Today, progressive metallers Empyrean Sanctum are excited to announce the release of their new studio album “Detachment From Reality”, out on April 18th, 2025.
To celebrate the announcement, the band has released the first single from the album titled “Heart of Gold”. The single is accompanied by a music video available to view below.
The mastermind behind Empyrean Sanctum, Justin Kellerman, shares on the single:
“‘Heart of Gold’ is a dark, heavy, progressive track that explores greed and what we as humans are capable of in the endless pursuit of self interest. There are tons of hints of all the musical aspects that appear throughout the album making it the perfect opener to set the tone for what’s to come”.
Watch the official video for the new single “Heart of Gold” below.
Justin Kellerman, founder, guitarist & composer of Empyrean Sanctum, alongside vocalist Albert Rybka (Katagory V), formed the project in 2007 with a shared love and passion for progressive music.
The debut album was released in 2013 featuring Fabio D’Amore (Serenity, ex-Pathosray) on bass. This 71-minute concept album explores a person’s search to find the Empyrean Sanctum, using fantasy as a metaphor for personal struggle. With its double meaning, Empyrean Sanctum represents one’s purpose in life and escape from the harsh truths of reality. For Justin, music is his Empyrean Sanctum.
For this follow-up release, Justin has recruited drummer Hannes Grossmann (Alkaloid, Triptykon, Eternity’s End, ex-Obscura, ex-Necrophagist) and bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Exist, ex-Obscura) to pack a punch of technicality and precision in the rhythm section. The album also features guest appearances from Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry, ex-Meshuggah) and Gabriel Riccio (The Gabriel Construct).
Mixed by David Castillo at Studio Grondahl and mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson at The Panic Room, “Detachment From Reality” offers a much more sophisticated sound, taking listeners through an emotional journey packed with twists and turns. The subject matter deals with personal struggle and the reality of the human condition. This densely layered, cinematic experience is packed with musical complexity, catchy melodies, and dynamic variation. Revealing more details with each listen and leaving you captivated, you’ll be sure to find a way to connect with this new release.
On “Detachment From Reality”, Kellerman states:
“The album ‘Detachment From Reality’ is a very personal album dealing with the emotional and psychological struggle of finding one’s place and navigating through the harsh realities of the world and a yearning for peace. The music is heavy yet melodic, dense yet dynamic, complex yet catchy taking you on a truly emotional journey”.
Pre-order “Detachment From Reality” here.
Tracklist:
1. Heart of Gold
2. Descent
3. Transparency
4. Detachment From Reality
5. Age of Innocence (feat. Per Nilsson)
6. A Genuine Empathy
7. Lifeless Death (feat. Gabriel Riccio)
8. Refinement
9. Elation
Line-up:
Music composed & arranged by Justin Kellerman
Albert Rybka – Lead & Backing Vocals
Justin Kellerman – Guitar, Orchestration, Programming, Backing Vocals
Alex Weber – Bass
Hannes Grossmann – Drums
Weblinks:
www.facebook.com/EmpyreanSanctum
www.instagram.com/empyreansanctum
