Belgian metallic hardcore stalwarts Bear return with searing new single, Defeatist - Please Share
Antwerp-based post-hardcore four-piece BEAR have released ‘Defeatist’, the fourth and final single heralding the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio-length album, ‘VANTA’, due on the 29th September via Berlin’s prestigious Pelagic Records.
Featuring the unmistakable roar of frontman Maarten Albrechts alongside the band’s polyrhythmic triangulation, visceral guitar work and grinding bass tones, ‘Defeatist’ is BEAR at their brutal, blistering best. Inspired by guitarist James Falck’s battle with cancer, the single is a musical manifestation of the pain, fear and anguish that the band have collectively overcome in order to remain standing strong where so many have fallen.
This resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity has not left BEAR unchanged, however. Beneath the pummeling, downtuned ferocity of ‘Defeatist’ lies evidence of the band’s experience, growth and introspection. An almost otherworldly saxophone solo from Vincent Breys of Belgian jazz-fusion outfit BRZZVLL serves to lift the listener up and out of despair into something approaching hope amid so much uncertainty.
With ‘Vanta’ also featuring guest vocals from Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut) and the driving hallmarks of Chiaran Verheyden’s (of Hippotraktor) production feature alongside atmospheric interludes built from experimental house drum breaks and real human screams, BEAR’s sonic evolution is proof that even in the face of the bleakest darkness, there can still be growth. ‘Defeatist’ is BEAR taking on a fearsome new form; patient, poised and ready to retaliate.
BEAR on ‘Defeatist’:
“Defeatist is a step into the unknown for BEAR. While still setaying true to our sound, we wanted to experiment, adding more focus onto the dynamics and intensity rather than fast, aggressive riffage. This track features a guest saxophone solo by Vincent Brijs from jazz outfit Lucid Lucia/BRZZVLL, which brings an element we never even thought to explore in previous material. Enjoy the ride."
Read more
All articles →
