The Godfathers of Finnish metal, SARCOFAGUS, have released their final album with the original line-up entitled “Back From The Valley Of The Kings”. Alongside the release, the band has unleashed also the first video “Talo”, and can be seen below.

For comparison the original 1982 video of the “Talo” is available for viewing in Youtube:

The first Limited Edition press of the album is only available to buy from http://www.sarcofagus.com. This is a limited edition CD release which is already running out. There are no plans for second print.

The album is available on most of the digital delivery sites such as Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon…

SARCOFAGUS were founded an eye-rotatingly 38 years ago, way back in 1978. The band originally broke up in 1980 after three albums (Cycle Of Life – 1980, Envoy Of Death – also 1980, and Moottorilinnut – 1981). In 2010, the original line-up reconvened for a reunion tour of Finland and this unique album was the result.

SARCOFAGUS frontman, guitarist and film maker Kimmo Kuusniemi talks about the album:

CYCLE CLOSES

Back in the 90s, I started to ponder whether it would be a cool idea to re-make the two first Sarcofagus albums, “Cycle Of Life” and “Envoy Of Death.” These albums where recorded 36 years ago, so the studio technology was fairly primitive. I have always thought that the songs themselves were good and worthy of an update.

“Recorded in one day, yet the hardest album to mix and master in order to remain true to the originals while embracing today’s technology.” Kimmo Kuusniemi (guitarist and producer)

The “BACK FROM THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS” album was recorded during ONE day studio session in 2010. Before this session, Sarcofagus had only played four times together (one rehearsal and three gigs) since reuniting. The idea was to achieve a fresh “live” and original 80s feel on the recording to both do justice to the songs and STAY TRUE to the originals.

Although it was recorded in one day, this album proved to be the hardest I ever had to mix and master in my 40 year music producing career. The problem was to get the sounds right, as during the studio session there was no time to work with individual instrument sounds. Also, the drums bled the other instruments and the Hammond Leslie speaker broke down in the middle of the recording.

I’m very happy about the end result so this is an appropriate way to end this chapter of the original Sarcofagus; all done, all good, good bye.

Sarcofagus Video Promo:

The tracklist for “Back From The Valley Of The Kings” is as follows:

“Subconsious Penetrating”
“Astral Flyer”
“Here I Am”
“Eternal Silence”
“Stolen Salvation”
“Insane Rebels”
“Wheels Of Destruction”
“Back To Black”
“2nd Coming”
“Talo”
“Metallinen Sateenkaari”
“1000 Megawatin Totuus”
“Go To Hell”
“Envoy Of Death”
“Deadly Game”
“Die To Win”

01-13 are performed by the original Sarcofagus.
14-16 are performed by the new Sarcofagus lineup.

ORIGINAL SARCOFAGUS LINEUP:

Kimmo Kuusniemi  (Guitar)     1978 – Present Day
Esa Kotilainen   (Keyboards)    1980 – 2010
Juha Kiminki     (Bass)     1978 – 2010
Jukka Ritari     (Vocals)       1982,  2010
Tanja Katinka    (Vocals)     1986 – 2010
Anssi Nykänen    (Drums)     2010

NEW SARCOFAGUS LINEUP:

Kimmo Kuusniemi (Guitars and Keyboards)    1978 – Present Day
Pete Ahonen     (Vocals)          2012 – Present Day
Jukka Jokikokko (Bass)             2012 – Present Day
Ville Hanhisuanto (Drums)         2012 – Present Day