Last year NJ hardcore heavyweights GEL released their debut full-length, Only Constant, drawing acclaim from fans and critics alike (including praise from Pitchfork, NPR, Stereogum, The FADER, Revolver Magazine, Kerrang, NME, and many more) and skyrocketing them into the ranks of aggressive music's most exciting new groups. But GEL are showing no signs of slowing down: today the band have announced that they've joined the Blue Grape Music roster and will be releasing a new EP, Persona, on August 16th.
With Persona, GEL have managed to harness all of their momentum and turn it into an unstoppable force heading straight for your ears. Lead single "Mirage" demonstrates an evolution in GEL's sound, taking their ultra-visceral hardcore and somehow dialing up the intensity even further. In under three minutes the band pack in their signature stomping riffs and roaring vocals, but there's also a newfound dynamism that's as catchy as it is crushing. The song arrives alongside a new music video directed by Eric Richter (Knocked Loose, Jesus Piece, Koyo).
Watch the "Mirage" music video via YouTube:
https://youtu.be/o8-HJRFcRZ4
Stream "Mirage" everywhere:
https://gel.lnk.to/persona
Preorder Persona:
https://gel.lnk.to/persona
Produced/engineered by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, Jivebomb), Persona captures GEL embracing a bold sound without sacrificing even an ounce of the primal energy that makes their music so special. The band worked more collaboratively than ever before, tapping into the creative confidence gained through relentless touring to push themselves in new directions. “We really wanted to fill out the songs more and make them more nuanced,” explains vocalist Sami Kaiser. “It’s a step forward, it’s different, it’s catchy, but it still really sounds like us.” The result is a widescreen version of GEL’s urgent, stomping hardcore that only amplifies their innate ferocity.
GEL will be continuing their nonstop touring ways in 2024, with worldwide dates already scheduled alongside bands like Fiddlehead, Militarie Gun, and Have Heart, as well as upcoming festival appearances at Sick New World, Download, and Primavera Sound. See full itinerary below.
Persona is available for preorder HERE in several exclusive vinyl variants.