ATEEZ rise from the embers with Ashes To Light, their second full-length Japanese album and a record that feels both reflective and revitalizing. The new nine-track release marks the group’s first Japanese studio set since 2021’s Into the A to Z, signaling a confident return to a market that has embraced them from the start.

Aplty named, Ashes To Light charts a journey of rebirth, a shift from struggle to clarity that mirrors ATEEZ’s steady evolution as global performers. Visually, the campaign blends shadow and brightness, echoing the idea of resilience and emergence. It is a natural progression for a group that has built its name on balancing intensity with introspection.

The album includes four previously released Japanese singles, “NOT OKAY,” “Days,” “Birthday,” and “Forevermore,” alongside five new songs that expand the narrative. Among them, “Ash” serves as the emotional centerpiece, while “12 Midnight” and “FACE” explore identity and renewal with a more polished, cinematic sound. The production leans into their trademark fusion of high-energy beats and sweeping melodies, but with a smoother edge..

Early reaction has been strong. Album Of The Year users have given it a solid 63/100 score, reflecting excitement from fans and curiosity from critics eager to see how ATEEZ balance experimentation and accessibility. Allkpop praised the album’s concept of “hope rising from hardship,” while Kstation TV highlighted the “bold visuals and sense of rebirth” threading through its rollout. The multiple physical editions including Standard, Limited, and eight solo-member versions have also fueled collector buzz, underscoring ATEEZ’s marketing savvy in one of the world’s most devoted physical-sales markets.

For a group that have spent the last few years on the global stage, Ashes To Light feels grounded in purpose. It is not just a follow-up to earlier releases. It is a reminder of their adaptability and ambition.