Finnish metalheads, Arched Fire, return with a new single via Inverse Records. Following their two acclaimed albums Remote Control (2021) and Trust Betrayal (2024), "Northbound Train" is a tribute to their roots and their journey, and also a mark for an end of an era. Check out the official lyric video below.

Aggressive, old school and borderline chaotic, “Northbound Train” is a thrashy heavy metal song to bang your head and break your neck to.

 "It’s an old song resurrected and running onward like an unstoppable train, much like Arched Fire," says vocalist Kristian Herkman. "A train to the north of Finland, back to where Arched Fire started."

"And what a train it is," adds guitarist Ari Väntänen. "I love the cover art by Umar Setiawan, it’s like Thomas The Tank Engine from hell! We also have a beautiful lyric video by Jussi Hevander that fits the mood perfectly."

Originally formed in the Finnish Lapland in 1989, the band hibernated for thirty years until reforming in the late 2019 and starting to work on new music. Now, a five-year phase seems to be nearing its end. 

"Things are about to change," says Ari. "It may be that Northbound Train is the very last release with this Arched Fire line-up. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, it is what it is. As a song, it is a fitting conclusion to this era in the band’s story. It’s about the journey we’ve taken while making two albums in the 2020s. For us, it’s been both a strong progression in this current time we live in, and also a return to where we’ve come from. There’s something very beautiful and raw in it all."

 
"Northbound Train" is available via streaming services here. 

Line-up:

Kristian Herkman (vocals)
Aslak Purojärvi (drums)
Mika Rytilahti (bass)
Janne Särkelä (lead and rhythm guitars)
Ari Väntänen (rhythm guitar)

Photo by Teemu Liekkala