Finnish melodic death metal powerhouse Bloodred Hourglass is bringing the successful chapter of its acclaimed album We Should Be Buried Like This to a close with the release of a new EP, After the Burial. Serving as both an epilogue and a bridge toward the future, the release features two brand-new studio tracks alongside exclusive live recordings captured during the band’s unique collaboration with the Mikkeli City Orchestra.

Released last autumn, We Should Be Buried Like This became the most successful album of Bloodred Hourglass’ career, further cementing the band’s position among Finland’s leading modern metal acts. Rather than ending the album cycle quietly, the band has chosen to expand its story with After the Burial, showcasing a different emotional side of its songwriting.

The EP introduces two new tracks, “Walk on Water” and “Heartstrings”. While the parent album was built around themes of darkness and despair, the new material offers a subtle shift in perspective.

“After the Burial turns its gaze gently toward the light after the dark and hopeless themes of We Should Be Buried Like This,” the band explains. “From the very beginning, we wanted to feature a female vocalist to bring soulfulness, depth and highlight the contrasts that exist within our music.”

That vision led to a collaboration with Finnish blues and rock icon Erja Lyytinen, who lends her voice and guitar work to “Heartstrings”. The track marks a notable first in Lyytinen’s career.

“When I was invited to join the project, I knew the quality would be exceptionally high with this band,” Lyytinen says. “The song immediately felt like a world-class hit. The production is huge and cinematic, while the story moves between ethereal beauty and heavy metal darkness. This is actually the first metal song in my life where I perform lead vocals. It has everything: emotion, drama, storytelling, dynamics, and some of the best elements of metal music, topped off with slide guitar.”

In addition to the new studio material, After the Burial includes two live recordings from Bloodred Hourglass’ special concert with the Mikkeli City Orchestra. Fans can revisit orchestral renditions of “God Has Favourites” and “Mirage”, the latter featuring guest appearances from Aleksi Paasonen of Balance Breach and Lotta Ruutiainen of LUNA KILLS.

The accompanying music video for “Heartstrings” is available now.