Ukrainian progressive rock outfit Vøvk announces their deeply personal and conceptual new studio album, “Litera”, set for release on October 3rd, 2025. This album explores Ukraine’s emotional landscape in times of turmoil, using nature and primal feelings as subtle metaphors.
“Litera” (letter) highlights the written word as a core of culture – the smallest unit that builds words, stories, and songs. The album reflects hardship without naming war directly, but its presence is felt through symbols and emotions. The songs mirror states of struggle, loss, pain, hope, and renewal – reflecting the natural cycles that govern life on Earth.
The album’s tracklist reflects a natural cycle – from drought to fire, flood, spring, dawn, and back to drought – each song is tied to a specific natural phenomenon, animal, or tangible element. These motifs portray the inner world of a person facing change and struggle.
As a powerful first single from the album, the band has unleashed “Promin”, an emotionally charged track elevated by a remarkable guest appearance from Johannes Persson, vocalist of Swedish post-metal titans Cult Of Luna. This collaboration stands as a profound statement of solidarity, as Persson lends his voice to the Ukrainian language for the very first time.
The single comes with a visualizer inspired by the timeless, fantastical cinema of Georges Méliès, available to watch below.
Johannes Persson commented on the collaboration: “As a rule of life, I try to say ‘yes’ more often than ‘no’. What I didn’t know was that Vøvk wanted me to sing in Ukrainian, a language I don’t speak, understand, or have any real grasp of. But hey, why not? All I could do was give it my best. I’m happy with the result and genuinely proud that Vøvk put their trust in me”.
Vøvk frontman Oleksandr Kuts echoed this sentiment, stating: “This song needed a sense of support and unity, and this partnership with Johannes Persson is not only a creative choice but also a meaningful act of solidarity. He deeply understands the Ukrainian context, and his decision to sing in Ukrainian – a language he doesn’t speak – shows his genuine commitment and personal convictions. He delivered it authentically, sincerely, and with his signature sound. We’re endlessly grateful for his trust, courage, and connection to our story”.
“Litera” is not just a collection of songs – it’s a cohesive story that resonates at the intersection of the intuitive and the deeply conscious, offering each listener space to experience it in their own way. Although the album is performed in Ukrainian, its emotional core speaks a universal language that anyone can connect with – reminding us that music always transcends words.
The album will be coming out on October 3rd, 2025, released by kontrabass, with official pre-orders to follow in the weeks ahead.
Tracklist:
01. Sil
02. Iskra
03. Leleka
04. Mur
05. Tyhr
06. Promin
07. Okean
Album credits:
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Roman Bondar at Lizard Audio in Kyiv, Ukraine
Artwork by Diogo Soares
Art direction & design by Anton Shiferson
Line-up:
Oleksandr Kuts – Lead & backing vocals, bass, percussion
Yehor Druzenko – Guitar, synths
Yevhenii Khrulov – Drums, backing vocals, percussion
Weblinks:
facebook.com/vovkband
instagram.com/vovkband
