Italian power metal act deliver symphonic warfare ahead of ‘The Battle of the Dead’ release on May 22
Embrace of Souls have released “Desolate Lands,” a new single and official video taken from their upcoming fantasy concept album “The Battle of the Dead,” set for release on May 22, 2026. The track delivers everything the Italian power metal scene does best: fast, militant rhythms, massive orchestral arrangements, and a relentless melodic drive rooted firmly in the traditions of the ’80s and ’90s.
Forged in classic power metal steel and sharpened with symphonic force, “Desolate Lands” is a song of devastation, sacrifice and defiance rising from the ashes of war. Dark tonalities and epic tension shape the track, driven by Giacomo Rossi‘s commanding vocals and reinforced by Martina Mazzeo‘s operatic power. The interplay between Rossi’s intensity and Mazzeo’s dramatic soprano creates a dualism of light and dark that runs throughout the album, balancing power metal ferocity with symphonic elegance.
The single introduces a world torn apart by a mysterious plague that corrupts the soul, pushing kingdoms toward an inevitable clash between the living and the dead. “The Battle of the Dead” unfolds as a complete narrative experience, exploring themes of power, betrayal, sacrifice and hope across eleven tracks that form a cohesive story rather than a simple collection of songs.
“We want ‘The Battle of the Dead’ to be a complete listening experience, each track has its own identity, but everything is connected to the story. We want listeners to dive into the world of the album and discover it step by step.”
Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace of Souls began as a studio project aimed at bringing together talented musicians from the Italian metal scene before evolving into a full band with a strong identity and a collaborative creative approach. Olmi’s initial ideas are expanded together with the band, with each member contributing to the final shape of the music and the narrative, a process that has resulted in a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres and strong melodic sensibility.
This new chapter is marked by a renewed lineup that brings fresh energy and broader musical perspective to the band’s sound. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist, delivering a powerful and expressive performance. Martina Mazzeo’s soprano vocals add a dramatic and theatrical dimension that elevates the material beyond typical power metal fare. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.
The album also features a special guest appearance by Morby from Domine on the track “The War,” further strengthening the connection with the classic Italian power metal tradition. “The Battle of the Dead” was mixed and mastered by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios in London, enhancing the clarity, impact and cinematic depth of the band’s sound.
Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace of Souls developed their sound over the course of two previous albums. Their debut “The Number of Destiny” arrived in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan. In 2024, they returned with their second full-length “Forever Part of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting.
Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody of Fire, Embrace of Souls continue to refine their identity while solidifying their presence on the international power metal scene. For fans of Rhapsody of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and Nightwish, “The Battle of the Dead” promises a fully realized vision of what modern Italian power metal can be when narrative ambition meets symphonic execution.
“The Battle of the Dead” tracklist:
- 01. The Battle of the Dead
- 02. Eversun
- 03. The Plague
- 04. The Gathering
- 05. Spine
- 06. Who Can Save Us
- 07. Betrayal
- 08. The Dark Lord
- 09. The War (feat. Morby)
- 10. Sacrifice
- 11. Desolate Lands
The album will be released on May 22, 2026 in digital format and digipak CD edition.
Embrace of Souls are:
- Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
- Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
- Edward De Rosa – Guitars
- Xavier Rota – Bass
- Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
- Michele Olmi – Drums
