Boston post-metal collective Junius have officially announced their long-awaited return with a brand new studio album, marking their first full-length release in nearly ten years. The record, titled ‘Sotera’, is scheduled to arrive June 26th via Prosthetic Records.
The album draws heavily from Greek mythology and spiritual symbolism, themes vocalist and guitarist Joseph E. Martinez says became central to the record’s identity during its creation.
“The word Sotera is the feminine form of savior or protector in Greek, and it perfectly captured what the album was circling around. This album is a musical invocation that explores the divine feminine as a force of transformation and balance. Medea stands at the threshold. In Sotera we’re calling upon Hekate, her mother, to guide us in her resurrection. The Oracle as a loving but ignored prophet. Lucifera appears as the punished light-bringer. The Initiatrix is the one who begins the rite.”
Alongside the announcement, the band have premiered the album’s lead single “Initiatrix,” accompanied by a music video directed by Martinez himself. According to the frontman, the track serves as a condensed representation of the album’s overarching themes.
“‘Initiatrix’ distills the album into 3 minutes and 23 seconds, and it captures the heart of the record. It’s about willingly stepping into a ritualistic transformation, asking to be changed and accepting the consequences of that choice.”
Martinez also reflected on the band’s evolving genre classification, noting that while labels have shifted over the years, their creative philosophy has remained consistent.
“Mythic, atmospheric, melodic post-metal? Over the years we’ve been labeled post-punk, post-rock, and now post-metal, in that order. We’ve never really cared too much about the label, but post-metal seems to be the one people have settled on for us. We see it as heavy music that prioritizes movement and melody over aggression for its own sake. What we’ve always tried to do is balance weight with emotional lift. The heaviness creates the gravity, but the melody is what carries you into the ether.”
‘Sotera’ Tracklist
01 — “Disciple”
02 — “The Oracle”
03 — “Summon Her”
04 — “Initiatrix”
05 — “Darkwater”
06 — “Serpent”
07 — “Lucifera”
08 — “Scythian”
Pre-orders for ‘Sotera’ are now available ahead of its late-June release.
In support of the album, Junius will embark on a summer run of live dates, including several performances alongside Minsk.
With Minsk:
- 07/21 Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
- 07/22 Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs)
- 07/23 Detroit, MI – Sanctuary
- 07/24 Chicago, IL – Reggies / Music Joint
Junius:
- 07/25 Indianapolis, IN – The Hifi (post. festival)
- 08/07 Brooklyn, NY – The Wood Shop
- 08/08 Somerville, MA – ONCE Ballroom – ‘Somergloom Festival’
- 08/09 Philadelphia, PA – Milk Boy
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