IGNEA Brings Ukrainian metal to the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
3rd December 2024Ukrainian melodic metal band Ignea has taken their first step into the world of video games with a groundbreaking debut in the highly anticipated game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Developed by Kyiv-based GSC Game World, the game intertwines Ukrainian culture, history, and artistry.
True to its commitment to authentically represent Ukraine, the game exclusively features music by Ukrainian artists, and Ignea stand out as one of the few metal acts included. Fans can enjoy no fewer than seven songs and two instrumental versions, which enrich the in-game radio experience and immerse players in the hauntingly atmospheric world of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
Ignea comment: “From the very beginning, people told us our music felt like it belonged in video games, and we’ve always dreamed of making that a reality. To have our songs featured in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, a project born from the resilience and creativity of Ukrainian developers, is a profound honor. This game isn’t just entertainment—it’s a cultural milestone and a symbol of Ukraine’s strength. We’re incredibly proud to contribute our sound to such a powerful, historic Ukrainian creation.”
With over one million copies sold within 48 hours of release, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 stands as both a gaming triumph and a cultural milestone, amplifying Ukrainian voices on a global stage. Through their music, Ignea contribute to this legacy, blending the power of metal with the enduring spirit of their homeland.
In further news, Ignea has just released the first live performance video for the track ‘Leviathan’, which was shot during the mighty Bloodstock Festival of 2024. The full set will be made available later this year.
Ignea is a Ukrainian melodic metal band that mixes heavy riffs with symphonic, electronic, and folk elements, creating a powerful OST-like experience. Every release is backed by heavy story-telling, making their art more than just music.In the beginning of their career, Ignea was the first Ukrainian metal band to release an original song with the full symphonic orchestra ‘Alga’, a hymn named after the battle cry of Crimean Tatars who are defending their land, released after the Crimea annexation. The video for the song now counts nearly 10 million views.
According to the national awards The Best Ukrainian Metal Act, the band’s second album The Realms of Fire and Death has been selected as the metal album of the year and Ignea has been named the best Ukrainian metal band of 2020. This album has been fully funded by the band’s patrons on the Patreon platform.
After touring Europe several times, and releasing 2 LPs and 2 EPs independently, Ignea won quite a big support from fans from all over the world and ended up signing with one of the biggest metal labels, Napalm Records.
Despite the full-scale war, the band managed to release a full-length album in 2023 dedicated to the Ukrainian travel writer and photographer Sofia Yablonska, play multiple charity shows in Ukraine, and embark on an EU/UK tour with the legendary Fear Factory, playing 43 shows within 2 months.
Ignea also proudly serves as a cultural ambassador for Ukraine, diligently raising awareness about the country’s ongoing situation among their international fanbase. Their recent performance at ESNS, Europe’s biggest showcase festival, further solidifies their status, alongside appearances at Wacken, Summer Breeze, Bloodstock, Leyendas del Rock, and selected club shows this summer as they lend their support to the esteemed Cradle of Filth and Epica.
Ignea are:
Helle Bohdanova — vocals
Yevhenii Zhytniuk — keyboards
Oleksandr Kamyshin — bass
Ivan Kholmohorov — drums
Dmytro Vinnichenko — guitars
