The insatiable power of Sydney's Reliqa is potentially the worst kept secret in the Aussie heavy scene at this point, but for those unaware, prepare to fall head over heels for the band's brand new chapter, barrelling into 2024 in the form of a brand new single Terminal and new label homes with Greyscale Records and Nuclear Blast Records.
The first sign of new music from Reliqa since they released their game-changing 2022 EP I Don't Know What I Am, it's clear in 2024 that Reliqa not only now know exactly who they are: they are also levelling up in insanely powerful ways, with this new track a slick and sharpened triumph, accompanied by an equally sleek music video.
Speaking on conjuring their latest release, the band share: "This process was very sporadic/stream-of-consciousness. Anything we were listening to, watching, reading or experiencing at the time, we took it and ran with it. It was very human in that way. Our songwriting style took a massive turn early last year as we switched from writing in a more remote, ‘production-line’ workflow to forcing ourselves to start from scratch, together, in the same room."
Defying genre labels and harnessing their potent sonic identity in the heavy music landscape over the years, Reliqa have evolved from being "ones to watch" into an act destined for genuine greatness.
Whether dazzling onstage supporting the likes of Spiritbox, Sevendust, BABYMETAL and Northlane, whipping festival crowds into a frenzy or headlining their own shows, Reliqa never cease to enamour in a live setting alongside multiple singles commanding over 2 million individual streams, including Doomed and Mr. Magic.
Most recently flexing their nuanced take on heavy modernity with their 2022 EP I Don't Know What I Am, Reliqa brandished dark grooves, layered soundscapes, electronic flourishes and more. I Don't Know What I Am may have initially stemmed from the group themselves and the broader music industry being unable to categorise Reliqa's unique and immersive stylings; but ultimately, it's the group's bold and boundless sense of self that radically sets Reliqa apart from your standard heavy act.
Armed with their latest single, Reliqa are primed to take on the world, and will next appear live in action supporting American rock powerhouses Halestorm for their Knotfest 2024 Australian headline shows alongside Welsh metallers Skindred in Sydney and Brisbane.
We weren't kidding when we picked Reliqa's Monique Pym has one of the women in heavy music to watch in 2024 recently, and if you want to get to know Mon better, she was also a guest on the second season of The Soundcheck's podcast Behind The Soundcheck. Grab a listen here and keep an eye out for more Reliqa goodness to come this year!
Terminal is out now.
For more Reliqa info, head here.
BY TIANA SPETER