Denver heavy metal heavyweights KHEMMIS are marching toward the release of their highly anticipated self titled album, and they have just dropped another crushing taste of what is to come with their new single and video, “Beneath The Scythe.”
The new album, Khemmis, arrives June 12 via Nuclear Blast Records, and following on from the explosive first single “Invocation of the Dreamer,” this latest track digs even deeper into that massive KHEMMIS sound. We are talking colossal riffs, soaring melodies, huge emotional weight and the kind of heavy metal spirit that has helped make this band one of the most respected names in modern metal over the last decade.
“Beneath The Scythe” feels like KHEMMIS fully locked in and letting loose. It has that classic KHEMMIS weight and atmosphere, but there is also a real sense of fire running through it. It is dark, it is huge, it is melodic, and it absolutely carries that triumphant heavy metal energy that makes this band hit so hard.
Speaking about the new single, guitarist and vocalist Ben Hutcherson says:
“‘Beneath the Scythe’ is a track wherein all four of us just it rip. Dueling guitar solos? Check. Ripping drum fills? Check. A beautiful bass solo over a haunting, atmospheric interlude? Check! In some ways, “Scythe” feels like “classic Khemmis,” but we made sure that the song took the listener on a journey unlike anything we’ve done before. As always, this tune is best enjoyed at high volume while holding an ice-cold beverage in a room adorned with posters of Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, and At the Gates (RIP Tompa!).”
That description pretty much nails it. “Beneath The Scythe” has all the hallmarks that fans love about KHEMMIS, but it also feels like a band pushing themselves with fresh purpose. There is a real sense of movement through the track, from its heavy riff driven sections through to the more atmospheric moments, and then into those ripping solos and drums that make the whole thing feel alive.
Alongside the single, KHEMMIS have also launched pre orders for a new band exclusive vinyl variant of the album. Limited to only 400 copies worldwide, the exclusive LP comes pressed on transparent magenta vinyl with white splatter. Given the band’s previous exclusive pressing sold out in less than 24 hours, this one is probably not going to hang around for long. The recently announced Decibel exclusive vinyl edition has already completely sold out, which says plenty about the anticipation surrounding this record.
The new self titled album follows 2021’s acclaimed Deceiver and features eight tracks of monolithic heavy metal, wrapped in stunning artwork from Christopher Remmers. But more than just being the next record in the KHEMMIS story, this album sounds like a statement of identity. It is a band reconnecting with the pure joy of creating heavy music together.
Across eleven years, KHEMMIS have carved out a powerful legacy, beginning with their 2015 debut Absolution and continuing through landmark releases like Hunted, which was named Decibel’s Album Of The Year, as well as Desolation, Doomed Heavy Metal and Deceiver. Their sound has always carried grief, darkness, melody and heaviness in equal measure, but this new chapter finds the band tapping into something a little different.
As Hutcherson explains:
“We decided early in the songwriting process that we wanted to write a tight, high energy album that retained the essential ‘Khemmis sound’ while also embodying the joy of creating, experiencing, and loving heavy metal. Ours have always been deeply personal songs born from tragedy and sorrow; while the songs on Khemmis are still undeniably dark, they are not mined from our suffering. Instead, this record is a celebration of the music world that has sustained us.”
That is a powerful place for a band like KHEMMIS to be operating from. Their music has always had that spiritual weight to it, that sense of doom and melody crashing together with real emotional force. But Khemmis sounds like it is also being fuelled by friendship, stability and the simple love of the riff.
After years of albums, touring and life changes, including members relocating and bassist David Small joining the band in 2022, KHEMMIS have come into this record sounding more focused than ever. Recording again at Flatline Audio in Colorado, the current lineup of Ben Hutcherson, Phil Pendergast, Zach Coleman and David Small leaned into renewed trust, chemistry and the kind of shared creative spark that can only come from a band that knows exactly who they are.
The result is shaping up to be a record that honours everything fans already love about KHEMMIS while pushing the band forward into a new era. From the pounding weight of “Invocation of the Dreamer” through to the journey of “Beneath The Scythe,” and with the album set to close on “Benediction Tones,” Khemmis looks ready to stand as one of the band’s most complete and energized works to date.
Khemmis arrives June 12, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. For fans of towering doom, classic heavy metal grandeur, emotional weight and riffs that feel like they could split the earth open, this is one to keep firmly on the radar.
Stream “Beneath The Scythe” here:
https://khemmis.bfan.link/beneath-the-scythe
Pre order Khemmis here:
https://khemmis.bfan.link/khemmis-album
