EXTOL Announces First New Album In Over A Decade, 'Aura Of Decay'; Shares 'The One And The Many' Single

Norwegian extreme metal innovators EXTOL have officially announced their return. On November 6, the band will release its sixth full-length album, "Aura Of Decay", via Solid State Records, marking its first album since the band's critically acclaimed 2013 self-titled release. The new LP features the classic lineup, with guitarist Christer Espevoll rejoining the fold.

Crafted over an extensive writing and recording period, the upcoming album represents a deeply considered and, at times, painful labor of love. The meticulous production spanned multiple creative hubs, with tracking taking place across Hawk Studios, Little Cave Studio and Hrada Creative. To bring the sonic scenery to life, the record was handed over to master engineer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, who handled mixing and mastering duties. Adding a striking visual dimension to the release, renowned artist Hugh Syme created the album artwork.

Musically, EXTOL continues its fearless tradition of charting unknown waters while retaining the distinct signature that has defined the band for decades. The songwriting, complex arrangements, and unmistakable sonic language remain firmly anchored in the adventurous spirit fans have come to expect. Furthermore, in a nod that will delight longtime supporters, echoes of the raw and black metal-tinged atmospheres reminiscent of their seminal album Burial surface throughout the album.

EXTOL has also unveiled an enigmatic new single, "The One And The Many". Watch the visualizer below. The track offers a labyrinthine sonic journey into the heart of modern tribalism. The song views the highly polarized ideological landscape through a veil of ancient philosophy, challenging listeners to question the mechanisms driving our current global divide. The single is now streaming worldwide.

Musically, "The One And The Many" relies on erratic, unconventional structures and jarring shifts to evoke a sense of psychological collapse. Lyrically, the band explores the intersection of modern tribalism and relativization of postmodernism in light of the ancient philosophical puzzle the one and the many. How does a collective society shatter into fiercely hostile tribes in today's post-modern fog? The lyrics leave clues for the listener to decode the tensions between individual identity and systemic erosion.

"We are living in an era where truth feels relative, yet tribal dogmas seem to be strengthening," says Christer. "We wanted the song to mirror that confusion. It is an invitation to look beneath the surface noise of the internet and reflect on how sanctimonious religious and political practices are fed and kept alive by ideology."

"Aura Of Decay" track listing:

01. The One And The Many
02. Disintegrate
03. Sanctum
04. Merciless Hunger
05. Vile Path
06. Phantom Dismay
07. Shield And Alibi
08. Wrecked Within Walls
09. Dimness Of Lingering Gloom
10. Beneath The Dirt
11. End Of Times

Formed in 1993 in Bekkestua, Norway, EXTOL is an experimental death metal band known for fusing sonic violence with spiritual and philosophical lyrical themes. Drawing inspiration from both technical death metal and, for the genre, more unusual melodic and harmonic composition, the band continues to carve out a unique space in the metal underground.

EXTOL is:

Peter Espevoll - vocals
Ole Børud - guitars, vocals and bass
David Husvik - drums and vocals
Christer Espevoll - guitars