The Belgian metallic hardcore band, BEAR, has unveiled their fierce new album, “VANTA“, marking their fifth full-length release. The Antwerp-based four-piece group launched the album via Berlin’s Pelagic Records, exhibiting a ferocious exploration of pain, fear, and friendship.
The essence of destruction has always been ingrained in BEAR’s live performances, characterized by sonic annihilation of venues and the smashing of their instruments on stage. However, “VANTA” takes a turn as the seasoned post-hardcore ensemble contemplates on their own frailty and ponders on the roots of their enduring rage.
Established in 2009, BEAR emerged when members from Antwerp’s robust hardcore scene united to create a relentless new band. Their lineup solidified with the induction of British guitarist James Falck in 2017. However, as they geared up for their fourth album, ‘Propaganda’, fate threw a curveball. Falck was diagnosed with a severe form of cancer, prompting the band to halt everything to stand by him. As Falck started to recover, the pandemic struck, posing yet another hurdle.
Despite these challenges, “VANTA” embodies BEAR’s journey, displaying their scars as badges of honor while shedding light on their darkest days. The album not only revisits the visceral themes from ‘Propaganda’ but also propels the progressive metal boundaries further with its intricate arrangements and profound lyrical essence.
Falck elucidates that “VANTA orbits around the mundane horrors that pervade everyday life,” delving into the realities of watching close friends relinquish their musical pursuits and the contemplation of what drives ordinary individuals towards heinous acts.
The album kicks off with a furious tone in ‘Atone’, a track filled with technical riffs and relentless rhythms, marking BEAR’s robust return. Songs like ‘Cisplatin’, ‘Piece’, and ‘Earthgrinder’ exhibit the band’s full potency, showcasing their growth and broadened influences.
The album features a blistering saxophone solo by Vincent Breys (BRZZVLL), guest vocals by Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut), and the robust production of Chiaran Verheyden (Hippotraktor), juxtaposed with atmospheric interludes crafted by the band, displaying a blend of experimental house drum breaks and authentic human screams.
This profound evolution in their sound portrays ‘VANTA’ as a formidable creation from four friends, who, despite being reshaped by physical and emotional trials, continue to bond over their shared adversities. As a band that has faced death and emerged resilient, BEAR explores painful realms to find a semblance of hope amidst uncertainties.
‘VANTA‘ exemplifies growth even when faced with grim realities, displaying BEAR’s transition into a fearsome entity, ready to confront what lies ahead.
Regarding ‘VANTA’, BEAR states, “‘Vanta’ represents the collective struggle this band has experienced over the past few years. We poured our fury into it accordingly, and we’re extremely proud of the result. This is how we’ve always meant to sound.”
‘VANTA’ was released today, September 29th, 2023, and is available for streaming and download.
