ATEEZ Pump Up the “Adrenaline” with “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4”
Although they’ve just kicked off the Asia and Australia leg of their “IN YOUR FANTASY” world tour, K-pop boy group ATEEZ managed to find some time to squeeze in a comeback. On February 6, the group — consisting of members HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG, and JONGHO — released their latest mini-album GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4. The album contains five tracks, including the title “Adrenaline” and its accompanying music video. This EP is also the first “Part 4” in any of their album series yet.
They’re Pumpin’ “Adrenaline”
“Adrenaline” is an explosive hip-hop, EDM track that takes us back to what makes ATEEZ, ATEEZ. It’s unapologetically loud and unlike any other title track in the GOLDEN HOUR series so far. The track marks a shift in the album series that makes it feel new and exciting despite being a sound the group is familiar with.
The group worked alongside songwriter and producer BL$$D once again, going four for four in the album series, but creating a track distinct from the rest. “Adrenaline” is a party anthem as the group sings about staying true to their convictions with unstoppable momentum — a sentiment that is almost principle for ATEEZ. HONGJOONG puts the notion in words with a flair as he stresses, “0–100 bust out the garage / Our existence alone is the guarantee […] Hardcore, that’s the way we do it / No limit, no gimmick, go get it all day.” He even plays with the pronunciation of “garage” to sound like their namesake “A to Z”
The music video imagery is dark yet sharp with the members clad in all black and grey outfits. It also features fast-paced jump cuts, and one-take shots that will keep you locked in from the moment it starts. ATEEZ are the focus of every shot, despite there being plenty of dancers and extras around, the stabilized view of each member draws the eye immediately to them. They can be found in junk yards, warehouses, and cars, depicting a new spin on their HALATEEZ counterparts.
The track features a little bit of everything, from swelling vocals by JONGHO to declarative war cries from SAN down to a rumbling rap by MINGI. You’ll find that it’s classically ATEEZ with a modern twist.
Mutual Universes Collide
With this latest release, the group smashes together the energy of Worlds A and Z — the dimensions their fictional selves hail from in their musical storyline — for the first time ever. World A functions as the “real world,” where ATEEZ are just regular young men rather than the government-destroying rebels they are in the dystopian World Z. As such, the tone of the album takes a complete 180 from the sound of THE GOLDEN HOUR series thus far.
The album opens with the addictive R&B, trap-inspired track “Ghost.” The group is no stranger to a mature concept, and “Ghost” is no different. However, it’s the first R&B track they’ve done as a team aside from the unit song “IT’s You” by YEOSANG, SAN, and WOOYOUNG. Although it wasn’t a test, they aced the execution. YUNHO and SAN open the album with a tantalizing set of lines, setting the tone for what the track would be. The instrumental is just as dark as the song’s name suggests, with buzzing synths and stuttering 808s leaving behind a menacing vibe that echoes the lingering sense of a ghost.
The vocalists get their moment, hypnotizing the listener with siren-like vocals while the rappers pull you in with their darker timbre. The group sings sensually about imprinting their touch and leaving, like a “Ghost,” and that lingering touch can be addicting: “There’s no way out […] know you want it more, more than me / Now you see that I’m a ghost.” YUNHO and SEONGHWA wrap the track up as it began, echoing the same beginning lines.
Immediately following the electric energy of the title track, ATEEZ slow it down but still kept up the vibe with “NASA.” The group is known for being humble and kind (real ones know), but they also make it clear that there’s nothing wrong with a (not so) humble brag every now and then. On “NASA” ATEEZ state plainly that they’re successful now thanks to the work they’ve put out and they’ll continue to be until the end.
Captain and rapper HONGJOONG makes that crystal clear as he asserts, “It’s ironic right, I launch rockets even when I’ve already become a star,” insinuating that even though they’ve reached the top, they’ll chase even higher heights. “NASA” features melodic raps and mesmerizing vocals to break up the auto-tune, coupled with a deep bass heavy production with echoes of electronica. The track is a clear winner for lovers of hip-hop and dance — a sound ATEEZ are very familiar with.
By Your Side
They switch it up entirely with “On the Road,” a powerful pop track dedicated to their journey thus far. With this more serious tone and hopeful message, this song is akin to a more mature version of the group’s first pop ballad, “My Way.” The production is nostalgic with whispering vocals for the verses and powerful belts for the chorus, really driving home the message the group seeks to convey.
In the past, the group pondered how difficult their journey will be if they chased their dreams their way. But with “On the Road,” ATEEZ discuss how difficult the journey has been, yet they still push forward to stand where they are now. It speaks to never letting the obstacles deter you because you chased your future for so long to make it as far as you have.
The final song of the album, “Choose,” follows up “On the Road” seamlessly and serves as a love letter to the group’s fandom, ATINY. Released on November 17, 2025 — the seventh anniversary of choosing ATINY’s name — “Choose” is a sweet pop ballad. It’s also the successor to the only other song the group has released on that date, “Star 1117.”
On the surface, “Choose” could be a sweet love song: “We can stay forever еven in quiet nights / run together closer / ‘Cause I would choose you.” However, for the group it’s important to remember where you came from and ATEEZ never fail to thank their fandom for all their success. With “Choose,” the group reminisces on the time spent with ATINY by their side and spills their devotion to their fans with every line on the track. HONGJOONG puts it best when he confesses, “The memories, that’s how I keep going / ‘Cause what defines us starts from you, not me.”
From Rookies to Moguls
From their iconic Coachella debut to six albums ranking in the top three position on Billboard 200, GOLDEN HOUR : PART.4 marks the continuation of success for ATEEZ. With the “Adrenaline” music video garnering over 10 million views (and counting) and over half-a-million first-day album sales, this release proves yet again why ATEEZ are considered industry giants.
Keep up with ATEEZ as they enter their GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 era by following them on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!
Interested in more ATEEZ? Check out our recap of their concert at Citi Field!
