Full Breakdown
Samael Unveils New Single “Hail To The Sun” Amid Return to New Music
6/20/2026, 10:24:43 PM
New Single Launch
Samael released “Hail To The Sun,” a heavy, grand track with stomping rhythm, addressing adversity and seizing opportunities. It follows the 2025 “Black Matter Manifesto,” their first new music in eight years.
Recent History and Creative Direction
Formed in 1987, Samael shaped extreme metal with *Worship Him* (1990) and *Passage* (1996). After *Hegemony* (2017), they paused new releases until “Black Matter Manifesto” (2025). Frontman Michael “Vorph” Locher says the upcoming album will retain ties to *Hegemony* while featuring a more guitar-driven mix.
Band Lineup and Production
Current members: Michael “Vorph” Locher (guitars, vocals), Alexandre “Xytras” Locher (drum programming, keyboards, samples), Thomas “Drop” Betrisey (guitars), Ales Campanelli (bass, joined 2020). Swedish producer Daniel Bergstrand recorded the vocals in late 2024.
Numbers at a Glance
- Formation: 1987
- Active years: 39 (2026)
- Gap between releases: 8 years (2017–2025)
- *Hegemony* release: Oct 2017 (Napalm Records)
Upcoming 2026 shows: Lithuania (June 25), Czech Republic (Aug 5), Netherlands (Sept 4-5), Belgium (Sept 6), Poland (Sept 12), France (Sept 26).
Official Statements on Theme and Album Timeline
The band describes “Hail To The Sun” as an anthem meant to unite listeners in difficult periods and to provide metaphorical warmth. They plan to issue another single in 2025 and aim to release a full album before summer 2026, pending final mixing and mastering.
Production Cautions
Vorph warned that excessive studio tinkering can become “a little bit dangerous,” noting drummer Xy’s meticulous editing of drum breaks. He also highlighted that the new material is “a lot more guitar-oriented” while still linked to *Hegemony*.
Upcoming Live Dates
Samael will perform at Kilkim Žaibu (Lithuania, June 25), Brutal Assault (Czech Republic, Aug 5), Poppodium Iduna (Netherlands, Sept 4), Cultuurfabriek (Netherlands, Sept 5), DVG Club (Belgium, Sept 6), Thunder Fest (Poland, Sept 12) and Espace Culturel (France, Sept 26).
Verbatim Quotes
- “In troubled times, it is good to come together around something that is meaningful to us all... and what better thing than the sun, which is one but experienced differently by each of us? 'Hail To The Sun' is an anthem that will see you through the summer and keep you warm when winter comes. The song is about overcoming adversity and seizing life's opportunities.” — Michael “Vorph” Locher, vocalist/guitarist, Samael
- “‘Hail To The Sun’ is an anthem that will see you through the summer and keep you warm when winter comes.” — Michael “Vorph” Locher, Samael
- “It's a lot more guitar-oriented.” — Michael “Vorph” Locher, Samael
