WITHIN TEMPTATION teams up with OPUS COMICS for new series
16-02-2023
Symphonic metal band WITHIN TEMPTATION is bringing its unique vision of the future to comic audiences with a brand new series from Opus Comics based on the group’s 2019 album “Resist” and 2021 virtual concert “Aftermath”.
Set in the distant future, an endless battle rages between two species — an advanced but inherently humanoid species ruled by a techno-organic matriarch on one side, and a cruel race of alien artificial intelligences on the other. Multiple stories collide to paint a sweeping portrait of the matriarch’s life and her struggle to balance what she was created to be with the impossible forces that shape her.
In order to bring this story to the comic book page, the band has teamed up with acclaimed YA author Marieke Nijkamp and heavy metal artist Montos to flesh out their dystopian world.
WITHIN TEMPTATION vocalist and co-founder Sharon Den Adel says: “‘The Purge’ cover star Genesis has come to life on our stage and in different merchandise designs, and now she will be taking you on the biggest quest of her life — in both our next album as well as in our comic book series.
“Teaming up with Opus for this seemed like the logical decision, as they are a heavyweight in creating comic books and only work with the best designers and storytellers. We can’t wait to show you the final result! We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!”
The first issue will be available in a limited-edition print run featuring an exclusive numbered foil cover by Agustin Alessio (“Star Wars”, “Avengers”, “Thor: God Of Thunder”) direct from Incendium Online, with a newsstand edition in comic stores this May for wide retail release.
“The symphonic splendor of WITHIN TEMPTATION has always transported listeners to other worlds, and experiencing those songs supported by the incredible set design of recent stage shows and virtual performances presented a wonderful opportunity to explore their futuristic vision with an all-new narrative,” says Incendium and Opus Comics founder Llexi Leon. “Today, the battle against AI is suddenly a very real topic, particularly for artists and other creatives, which is reflected in the story of the matriarch and her struggle.”
“Within Temptation” #1 is the first in a three-part mini-series at 40 pages long, and is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors‘ March Previews catalogue for May release at Opus Comics’ signature $6.66 price point. Fans can also buy a numbered limited-edition version of the book with foil treatment.
Legendary leaders of dark anthemic music, with a career spanning two decades and with seven studio albums under their belt, WITHIN TEMPTATION are a genuine force to be reckoned with. Simply, they are one of the world’s most successful heavy rock groups. In 2020 and 2021, the band released “Entertain You”, “The Purge” and “Shed My Skin”, singles that all peaked in the Top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator charts and topped the official German charts. The band’s work has received numerous international awards, including a World Music Award, MTV Europe Music Awards, a Metal Hammer Award, and many more.
WITHIN TEMPTATION released the single and video for ‘The Fire Within’ in December 2022.
WITHIN TEMPTATION stated about the track: “Back in 2019 we wrote ‘The Fire Within’, but it’s never made its appearance on an album. However, to brighten up your festive December mood some more, we’ve decided to release it as a standalone song! Enjoy!”
Watch the previously released visualiser for the single ‘The Fire Within’ below.
Speaking to Riff X‘s “Metal XS”, WITHIN TEMPTATION vocalist Sharon Den Adel elaborated on how “The Fire Within” came together. She said: “We recorded it during corona times. And we release it now for the game with IRON MAIDEN, our collaboration with the ‘Iron Maiden: Legacy Of The Beast’ mobil) game. This is a song that didn’t make it for the next album. So we like the song, but it has a different kind of vibe to it. And it’s about keeping things real. ‘The fire within’ is the thing that drives you, the thing that you feel the most. That’s what the song is about.”
“The Fire Within” seven-inch single features both the single version and instrumental version of the track. Due on January 20, 2023, it is available for pre-order as a limited edition of 666 individually numbered copies on orange-colored vinyl at the WITHIN TEMPATION music store.
In recent years, WITHIN TEMPTATION shifted its focus from releasing albums to releasing a series of singles, enabling the bandmembers to indulge themselves in their creative processes thus delivering freshly inspired music. The group has released “Entertain You”, “The Purge” and “Shed My Skin”, singles that have all thrilled their fanbase, had great critical reception in Europe, peaked in the Top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator charts and topped the official German charts. In July, WITHIN TEMPTATION also released the official Jeb Hardwick-directed music video for the band’s most recent single, “Don’t Pray For Me”. It was the fourth single of the band’s independent releases and will lead up to WITHIN TEMPTATION‘s next studio album.
Watch the official music video for “Don’t Pray For Me” below.
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