Published: April 23, 2026 · 11:43 AM EDT
The new single introduces the band’s fifth album, set for release June 12, documenting their continued evolution in blackened death metal
SOULBURN have released the lyric video for “M87 – What Hopes to Be Born?”, taken from their upcoming full-length “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”, scheduled for release on June 12, 2026 via Testimony Records.
The track serves as the next advance single from the band’s fifth studio album, presenting a key piece within the broader structure of the record.
“M87 – What Hopes to Be Born?” stands apart within the album’s material, described by guitarist Eric Daniels as a track that exists “in its own orbit,” emphasizing its distinct character within the record.
Vocalist Twan van Geel adds that the song focuses lyrically on the passage of time, not from the perspective of mortality, but as part of the ongoing struggle of life, reinforcing the track’s forward-driving energy and thematic weight.
The song blends groove-driven structures with the band’s established extreme metal framework, positioning it as one of the defining moments of the album.
“Quantifying Cosmic Doom” represents the fifth full-length release by SOULBURN, continuing a trajectory shaped by decades of evolution within extreme metal.
The album builds on a foundation rooted in death metal, while incorporating elements of doom and black metal, creating a layered and dynamic sound that reflects the band’s established identity.
The material is characterized by structural variation, atmosphere, and narrative continuity across its compositions.
TRACKLIST — “QUANTIFYING COSMIC DOOM”
The Braveheart of Nightmares
Powehi, the Embellished Dark Source of Unending Creation
A Pyramid Absurd
An Impious Journey Through the Cathedral's Mouth
Stalactites of Molten Flesh
M87 – What Hopes to Be Born?
Iconox Spew Black at the Razor's Edge
Down Among the Stars
The Desolationist
In the Very Time That Will Rot Us
An Innocuous Swathe of Sky
SOULBURN was formed in 1996 following the dissolution of ASPHYX, establishing a new identity rooted in a fusion of black and doom-infused death metal.
Their debut album “Feeding on Angels” (1998) introduced a stripped-down but aggressive sound, which later evolved through releases such as:
“The Suffocating Darkness” (2014)
“Earthless Pagan Spirit” (2016)
“Noa’s D’ark” (2020)
Over time, the band has maintained a consistent approach while incorporating broader influences across the extreme metal spectrum.
“Quantifying Cosmic Doom” was recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Erwin Hermsen and Fons van Dijk at Toneshed Recording Studio in the Netherlands.
Additional recording contributions include drum tracking by Jörg Uken and guitar recording by Tom Meier.
The album artwork was created by Manuel Tinnemans.
FORMATS
Limited Gatefold splatter grey & black vinyl 2LP (250 copies)
Gatefold black vinyl 2LP
Music cassette
Limited Digipak CD (500 copies)
Jewelcase CD
Digital
LIVE — EUROPEAN TOUR 2026 (WITH MORK)
09 OCT — Drachten, NL — Iduna
10 OCT — Hamburg, DE — Hafenklang
11 OCT — Erfurt, DE — From Hell
12 OCT — Bamberg, DE — Live Club
13 OCT — Ostrava, CZ — Barak Club
14 OCT — Oldenburg, DE — MTS Records
15 OCT — Bochum, DE — Trompete
16 OCT — Ronse, BE — Garage Rock Fest
17 OCT — Göttingen, DE — Freihafen
18 OCT — Luxembourg, LU — MK Bar
19 OCT — Basel, CH — Valhalla Bar
20 OCT — Milano, IT — Slaughter Club
21 OCT — Salzburg, AT — Rockhouse Bar
22 OCT — Nova Gorica, SL — Mostovna
23 OCT — Burglengenfeld, DE — VAZ
24 OCT — Lyon, FR — Rock n'Eat
25 OCT — Maastricht, NL — Samhain Fest
LINEUP
Twan van Geel — Bass, Vocals
Eric Daniels — Guitars
Remco Kreft — Guitars
Marc Verhaar — Drums
With “M87 – What Hopes to Be Born?”, SOULBURN present a track drawn from “Quantifying Cosmic Doom”, offering a direct introduction to the album’s structure and thematic direction.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch “M87 – What Hopes to Be Born?” below:
