Greek heavy rock visionaries Villagers of Ioannina City return with “Venceremos”, their bold and immersive new studio album, set for release on September 18th, 2026, via Napalm Records.
Expanding their sonic universe beyond its roots, the band delivers their most ambitious and conceptually driven work to date, blending heavy rock, progressive metal, distinct folk and Hellenic textures into a raw, direct and intense listening experience.
Set in a dystopian future shaped by illusion, control and fear, “Venceremos” unfolds as a journey through exile, resistance and awakening. It follows those who rise against a broken world, rejecting gods and modern kings in order to reclaim freedom and meaning. Through struggles, hopes, fears and deep reflections on existence, one truth remains constant: the quest is one, and its name is freedom.
Driven by epic guitars, pulsating basslines and layered traditional instrumentation, Villagers of Ioannina City’s first single “Ghosts in the Sky” builds a dense, immersive atmosphere where powerful heavy rock meets ritualistic psychedelia.
“‘Ghosts in the Sky’ is the vessel that carries all our hopes and dreams”, the band reveals. “It is a call to stand together in the face of fear, where hope travels like a distant star and freedom is worth every fight. It’s about defiance, unity, and believing in change, even when everybody says it won’t come”.
Watch the video clip for “Ghosts in the Sky” below.
Rather than bending to trends, Villagers of Ioannina City sharpen their identity. The upcoming album presents itself as heavy, direct and intense, driven by a raw and immediate energy. It leans decisively into heavy rock and metal, pushing into more aggressive territory while unfolding with a genuinely progressive spirit, where each composition evolves with purpose and depth.
Ritualistic rhythms, expansive arrangements and traditional instrumentation such as bagpipes and zourna are not mere embellishments, but essential elements of the band’s sonic language. Folk and Hellenic elements meet powerful riffs and dynamic structures in a sound that feels direct, distinctive and entirely their own.
Produced and recorded by Alex Karametis at Magnanimous X Studio in Greece, and mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, “Venceremos” captures clarity and depth in equal measure. With this release, Villagers of Ioannina City deliver a powerful statement and a journey through darkness, defiance and the unbreakable force of rebellion. As one of the key names in post-stoner and heavy prog rock, the band once again reinforces their place within the scene, with “Venceremos” standing as a defining step in their ongoing evolution.
“Venceremos” will be available in the following formats:
• 1CD Digipack
• 2LP Gatefold Black
• 2LP Gatefold Solid White (Limited to 500 Copies, Greece Only)
• 2LP Gatefold Solid Baby Blue (Limited to 500 Copies, Germany/Austria/Switzerland Only)
• Full Digital Album
Napalm Records Webstores:
• 2LP Gatefold Testpressing LP-sized Booklet, Covercard (numbered), Certificate of Authenticity (numbered, dated), Limited to 50 Copies Only
• 2LP Gatefold Circle Translucent Red, Black Vinyl Booklet 20 pages (Limited to 300 Copies)
• 2LP Gatefold Circle Translucent Red, White (Limited to 300 Copies)
Band Store Exclusive:
• 2LP Gatefold Marbled Cristallo Gold Black (Limited to 300 Copies)
• 2LP Gatefold Marbled White Gold Black (Limited to 300 Copies)
Pre-order & pre-save “Venceremos” here.
Tracklist:
1. Alienation
2. Home
3. Ghosts in the Sky
4. Venceremos
5. The Ruiner
6. No fear
7. Here and Now
8. Epitaph
9. Requiem
In support of “Venceremos”, Villagers of Ioannina City will play an album release show in Athens taking place on September 20 at the Lycabettus Theatre, one of the city’s most legendary open-air venues, before the band embarks on a series of shows across Greece’s major cities and an extensive European Tour in March 2027 with dates to be announced soon.
Line-up:
Alex Karametis – Vocals, Guitars, Synths
Akis Zois – Bass
Aris Giannopoulos – Drums
Dimitris Brentas – Winds
Weblinks:
www.vic-band.com
www.facebook.com/villagersofioanninacity
