Rioghan have been building toward this moment one chapter at a time, and the ‘Frozen EP’ is their most fully realized statement yet. Out now, the 5-track release is conceived as one continuous composition, blending modern metal, dark pop, and progressive hooks into a cohesive emotional arc inspired by poetry written by vocalist Rioghan Darcy.
New single “Chapter IV: 520” arrives alongside a stunning music video, and it’s one of the EP’s most infectious highlights. The title draws from internet slang, where 520 means “I love you,” and within the EP’s storyline the track plays a pivotal narrative role, arriving at the moment a frozen heart cautiously opens the door and invites love back in.
Darcy explains the EP’s emotional journey with clarity. “The EP is about very brief but meaningful moments. At first, a frozen heart reaches a point where it dares to open up and slowly begins to warm. The ice starts to melt, and after shedding its first tears, the heart cautiously opens the door and invites love back in. Ultimately, it represents letting go of the themes explored on the ‘Kept’ album. It marks the end of one era and the beginning of another.”
Recorded and mixed by guitarist Teemu Liekkala and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Robin Schmidt, the EP is available digitally and in an extraordinarily limited physical edition of just 25 vinyl copies, divided into 5 separate 5-copy editions each with different cover artwork. Each exclusive package includes a necklace, signed poster, and a hand-written sheet of lyrics.
The June 6 appearance at the inaugural Ankea Festival in Tampere remains on the calendar, where Rioghan will share the stage with Katatonia, Leprous, Textures, and Green Carnation. Guitarist Liekkala puts the band’s excitement plainly. “We’d probably be there together even if we weren’t performing!”
‘Frozen EP’ Tracklist:
- Frozen
- Moment
- Teardrop
- 520
- Sky
Upcoming Show:
June 6 – Ankea Festival, Tampere