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Bristol-based band, Svalbard, has just unveiled the exciting news about their long-awaited studio album, ‘The Weight Of The Mask,’ which is set to be released on October 6th through Nuclear Blast Records.

Accompanying the announcement is the release of their powerful single, ‘Faking It,’ accompanied by an engaging music video. The track delves into the struggles of dealing with depression and the realization of wearing a mask to navigate through life. Svalbard’s music aims to provide solace and support during people’s darkest moments, and ‘The Weight Of The Mask’ fearlessly explores the themes of mental illness and depression to help destigmatize these important topics.

Serena Cherry, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Svalbard, describes the album as a testament to fighting one’s inner demons with unwavering determination. The songs on this record showcase a transformation from depression to aggression. While the creation of ‘The Weight Of The Mask’ was a challenging and painful process, it ultimately proved to be cathartic. The album represents two years’ worth of internal darkness that has now been unleashed.

The track ‘Faking It’ sheds light on the emotional disconnect caused by depression, where individuals feel compelled to put on a façade, isolating themselves from genuine human connection. The lyrics explore the pressures of forced positivity and the fear of not being accepted when expressing one’s true emotions. Svalbard questions the roots of society’s intolerance towards depression and challenges the expectations of constant happiness.

Pre-order The Weight Of The Mask + stream ‘Faking It‘ HERE 
Watch the ‘Faking It‘ video HERE

The captivating ‘Faking It’ video employs deliberate binary oppositions to emphasize the song’s message. It juxtaposes glossy, smiling shots filmed in an artificial setting known as The Selfie Factory with dark and expressive performance footage that represents the internal struggle individuals face.

Stream the previous single ‘Eternal Spirits’
Watch the ‘Eternal Spirits‘ video here: 

‘The Weight Of The Mask’ was recorded at The Ranch Production House in the UK. The album was expertly produced and mixed by Lewis Johns, with Grant Berry handling the mastering. Engineering duties were carried out by Lewis Johns, assisted by Matt Janke, with additional editing by Kel Pinchin and Sebastien Sendon.

Renowned artist and illustrator Hestor Aspland created the stunning album artwork, which beautifully captures the essence of Svalbard’s melodies. The intricate floral elements represent the sonic beauty within the music, while the somber animal skull mask symbolizes the lyrical content. Collaborating with Hestor was a dream, and Svalbard is thrilled with the art she has created for them.

Here is the tracklist for ‘The Weight Of The Mask’:

1. Faking It
2. Eternal Spirits
3. Defiance
4. November
5. Lights Out
6. How To Swim Down
7. Be My Tomb
8. Pillar In The Sand
9. To Wilt Beneath The Weight

The album will be available in various formats, including CD Jewel Case, LP (1LP Crystal Clear w/Black Marble and 1LP Purple w/Black Splatter – band exclusive), and Digital Album.

Svalbard recently completed an extensive tour supporting post-metal giants Cult Of Luna and Russian Circles. They are currently halfway through a series of European summer festival performances, including appearances at Inferno (Norway), Hellfest (France), and With Full Force (Germany), as well as 2000Trees and Portals in the UK. Check out their remaining festival dates below.

SVALBARD’s Festival Performances:

• 04-06 Aug – CH, Gränichen, Gränichen Open Air
• 11-13 Aug – BE, Kortrijk, Alcatraz Festival
• 16-19 Aug – UK, Compton Martin, ArcTanGent

In October, SVALBARD will return to the EU mainland for six headline show dates, concluding with a headline performance at The Key Club in Leeds, UK.

SVALBARD October Headline Dates:

• 14 Oct – NL Nijmegen, Soulcrusher
• 15 Oct – DE Cologne, Helios 37
• 16 Oct – DE Berlin, Urban Spree
• 17 Oct – DE Dresden, Chemiefabrik
• 18 Oct – DE Neunkirchen, Stummsche Reithalle
• 19 Oct – FR Paris, Backstage By The Mill
• 21 Oct – UK Leeds, The Key Club

Svalbard consists of Serena Cherry on vocals and guitar, Liam Phelan on vocals and guitar, Mark Lilley on drums, and Matt Francis on bass.

Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated album and the band’s electrifying live performances. Svalbard continues to solidify their position as a powerful and essential component of the global music scene.