Pentakill: The Virtual Metal Titans of Runeterra

Pentakill is a virtual heavy metal band created by Riot Games, originating from the universe of their flagship video game, League of Legends. The band has achieved a unique milestone in digital music, with their albums charting on real-world platforms like the Billboard 200 and securing a dedicated global fanbase.

Early career

The band was first formed conceptually in 2014 by Riot Games' music team. Hailing from the fictional world of Runeterra, Pentakill was introduced as a supergroup of League of Legends champions, including Karthus, Mordekaiser, Olaf, Sona, Yorick, and later Kayle.

Their debut, the six-track EP Smite and Ignite, was released digitally in 2014 as a creative extension of the game's lore. This initial foray blended traditional heavy metal and power metal with thematic lyrics inspired by the game's characters and battles.

Breakthrough

Pentakill's breakthrough into mainstream music recognition came with their first full-length album in 2017. The album Grasp of the Undying debuted at number 63 on the Billboard 200 chart, a significant achievement for a virtual act.

This commercial success demonstrated the powerful synergy between video game culture and modern metal music. The album's release was accompanied by elaborate music videos and promotional artwork that further fleshed out the band's in-universe mythology.

Key tracks

Lightbringer — This anthemic track from the debut EP became an instant fan favorite and remains the band's signature song, often cited as the definitive Pentakill sound.

Mortal Reminder — Featured on Grasp of the Undying, this song showcases the band's heavier, thrash-influenced side and complex guitar work.

Kraken — A later single released in 2021, this track highlighted a more modern, groove-metal approach and featured a guest appearance from artist and streamer Noora Louhimo.

Lost Chapter — The title track from their 2021 album exemplifies their evolved, symphonic metal style with orchestral elements and layered vocals.

The band's third studio album, Lost Chapter, was released in 2021, continuing their narrative and musical evolution. This album featured collaborations with real metal musicians like Trivium's Matthew K. Heafy and Testament's Chuck Billy, blurring the lines between the virtual and real metal scenes.

Pentakill's releases are strategically distributed through Riot Games' own music label, Riot Games Music. Their work is considered a cornerstone of the company's expansive musical world-building, which includes other artist projects like K/DA and True Damage.

Fans of Pentakill's epic, fantasy-driven metal might also explore the sounds of DragonForce, who share a similar affinity for high-speed guitar solos and thematic grandeur. The symphonic scope can be heard in the music of Nightwish, another band known for blending metal with orchestral narratives. For the heavier, thrash-inspired elements, listeners can turn to Testament, whose guitarist Eric Peterson contributed to Pentakill's second album. The power metal energy is also echoed by Helloween, pioneers of the genre's upbeat and melodic style.

Pentakill's music receives regular airplay on dedicated online rock radio streams and specialty metal stations that embrace modern and thematic heavy metal. Their unique concept has earned them slots on independent music radio stations focusing on video game soundtracks and nerd culture.

The music of Pentakill can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the full discography of this virtual metal phenomenon through the various online rock radio stations available on onairium.com.