Japanese power metal vocalist Saeko Kitamae proudly releases her new EP ‘Back To Life‘, available today on all major digital platforms and CD, and the video of the song ‘Seek the Light (Reimagined)‘.
Listen to ‘Back To Life‘ – here
Order the EP – here
Following the release of the singles ‘Seek the Light (Reimagined)‘ and ‘Sins for the Gods (Reimagined)‘, ‘Back To Life‘ presents five tracks that reconnect with the earliest chapters of Saeko‘s musical journey while embracing a fresh artistic vision.
Rather than simply revisiting the past, ‘Back To Life‘ breathes new life into songs written across different periods of Saeko‘s career, including material that dates back to the 1990s, before her official debut. The EP brings together three completely reimagined new recordings of earlier songs, a newly recorded studio version of ‘Glorious Day‘, and ‘A Verse to the Universe‘, available internationally for the first time in a newly remastered version, creating a release that bridges different eras of Saeko’s songwriting through a cohesive and contemporary sound.
‘Back To Life‘ was mixed and mastered by V. Santura (Triptykon, Dark Fortress), whose work on Saeko‘s second and third albums helped maintain the sonic continuity that has become a hallmark of her music.
The title ‘Back To Life‘ reflects more than a musical project. Following a period marked by injury, surgery and unexpected challenges, the EP became a symbol of renewal, both creatively and personally. While each song originates from a different moment in Saeko‘s life, together they reveal a remarkably consistent musical identity that has continued to evolve without losing its essence.
Among the highlights is ‘Sins for the Gods (Reimagined)‘, one of the oldest songs in Saeko‘s catalogue. Originally written in the 1990s, it has been expanded with new lyrics and new musical elements, giving fresh meaning to a song that has accompanied Saeko throughout much of her career. ‘Seek the Light (Reimagined)‘ opens the EP by introducing listeners to its central concept, while ‘Glorious Day‘ looks toward the future, showcasing a different side of Saeko’s artistic expression with a more direct and uplifting approach.
The release of ‘Back To Life‘ also follows the recent digital reissues of Saeko‘s first two albums, ‘Above Heaven Below Heaven‘ and ‘Life‘, making her early catalogue available worldwide for a new generation of listeners.
Originally from Osaka, Japan, Saeko moved to Germany in the early 2000s to pursue her musical career. In 2004 she toured Europe with metal icon Doro Pesch, and in 2005 became the first Asian female artist to perform at Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest heavy metal festival. Since then, she has built a unique career by combining Japanese sensibility with European melodic power metal, earning international recognition for both her music and pioneering spirit.
Ultimately, ‘Back To Life‘ is about far more than revisiting the past. It reflects both the musical rebirth of these songs and a deeply personal journey of recovery and renewal. More than simply a retrospective, the EP is a statement of continuity, honouring the past while embracing the future and reaffirming the artistic identity that has defined Saeko‘s music for more than two decades.
With this EP, Saeko does not simply celebrate her past, she redefines it, proving that songs can continue to grow, evolve and find new meaning with time.
Line-up:
Saeko Kitamae – Vocals
Guido Benedetti (Trick Or Treat) – Guitars
Alessandro Sala (Rhapsody Of Fire) – Bass
Michael Ehré (Metalium, Gamma Ray, The Unity) – Drums
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