Of Virtue announce long-awaited new album ‘Death Of The Altar’

Author Benedetta Baldin - 10.7.2026

Michigan metalcore outfit, Of Virtue, have today announced their highly-anticipated new album, “Death Of The Altar”, set for release on 2nd October via Arising Empire. Expanding on the emotional depth that propelled their 2023 hit record, Omen, to over 65 million streams, the band return sharper and more deliberate than ever, leaning into their charismatic balance of melody, intensity, and unflinching honesty. Fans can pre-save the upcoming record here.

Marking a pivotal moment in the band’s next chapter, ‘The End‘ arrives alongside today’s announcement as both a statement of intent and a thematic cornerstone for “Death Of The Altar”. A ferocious, tongue in cheek metalcore blast that turns apocalypse anxiety into a dark, anthemic celebration, the track blends sardonic humour with existential dread. Snarling screams paint the chaos of collapsing worlds, while soaring cleans twist the chorus into a strangely euphoric sing along about facing doomsday together. Massive riffs, pounding rhythms and the band’s signature cinematic edge drive a song that feels both destructive and defiantly alive.

Shedding light on the meaning behind ‘The End‘, guitarist and co-vocalist Damon Tate reflects:
“There have been so many days where I have felt apathetic to the world around me – constantly being bombarded by the politics, social media, the strain of everyday life to the point of feeling numb to some of these problems over time. It always feels like when you put one fire out, another one sprouts up in a sick and seemingly never ending cycle. You grow numb to the negativity over time and start to accept that this might just be the “way life is.”

“Some may see this as apathy and honestly, I would agree. We wanted to make a record that encapsulates the feeling of being frustrated and tricking yourself into believing there is nothing you can do to fix that. Some situations are out of our control, others can be avoided. In the end, one of the things that matters most is spending time with the ones you care about and making the most of the one life we are given. Think of this song as “the last party on Earth.” If the world were going to come to an end, I’d want to be surrounded by loved ones doing what I love and having tried my very best to spread that love to others.”

Fans can watch the brand new video for the ‘The End‘ here or at the thumbnail below.

Harnessing the potent fusion of powerful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics, Of Virtue maintain a steadfast commitment to authenticity, consistently redefining the genre while staying true to their artistic essence. Beloved across thirty-five countries and having performed at multiple Danny Wimmer festivals, Upheaval, Full Force, Summer Breeze, and Pulp Summer Slam amongst many others, it’s no surprise that they’ve shared stages with bands such as SlipknotBad OmensNothing More, and Three Days Grace. Beyond their musical prowess, the metal powerhouse also serve as passionate mental health advocates on and off stage. Often seen using their platform to raise awareness and openly discuss these vital issues, Of Virtue have become a source of hope and inspiration for countless fans facing similar challenges.

Carrying forward the spirit of their 2023 record, “Omen”, Of Virtue continue to champion vulnerability, community, and the belief that no one is defined solely by their worst decisions. With “Death Of The Altar”, the band refine and expand their sound, one marked by confrontation, growth, and the difficult process of letting go. Unafraid to sit in discomfort, they deliver a fearless exploration of what it takes to dismantle the parts of yourself that no longer serve you, even if it means tearing down everything that once felt like home.

On the arrival of their forthcoming record “Death Of The Altar”, Tate shares:
“Death Of The Altar is the culmination of many emotional chapters for all of us and is in a lot of ways, the symbolic ending that Omen touched on in some of its themes. Where Omen recounts the memoirs of someone who tried, but ultimately succumbed to their shortcomings – Death Of The Altar is the realisation that the things we hold so close, can often be the very same things that hurt us the most. We grow up in systems where it’s hard to disconnect from all of the noise – what people think we should be, how to fit the “perfect” stereotypes, failing or falling short being seen as a weakness rather than logical progression.

“Over time, we are worn down by feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, leading so many of us to seeking out dangerous and more creative methods of coping, disguised as help. In times of desperation, we seek comfort from people hiding the truth and places that are meant to be safe but harbour disinformation, deception and deceit. The 4 of us are no different. We have all struggled throughout our own lives with identity crises, fitting into a world that doesn’t accept you for who you are, fostering toxic connections just for a taste of something better and wondering why we feel more hollow and empty than ever.

“Our entire journey as a band has been stepping outside of our comfort zone and Death Of The Altar is no exception. There was a weight on us that never existed before and we wanted to do the best we could to shoulder those expectations. This record is our band’s ego death. This record is a rude awakening to be cautious of who and what you trust with your energy and spirit. Death Of The Altar is a sobering reminder of one very important thing.

“Be careful what you wish for. It may come true and become a nightmare that is impossible to escape.”

TRACKLISTING
1. Death Of The Altar
2. Divinity
3. The End
4. Enemy State
5. What’s It Like To Be Happy?
6. Too Late
7. Welcome To Hell
8. The Art of Love
9. Flatline
10. Devotion
11. Can’t Keep Knockin Me Down

This summer, Of Virtue will be embarking on ‘The Art Of Love And Power Tour’ alongside Savage Hands for one of the most unmissable heavy US tours of the year. The tour will see both bands trading headlining slots each night, giving fans two high caliber sets under one roof. Later this year, the band will head overseas to tour across the UK and Europe as direct support to Unprocessed. See their upcoming UK/EU dates below, and find more information and tickets here.

Of Virtue EU/UK TOUR DATES
supporting Unprocessed

  • 10/10 – Batschkapp, Frankfurt (DE)
  • 09/10 – Strom, Munich (DE)
  • 08/10 – Hole 44, Berlin (DE)
  • 07/10 – Kent Club, Hamburg (DE)
  • 06/10 – Gabaude 9, Cologne (DE)
  • 05/10 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen (NL)
  • 04/10 – 013 Next Stage, Tilburg (NL)
  • 03/10 – La Maroquinerie, Paris (FR)
  • 02/10 – Electric Ballroom, London (UK)
  • 01/10 – Academy 3, Manchester (UK)
  • 29/09 – Botanique, Brussels (BE)

Be sure to stay tuned for more Of Virtue news coming very soon.