On April 22, FER DE LANCE will release their debut full-length album “The Hyperborean” via Cruz Del Sur Music. The follow-up to their 2020 “Colossus” EP was again produced and engineered by Matt Russell at Altered States Studio in Chicago.
Occupying the hard-to-find place between “Hammerheart”-era BATHORY, and Rainbow’s “Rising”, FER DE LANCE have expanded upon “Colossus” with seven new compositions that are rife with intricate and melodic guitar riffs, powerful and soaring vocals, and crisp acoustic guitar arrangements. The band has also expanded their lineup, bringing on the talents of former SEPT OF MEMNON drummer, Scud, and Mandy Martillo of MIDNIGHT DICE and SATAN’s HALLOW on acoustic guitars and vocals. MP again played electric and acoustic guitars in addition to lead vocals and tin whistle. Now with a full-time drummer in the band, Rusty focuses solely on bass. All joined in on background vocals and choirs.
“The goal is always artistic progression,” comments the band. “We wanted to keep the atmosphere established on Colossus, but we were determined to expand on that statement with our debut album. The album is venomous, yet also melancholic. In addition to incorporating more diverse soundscapes and dynamics, the songs are heavier, more complex and have a deeper underlying meaning.”
“The Hyperborean” title means “one beyond the north wind.” According to the band, it combines classical myth with more modern ideas regarding the “idealized” North. The cover artwork represents the album’s journey from the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic North and was painted by Adam Burke with the layout elegantly designed by Annick Giroux.
“The album tells the story of a mariner,” says the band. “Leaving behind the depravity and injustice of the “civilized” world, the mariner travels north in search of a land devoid of pain and suffering. At the forefront of the artwork, the temple represents both the starting place and the civilization that the mariner aims to leave behind. The aurora borealis and the mountain of ice represent the desolate destination and the stars above, the guide.” The band continues, “The mariner and his crew follow the stars in the hope of salvation. However, what they find is not what they expect and those left unburied never cross Acheron.”
In addition to already working on material for further releases, FER DE LANCE is currently slated to perform at the prestigious Keep It True festival in Germany this April. Additional live performances in the USA are also in the works.
“The Hyperborean” track listing:
1. Aurora Borealis
2. The Mariner
3. Ad Bestias
4. Sirens
5. Northern Skies
6. Arctic Winds
7. The Hyperborean