ALTARIA Signs With ESCAPE MUSIC

Finnish four-piece ALTARIA, known for its traditional but yet catchy heavy metal, has inked a new record deal with Escape Music. The band's new album, "Unholy", will be released this summer.

ALTARIA's fourth longplayer introduces the fourth lead vocalist during their nine-year long career. Charismatic and multi-talented vocalist Marco Luponero has vaulted the band's stage presence up to a completely new level and participated in composing some of the hardest-rocking ALTARIA material ever. Says drummer and band founder Tony S.: "For the first time ever the new songs have been written together as a band. All of us have contributed to the songwriting.

He adds, "'Unholy' is more guitar-oriented and grooving harder, yet sounding a bit 'dirtier' than the previous ALTARIA works. But don't worry, we haven't forgotten the honest, melodic heavy rock ALTARIA is all about — the catchy choruses are still there."

"The recording, mixing and mastering of the album took almost half a year, so we want to thank our fans for the patience and offer a full song from 'Unholy' available immediately after the album got its final touch.

"'Warrior' is groovy piece of heavy metal, served with a memorable chorus. The song is a true appetizer for the forthcoming album 'Unholy'."

"Unholy" track listing:

01. Alterior Motive
02. Warrior
03. Unholy Invasion
04. Pride & Desire
05. The Lake
06. Danger Zone
07. Steal Your Thunder
08. Wind Beneath My Wings
09. We Own The Fire
10. Ready!
11. Never Wonder Why
12. Underdog

The song "Warrior" is available for download at this location.

Previous ALTARIA albums, including a compilation album, "Divine Invitation", were released by the German label Metal Heaven.

ALTARIA has toured excessively in Finland and all over Europe with fellow Finns SONATA ARCTICA and German metal queen DORO.