Austrian deathcore collective Castiel have released their new EP, All Returns to Hollow and Silence, today via Seek and Strike alongside the final single, Act IV: Empty Throne.

Closing the EP’s four-part narrative, Act IV: Empty Throne brings the story to its bleak conclusion, following on from Act I: Defile // Denounce, Act II: A Festering Wound and Act III: Vile Spirits. The final chapter explores the point where suffering gives way to emotional numbness, completing the record’s descent into psychological ruin.

Built on a foundation of deathcore, All Returns to Hollow and Silence expands its sound with atmospheric passages and dynamic songwriting that sit comfortably alongside its crushing riffs, punishing breakdowns and ferocious vocal performance.

Discussing the release, the band said:

“This EP is heavier, more brutal but also more emotional than anything we’ve done before as a band. We’ve pushed ourselves creatively while staying true to who we are, this feels like the most complete version of Castiel yet.”

Designed as a continuous narrative, each track forms a chapter in the wider story, a concept that extends to the accompanying visual campaign, with every song set to receive its own music video. The lyrical themes explore the evolving relationship between two central characters, drawing subtle inspiration from the story of Arthas Menethil and Jaina Proudmoore from World of Warcraft.

With All Returns to Hollow and Silence, Castiel continue to broaden their approach to deathcore, pairing unrelenting heaviness with a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and conceptual storytelling.

Track-list:

1. Act I: Defile // Denounce
2. Act II: A Festering Wound
3. Act III: Vile Spirits
4. Act IV: Empty Throne