Those thought to be dead live longer – and German folk metal masters, Subway To Sally, prove this on their 15th studio album, Post Mortem, set to be released on December 20 via Napalm Records. The first single, the title track “Post Mortem”, unleashes captivating energy that has drawn in fans and critics alike for over three decades. The significant title reflects the spirit of the band: despite all obstacles and the notion of mortality, life is celebrated.
With lyrics that invite the Grim Reaper to join at the table and face life’s challenges with a wink, Subway To Sally call on listeners to embrace the unknown and make the best out of the time we are given – so raise your glass to an unbreakable zest for life.
Not even two years have passed since the release of their previous record Himmelfahrt in 2023, and initially, the band had secretly planned for it to be their last album. With a symbolic title, the genre-defining force from Potsdam, Germany intended to close their over 30-year career with dignity. But things took a different turn. Subway To Sally undeniably struck a chord with the times, and the response to Himmelfahrt was overwhelmingly positive from both fans and critics alike. After a tour with many sold-out shows, it became abundantly clear that their 14th album was not the final chapter. The album’s release unleashed an unstoppable sense of lightness and energy that sparked their creativity to such an extent that Subway To Sally are now ready with their brand-new masterpiece, Post Mortem, following the fastest creative process in the band’s history.
Subway To Sally on the new single: "Some songs write themselves. Our band has been around for thirty years; we’ve been through thick and thin together! Death has knocked on our door several times, at least metaphorically speaking. COVID, then our resurgence with the last album Himmelfahrt: we’re simply not to be silenced and nowhere near quiet yet – folk, rock, raw, defiant, and unmistakably Subway To Sally; that’s the song ‘Post Mortem'."
Watch the video for “Post Mortem”:
The new masterpiece begins with the explosive track "Phönix", which celebrates the creative rebirth of the folk metal institution. On Post Mortem, Subway To Sally neither look back nor into the future, but rather deliver a sharp analysis of the present. Songs like "Wunder", "Nero", "Lumpensammler", and "Die Erde bebt" offer the band’s signature soundscape while exploring socially critical themes without moralizing. This serious side is contrasted by captivating tracks that celebrate life and the simple joy of music. The anthemic title track "Post Mortem", the rousing "Unter dem Banner", and the poetic ballad "Herz in der Rinde" unleash an uncanny joy of playing. All songs unite the band’s familiar trademarks of great melodies and profound lyrics but never feel redundant. The haunting "Atlas" melancholically draws on Greek mythology, while the folk metallers showcase a heavier yet melodic side on "Stahl auf Stahl". For this piece, they enlisted their labelmates Warkings as guest performers, whose power metal adds a unique flavor to the track. With English lyrics in the chorus, Subway To Sally return to their roots. With "Kummerkind", the septet tackles mental struggles that many people cannot escape, once again proving their precise grasp of the zeitgeist.
Subway To Sally comment: "In this world of contradictions and changes, finding a voice seems difficult. But upon closer inspection, one finds parallels in history and art. What do Putin and Nero, Oppenheimer and Prometheus have in common? What rises from the ashes of Rome? Does history truly repeat itself – once as tragedy, the other time as farce?"
Subway To Sally skillfully explore this tension between past, future, and present, art and political reality with their music, making it clear with Post Mortem that they are more alive than ever before.
Post Mortem will be available in the following formats:
- 1 LP Gatefold Liquid Black (Napalm Records mail order only - strictly limited)
- 1 LP Gatefold Splatter (Napalm Records mail order only - strictly limited)
- 2 CD with 24 pages mediabook + goblet (Napalm Records mail order only - limited)
- 1 CD Jewel Case + goblet (Napalm Records mail order only - limited)
- 1 LP Gatefold Black + goblet (Napalm Records mail order only - limited)
- 1 LP Gatefold Black
- 2 CD with 24 pages mediabook
- 1 CD Jewel Case
- Digital Deluxe Album
- Digital Album
Pre-order here.
Post Mortem tracklisting:
"Introitus"
"Phönix"
"Post mortem"
"Wunder"
"Nero"
"Unter dem Banner"
"Herz in der Rinde"
"Lumpensammler"
"Stahl auf Stahl"
"Atlas"
"Kummerkind"
"Eisheilige Nacht"
"Die Erde bebt"
Subway To Sally are:
Eric Fish - Vocals, Flutes, Bagpipe
Ally Storch - Violin
Bodenski - Hurdy Gurdy, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Simon - Acoustic Guitars, Trumsheit, Vocals
Ingo Hampf - Guitar, Lute
Simon Michael - Drums, Percussion
Sugar Ray - Bass
(Photo - Heilemania / Pedro Stoehr)
