again, we’ve wandered through an album process where we’ve been throwing numerous ideas – new and old ones – in between us with joy and inspiration continuously growing throughout this whole process of creation. Reaching the final line that says: “That’s it!” feels very conclusive; it’s rewarding and satisfying. It’s both a goodbye and a new beginning now that these songs will be with us on stage and out in the open. Having the term ‘relation’ in many aspects as the red line throughout the album resonated deeply with us, as being healthy connected is of great importance in these times but also at all times.”

The album shows IOTUNN unfold their musical worlds to their fullest scales to date which has been the dream achievement throughout the years creating the album.

“In my mind Kinship is a grand work of heavy metal art, one that I am very proud to have taken part in creating. Musically it encompasses so many different colors and emotions. It is in many ways the music, to which I’ve always dreamt of contributing drums. It is the finest accomplishment this far, for me personally and for the band,” Bjørn says.

Eskil adds: “Kinship marks another monumental milestone for IOTUNN and for myself as a bass player. I could not be happier with this second IOTUNN opus and I am awed by the performances of Bjørn, Jón and the brothers. Our shift to more atmospheric and organic songs has led me to discover new approaches to my instrument and in some areas to reinvent myself as a bass player. I can’t wait to release this record and bring it to the live stages.”

Set in primeval time the album unfolds the story of a tribesman who is part of a prehistoric tribe. It tells the story of life’s manyfold conditions as themes of unity/disunity, light/dark, body/mind, nature/culture, good/evil, creation/destruction and human/inhuman are unfolded throughout the album.

“Everything is related, and everything has an impact, and we all must find our ways to our true selves and true freedoms in our choices in this interconnectedness of everything. The album explores themes of conformity versus following your own path and the consequences your choices have for relationships. It is also a consideration of the mind-body connection; especially with regards to how you interact within yourself, how you are influenced and controlled by the arenas of life and the interaction with nature. All this influences your identity, your choices, and your individuality“, Jón Aldará explains.

The artwork and art pieces of Kinship were created by the ink and graphite illustrator and artist, Saprophial (Hammers of Misfortune), with the design and layout made by art director Brian Ames at Metal Blade Records.

Kinship was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark (Arch Enemy, Katatonia, The Black Dahlia Murder, Volbeat, Týr).