Following last October’s return with “Black Matter Manifesto”, Samael have revealed another new track, “Hidden Empire”, taken from their upcoming limited 12-inch maxi single vinyl set for release on April 24, 2026 through Napalm Records mailorder and the band’s official shop.
“Hidden Empire” focuses on the unseen systems influencing everyday life, turning that concept into a dense and heavy sound. The track opens with a nod to the band’s earlier style before shifting into a mix of crushing riffs and mechanical rhythm. Alongside “Black Matter Manifesto”, it forms a two-track release that shows Samael continuing to refine their sound while staying grounded in their identity.
Samael comments about the track: “Hidden in plain sight, right in front of us, everywhere and at all times. We no longer see what we are used to seeing, it is our reality, a reality to which we willingly submit in order to lead a painless but meaningless existence.
“Musically, the beginning of the song is somewhat reminiscent of Samael‘s classic track “My Saviour”, but it quickly evolves into something more unusual for the band. It is a heavy song with an industrial touch that maintains high tension from start to finish.”
The new release arrives nine years after Hegemony (2017) and marks the band’s first new material in nearly a decade. The limited vinyl edition of Hidden Empire will include both “Black Matter Manifesto” and “Hidden Empire”, and will be available exclusively through Napalm Records mailorder and Samael’s official store.
Formed in 1987, Samael have played a key role in shaping extreme metal, with releases like Worship Him and Passage helping define their sound. Their mix of black, industrial, and symphonic elements continues to set them apart.
“Black Matter Manifesto” reintroduced Samael with a direct and aggressive approach. With “Hidden Empire”, the band builds on that return, delivering a track driven by weight, repetition, and atmosphere. Together, these songs reinforce Samael’s place in the genre and show their ongoing push to move it forward.
