Whispered’s fourth album “Honorbound” out today

Finnish melodic death metal band Whispered, renowned for blending the intensity of Finnish metal with Japanese music, mythology and traditions, release their highly anticipated fourth album, “Honorbound”, today.

Nearly a decade in the making, “Honorbound” is the band’s most ambitious release to date. Across eight tracks, Whispered embark on an epic journey where melodic death metal, Japanese folklore, tales of honor and revenge, and the search for inner strength collide.

“It is hard to believe that the album is actually out now. We have had to listen to these songs ourselves for quite a few years, and now it’s
your turn! The album is a massive journey through the dark and epic landscapes of Whispered’s vision of Japanese folklore, filled with tales of honor, retribution, and inner strength, all forged in the spirit of Finnish metal. The album is definitely worth giving some time to. Despite all its massive elements, I bet some really cool things will start to reveal themselves as you listen to it more!” the band’s singer Jouni Valjakka describes.

 From furious speed to heroic grandeur and moments of serenity, “Honorbound” takes the listener through a wide emotional and musical spectrum, ultimately arriving at a place of stillness. The album’s more traditional heroic energy can be heard on the album’s focus track, “A Warrior’s Dream.”

“‘A Warrior’s Dream’ represents the heroic side of the album, with rich melodic textures and energetic riffs. It’s one of the oldest songs on the album, and exactly the kind of song you would expect from Whispered. It’s a hopeful warrior’s dream through battlefields, overcoming oneself and cosmic transcendence. In other words, a great companion for darkening autumn evenings and torrential rain!”

Watch the “A Warrior’s Dream” lyric video here.

The album culminates in its nearly 24-minute title track, “Honorbound.”

“‘Honorbound’ is a massive story that also ties together these past years, all their challenges, and the sheer stubbornness it took to finish the album. The song has been gradually taking shape over many years. Its story was ultimately inspired by the Japanese tale of the
Soga brothers’ revenge, in which the brothers avenge the murder of their father. With some artistic liberties, the story eventually evolved into an epic in true Whispered style.”

The story of “Honorbound” also extends to the album’s artwork, created by the band’s long-time trusted Japanese artist TokMR.

Currently touring the United Kingdom, Whispered will celebrate the official release of “Honorbound” with an album release show at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki on September 18. More Finnish shows are scheduled for early 2027.

UK tour:

• 09.09.2026 229 Club, London
• 10.09.2026 Bannerman’s, Edinburgh
• 11.09.2026 Nightrain, Bradford
• 12.09.2026 Gryphon, Bristol

Finnish shows:

• 18.09.2026 Kuudes Linja, Helsinki (Album Release Show)
• 08.01.2027 Talvihelvetti, Tampere
• 09.01.2027 Seinäjoki Metal Fest, Seinäjoki

Tracklist – “Honorbound”:
1. Ikikaere
2. Heavensbane
3. Shadowblade
4. Battlecry
5. A Warrior’s Dream
6. Gods of Rain
7. Where the Spirits Thrive
8. Honorbound

Whispered is:
Jouni Valjakka – vocals, guitar
Mikko Mattila – guitar
Olli Paajanen – bass
Filip Gäddnäs – drums