Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Land of the Rising Sun - Part 2 is the new album from the Finnish power metal band Metal De Facto, officially released on March 6, 2026 by Reaper Entertainment. It is a direct continuation of their previous album, Land of the Rising Sun - Part 1 (from 2024/2025), forming together a two-part conceptual epic dedicated to the history, mythology, culture, and legends of Japan—the famous "Land of the Rising Sun".
The album maintains the classic essence of European melodic power metal, with clear influences from bands like HammerFall, Bloodbound, Sonata Arctica, and touches of Judas Priest in heavier riffs. The production (by Esa Orjatsalo) is described as organic and cinematic: massive and natural drums, vibrant and melodic guitars, grand and catchy choruses, powerful vocals (with Spaniard Aitor Arrastia on vocals), and an epic sense of historical narrative.
The album delves deeper into specific Japanese events and legends (continuing what Part 1 began with mythology and samurai codes like Amaterasu), including references to historical temples, legendary monsters, and modern cultural elements mixed with folklore. There are even tracks with Japanese titles and direct inspirations from pop icons like Godzilla (Gojira).
Released singles include "Across the Milky Way" (with an official music video), "Gojira" (inspired by Japanese monster mythology, also with a music video), and possibly others as teasers. The cover art, created by renowned artist Gyula Havancsák (who has worked with Accept, Stratovarius, Kreator, etc.), features epic visual elements that combine samurai, Japanese landscapes, and modern metal aesthetics—highly praised in previews.
Initial reviews (from sites like Chaoszine, MyGlobalMind, Tuonela Magazine, and others) highlight the album as one of the high points of power metal in 2026: fast, heroic, with sing-along choruses, crystal-clear production, and a thematic immersion that requires listening to both parts to fully grasp the narrative. Many call it "epic power metal with a Japanese soul" and give it high scores (like 8/10).
If you enjoy melodic power metal with historical/conceptual themes, this album is practically mandatory. It's already available on CD, vinyl (limited editions), digital (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and has generated considerable buzz in the scene, especially in Finland and Europe.
MEMBERS
Sami Hinkka - Bass (2017-present)
See also: Ensiferum, October Falls, Atmosphere Enterprise, ssSHhh, ex-Rapture
Atte Marttinen - Drums (2017-present)
See also: Bloody Hell, ex-Kivimetsän Druidi, ex-V, ex-Volucrine
Esa Orjatsalo - Guitars (2017-present)
See also: Bloody Hell, Moottörin Jyrinä, Strider (live), ex-Bladzam, ex-Dreamtale, ex-Amaran (live), ex-Fultrack (live), ex-Guardians of Mankind
Mikko Salovaara - Guitars (2017-present)
See also: Daimonic, Kiuas, ex-Guitar Heroes, ex-Leverage, ex-Kalmah (live), ex-Raskasta Joulua (live), ex-Shining (live)
Benji Connelly - Keyboards (2017-present)
See also: Everfrost, ex-Snowkid, ex-Skyhammer
Aitor Arrastia - Vocals (2023-present)
See also: ex-Battle Arena, ex-Edelweyss, ex-Delion, ex-Gar Ta Su
TRACKLIST
1. Sengakuji Temple | 00:00
2. Across the Milky Way | 08:37
3. Gojira | 13:21
4. My Plastic Escape | 17:06
5. スズメの群れ | 22:58
6. Fury and Beauty | 24:19
7. The Wanderers Truth | 30:03
8. Pen Is Mightier than Sword | 30:34
9. Lighter than a Feather | 38:22
10. Wheel of the Rising Sun | 44:00
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: metaldefacto.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/us/artist/74331712
Facebook: facebook.com/metaldefacto
Instagram: instagram.com/metaldefacto
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/59epaYX40r4ZePz9x3YRdF
YouTube: youtube.com/@metaldefacto1994
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Metal de Facto. All rights reserved to WMG on behalf of Reaper Entertainment. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#metaldefacto #powermetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Land of the Rising Sun - Part 2 is the new album from the Finnish power metal band Metal De Facto, officially released on March 6, 2026 by Reaper Entertainment. It is a direct continuation of their previous album, Land of the Rising Sun - Part 1 (from 2024/2025), forming together a two-part conceptual epic dedicated to the history, mythology, culture, and legends of Japan—the famous "Land of the Rising Sun".
