St. Louis black metal duo STORMRULER have announced their new full-length album, Morning Nautical Twilight, set for release on December 4, 2026 via Distortion Music Group (DMG), powered by Reigning Phoenix Music. Alongside the announcement, the band have unveiled the album’s first single, “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria.”
Morning Nautical Twilight finds STORMRULER placing narrative storytelling at the center of the record, building an expansive fantasy world across its 14 tracks. “Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” serves as an introduction to that world and the characters and conflicts that will unfold throughout the album.
Vocalist and guitarist Jason Asberry explains the decision to introduce the record with the track:
“We chose ‘In The Eye Of Umbria’ as the first single off of our new album Morning Nautical Twilight for a few reasons. It’s the second chapter in the Imperial Chronicles but the first that takes place in present day Aurelia, a realm spanning several thousand years with a vast history and many conflicts. It immediately introduces the listener to a few important characters within the world and sets the stage for the rest of the story.
“Secondly, it’s a very standout track amongst the record. We explore a few new corners of our sound that we haven’t in the past but do so in true STORM fashion. It has the raw and driving rhythms of our heavy metal heroes, the mountainous and soaring leads that are heavily laden throughout this record while also keeping true to the many folk sounds that we hold dearly. We’re very proud of this record and can’t wait for you all to explore the pages of Morning Nautical Twilight.”
“Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria” pushes STORMRULER’s black metal foundation into new territory, combining driving rhythms and intricate guitar leads with folk-inspired melodies and the duo’s atmospheric approach. Asberry’s guitar work and shrieked vocals lead the charge alongside Jesse Schobel’s forceful percussion, establishing the musical and narrative atmosphere surrounding Morning Nautical Twilight.
The forthcoming album represents the latest chapter for STORMRULER following their signing with Distortion Music Group in 2026. The partnership was initially marked by the standalone single “Dark Age Of Deception,” which introduced a darker, atmospheric direction for the duo.
Formed in St. Louis, Missouri, STORMRULER consists of Asberry on vocals and guitars and Schobel on drums. The band released their debut album, Under The Burning Eclipse, through Napalm Records in 2021, followed by Sacred Rites & Black Magick in 2022.
With Morning Nautical Twilight, STORMRULER expand their fascination with fantasy and history into a chapter-based narrative stretching from “Prologue: The Weary Traveler” through the concluding “Epilogue: The Imperial Chronicles.”
Morning Nautical Twilight arrives December 4, 2026 via Distortion Music Group. Pre-order
Morning Nautical Twilight Track List
- Prologue: The Weary Traveler
- Chapter I: The Sword, The Scepter & The Seal
- Chapter II: In The Eye Of Umbria
- Chapter III: Council Of The Nations
- Chapter IV: Subterranean Sorcery
- Chapter V: Lanuthor’s Lamentations
- Chapter VI: Open The Gates!
- Chapter VII: Morning Nautical Twilight
- Chapter VIII: The Siege Of Belgorath
- Chapter IX: Shadows Of The Starcrest
- Chapter X: Winds Of War
- Chapter XI: When The White Horn Sounds
- Chapter XII: Engulfed In The Flames Of Oaken Pyre
- Epilogue: The Imperial Chronicles
STORMRULER lineup:
Jason Asberry – Vocals, Guitars
Jesse Schobel – Drums