Bristol standouts Svalbard continue to ride the momentum of their late 2023 LP, The Weight Of The Mask. The deft amalgam of shoegaze, post-hardcore, black metal and beyond, combined with the cathartic stanzas of frontperson Serena Cherry make for a compelling presentation of an instant classic and arguably the band's best work to date.
For the latest offering from the cycle, the band have captured their memorable showing at Cult Of Luna's Beyond The Redshift festival in London last year with the visual for the album closer, "To Wilt Beneath The Weight". Filmed at the O2 Forum in London, the location framed a full circle moment for Cherry and her creative compatriots.
"We filmed this live video at The O2 Forum in London, which is the very same place that I saw one of my first ever metal shows! (It was Mudvayne!) The feeling of walking out onto that stage where I have seen so many inspiring metal musicians play was surreal. Truly one of those 'pinch me' moments. To have this wonderful memory of performing at Beyond the Redshift is very special to me, it was one of those awesome festivals where you get to watch and meet so many fantastic artists," explained Cherry.
As with all of her music, Cherry elaborated on the personal significance of the track and how the lyrics speak to her experience on both a human and a professional level.
"'To Wilt Beneath The Weight' is about the pressures and sacrifices you make as a touring musician. The lyrics explore the strain it can put on relationships and the challenging times that come with being away so often. This song features my favorite Svalbard lyric, which is "grit your teeth when they've just been broken." Which represents the determination against all odds to keep persevering with your passions.
It also features the lyric I find the most painful, which is: "completely at the mercy of every form of insincerity." Every time I scream that line on stage I choke up because it feels so raw and real."
The latest visual lands as the band prepares for their European tour scheduled for March supporting Norwegian legends Enslaved. The run begins March 6th in London and closes out on the 24th in Warsaw, Poland with special guests Wayfarer. A list of confirmed dates and cities can be found below.
The Weight Of The Mask is now available via Nuclear Blast Records. Order the album - HERE