The album maintains the classic essence of European melodic power metal, with clear influences from bands like HammerFall, Bloodbound, Sonata Arctica, and touches of Judas Priest in heavier riffs. The production (by Esa Orjatsalo) is described as organic and cinematic: massive and natural drums, vibrant and melodic guitars, grand and catchy choruses, powerful vocals (with Spaniard Aitor Arrastia on vocals), and an epic sense of historical narrative.
The album delves deeper into specific Japanese events and legends (continuing what Part 1 began with mythology and samurai codes like Amaterasu), including references to historical temples, legendary monsters, and modern cultural elements mixed with folklore. There are even tracks with Japanese titles and direct inspirations from pop icons like Godzilla (Gojira).
Released singles include "Across the Milky Way" (with an official music video), "Gojira" (inspired by Japanese monster mythology, also with a music video), and possibly others as teasers. The cover art, created by renowned artist Gyula Havancsák (who has worked with Accept, Stratovarius, Kreator, etc.), features epic visual elements that combine samurai, Japanese landscapes, and modern metal aesthetics—highly praised in previews.
Initial reviews (from sites like Chaoszine, MyGlobalMind, Tuonela Magazine, and others) highlight the album as one of the high points of power metal in 2026: fast, heroic, with sing-along choruses, crystal-clear production, and a thematic immersion that requires listening to both parts to fully grasp the narrative. Many call it "epic power metal with a Japanese soul" and give it high scores (like 8/10).
If you enjoy melodic power metal with historical/conceptual themes, this album is practically mandatory. It's already available on CD, vinyl (limited editions), digital (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) and has generated considerable buzz in the scene, especially in Finland and Europe.
MEMBERS
Sami Hinkka - Bass (2017-present)
See also: Ensiferum, October Falls, Atmosphere Enterprise, ssSHhh, ex-Rapture
Atte Marttinen - Drums (2017-present)
See also: Bloody Hell, ex-Kivimetsän Druidi, ex-V, ex-Volucrine
Esa Orjatsalo - Guitars (2017-present)
See also: Bloody Hell, Moottörin Jyrinä, Strider (live), ex-Bladzam, ex-Dreamtale, ex-Amaran (live), ex-Fultrack (live), ex-Guardians of Mankind
Mikko Salovaara - Guitars (2017-present)
See also: Daimonic, Kiuas, ex-Guitar Heroes, ex-Leverage, ex-Kalmah (live), ex-Raskasta Joulua (live), ex-Shining (live)
Benji Connelly - Keyboards (2017-present)
See also: Everfrost, ex-Snowkid, ex-Skyhammer
Aitor Arrastia - Vocals (2023-present)
See also: ex-Battle Arena, ex-Edelweyss, ex-Delion, ex-Gar Ta Su
TRACKLIST
1. Sengakuji Temple | 00:00
2. Across the Milky Way | 08:37
3. Gojira | 13:21
4. My Plastic Escape | 17:06
5. スズメの群れ | 22:58
6. Fury and Beauty | 24:19
7. The Wanderers Truth | 30:03
8. Pen Is Mightier than Sword | 30:34
9. Lighter than a Feather | 38:22
10. Wheel of the Rising Sun | 44:00
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: metaldefacto.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/us/artist/74331712
Facebook: facebook.com/metaldefacto
Instagram: instagram.com/metaldefacto
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/59epaYX40r4ZePz9x3YRdF
YouTube: youtube.com/@metaldefacto1994
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Metal de Facto. All rights reserved to WMG on behalf of Reaper Entertainment. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#metaldefacto #powermetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
