Reviews
Album review: Changing Places In The Fire – Changing Places In The Fire
Displaced Venezuelan collective Changing Places In The Fire explore first-hand experiences of exile through the medium of modern prog
German metalcore trio Future Palace up the ante and show the odd flash of brilliance on fourth album
Future Palace have built their reputation by turning difficult emotions into towering post-hardcore anthems. Never afraid to tackle subjects many still struggle to talk about, the Berlin trio have always worn their hearts on their sleeves. Now, on their fourth album, Resurgence, they're looking to build on that momentum, pairing raw vulnerability with crushing riffs and cinematic ambition.
Opener Deep Blue immediately showcases the band's sonic ambitions. Its towering production makes everything feel supersized, as though it was written with main stages at festivals rather than club venues in mind. Every electronic flourish and crashing riff feels designed to rattle around in front of thousands. Resurge follows with considerably more bite, with vocalist Maria Lessing cutting through the mix with guttural angst before effortlessly flipping into soaring cleans while meaty nu-metal-infused riffs give things an extra layer of urgency.
The experimentation continues with Supernova, where almost jungle-like electronics weave through the verses before the song erupts into something much bolder. It’s a reminder that Future Palace are at their best when they're willing to push their sound rather than simply reinforce it.
That willingness reaches its peak on Nixy, arguably the standout moment on Resurgence. It chugs with real purpose, while Lessing showcases every side of her vocal arsenal; shifting seamlessly between rapid-fire, almost rap-like delivery, venomous screams and ethereal melodies. It's the track that best captures everything Future Palace have become.
Later, Nightfall strips things back emotionally, with Maria delivering one of her most heartfelt performances as every lyric lands with genuine conviction. Tidal Waves continues that vulnerability, allowing the band to breathe before the heaviness returns. Cyclone then rounds things off in fitting fashion, balancing melody with muscle to leave one final lasting impression.
Resurgence doesn't quite deliver the knockout blow its biggest moments promise, with a handful of tracks blending across its runtime. But when Future Palace let their ambition take over, they remain an exciting band, indeed.
Verdict: 3/5
For Fans Of: Spiritbox, Architects, Evanescence
Resurgence is out now via Century Media.