Finnish blackened death/thrash outfit Gates Open have released their new single, The Black Gates, via Inverse Records. The track serves as the final preview of their upcoming second full-length album, Beyond The Black Gates.

Founded in early 2023 by guitarist and composer Jere Neejärvi and vocalist Tommi Manninen—who have a collaborative history dating back to 2007—the band blends the aggression of death and thrash metal with the dark melodies of black metal. Following their 2024 debut album Voice After Silence and subsequent EPs and singles, the duo signed with Inverse Records.

The single explores themes of despair, loss, and mortality. Speaking on the concept behind the release, the band shared:

“The Black Gates is a dark and atmospheric journey to the edge of despair, loss, and mortality. The song portrays a person wandering through the darkness, carrying the weight of everything that has fallen apart in life. Hope fades with every step, until the black gates rise before him, the final boundary between the known and the unknown.”

The Black Gates is available now on digital platforms, with Beyond The Black Gates arriving on December 10th, 2026, via Inverse Records.

Promo picture by Gates Open.