Chico, California-based Amarok presents their immersive second full-length release, “Resilience”, on June 28th, 2024, just days prior to the launch of their North American tour with Mizmor.
Amarok is an epic metal quartet that combines the sustained drones and driving rhythms of doom/funeral doom metal with the intricate melodic passages, layered guitar harmonies, and blasting percussion of black metal.
The band takes their name from the giant wolf cryptid of Inuit mythology; a creature capable of ripping a person’s soul from their body, symbolizing their powerful wall-of-sound aesthetic, and signaling the band’s connection to the primal forces of nature.
Their eponymous debut EP, a monumental work of funeral doom, was released in 2012. In the following years, Amarok collaborated with friends in the extreme metal community on a series of split releases, issuing split albums with Enth and Pyramido in 2012, and a split with Hell in 2013. In 2018, the band released their massive “Devoured” 2xLP on Translation Loss Records, cementing their position in the West Coast metal scene and reaching a massive spectrum of listeners with their unique sound.
Each record explores different facets of Amarok’s nature-inspired themes, with every epic song representing a chapter in a story of transcendence. These movements are purposefully marked in a continuous roman-numeral numbering sequence. “Resilience”, their upcoming 2xLP concept album, continues this introspective journey with an honest meditation on loss, expressing the pain of climate disaster, existential dread, and personal loss, alongside the steadfast struggle to overcome it.
In a live setting, Amarok’s music is a visceral, immersive experience both physical and emotional, requiring their audience to fully surrender to the sonic frequencies and raw emotions being conveyed. With each performance, the band invites listeners to explore desolate soundscapes, haunting melodies, and crushing rhythms, mirroring the stark beauty and unforgiving power of the natural world. As Amarok continues to move toward new horizons, their music remains a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
“Resilience” was recorded and mixed by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios (High On Fire, Necrot, Vastum), mastered by James Plotkin (Khanate, Sunn O))), Isis), and completed with cover art hand painted by Adam Burke, and photography by Michelle Camy and the band members. The album features guest vocals on “Charred” by Dave Edwardson (Neurosis) and on “Penance” by A.L.N. (Mizmor), and cello on “Ascension” played by Jaed and recorded by Chris Keene at Cutters Cathedral.
A brief teaser for “Resilience” is playing below.
“Resilience” will be released on June 28th, 2024, digitally and on 180-gram 2xLP via Amarok’s own Vulture Print in the US and Vendetta Records in Europe: 200 on Citrus (EU), 200 on Jade (US), and 300 Black. Find US preorders here and here and EU preorders here.
Watch for audio premieres and more to post over the weeks ahead.
Tracklist:
1. Charred (X)
2. Ascension (XI)
3. Interlude
4. Penance (XII)
5. Legacy (XIII)
Less than two weeks after “Resilience” is released, Amarok will join their allies Mizmor for an extensive North American tour. Amarok joins several days into the tour, starting in Los Angeles on July 9th, with three weeks of shows on the trek, the tour ending July 31st in Oakland.
North American Tour Dates 2024:
7/09/2024 Knucklehead – Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2024 Nile Underground – Phoenix, AZ
7/11/2024 Sister Bar – Albuquerque, NM
7/12/2024 Rockhouse Bar – El Paso, TX
7/13/2024 Lost Well – Austin, TX
7/14/2024 Cheapsteaks – Dallas, TX
7/15/2024 Hi-Tone – Memphis, TN*
7/16/2024 Drkmttr – Nashville, TN
7/17/2024 Black Circle – Indianapolis, IN
7/18/2024 Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
7/19/2024 Garrison – Toronto, ON
7/20/2024 Piranha (Upstairs) – Montreal, QC
7/21/2024 Ralph’s Diner – Worcester, MA
7/23/2024 TV Eye – Queens, NY
7/24/2024 Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
7/25/2024 Preserving Underground – Pittsburgh, PA
7/26/2024 Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL
7/27/2024 Cosmic Eye – Lincoln, NE
7/28/2024 The Crypt – Denver, CO
7/29/2024 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
7/30/2024 Holland Project – Reno, NV*
7/31/2024 Thee Stork Club – Oakland, CA
* (no Mizmor)
Line-up:
Brandon Squyres – Bass, vocals
Kenny Ruggles–Alaniz – Guitar, vocals
Nathan Collins – Guitar
Colby Byrn – Drums
Web:
linktr.ee/amarokdoom
