Aurthohin’s new album dedicated to A K Ratul

Celebrated Bangladeshi rock band Aurthohin officially announced the release of its much-anticipated album "Phoenixer Diary 2" at a press conference held today at Skyfall Rooftop Restaurant in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The event was organised by Cool Exposure.

Though the event was delayed due to the rain, anticipation ran high when Saidus Salehin Khaled Sumon (Bassbaba Sumon), Mark Don and Ehtesham Ali Moeen took the stage to unveil what they described as a "darker, more dramatic chapter" in the band's musical journey.

The band revealed that the album will officially drop on October 17, 2025, across all major streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz. The announcement also included details of a highly secret "Listening Party" for Aurthohin's dedicated fan community, known as "Oddbhut", which will take place on October 10. 

Photo: Thabit Al Bashar

Comprising eight tracks, the album continues the unfinished story introduced in "Phoenixer Diary 1", which pioneered the Bangla Nu Rock genre later recognised by Spotify. While the first album explored themes of endurance and rebirth, the sequel depicts the Phoenix's transformation from a symbol of hope to one of destruction — consumed by vengeance after great loss.

In a statement, Aurthohin described the album as "darker, more intense, and musically richer" than its predecessor. It features collaborations with Grammy-nominated guitarist Frank Gambale; saxophonist Bob Franceschini, known for his work with Mike Stern and Paul Simon; bassist Bubby Lewis, who has played with Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, and Dr Dre; and Ahnaf, son of frontman Bassbaba Sumon.

Photo: Thabit Al Bashar

The band dedicated the album to the late sound engineer and artiste A.K. Ratul, whose contribution to Bangladesh's rock music community remains profound. While talking to The Daily Star, frontman Bassbaba Sumon said the team worked under intense emotion and urgency to honour him. "We finished the entire album in only eight days — pushing ourselves beyond limits to complete what Ratul had helped us begin," he said. Sumon added that a separate tribute song for Ratul might be released later as a standalone track. He said, "He has been so mixed with our lives. I wanted to write a few lines just for him."

With its international collaborations and ambitious production, "Phoenixer Diary 2" marks an important evolution for Bangladeshi rock music, reaffirming Aurthohin's role as one of the country's most influential rock bands.

Aurthohin also extended gratitude to Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh for sponsorship, and to Shell, Framework Finance Limited, Get Set Rock, and Verse Imagine for their support.