The Finnish metal band I Am Your God continues to pay homage to their influences within extreme metal by releasing their interpretation of the Sentenced classic "Farewell." The cover version was released on October 1, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of Sentenced’s farewell concert at Club Teatria in Oulu on October 1, 2005. I Am Your God deliberately chose the date in order to honor the memory and legacy of Sentenced, a band known for its melancholic sound and dark humor.
"Farewell" serves as the first single from I Am Your God’s upcoming tribute EP "Foregods", which is set to be released on November 20, 2026. The EP project features new versions of songs from influential metal bands, with each track personally selected by one of the band members. Vocalist Julius Vetämäjärvi was drawn to "Farewell" due to its emotional depth and its connection to Sentenced’s dramatic storytelling style. The band emphasizes that the goal with the EP is to provide a diverse acknowledgment of their influences—both within and beyond their own style—while remaining true to the musical spirit of their inspirations.
Before "Farewell," I Am Your God had already presented several tracks from the EP. These include the cover of Children of Bodom’s "Are You Dead Yet?", which was released in April on Alexi Laiho’s birthday, as well as energetic versions of Iron Maiden’s "The Evil That Men Do" and In Flames’ "Alias." The idea for Foregods took shape through the band’s experiences of including unexpected covers in their live performances. This served both as a tribute to musical predecessors and as a surprise element for the audience.
The title "Foregods" reflects the band’s aim: to create a monumental tribute to the icons and architects who have shaped extreme metal. Allowing each member to choose their favorite track for the setlist makes room for both personal preferences and a selection of legendary songs that have been crucial for the band’s development. While not all EP tracks have been revealed, the songs known so far show the group’s deep respect for both modern and classic greats within the genre.
After an intense summer with performances at events including the Summer Breeze festival, I Am Your God’s current lineup consists of Julius Vetämäjärvi (vocals), Matti Hietala (guitar), Joonas “Johnny” Erkkonen (guitar), Joonas Roivainen (bass), and Atte Autio (drums). The band continues to celebrate the pillars of metal while renewing their own expression and sound.
Ahead of the release of Foregods, I Am Your God invites both loyal followers and new listeners to a passionate tribute to the genre’s leading figures. The EP, set for release on November 20, 2026, promises not only nostalgia and respect, but also powerful reinterpretations for the future of extreme metal.
