Pre-orders now open for limited leather box sets, gatefold vinyl editions, CDs, cassettes and merch
Luleå, Sweden & Athens, Greece; 4 September 2026: Swedish death metal legends Gates of Ishtar have unveiled further information about their long-awaited studio comeback. “Murder the Light” will be the band’s fourth studio album and their first in 29 years. It will be released on 21 January 2027 via The Circle Music, with pre-orders open now.
“After nearly three decades, Gates of Ishtar return,” the band stated regarding the upcoming release. “This January we will release our first album since 1998. Not a look back, but a continuation built on the same foundation and spirit that defined us then and still drives us now. The new material stays true to the sound and identity that shaped our earlier work. While reflecting the years that have passed and the experiences gained along the way, now nearly thirty years later, the fire still burns even brighter and more intensely than ever. More details soon…”
The Circle Music added: “Long before melodic death metal became a global phenomenon, Gates of Ishtar helped define the Swedish sound with their masterful balance of razor-edged riffs, melancholic melodies, and timeless songwriting. Their influence can still be heard throughout the genre, even if history has never granted them the recognition they so richly deserve. "Murder the Light" does not seek to recreate the past. It expands upon it with confidence, maturity, and the same creative fire that made the band's early recordings so enduring. Every composition reflects musicians who have remained true to their identity while allowing nearly three decades of life and experience to shape their art. This is the return of a band with something meaningful to say.”
Founded in Luleå, Sweden, Gates of Ishtar created a strong cult fan base through iconic albums such as “A Bloodred Path” and “At Dusk and Forever”. The band came back into action towards the end of 2023 for a special live gig. They returned to their old creative groove, performing at festivals, which in turn resulted in the album “Murder the Light”. The recording process started at the Humbucker Studios in Hagsätra, Sweden, in May 2026, where the band recorded the drum and bass parts. Guitars and vocal parts were recorded in the next two months, June and July, at Fallen Studios. The producer, Robert Pehrson, mixed and mastered the album at Humbucker Studios in August 2026.
The album will be available in the following physical formats:
Digi CD
Limited Luxurious Leather Box embossed in Ice Grey, including Digi CD (500 copies)
Limited Black Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket with printed Inner Sleeve (500 copies)
Limited Splatter Red & Black Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket with printed Inner Sleeve (500 copies)
Limited Transparent Marbled Orange & Black Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket with printed Inner Sleeve (500 copies)
Limited Splatter White & Black Vinyl in Gatefold Jacket with printed Inner Sleeve (500 copies)
Limited Black Tape (100 copies)
Merch is also available: T-shirt, Black Zip Hoodie, White Zip Hoodie
PRE-ORDER: https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/the-circle-releases/?filter_artist-name=gates-of-ishtar
Merch pre-order: https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/the-circle-releases/the-circle-releases-merchantise/
"Murder the Light" Tracklisting:
1. In Fires Forged
2. Ghosts
3. Murder the Light
4. Mother North
5. Let Go of My Burden
6. Dawn of Time
7. Nevermore
8. Still Life
Line up:
Andreas Johansson: Rhythm Guitars
Tomas Jutenfäldt: Rythm and lead guitars
Mikael Sandorf: Vocals
Markus Parkkilla: Bassguitar
Fredrik Andersson: Drums
Gates of Ishtar online
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatesofishtarofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatesofishtar/
Spotify:
The Circle Music online
Website: https://thecirclemusic.gr/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thecirclemusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Circle-Music-109161897443413/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_circle_music/
Bandcamp: https://thecirclemusicfamily.bandcamp.com/
That’s incredible news! I took a chance and bought dawn of flames from the used section of my local record store back in the late 90s based on the album artwork, and was blown away by how good it was! All three of their original CD’s get regular airplay from me.