Boston post-metal outfit Junius have had a June 26th release date set for their first new studio album in nearly a decade. “Sotera” has been selected as the title for it, with Prosthetic Records once again onboard to release it. The group’s vocalist/guitarist Joseph E. Martinez had some insight to share about this opus and the Greek mythology-inspired origins of its title and concepts:
“The word Sotera is the feminine form of savior or protector in Greek, and it perfectly captured what the album was circling around. This album is a musical invocation that explores the divine feminine as a force of transformation and balance. Medea stands at the threshold. In Sotera we’re calling upon Hekate, her mother, to guide us in her resurrection. The Oracle as a loving but ignored prophet. Lucifera appears as the punished light-bringer. The Initiatrix is the one who begins the rite.”
Speaking of “Initiatrix“, that song has been launched as the album’s lead single, arriving in tandem with the below music video directed by Martinez. The man himself had the following to say about that cut and why it was selected as the first track to be shared:
“‘Initiatrix‘ distills the album into 3 minutes and 23 seconds, and it captures the heart of the record. “It’s about willingly stepping into a ritualistic transformation, asking to be changed and accepting the consequences of that choice.”
Martinez also weighed in on where he feels the band currently fit in on the genre descriptor spectrum with this latest affair:
“Mythic, atmospheric, melodic post-metal? Over the years we’ve been labeled post-punk, post-rock, and now post-metal, in that order. We’ve never really cared too much about the label, but post-metal seems to be the one people have settled on for us. We see it as heavy music that prioritizes movement and melody over aggression for its own sake. What we’ve always tried to do is balance weight with emotional lift. The heaviness creates the gravity, but the melody is what carries you into the ether.”
“Sotera” track listing:
01 – “Disciple“
02 – “The Oracle“
03 – “Summon Her“
04 – “Initiatrix“
05 – “Darkwater“
06 – “Serpent“
07 – “Lucifera“
08 – “Scythian“
You can delve into pre-order options over at ffm.to/sotera. Junius also have a round of summer touring booked around the album, several stops of which will find them out with Minsk.
With Minsk:
07/21 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
07/22 Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs)
07/23 Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
07/24 Chicago, IL – Reggies / Music Joint
Junius:
07/25 Indianapolis, IN – The Hifi (post. festival)
08/07 Brooklyn, NY – The Wood Shop
08/08 Somerville, MA – ONCE Ballroom (‘Somergloom Festival‘)
08/09 Philadelphia, PA – Milk Boy
