Photo Credit: Lunaria (Augustina Miknevičiūtė) – Black Spikes
The Lithuanian progressive metal band’s fourth single introduces the demon of greed while expanding the concept behind its August 28 album.
Lithuanian progressive metal band Black Spikes have released “ZELVAR,” the fourth single from their upcoming concept album Ydos, which is scheduled to arrive August 28 through Napalm Records.
The track centers on greed, one of the human vices explored throughout the album’s broader narrative. “ZELVAR” also stands apart within the record as the only song on Ydos to feature English-language lyrics.
Musically, the band pairs heavier, more volatile passages with a softer chorus, continuing the contrast between aggression and atmosphere that runs through the album’s concept.
Black Spikes describe Zelvar as a demonic figure representing greed and endless ambition.
“This song tells the story of Zelvar, the demon of greed, as he steps into the human world,” the band explained. “Within a magnificent palace, those consumed by endless ambition gather, chasing ever greater wealth, power, and status. Yet the more they gain, the deeper they fall into his trap—thirsty, and forever unsatisfied.”
The group added that the song’s central theme is less about material possession itself than the inability to reach satisfaction once greed takes control.
“Greed is a vice that leaves the soul imprisoned and alone the moment you ‘close your eyes’ and surrender to its temptation. No matter how much you possess, it will never be enough.”
An official music video accompanies the single, continuing the visual storytelling tied to Ydos.
The upcoming album marks Black Spikes’ first release through Napalm Records and follows the band’s nomination at Lithuania’s M.A.M.A. Music Awards.
Ydos is structured as a conceptual exploration of humanity’s flaws, with individual songs examining different vices through recurring characters and imagery. The band developed the record around that idea from the beginning rather than building the concept around completed material.
“Ydos is a conceptual album — a dark fairytale about human vices,” Black Spikes said. “The idea was there from the very beginning and guided the entire songwriting process. Each vice has its own name and story, and many songs will be brought to life through music videos where these vices take shape.”
The band added that Ydos represents its first attempt at creating a fully conceptual album.
“It was our first time creating a conceptual album, and we really enjoyed starting with an idea and expressing it through music.”
Across its 10 tracks, Ydos incorporates progressive metal, electronic elements and contrasting vocal approaches while assigning different themes to individual songs.
The album begins with “PASAKA,” translated as “fairy tale,” which serves as an introduction before moving into “MOTINA,” or “mother,” a song depicting the origin of humanity’s vices.
“MELAS,” meaning “lie,” introduces trap and rap elements, while “MARA” centers on excessive curiosity. “ZELVAR” examines greed before “REVANA” turns to revenge.
Elsewhere, “APATIJA” focuses on apathy, “AUREA” represents pride, and “SENAS DEMONAS,” translated as “old demon,” continues the record’s darker character-driven framework. “DULKĖS,” or “dust,” closes the album.
Rather than relying on a single style across the record, Black Spikes use the concept to move between heavy riffs, progressive structures, electronic textures and quieter cinematic passages.
That approach positions “ZELVAR” as more than a standalone single. Its focus on greed adds another piece to the larger narrative Black Spikes are building around Ydos, while its English lyrics also give the song a distinct place within the album’s otherwise multilingual presentation.
Album Information
Black Spikes — Ydos
Release Date: August 28, 2026
Label: Napalm Records
Track Listing
PASAKA
MOTINA
MELAS
MARA
ZELVAR
REVANA
APATIJA
AUREA
SENAS DEMONAS
DULKĖS
Release Information
Ydos will be available in the following formats:
Marbled White/Gold/Black vinyl with signed autograph card — Napalm Mailorder exclusive
Solid Gold vinyl
Digisleeve CD
Digital album
Band Lineup
Agni — Vocals
Yaga — Guitar, Electronic Elements
Mazvis — Guitar
Sime — Bass Guitar
Titas — Drums
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