Finnish progmetal sextet, Amoral, will release their seventh studio album in early 2016. In Sequence, the follow-up to Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows, was released in Japan on January 29th through Ward Records, and the rest of the world today, February 5th through Imperial Cassette (Gordeon Music, GSA). A video for "Rude Awakening" can be seen below. 

As their original singer Niko Kalliojärvi is now back in the band, it's not only the six-piece band that is bigger than ever, also Amoral's music has grown to a new dimension. The second taster from the album is the song "The Next One To Go”.

“’Rude Awakening', the first single off 'In Sequence', presented the more modern, metallic side of the new album, whereas on ‘The Next One To Go’, the riff assault has changed to painting landscapes with chords, and the guitars make some room for vintage keyboard sounds. The lyrics look into the write's block syndrome, and what pain such a state can bring to those who work in the creative field. We are also reminded of the dangers of postponing doing things of importance,” says Ben Varon.

The album cover is designed by Aki Siltala, who is also one of the most well-known tattoo artists in Finland.

In Sequence tracklisting:

“In Sequence (Prologue)”
“Rude Awakening”
“The Betrayal”
“Sounds Of Home”
“The Next One To Go”
“Helping Hands”
“Defuse The Past”
“From The Beginning (The Note Part 2)”

“Rude Awakening”:

”We went into making the 7th album with an Yngwie Malmsteen state of mind: More is more! Once we got our original singer Niko Kalliojärvi back in the band - expanding the group into a six-headed monster, with two vocalists and three guitar players – it was time to start the writing process, which was one of the most inspiring ones for me so far”, guitarist and founder Ben Varon says. ”More guitar parts, more keyboards, more back and forth between clean and growling vocals.”

Another angle used to get a fresh touch for In Sequence was the decision to invite a whole bunch of guest musicians to play on the album, which was a first for Amoral.

”The album is filled with stellar guest performances from many talented musicians, who added percussion, female vocals, analog syths and ouds to the songs, amongst other things. The guests definitely helped take the songs to the next level.”

The list of guest starring musicians include percussionist Teho Majamäki, Indica singer Jonsu and Acyl singer/mastermind Amine Benotmane.

”To me, In Sequence is the logical follow-up to Fallen Leaves & Dead Sparrows, on which we took our love for grandiose prog to new heights. In Sequence continues on that path, though the return of Niko gives the new material some of that old school Amoral vibe. And I think this one turned out a touch heavier as well, not least because of the real-life based concept of the album”, says Varon.

Amoral has announced the first batch of Finnish dates for the In Sequence tour:

February
6 - Oulu, Finland - Rummer's Club
13 - Jyväskylä, Finland - Lutakko

March
4 - Kuhmo, Finland - Hotelli Kainuu
11 - Seinäjoki, Finland - Bar15
18 - Kuopio, Finland - Henry's Pub
19 - Järvenpää, Finland - Blackpool

April
23 - Hämeenlinna, Finland - Aulanko
29 - Helsinki, Finland - Virgin Oil

May
6 - Turku, Finland - Logomo

More shows will be announced shortly, and the complete, updated list can be found here.