Viribus Unitis is the fourth studio album by the Ukrainian metal band 1914. It was released on 14 November 2025 via Napalm Records. It is the last album to include drummer Rostislaw Potoplacht (Rostyslav Potoplyak), who left the band before its release.
Background and promotion On 21 August 2025, 1914 announced the name of their fourth studio album Viribus Unitis and its lead single "1916 (The Südtirol Offensive)", which was released the following day. On 3 October 2025, the band released the second single "1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl)". On 13 November 2025, they released the third single "1918 Pt. 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)", one day before the album's release.
Lyrics The album's title, Viribus Unitis, refers to the personal motto of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. The album's songs tell the story of a Ukrainian soldier, Lviv native, who survived World War I, was held in Italian captivity, and returned home during the Polish-Ukrainian War.
Critical reception
The album was met with positive reviews. Blabbermouth.net rated it with a score of 8 out of 10. Phil Cooper of Distorted Sound scored the album 9 out of 10 and called the album for "far more engaging than just a topical backdrop."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from Bandcamp.
1914 Rostislaw Potoplacht – drums Ditmar Kumarberg – vocals Witaly Wyhovsky – guitar Oleksa Fisiuk – guitar Armen Howhannisjan – bass
Additional contributors Christopher Scott – vocals on "1918 Pt 2: POW (Prisoner of War)" Aaron Stainthorpe – vocals on "1918 Pt 3: ADE (A Duty to Escape)" Jérôme Reuter – vocals on "1919 (The Home Where I Died)" Alexander Backlund – production, mixing Tony Lindgren – mastering Sofia Ruda – photos Vladimir "Smerdulak" Chebakov – cover artwork
Charts + Chart performance for Viribus Unitis Chart (2025) Peakposition French Rock & Metal Albums (SNEP) 98 German Rock & Metal Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 10
Notes
References