North Carolina melodic death metal band AETHER REALM have released the official music video for “Broken Fist,” the second single from their upcoming studio album, Season of Bloodshed, scheduled for release on December 11, 2026, through Napalm Records. The new track features guest vocals from Taj Jewett and showcases the band’s continued experimentation with elements beyond traditional melodic death metal.
“Broken Fist” combines groove-driven guitar riffs, aggressive rhythms, and melodic hooks with electronic elements, including 808 bass, synthesizers, and symphonic arrangements. Jewett’s guest vocal performance adds another dimension to the track, complementing the band’s heavier musical direction.
The upcoming Season of Bloodshed marks AETHER REALM‘s first full-length release since 2020’s Redneck Vikings From Hell. During the intervening years, the band faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of Hurricane Helene, and a lineup change that saw guitarist Donny Burbage depart and Chris Jones join the group.
These experiences helped shape the darker musical direction and lyrical themes of the new record, which explores anger, frustration, and personal transformation.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, AETHER REALM explained:
“This is an album born from an anger that was allowed to fester for too long. At the confluence of the great injustices of our time and the insignificant wrongs that get under our skin every day, we can find ourselves transformed into our worst selves. It is in the expression of this feeling, through these cruel riffs, shredding solos, and crushing breakdowns, that we may find peace.”
Musically, Season of Bloodshed builds upon the band’s established combination of intricate guitar harmonies, melodic death metal aggression, and orchestral arrangements. The eight-track album introduces additional influences, including modern groove metal, electronic textures, and blackened folk elements.
The record incorporates elaborate string arrangements, fast-paced drumming, and layered guitar melodies while maintaining the band’s emphasis on technical instrumentation and songwriting.
With “Broken Fist,” AETHER REALM offer another preview of the musical direction explored throughout Season of Bloodshed, balancing their melodic death metal foundations with contemporary production elements and heavier rhythmic arrangements.
Season of Bloodshed Tracklist
- The Blood Is Calling
- Control
- Broken Fist (feat. Taj Jewett)
- Get Fukt
- The Weight
- Path of the Wind
- Achilles’ Heel
- Terminus Omnium
Album Formats and Availability
Season of Bloodshed will be available through Napalm Records in several formats, including CD digipak, standard black gatefold vinyl, limited red-and-black splatter gatefold vinyl, and digital editions.
Pre-orders are available now ahead of the album’s December 11 release
AETHER REALM lineup
Jake Jones: Bass, vocals
Heinrich Arnold: Guitar
Tyler Gresham: Drums
Chris Jones: Guitar
The official music video for “Broken Fist,” featuring Taj Jewett, is available now. Season of Bloodshed arrives December 11, 2026, through Napalm Records.