Indigenous death metal collective Tzompantli unveiled a surprise extended play Temilotzin, three tracks that showcase the band's warrior spirit and tease an upcoming third album, due out next year via 20 Buck Spin.

Listen below:

Spearheaded by Xibalba guitarist Brian Itztlakamayeh Ortiz, the band features an ensemble including Manzig Yohualli Sanchez, Eric Cuillotic Delgado, Mateotl Boughton, Jason Katulu Brunes, Erol Ulug, Alejandro Aranda, Mateotl Gonzalez, and Justin Ton. 

Temilotzin includes drums, huehuetls, and other percussion performed by Alejandro Aranda, Jason Brunes, Mateotl Gonzalez, Oscar Ortiz, and Brian Ortiz; death whistles and flutes performed by Brian Ortiz; shells, shakers, and guiros performed by Brian Ortiz and Alejandro Aranda; guitars and bass performed by Brian Ortiz, Erol Ulug, and Matt Boughton, with vocals performed by Brian Ortiz and backing vocals from Jason Brunes, Erol Ulug, and Alejandro Aranda.

Of the EP's release, Ortiz states:

"Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Today, we want to honor Indigenous peoples everywhere by sharing our new EP, 'Temilotzin.' This recording leans into the more traditional folk side of TZOMPANTLI. It is acoustic and sung entirely in Náhuatl, with many of the lyrics drawn from the words of Náhuatl warrior-poets.

This release is deeply personal. Not only was it written to pay homage to our ancestors and Indigenous peoples, but also in the aftermath of losing my best friend and dog, Soprano, along with other family and friends who would begin their next journey. We chose to name the EP after Temilotzin, a warrior-poet remembered for his poem about friendship and for his close friendship with Cuauhtémoc, the last Mexica emperor.

May our ancestors, family, and friends remain close. May their voices endure. May we continue to remember."

Temilotzin is out now. Purchase here. Tracklist below:

1. Temilotzin
2. Xolotl
3. Nitlayocoya