Kuunatic will release their second album, Wheels of Ömon, on Friday, April 11th on German label Glitterbeat Records.
Kuunatic was formed in Tokyo in 2016 and is active in Europe, and is a three-member band consisting of Yuko Araki (Dr., Vo.), Fumie Kikuchi (Key., Vo.), and Shoko Yoshida (Ba., Vo.). Their first EP, “KUURANDIA,” released in 2017, attracted attention from overseas, and in 2019 they went on tours in Taiwan and Europe. In 2021, he released his first album, “Gate of Klüna,” from Glitterbeat Records, which sparked a stir.
“Wheels of Ömon,” the first full-length album in about three and a half years, further expands the worldview of Kuurandia, the setting of his previous work, and includes eight songs based on the mysteries of Courandia’s moon “Klüna” and the sun “Ömon”, as well as rituals and the changing seasons. His stay in the Swiss Alps was inspired by his inspiration, and it is said to be a grand story that combines history and fantasy on Earth.
In terms of sound, while focusing on rock, metal, ambient and experimental, it also uses a lot of traditional Japanese instruments such as sho, ryuteki, Japanese taiko, fan taiko, chappa, sasara, and kokiriko. In addition, the song “Kuuminyo” is guest-played by Rekpo (OKI/Marewrew), the heir to the traditional Ainu song “Upopo.”
The artwork is done by Tawatari Natsuki, who worked on works by Italian multi-player Upupayāma, and visual works by Australian 3D filmmaker Dan Ford (Endless Prowl).
The Japanese CD will be released by Rice Records at major stores such as Disk Union, HMV, and Tower Records on Sunday, April 13th.
[Release Information]
Kuunatic “Wheels of Ömon”
Release Date: 2025.04.11 (Fri.)
Label: Glitterbeat Records
Tracklist:
1. Yew’s Path
2. Mavya at the Lacus Yom
3. Disembodyed Ternion
4. Myth of Klüna
5. Yellow Serpent
6. Kuuminyo (feat. Rekpo)
7. Halu Shanta
8. Syzygy and a Counter Truth
*The Japanese CD will be released on Sunday, April 13th from Rice Records.
