In preparation for their latest release Insomnium have not done things by halves with the announcement of their concept album Winter’s Gate.

Based on a concept written by the bands bassist and vocalist Niilo Sevanen who previously issued a book winning Finnish awards and nominations back in 2007 / 2008 Sevanen has decided to combine both elements.

Bringing us to Winter’s Gate, the album which will feature a one track forty minute center piece will tell the tale of Winter’s Gate which will be accompanied by a book both in the bands native language as well as being available in English. The book will also feature illustrations from Finnish artist Teemu Tahkanen. The story deals with a sect of Viking’s that decide to head for Ireland despite the oncoming winter, how very Game of Thrones! Currently the band have set a September 23rd date as their release for the new record and the record is being mixed by Dan Swano.

In a more digitally oriented world it pushes bands to be more and more creative and the kind of thing like this is exactly what we need. Giving the fans something extra along with the material is something that will work, as sad as it might be that it has come to this.

Winter’s Gate the forthcoming album by Insomnium will be released September 23rd via Century Media.