The Promise Of Plague prepare to release The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath

February 02, 2026

Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky The Promise Of Plague formed back in 2016 – a group of experienced musicians driven by a desire to create without being beholden to genre rules or the expectations of others. Having released one EP and three critically acclaimed albums, including 2023s Let Those Unjust Creatures Be Burnt, which prompted Athenaeum Reviews to say that The Promise Of Plague embodied “the idea that music is art and should know no boundaries”, it is time for the band to begin their next chapter. Dark, accomplished and atmospheric, The Promise Of Plague are ready to unveil their fourth album, The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath…

Opening with the muscular impact of ‘Vomit Running Through My Veins’, The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath quickly confirms that The Promise Of Plague are operating at a higher level than ever before. The twin vocal presences of JD Hall and Joanie Michele contrast and compliment, entwine and confront, providing the diversity of presentation that these ever shifting, complex songs demand. The title track, ‘The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath’ is a wonderful example of the layered depths of The Promise Of Plague’s music, it’s melodic guitar lines glittering with campfire sparks that ignite into fierce flames, casting unnerving shadows across the song. ‘My World Is Better, Darker’ brings together vicious black metal and haunting atmosphere…the song slowly dying as ghosts flit between the echoing notes as the last breath of life is extinguished. The journey through this album is demanding and rewarding in equal measure and at its conclusion the band offer a celebratory, if brutal, ravaging of the Quiet Riot classic ‘Metal Health’, a last gift to lift the spirits before they leave you to reflect and recover.

Recorded and mixed by Chris Leffler (Stonecutters etc) and mastered by Overload drummer Todd Hawkins, The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath is blessed with a clear and powerful sound that allows all of its diverse elements to work their magic. With artwork created by the band’s own Jerry Barksdale, noted for his work for Abominant, Throne Of Lies Records will open The Promise Of Plague’s new tome of secrets on March 10th. It’s time to discover what lies beyond the limits of the light.

Track Listing:

1 - Vomit Running Through My Veins
2 - Dead Mistake
3 - One Line Poem
4 - The Earth Above, A Grave Beneath
5 - My World Is Better, Darker
6 - Of Sorrow
7 - Metal Health (Quiet Riot cover)

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