Prepare for an unforgettable journey through powerful new tracks and bold sound evolution
South Korea’s beloved rock band YB releases their latest album “ODYSSEY”, offering an expanded musical spectrum to experience.
YB, led by frontman Yoon Do Hyun, has been actively performing since 1995. Initially known as Yoon Do Hyun Band, they rebranded as YB in 2006, expanding their reach and continuing to thrive as one of Korea’s most iconic rock bands. With a total of 10 full-length albums, YB has captivated audiences with their signature blend of hard rock, modern rock, and rock ballads, delivering both comforting lyrics and socially conscious messages that continue to resonate with listeners. Some of their most celebrated songs, including “Blue Whale,” “I Guess I Loved You,” and “Peppermint Candy,” remain timeless classics cherished across generations.
Even after 30 years, YB remains one of the most active live performance bands, continuously pushing their own boundaries. Their global expansion has also been noteworthy, setting records such as performing at SXSW four times and becoming the first Korean musicians to participate in the Vans Warped Tour.
Their new metal album “ODYSSEY” embodies this same spirit of challenge and musical evolution. Marking YB’s first-ever metal album, it consists of six tracks, including the pre-released single “Rebellion (feat. Xdinary Heroes)”. This single, released on February 5, is YB’s second collaboration with Xdinary Heroes, following their feature on the October 2024 EP ‘LIVE and FALL’ with the track “iNSTEAD! (Feat. YB Yoon Do Hyun)”. The fusion of these two powerhouse bands has once again left a lasting impression. With [ODYSSEY], YB will showcase a hybrid metal sound based on a heavy Djent style, depicting a journey of self-discovery amid external oppression and internal conflict. Through this, the album aims to evoke strong emotional resonance with listeners, delivering a powerful message.
The album – ODYSSEY, contains hybrid metal, Djent, and modern metal influences, combining these genres with YB’s signature musical style. The album highlights the band’s transformation, with Yoon Do Hyun’s powerful growling and screaming vocals, Heo Jun’s technical guitar playing, Park Tae Hee’s heavy basslines, and Kim Jin Won’s precise double bass drumming standing out more than ever.
The album features a notable lineup of collaborators. It was produced by Choi Tae Seop, former bassist of Raindogs, with a special feature from Xdinary Heroes. Arrangement collaborators include Kang To Lee, Joon Yong Choi, Hyun Joon Yeo from Day of Mourning, Jae Min Kim from Synsnake, Jae Hyun Lee from Quartz, and Djent guitarists Jin Hyun Yang and Mato Jung — some of the most talented metal artists in Korea.
Global engineers also participated in this album. Jacob Hansen from Hansen Studio in Denmark, who has worked with bands like Volbeat, Primal Fear, and The Black Dahlia Murder, handled the mixing and mastering. The album received an additional mastering session from Randy Mirell at Sterling Sound in New York, a three-time Grammy Award winner and nine-time Album of the Year honoree.
ODYSSEY presents a more intense sound and profound message, setting itself apart from YB’s previous works. This album reflects YB’s challenge to push beyond their limits, contributing to the diversity of genres by pioneering K-Metal. We hope you will join YB on this new musical journey.
