Alkaloid – Bach Out of Bounds 2026

Since assembling in 2013, Alkaloid have known no bounds. Fresh from the minds who brought metalheads Obscura, Triptykon and Dark Fortress, the supergroup has rearranged the very composition of progressive death metal. Their three studio albums are widely acclaimed for synthesizing seemingly opposing forces.

Worldly polyrhythms are bent to shape sci-fi storylines, only to morph into brutally catchy choruses. However, last summer, the quintet conducted a truly one-of-a-kind experiment, the kind that only a maestro an perform. Today, Alkaloid are announcing their very first live album. Recorded live in the Netherlands during three special performances, “Bach Out of Bounds” brings the classical world in conversation with the heaviest of underground arts. Joined by an award-winning ensemble of vocalists, accordion and string players, the band present wildly re-imagined arrangements of three compositions from Johann Sebastian Bach, while also infusing the heart and soul of the classic composer into their own songs.

Along with fresh takes on fan favorites from “Numen” and “The Malkuth Grimoire”, “Bach Out of Bounds” introduces two new songs to Alkaloid’s cannon. “Haunter of the Void” looks deep into an unknown future, but its far-out tale is guided by the progressive metal maestro’s cosmically crushing virtuoso.

“We’re always open for an artistic challenge”, says Morean, Alkaloid’s vocalist and guitarist. When “Bach Out of Bounds”, came our way, we fully embraced the adventure to show yet another side of Alkaloid. We were lucky to be supported by guest artists who share our vision and passion for defying boundaries”.

“‘Haunter of the Void’ was especially commissioned for this show”, Morean continues. “The song translates Bach and 18th century polyphony into Alkaloid’s sonic universe by applying Baroque counterpoint composition techniques to our own scales and harmonies. This 10-minute epic links Bach and Alkaloid without diluting our identity one iota”.

1. Allegro (BWV 1052-I) (8:28)
2. Adagio – All is Vanity (BWV 1052-II) (6:56)
3. Beneath the Sea (7:25)
4. Cthulhu (5:59)
5. Haunter of the Void (10:11)
6. A Fool’s Desire (8:54)
7. Agnus Dei (BWV 232) (6:24)
8. The Fungi from Yuggoth (7:47

Morean — Vocals, Guitar
Hannes Grossmann — Drums
Linus Klausenitzer — Bass
Justin Hombach — Guitar
Max Blok — Guitar

Guest Musicians:
Rianne Wilbers — Soprano
Chrysa Tsaltampasi — Soprano
Julija Hartig — Violin
Oene van Geel — 5-String Violin
Marieke Hopman — Accordion
Ketevan Roinishvili — Cello