Victoria K are stepping into darker territory. The Australian gothic and modern metal act have unveiled “Oh So Weary,” the first single from their upcoming third album, ‘The Pleasure of Sorrow.’ The record moves toward a more intimate sound, blending gothic atmospheres, modern heaviness, haunting melodies and emotionally driven songwriting around themes of grief, mortality, vulnerability and rebirth. Listen here.
“Oh So Weary” gives the first taste of that direction. The track balances fragility, tension and crushing dynamics, with layered arrangements and sharp modern production from producer Lee Bradshaw, mixed and mastered by Lance Prenc. Electronic textures and sound design push the contemporary edge further, shaping something that feels massive and deeply personal at once.
The song reflects on mortality and on the human body as a temporary shell for the soul. Recurring references to home and house stand in for physical existence itself, questioning what remains once that form disappears. The result is one of the most affecting pieces in the band’s catalog.
Victoria K have built a distinctive identity in the modern gothic and alternative metal landscape through dynamic songwriting and cinematic storytelling. The group first caught ears with the 2019 single “Lacuna,” distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group, ahead of their debut album ‘Essentia.’ An early support slot with Swiss folk metal act Eluveitie at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom set the stage for that release.
Their sophomore album ‘Kore’ followed in 2023, with vocalist Victoria Knight drawing on her Greek heritage to reinterpret the story of Persephone, complete with lyrics and chants in Ancient Greek. In 2024, the band paid tribute to a more surprising influence, turning Madonna’s 1998 ballad “Frozen” into a heavy rendition that ran from crushing riffs to softer moments.
The band’s lineup features Victoria Knight on vocals, Charlie Curnow on extreme vocals, Ethan Colussi on bass and James Davies on drums. Recent support slots include shows with Blind Guardian and Katatonia, both at Melbourne venues in February 2024.
Further details on ‘The Pleasure of Sorrow,’ including the album release date, will surface in the coming months.