NEW ALBUM DISTORTION OUT SEPTEMBER 6 VIA ARISING EMPIRE
Story: Ralph Greco, Jr.
It is commonly said that shared suffering is half the the suffering — but is it really always that simple? Berlin post-hardcore trio Future Palace dedicate their new song “Decarabia” to the relationships of people who are suffering from mental illnesses.
The picture the band paints of this difficult circumstance is engagingly complex and asks fundamental questions: How much can we help the loved ones around us when we ourselves are already dealing with so many of our own demons? How can we not be alone in our struggles when at the same time we see how it becomes too much for our counterpart?
“It’s not just bad if you yourself lose joy in life. It hurts all the more when you find out that a loved person has to deal with it,” singer Maria Lessing explains. “It’s a struggle to try to support someone when you need all your strength to be able to function. But in the end, you can resolve even such serious problems with work and growth and become happy together. In any case, I hope so.”
Musically, Future Palace show a completely new side with “Decarabia.” The nostalgic and at the same time modern synths in the intro and chorus make the band’s sound no less heavy, but give it a real danceable note. The trio creates hits potential that initiate reminiscences of compositions by Electric Callboy without their lyrical-ironic double bottom. The music video, again directed by Pavel Trebukhin, was filmed fittingly in an abandoned Soviet discotheque in Latvia on the border to Lithuania.
“Decarabia” appears on Future Palace’s upcoming third album Distortion, out September 6 via Arising Empire.
DISTORTION TRACK LISTING:
“Uncontrolled”
“Malphas”
“Panic Paralysis”
“The Echoes of Disparity” (Feat. Charle Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds)
“Dreamstate”
“Decarabia”
“In Too Deep”
“Rays of Light”
“A Fool on a Devil’s Reins”
“They Take What They Want”
“Amethyst”
Future Palace’s music has always explored internal struggles, and Distortion is the brutal climax of this approach. The album title, derived from the psychological term cognitive distortion, reflects a world where changing perceptions trap individuals in recurring pitfalls. Distortion addresses various mental illnesses and personal struggles, from ADHD to depression to narcissism. The band’s third album is a powerful force of emotions, cycles, and cries of desperation, overwhelming listeners with its intensity.
The band’s creativity shines as they tackle demanding topics with fresh perspectives. On Distortion, they build on their previous work by incorporating new elements, like orchestral interjections in “The Echoes of Disparity,” which combines brutal screams and chant-like passages to convey psychological struggle. “Panic Paralysis” features a massive vocal motif with an arabesque touch, while “They Take What They Want” dives into emotional depths, blending raw metalcore with gentle vocal passages and massive choirs.
Despite the album’s emotional intensity, Distortion was created amid excessive demands. Produced by Julian Breucker and Christoph Wieczorek, known for their work with Annisokay, Beyond the Black, and Smash Into Pieces, the recording process was grueling. Lessing recorded the album with a root infection and after wisdom tooth surgery, adding stress but enhancing the songs’ authenticity. Guitarist Manuel Kohlert notes that the album reflects the band’s experience as a heavy touring band, capturing the feelings of being on the road and contemplating their existence.
Despite its challenges, Distortion carries a piece of hope. “Decarabia” tells a bittersweet story about a depressed couple, while “The Echoes of Disparity,” featuring Charlie Rolfe of As Everything Unfolds, is militantly rebellious, addressing abuse of power and the oppression of women. “Lessing”emphasizes the importance of female support to convey the song’s message loudly.
The band has just announced their headline tour across Europe and the UK including support from Our Promise, kicking off in October 2024.
FUTURE PALACE ARE:
Maria — Vocals
Manuel — Guitar
Johannes — Drums
Ralph Greco, Jr. is the devilishly clever nom de plume of professional writer/musician Ralph Greco who lives in the wilds of suburban New Jersey. He is also a podcast co-host, but as everyone has a podcast these days, this fact is of very little consequence.Ralph can be reached by writing ralphiedawriter@gmail.com
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