Photo: Jouni Valjakka, Rudolf Westerholm — Cover art: ToKMR Graphics
The legendary Finnish melodic death metal act WHISPERED makes a long-awaited return with their epic new single ‘Ikikaere’! Fast, fierce, and rich with sweeping orchestrations and the Japanese folk influences the band is known for, the track marks a powerful comeback setting the tone for their upcoming fourth album.
Earlier this year, Whispered also joined forces with Spinefarm Records founder Riku Pääkkönen’s new label Ranka Kustannus (Blind Channel, Cyan Kicks, Kalmah) for the release of their fourth album, set to arrive this fall. Ikikaere, released today, is the band’s first new material since their 2016 album Metsutan. It’s also been ten years since Whispered and Ranka last crossed paths.
”Ranka was interested in Whispered back in 2016 when the band released their previous album. At that time, things didn’t move anywhere, but when the band contacted us about a new album, it didn’t take long to make the decision. It’s a great honor to be able to release the next album from this unique and ambitious band.” says Riku Pääkkönen.
This time around, the collaboration came together effortlessly, driven by a shared enthusiasm from the start.
”Things have felt right with Ranka from the very first meeting. Despite such a long creative break, they immediately believed in what we’re doing and gave us the opportunity to take on and complete our most ambitious and biggest project to date, Whispered’s fourth album.”
The band comments and adds about the single:
”’Ikikaere’ is the first single from the upcoming record, and it only reveals a fraction of what’s to come. Our fastest track so far delivers an intense sense of rebirth, just as the name suggests, along with a massive atmosphere.”
The visually striking music video for the track, directed by the band’s driving force Jouni Valjakka, can be seen here:
With the new release, Whispered will also return to the live stage. The band will perform throughout the year both in Finland and internationally. The run begins on May 9 at On The Rocks in Helsinki, followed by a European tour in late May and a series of summer festival appearances.
Already announced shows are:
09.05.2026 – On The Rocks, Helsinki
European tour:
23.05.2026 – Stellwerk, Hamburg
24.05.2026 – Stengade, Copenhagen
25.05.2026 – Helvete, Oberhausen
26.05.2026 – Musigburg, Aarburg
28.05.2026 – Club DVG, Kortrijk
29.05.2026 – Hellraiser, Leipzig
30.05.2026 – Subzero, Prague
31.05.2026 – Club Gwarek, Krakow
10.07.2026 – Dark River Festival, Kotka
15.08.2026 – Saarihelvetti, Tampere
“Orders to all warriors: stream the new track relentlessly and march to the shows in full force to witness the return of the shogunate. Ikikaere! – Whispered
Whispered’s music represents True Finnish Samurai Metal – melodic death metal that blends influences from Japanese traditions with epic orchestration. The band was founded by Jouni Valjakka in 2004 out of a love for metal music and Japan, giving birth to Whispered.
Their debut album Thousand Swords (2010) introduced this distinctive fusion to the metal scene. A darker and more mature continuation followed with their second album Shogunate Macabre (2014), and their third full-length Metsutan – Songs of the Void (2016) elevated the band’s multi-layered vision to a new level.
Whispered’s music and visual identity have earned the band widespread international recognition for its cross-cultural approach to heavy music. The band has toured in Finland, across Europe, and in Japan, building a strong live reputation and a loyal fanbase. After several years on hiatus, their long-awaited next album will be released this year.
Lineup:
Jouni Valjakka – Vocals, Guitar
Mikko Mattila – Guitar
Olli Paajanen – Bass
Filip Gäddnäs – Drums
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 