Victory Records have announced an August 3rd release date for Wretched's new album "Beyond the Gate."The album will feature a piece written and orchestrated by new guitarist John Vail, and performed by the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra. The album will also feature guest appearances by Jesse Clasen of Charlotte, NC band Harvard, Andy Lynn on violin, and Randy Nashleanas on cello.
The album follows a story written entirely by vocalist Billy Powers: "Beyond the Gate is the story of an alchemist named Sylvester Alιdoe who successfully opens the portal to which he thinks is the alternate world known as Shamballa. Ending up in the central realm of Uraitahn, consisting of a thick poisonous miasma that no mortal shell can withstand, his body is seized by the forces inside the gate while his soul is cast aside to wander throughout the lands eternally. It is not until Sylvester collects himself and beckons with the guardians of Uraitahn that he can return to his home, Xzorian. From there he can retrieve the last Talisman of Xzorian and either surrender it to the guardians or destroy Uraitahn with its extraordinary power."
The track listing is as follows:
01. Birthing Sloth
02. The Deed of Elturiel
03. In the Marrow
04. A Still Mantra
05. Cimmerian Shamballa
06. On the Horizon
07. Part I - Aberration
08. Part II - Beyond The Gate
09. My Carrion
10. The Guardians of Uraitahn
11. The Talisman
12. Eternal Translucence