Austrian post-black metal band Harakiri for the Sky will release a new live album, Reliving the Trauma: Live at Theater Akzent, on December 4, 2026, via AOP Records. Recorded in Vienna in May 2026, it celebrates the 10th anniversary of their third album, III: Trauma. The band have shared a live video for “Funeral Dreams.”
Pre-order Reliving the Trauma: Live at Theater Akzent here.
Ten Years of III: Trauma
Released in 2016, III: Trauma was a turning point for the band, cementing their mix of atmospheric black metal, post-rock and deeply personal lyrics. A decade later, they returned to the album for an intimate theater show in their home country. The eight-track recording features songs like “Calling the Rain,” “Thanatos,” “This Life as a Dagger” and “Bury Me.” It was recorded live by David Pilz, mixed and mastered at Kohlekeller Studio, and filmed by Julian Joy of Lauser Films, with the release arriving on physical, audio and video streaming formats.
Tracklist
- Calling the Rain
- Funeral Dreams
- Thanatos
- This Life as a Dagger
- The Traces We Leave
- Viaticum
- Bury Me
- Dry the River
Live lineup: J.J. (vocals), M.S. (guitars), Marrok (guitars), Radek (bass), Paul (drums).
UK and Ireland Tour With Sunken
Before the album arrives, Harakiri for the Sky head out on a nine-date tour of the UK and Ireland with support from Sunken:
- Nov 19: Southampton, UK, Papillon
- Nov 20: London, UK, The Underworld
- Nov 21: Newcastle, UK, Newcastle Uni
- Nov 22: Edinburgh, UK, La Belle Angele
- Nov 23: Glasgow, UK, St Luke’s
- Nov 24: Dublin, Ireland, Opium
- Nov 25: Belfast, UK, Limelight 2
- Nov 26: Manchester, UK, Academy 3
- Nov 27: Bristol, UK, Strange Brew
Context
Formed in 2011 around multi-instrumentalist M.S. and vocalist J.J., Harakiri for the Sky have released six studio albums, earned five nominations for Austria’s Amadeus Music Awards and reached No. 4 on the German album chart with 2021’s Maere. They have toured North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Africa. We last covered the band when they released the video for “With Autumn I’ll Surrender”.
Our Take
Anniversary shows are common, but filming one in an intimate Vienna theater suits a band whose music is built on grief and catharsis. “Funeral Dreams” shows the material has aged well, and for fans who missed the album the first time, this live set is a good way in. UK and Irish fans get to hear the songs in person first.
