With "Rites Of Disclosure," Elvenking unveils the ceremonial epilogue to their celebrated Reader of the Runes era. Conceived as a companion and closing act to the trilogy, the release is not a traditional full-length album, but a special collection that bridges past and present while pointing toward the band’s future. "Rites Of Disclosure" will be released on May 22nd, 2026 via Reaper Entertainment. The first single taken from the EP is the new, previously unreleased song "The Past Is Forever," which will be released on March 6th, 2025. A pre-save link will be available soon.
"Rites Of Disclosure" gathers standalone singles recorded between the trilogy chapters, two brand-new compositions – "Blizzards Of Anger" and "Rite Of Passage" – and a selection of cover versions honoring the artists that shaped Elvenking's musical DNA.
Thematically, the release remains deeply connected to the "Reader Of The Runes" universe, providing narrative bridges within the saga while delivering its final musical closure after nearly a decade.
Musically, the EP captures the full spectrum of Elvenking's sound: from bright acoustic atmospheres to epic darkness, blending folk-inspired melodies with classic heavy metal power.
The selected covers pay tribute to legendary influences such as Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Venom, Skcylad, Bathory and Children of Bodom – reinterpreted with Elvenking's unmistakable identity.
Rather than a conventional album, "Rites Of Disclosure" stands as a reflective farewell to an era – a final gathering of musical fragments, influences and storytelling threads before the band moves forward with renewed creative focus.
Tracklist Digital EP:
1. Blizzards Of Anger
2. Rite Of Passage
3. The Past is Forever
4. Arrival (King Diamond cover)
5. Children of Decadence (Children of Bodom cover)
6. Man of Iron (Bathory cover)
7. Salt On The Earth (Another Man's Poison) (Skyclad Cover)
Tracklist CD & Vinyl:
1. Blizzards Of Anger
2. Rite Of Passage
3. The Past is Forever
4. The Moon and Magic
5. Ethel
6. Arrival (King Diamond cover)
7. No prayer for the Dying (Iron Maiden cover)
8. Children of Decadence (Children of Bodom cover)
9. Man of Iron (Bathory cover)
10. Salt On The Earth (Another Man's Poison) (Skyclad Cover)
11. Prime Evil (Venom cover)
(Source: www.metalunderground.com)