KING KRAKEN SHARE PROFOUND NEW SINGLE ‘HERO’

14th February 2025 0 By Jon Deaux

Welsh metallers KING KRAKEN have shared their brand new single and music video for ‘Hero‘. The track is an emotionally charged powerhouse that the band holds very close to their hearts, playing an important part in the story of their upcoming second album March Of The Gods, due for self-release on 18th April. Pre-save the album here and pre-order here.

Taking a step away from the thematic and sonic aggression of previous singles ‘Chainsaw Saviour’ and ‘Berserker’, ‘Hero’ is an incredibly personal track for KING KRAKEN. Written about the untimely passing of vocalist Mark Donoghue‘s father, the lyrics speak of the irreplaceable void left by a loved one and the enduring legacy that they leave behind.

On the new single, the band comment:
“This song came from a very personal place, a deep well of emotion. It’s a tribute to Mark’s dad, and it’s about the profound impact a father has on his children. We stripped things back for this one. No bombast, just raw emotion, soulful vocals, and a stripped-down arrangement that lets the music breathe. You’ll hear a side of us you might not expect, but it’s honest, it’s real, and it’s deeply moving.”

Vocalist Donoghue adds:
“‘Hero’ captures a snapshot in time that repeats itself every time a memory of my father is triggered. I knew I wanted to write something deeply emotional while at the same time not going overboard. I wanted to convey a message that was both raw and easy to understand. It certainly was a tough one to sing and still catches me off guard sometimes.”

The band’s new album March of the Gods is the eagerly awaited follow up to MCLXXX (2023). Rife with newfound musical depth, layers of texture and sublime dynamics, the album packs a hefty sonic punch that retains the power their debut established. From every slather of mythical grandeur and galloping triplet juggernaut to the pared back, heart on the sleeve, torch in the air moments, the band have found a masterful balance between light and shade. If 1180 was the year that the Kraken was first sighted, then 2025 should be the year that it’s well and truly heard.

“March of the Gods marks a bold new chapter for us – a high-energy, emotionally charged album that’s unapologetically packed with hooks, guitar-driven intensity, and larger- than-life storytelling,” the band shares. “From zombies and Vikings to gods, destruction, and even the big red-horned one himself, this is our proudest, most electrifying work yet. With the album and our full UK tour kicking off in April, we can’t wait for you to hear it!”

2025 is already shaping up to be a busy year for The Kraken. With tours and standalone shows across the country and a special album launch party in the band’s home town of Swansea, there’s no better opportunity to exercise your neck muscles.
March Of The Gods 2025 UK Tour Dates:
19/04 – Hanger 18, Swansea
25/04 – The Cobblestones, Bridgwater
26/04 – Waterbear Venue, Brighton
02/05 – The Dev, Camden
03/05 – Roxoff Festival, Norwich
09/05 – Nightrain, Bradford
10/05 – Firebug, Leicester
17/05 – Quarantune Rocks, Coalville
23/05 – Breaking Bands Festival, Bromsgrove
24/05 – Rock for Llamau, The Patriot, Crumlin
06/06 – The Tin Music and Art, Coventry
07/06 – Bannermans, Edinburgh
08/06 – Audio, Glasgow
20/06 – Love Rocks Festival, Dorset
23/08 – Stonedead Festival, Nottingham

Tickets available here: https://www.kingkraken.co.uk/

Tracklisting:
1. Scream
2. El Giganto
3. Berserker
4. March Of The Gods
5. Hero
6. Vigilante
7. Preacher
8. Magnum Opus
9. Chainsaw Saviour
10. Under The Sun