REVIEW: Future Palace - Resurgence

For the past 7 years, German based post-hardcore band FUTURE PALACE have consistently unleashed devastating, emotionally fuelled projects that have now connected with millions around the world, and they are yet to slow down with their upcoming LP Resurgence. The trio, consisting of vocal powerhouse Maria Lessing, guitarist Manuel Kohlert and drummer Johannes Früchtenicht, formed the idea of a band in 2018, wasting no time bringing this idea to life with their first single Maybe releasing in March 2019. The project burst into life, and, starting with 2020, every other year has seen a fresh full-length album from the three-piece, most recently the 2024 release Distortion, which garnered positive reception for its potent soundscapes.

With the band having established a history of raw, melancholic themes and crushing breakdowns, existing fans will be prepared to experience visceral emotion throughout the listen, and FUTURE PALACE know precisely how to deliver. Resurgence can be described as a brutal conflict between hope and despair, conveyed through bursts of tranquillity and fury, timed expertly within the progression of the album to deliver a cohesive, satisfying listening experience, unfolding with opening track Deep Blue. This track skips the appetiser and pulls you immediately into a feast of vocal prowess, epic guitarwork and striking drum work, complete with a menacing production that helps materialise the track’s narrative of drowning in your own anxiety. The technical ability of each member is immediately on display, and the record’s exploration of depression and insecurities emerge with frightening honesty. 

The title track cranks the volume to the max, gifting Maria the opportunity to demonstrate what a phenomenal vocalist she is, control on top form and a voice rich in dynamic ability that is undeniably destined for metal. This is combined perfectly with harsh guitars and violent drumming in the choruses, which encapsulates the fierce might of FUTURE PALACE. Lyrically this song is a searing contemplation of sacrificing all that you have if you could restart your life, brutally validating such an aggressive execution sonically. Supernova, the next track, is a stunning exhibition of the trio’s collective talent, a seriously flavourful song with an infectious chorus, filled with endearing, glitchy production, vigorous instrumentals and topped off with enchanting, layered vocals. This track delves into much of humanity’s lack of empathy, with the voice desperately trying to understand how a person can be so fraught with anger that they abandon their own humanity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKMQKGTF_Yk

The subsequent tracks continue the immense energy and highly catchy choruses, but also introduce surprising moments of hip-hop influence, where Maria and the beat take more of a rap approach, which do feel a little awkward in the flow of the songs at first, but at the same time serve to build the atmosphere and effectively delivers the lyrics in a more subdued, yet volatile manner, spitting venom at the recipient on Disintegrate. The Shades possesses higher calibre drums and furious guitars that soar through your speakers and includes multiple rap verses that extinguish any doubts about Maria’s flow, with the delivery being cleaner here. Following this, Nixy quickens the pace, with a more relentless beat and rushes you into a vicious display of expert screams and standout drumming from Johannes, who hardly shies away from proving his ability to thrash with unstoppable energy. Thorns offers a moment of respite and chance to breathe before the intensity returns, a guttural cry for help, each performance oozing with love and passion for their art reflecting on the quality of the music.

We continue to hear the strengths of the band seep through as we push into the later stages of the album. Ebb and Flow is a strong example of the captivating lyricism that keeps the listener in the feels, Nightfall is another track where Maria’s impressive vocal range is tested and aced alongside Manuel’s crunchy guitarwork, and Symphony of the Clouds incorporates gorgeous orchestral elements to illustrate the wordplay present, such as violins and piano, which seems to always elevate a heavy track when utilised well. Tidal Waves and Cyclone are the perfect tracks to close such an album thematically, the former being a highly sombre, tender track that offers a more hopeful, optimistic tone, with a stunning breakdown, ideal after almost constant forcefulness. Cyclone wraps up the album by restoring the heaviness, but rather than screaming in rage, the voice yells defiantly, determined to reject the pain, represented by the cyclone, and instead break free, leaving the listener with a sendoff that inspires and encourages the listener, while also being a kickass anthem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6boTK53X7bk

Resurgence feels like a true test of willpower, you will be rocked hard physically and emotionally through the mighty soundscapes and desolating lyricism, yet the payoff is incredibly gratifying, and by allowing yourself to truly connect with FUTURE PALACE you will understand that album is aiming to do far more than entertain, and we think they are on top form right now. You can catch FUTURE PALACE on tour at festivals across Europe and North America this summer, and on the Deep Blue Tour across Europe from late September through to November.

Score: 8/10

Resurgence will be released on 31st July 2026 via Century Media Records.

Words: Paul Cutts

Photos: Future Palace