KARU Ignites “Shadow War” With Next Chapter in Symphonic Death Metal

Symphonic death metallers KARU return with the first single from their upcoming album "Perdition". Out on September 16th, 2025, “Shadow War” sets the tone for the record’s epic narrative and sonic scope.

At nearly ten minutes in length, “Shadow War” embodies the essence of KARU’s sound: brutal, unforgiving riffs and guttural vocals contrasted by sweeping orchestration and haunting melodic passages. The track mirrors the conceptual backbone of "Perdition", a journey through a folklore-inspired vision of feudal Japan, where villages are razed by demons and survivors confront both despair and resilience.

Musically, the single evolves like a saga. It opens with relentless death metal ferocity, transitions into an atmospheric middle section the band dubs the “Dreamworld,” and culminates in an emotionally charged guitar solo that balances virtuosity with narrative weight. This dynamic structure highlights the trio’s artistic synergy:

Niko Hienonen – vocals, production, orchestrations 

Kalle Pöyskö – guitars 

Toni Tieaho (ex-Mors Principium Est, Crystalic) – guitars

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Hienonen, “Shadow War” captures the next stage of KARU’s evolution after their acclaimed 2024 album "HYDRA". With "Perdition", the band pushes further, integrating clean vocals, Japanese voice acting, and even more intricate orchestration to craft an album designed as a seamless cinematic experience.

For fans of Wintersun, Brymir, Whispered, and Nightwish, KARU’s “Shadow War” is both a statement of intent and an invitation into a mythic, immersive world where extreme metal collides with symphonic drama.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/crEB2U​

To celebrate the release, KARU will also unveil an official lyric video for “Shadow War”, offering fans a visual entry point into the song’s story and atmosphere.

"Perdition" will be released worldwide on November 21st, 2025.

ALBUM PRE-ORDER - https://rockshots.eu/products/karu-perdition-cd

Track Listing:

​1. Shores of Mist and Blood 

2. Shadow War 

3. Alone in the Forest 

4. Embers in the Skies 

5. Trail of Fire 

6. Path of the Unforgiven 

7. Perdition