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VENUES return with "Becoming", an empowering modern metalcore anthem that transforms pain into strength, self doubt into confidence and personal growth into pure sonic force. Following the emotional depth of Solace and the band's critically acclaimed latest album Transience, the Stuttgart outfit deliver one of their boldest and most uplifting statements to date.
Driven by punchy riffs, explosive rhythms and a polished modern production, "Becoming" balances raw intensity with soaring melody. Crushing screams embody the fight against insecurity and the weight of outside expectations, while the anthemic clean vocals erupt into a triumphant declaration of self worth. Every breakdown and chorus reinforces the song's central message: true strength begins the moment you stop living for others and start believing in yourself.
Inspired by lyrics that tear down "social boundaries" and replace self doubt with self acceptance, "Becoming" follows the journey of someone breaking free from toxic influences, refusing to be defined by the past and finally embracing their own value. What begins as a battle against inner demons culminates in an unapologetic celebration of identity, ending with the powerful reminder that everyone deserves to see themselves as the miracle they truly are.
Since signing with Arising Empire, VENUES have established themselves as one of Germany's most compelling modern metalcore acts. Their 2018 debut album Aspire was named Kerrang! Album of the Week, while subsequent releases have continued to showcase the band's fearless evolution through the unmistakable interplay of Lela Gruber's soaring melodies and Robin Baumann's visceral screams. With Becoming, VENUES once again prove why they remain one of the genre's most dynamic and emotionally resonant forces, seamlessly combining crushing heaviness, irresistible hooks and an empowering message that lingers long after the final note.
Catch the band live:
- 03.08.2026 I Free & Easy Festival I Munich, DE
- 28.08.2026 I Hot Rock Festival 2026 I Hilgertshausen-Tandern, DE
- 04.09.2026 I Pell-Mell Festival 2026 I Obererbach, DE
Belgian atmospheric metalcore newcomers Ice Sealed Eyes mark the beginning of a new chapter with Tape 1: Far Away, their first release since signing with Arising Empire. More than just a four-song EP, the record unfolds as a carefully crafted emotional narrative, with opening track "Stay Still" seamlessly flowing into "To Realise" and "The Weight Of Loss", forming one continuous musical journey through grief, isolation, betrayal and acceptance.
Built on shimmering ambience, crushing guitars, thunderous drums and soaring, emotionally charged vocals, Tape 1: Far Away explores the fragile space between holding on and letting go. The EP opens with "Stay Still", where fading hope collides with overwhelming loss. Its lyrics capture two people trapped in separate emotional worlds, each witnessing the other's collapse while remaining unable to bridge the growing distance between them. Themes of fear, longing and shared suffering are reflected in the band's dynamic songwriting, balancing atmospheric calm with explosive heaviness.
Without pause, "To Realise" transforms the story into an almost hypnotic descent. Repetitive, ritualistic lyrics mirror the feeling of watching someone knowingly walk toward irreversible decisions, emphasizing helplessness as love and despair become inseparable. The tension built throughout the first two chapters finally erupts in "The Weight Of Loss", where grief gives way to confrontation. Haunted by fading memories, broken trust and self-reflection, the closing chapter refuses empty apologies and instead embraces painful acceptance, bringing the emotional arc to its devastating conclusion.
Although each song stands confidently on its own, together they reveal the full vision behind Tape 1: Far Away: a cinematic listening experience where recurring melodies, evolving dynamics and interconnected themes reward listeners from beginning to end.
Already recognized as one of Belgium's most promising emerging heavy acts, Ice Sealed Eyes have amassed millions of streams worldwide with their independent releases and steadily built an international fanbase. Following the success of their acclaimed debut album ALTAR, the band toured extensively across Europe, delivered a standout performance at Euroblast Festival, and shared stages with renowned acts including Falling In Reverse, Unprocessed, Amenra, Brutus, Resolve and Hypno5e. Now entering a new era with Arising Empire, Tape 1: Far Away perfectly captures the band's signature fusion of cinematic atmosphere, crushing heaviness and deeply emotional storytelling. As both an ambitious conceptual release and an impressive introduction to their next chapter, the EP firmly establishes Ice Sealed Eyes as one of the most compelling new voices in modern atmospheric metalcore.
Catch the band live:
- 04.09.2026 I Tramfest I Troye, FR I REVNOIR support
- 04.02.2027 I Club Transbo I Lyon, FR I REVNOIR support
- 05.02.2027 I La Laiterie I Strassbourg, FR I REVNOIR support
- 06.02.2027 I The Black Lab I Lille, FR I REVNOIR support
- 07.02.2027 I Botanique I Brussels, BE I REVNOIR support
- 10.02.2027 I Hydrophone I Lorient, FR I REVNOIR support
- 11.02.2027 I Le Ferrailleur I Nantes, FR I REVNOIR support
- 12.02.2027 I Rock School Barbey I Bordeaux, FR I REVNOIR support
- 13.02.2027 I Le Rex I Toulouse, FR I REVNOIR support
- 18.02.2027 I La Caronnerie I Reims, FR I REVNOIR support
- 19.02.2027 I Le 106 I Rouen, FR I REVNOIR support
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