Rockshots Records is proud to announce their latest signing of Finland progpower quintet Ultimatium for the release of their upcoming album “Virtuality” due out on November 27th, 2020.
Ultimatium was birthed out the deep forests of Suomussalmi, Finland. Their 4th studio full length “Virtuality” follows their independently released “Vis Vires Infinitus” (2015), “New Dawn” (2004, Mastervox Records), and “Hwainoo” (2008, Mastervox Records).
The premise behind “Virtuality” is an introduction of a storyline of four gamers getting stuck in a virtual reality game in a near-future setting. Each vocalist guest has their own, distinctive role in the story and drummer Matti Auerkallio sings the role of the villain (clean & crunch). The story album is backed up with lots of background vocals, sound effects and a “narrator”/system voice synthesized with Amazon’s Alexa.
The album introduces the best parts of power and progressive metal combined, including easier up-tempo songs, but also long, progressive mid-tempo tracks. The songs take influence from such bands as Stratovarius, Dream Theater, Symphony X and Rainbow. Especially on tracks ‘Digital Tower’ and ‘Ghost of Yesterday’ where influences from Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore are easily heard.
The band adds:
“Virtuality’ keeps Ultimatium moving towards more progressive atmospheres without completely forgetting the roots of the band. Packed with five amazing lead vocalists, a unique storyline about the virtual world, and the dangers of sharing everything in social media, along with up-tempo power metal songs combined with darker elements. The full length is a dramatic experience that should be listened from the first track to the last and will be a must-listen for all theme album enthusiasts.”
Ultimatium will be revealing three singles in the coming months leading up to its official release on Rockshots Records on November 27th.
Band members:
Matti Pulkkinen – keyboard
Matti Auerkallio – drums
Harri Niskanen – guitars
Tomi Viiltola – vocals
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