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FIRTAN Opens the “Helios” Era with New “Ascension” Video
Helios’ Dark Ascension
German extreme metal band FIRTAN have released a new music video for ‘Ascension’, taken from their fifth studio album, "Helios". Serving as the album’s second preview, the track reflects the band’s recent approach of combining the weight of black and death metal with atmospheric and experimental elements.
Due for release on October 2 via AOP Records, "Helios" is described as a work centered on the idea of enlightenment forged through struggle. Named after the sun god Helios, the album explores the pursuit of becoming the strongest and clearest version of oneself in a world built around distraction and decay.
FIRTAN build this idea not through heavy riffs alone, but by layering different sonic elements. While the raw, atmospheric ferocity of black metal merges with the weight of death metal, the melancholic and experimental use of acoustic and electric violin accentuates the tension running through the band’s compositions. Acoustic instruments, ritualistic chants, and analog synthesizers further contribute to the album’s sonic texture.
Previously released from "Helios", ‘The Hierophant Way’ features one of the album’s notable collaborations. The track includes guest vocals from NE OBLIVISCARIS vocalist James Dorton. As a result, FIRTAN’s new album places not only its atmospheric qualities and stylistic shifts in focus, but also the interplay between distinct vocal approaches.
The album’s 12-track repertoire consists of ‘Himsa’, ‘Kalikas Tongue’, ‘Ambrosia’, ‘Solis Currus’, ‘Ascension’, ‘Wide Open Eye’, ‘Helios’, ‘The Form Revealed’, ‘Revealing Prana’, ‘The Hierophant’, ‘Shadows of a Dawn Unborn’, and a cover of BATHORY’s ‘Man of Iron’.
The album artwork features a photographic work by Luis González Palma, while FIRTAN are preparing to bring the "Helios" era to the stage with a tour in autumn 2026. Following more than a decade of live performances across Europe, the tour will also center on the band’s first live presentation of the new album.
