Published: May 23, 2026 · 3:09 PM EDT
The power metal collective transforms the Opus classic into a festival anthem while continuing the live campaign surrounding the band’s latest studio album ‘Armageddon’
WARKINGS have unveiled a new single and official music video for their version of “Live Is Life”, originally released by Austrian rock band Opus in 1984.
The release arrives as the band continue the touring cycle surrounding their latest studio album “Armageddon”, which reached the Top 10 of the official album charts in both Germany and Austria following its release in 2025.
Rockum previously followed the “Armageddon” campaign through WARKINGS Return With Boisterous New Single Kings Of Ragnarok And Official Video and WARKINGS Reveals New Anthem Hangmans Night Featuring DOMINUM.
Rockum additionally featured an exclusive interview with The Viking of WARKINGS, where the band discussed the historical themes and creative direction behind “Armageddon”, in THE VIKING of WARKINGS Talks Armageddon, Power Metal and Epic History – Exclusive Interview Gino Alache.
Rather than simply recreating the original version, WARKINGS reshape “Live Is Life” into a power metal interpretation built around heavier guitars, festival-style choruses, and the band’s battle-oriented aesthetic.
According to The Tribune, the song unexpectedly evolved into a major audience participation anthem during the band’s recent live shows, eventually becoming part of the group’s live identity.
The new version additionally preserves elements of the original 1980s atmosphere while adapting the material to the band’s heavier sound and theatrical presentation.
Released in 2025, “Armageddon” continues the band’s concept of combining historical and mythological storytelling with modern power metal production. The album explores major turning points in world history, battles, invasions, and legendary warriors through large-scale arrangements and epic thematic narratives.
Songs throughout the album revisit:
Viking invasions
Genghis Khan
Ragnarök mythology
the Knights Templar
ancient warfare and conquest
while maintaining the cinematic and melodic power metal style associated with the band since their formation in 2018.
The album was produced by Felix Heldt and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen, known for work with:
Volbeat
Powerwolf
Amaranthe
TRACKLIST — “ARMAGEDDON”
“To Lindisfarne...”
“Armageddon”
“Genghis Khan” feat. Orden Ogan
“Kingdom Come”
“Morgana's Incantation”
“Circle of Witches”
“Kings of Ragnarök”
“Call to Arms”
“Troops of Immortality”
“Nightfall”
“Hangman's Night” feat. Dominum
“Varangoi”
“Here Comes the Rain”
“Stahl auf Stahl” feat. Subway to Sally
FORMATS
“Armageddon” is available in multiple formats including:
black vinyl
CD digipak editions
digital formats
limited collector editions with bonus material and merchandise bundles
WARKINGS — SUMMER 2026 FESTIVALS
The band will continue touring throughout Europe during summer 2026 with appearances at festivals including:
Copenhell
Alcatraz Festival
Elbriot Festival
Since emerging in 2018, WARKINGS established a recognizable identity within the European power metal scene through historical concepts, theatrical stage presentation, and battle-inspired songwriting. Over the last several years, the band shared stages with artists including:
Powerwolf
HammerFall
Subway to Sally
while additionally appearing at major European festivals including Wacken Open Air.
With their interpretation of “Live Is Life,” WARKINGS continue expanding the live and communal side of the “Armageddon” era while transforming a classic Austrian anthem into a power metal crowd singalong tied directly to the band’s growing festival presence across Europe.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Matthias Schwaighofer / Schwaighofer Art
Watch the official music video for “Live Is Life” below.
