Following a historic 2025 that saw ATEEZ dominate the Billboard charts and sweep major awards, the group has returned to kick off 2026 with a roar. Their 13th EP, GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4, released via Sony Music Korea/RCA Records on February 6, is more than just a collection of five tracks; it’s a victory lap and a promise of longevity.
As the group’s first official project following their highly celebrated contract renewal, this album captures a group that is no longer just rising – they have arrived, and they are moving forward with absolute conviction.
A Cinematic Opening and a High-Octane Title
The journey begins with “Ghost,” a track that immediately sets a spicy and atmospheric tone. It’s a sophisticated opener that plays into the darker, more mature side of ATEEZ that ATINY (their dedicated fanbase) has come to adore. The tension built in “Ghost” acts as the perfect fuse for the explosion that is the title track, “Adrenaline.”
“Adrenaline” is a masterclass in why ATEEZ remains at the pinnacle of performance-heavy K-pop. It fuses a larger-than-life, cinematic sound with a hypnotic EDM drive that demands movement. The music video and choreography are nothing short of incredible, showcasing the group’s signature precision and intensity. It’s a party anthem and it’s arguably one of their catchiest tracks to date.
While the production is cutting-edge, the overall style of GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 feels like a heartfelt nod to early ATEEZ tracks. There is a raw, pirate-king energy woven into the DNA of these tracks that feels like the group is returning to their roots while bringing seven years of growth along for the ride.
The vocal chemistry between Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Wooyoung, and Jongho has never been more fluid. Jongho, in particular, continues to solidify his reputation as one of K-pop’s premier powerhouse vocalists. His soaring high notes are sprinkled throughout the EP, providing those spine-tingling ATEEZ moments that have become the group’s trademark.
Meanwhile, the Mingi-Joong rap line remains undefeated. Hongjoong and Mingi deliver verses that are as catchy as they are lightning-fast. Even if you can’t keep up with their lyrical speed, the rhythm and flow are so infectious that you can’t help but dance and bang your head along.
The middle of the EP features “NASA,” which is arguably the standout B-side of the record. With insane vocal runs and a beat that is impossible to sit still to, “NASA” is clearly destined to be a live concert staple. It captures that soaring, out-of-this-world energy that matches the ambition of the group.
Following the high octane of the first half, “On The Road” offers a much-needed moment of connection. It is a soft, catchy anthem that highlights the bond between the members and their love for ATINY. It’s a track that reflects their journey – how hard they work and how much they’ve matured together. It serves as a beautiful penultimate track, likely to be the emotional peak of their future live sets before the final encore.
Closing out GOLDEN HOUR “ Part.4 is “CHOOSE.” Although fans have had a chance to hear this one previously, its placement here is perfect. It rounds out the no-skip experience, cementing the album’s theme of determination and choice.
Final Thoughts
GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 is a banger from start to finish. It manages to satisfy the lore-heavy cravings of long-term fans while remaining accessible enough to serve as a global EDM-pop crossover.
Tracklist:
- Ghost
- Adrenaline (Title Track)
- NASA
- On The Road
- CHOOSE
With this release, ATEEZ has proven that their seventh year is not the end, but a brilliant new turning point. If “Adrenaline” is any indication, 2026 is going to be another year of total ATEEZ world domination – and I, for one, can’t wait.
GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 is now available to stream and purchase.
_
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow.