Future Palace - 'Run' - Album Review

Germany has always had a reputation for high octane metal, and recent years have seen a resurgence of determined young acts ready to take the world by storm. With a local underground scene bursting with talent and several key labels fiercly fighting for market dominance, the new wave of modern German metal bands already crashing onto us. Add in the creative catalyst that was the mass pandemic, and you are left with a melting pot of fresh blood, with Future Palace among those proudly leading their generation forward.

In case you've somehow missed them, Future Palace are a post-hardcore trio from Berlin, consisting of Maria (vocals), Manuel (guitar) and Johannes (drum), because who needs bass players these days anyway. The band has been with Arising Empire since their debut Escape (2020), an early vote of confidence that is about to be repayed tenfold. Their brand new sophomore effort Run is a huge leap forward, pushing their music, lyricism and visuals to a whole new level, starting with the huge lead single 'Paradise' and running through its short but glorious 40 minutes.

Although not conceptual in the conventional way, Run is a personal confession, exploring the escape from a toxic relationship, and the inevitable feelings of depression and loneliness. Future Palace translate the pain, anxiety and instability in their music, jumping from pure rage to hopeless sorrow in mere seconds. The album is as varied in its moods and styles as one's unstable state of mind in the aftermath of such difficul situation; as stated in their bio "the band relies on a sound that can truly reflect such a conflict: heavy riffs determine the astonishingly sharp yet melodic guitar work".

Manuel's fantastic compositions and Johannes' relentless drumming aside, it is Maria that steals the show as a natural born leader with her sensational performance and stage presence. Seemingly fragile and vulnerable, the singer is just as ferocious and strong, carving her name in a long line of iconic singers to leave a mark onto the scene. Her voice echoes the emotional charge of Courtney LaPlante, the stunning vocal range of Tatiana Shmayluk, the rebellious spirit of Sandra Nasic, and the seductive yet menacing layers of Maria Brink, all subtly wrapped in a style that is uniquely hers.

With Arising Empire firmly behind them, Future Palace recruited producer Julian Breucker and Annisokay's Christoph Wieczorek from Sawdust Records, known for their work with Electric Callboy, Setyøursails, We Butter The Bread With Butter, Ghøstkid, Venues, or in other words, the people at the very heart of that uncontainable modern German movement I mentioned at the start. Moreover, you have the visionary Pavel Trebukhin (Imminence, Ladmvrks, Novelists, Betraying The Martyrs) to thank for their stunning visuals, as another statement of Future Palace's place in the contemporary European metal world scene.

An absolute gem of a single, 'Paradise' naturally leads the record, setting the tone with its relentless riffage, rich vocal layers, gentle interludes and atmospheric chorus. On the heavier side, there is 'Flames' with its already iconic breakdown, the raw post-hardcore anthem 'Locked', crowd favourite 'Heads Up', and the energetic riff-led 'Loco Loco', each one tackling different emotions and following the story as Run unfolds in full beauty.

There is the environmentally-driven 'A World In Tears', the gentle and vulnerable 'Defeating Gravity' and recent punk-infused rager 'Dead Inside' but personally the highest point of Run is 'Sleep Tight'. Half-way through the record and with the familiar singles paving the way, it is its moody, almost hypnotic melodies that underline Maria's soaring singing and really showcase Future Palace's fresh vision, versatility and undeniable talent.

All in all, Run is a brilliant modern post-hardcore/metalcore record from start to end. Intimate and deeply emotional without beeing overly dramatic or diluted, it is bold step forward by a young band that already sounds like they are ready to take on the world. Much more mature, detailed and determined, Future Palace raised the bar not just for themselves, but also for their local scene, and are undoubtedly one to watch for the future.

Future Palace - Run

Country: Germany

Released: 10 June 2022

Label: Arising Empire

Tracklisting:

1. 'Paradise'

2. 'Dead Inside'

3. 'Flames'

4. 'Locked'

5. 'Heads Up'

6. 'Sleep Tight'

7. 'Defeating Gravity'

8. 'Roses'

9. 'Wounds'

10. 'A World In Tears'

11. 'Loco Loco'

12. 'Fever'