The album’s lead single “War” pays tribute to a Ukrainian war hero and stands as a powerful statement of defiance and remembrance
“War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.” — Edwin Star
Finnish metal force Barrel has released its long-awaited debut album Triptych, a three-part journey that explores dark mythologies, human nature, and the metaphysics of conflict.
Hailing from Tampere, Barrel delivers a versatile and uncompromising take on metal.
The band began paving the way for Triptych in December with the release of the first single “Scavenger”, followed by “Sophia’s Repentance” in January. Now, the full three-part opus is finally unleashed. The epic lead single “War” serves as a tribute to a Ukrainian war hero.
“’War’ tells the story of Vitalii Volodymyrovych Skakun. It is a tribute to the determination of one man and an entire nation — the willingness to do what must be done. To say ‘no’ to genocidal terror and nihilistic fascism. It is a tribute to those who are ready to defend their homeland and its existence, regardless of the cost. Never forget the price of peace. Never forget Vitalii. Slava Ukraini! Heroyam slava!”, the band states.
The story of Triptych is brought to life through a comic-book universe created by artist Juha “Wuorlock” Wuorinen. Each single has been accompanied by a comic narrative inspired by the song’s story. Wuorinen has designed the band’s whole visual world, including album artwork and promo pic.
“Working with Barrel has been both extremely rewarding and challenging, because the themes of the songs are so vast, it’s difficult to compress something essential into a single page”, says Wuorinen.
“Triptych is Barrel’s unholy trinity. A three-part painting of the metaphysics of Satan. A collection of stories about the names and meanings humanity has given to primal phenomena within itself and the universe. The dramatic arc moves from the birth of Satan through the creation of our world and the fall of man, toward the end times, war, and eternal rest. Triptych dives deep and swims against the current. It challenges meaning and wholeness in an era where the wide road leads to emptiness and alienation,” Barrel comments.
Triptych tracklist:
1. Cryptomnesia
2. Prelude to the Fall of Man
3. Scavenger
4. Sophia’s Repentance
5. Prelude to War
6. Signs for Kings
7. Dogma Denied
8. War
9. Ode to the Fallen
Barrel celebrates the release of Triptych today in Tampere at Thrasherie Bar starting at 7:00 PM (EET). The band’s conquest of Finnish venues continues with the following shows:
20.03.2026 – RockNeck, Jyväskylä (w/ Wizards Of Hazards, Cardinal Fleet)
27.03.2026 – Varjobaari, Tampere (w/ Steel Systems, Miss Vain)
15.05.2026 – Nirvana, Turku (w/ Pressure Points, Sum of Seven)
16.05.2026 – Bar 15, Seinäjoki (w/ TBA)
29.08.2026 – Toppila Klubi, Oulu (w/ Burning Point, Steel Systems)
Barrel lineup:
Valtteri – vocals
Vellu – bass, backing vocals, cello
Janne – guitar
Joonas – guitar
Vili – drums
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