Future Palace are a band that has never stopped sprinting. Since forming in 2018, immediately off the back of their previous musical projects, the trio have thrown three albums our way, four headline tours, appearances at some of the biggest festivals across Europe, and support slots for Electric Callboy, Annisokay and Battlebeast. A breathless run that has seen them march into the focus of the modern rock scene and gain a solid reputation.
Future Palace – Immerse
Corporation Room 3, Sheffield – 24 February 2024
Words And Photography: Matt Pratt
2025 sees the start of the touring cycle for their new record, Distortion. The record fully leans into the band’s unique style, unapologetically challenging traditional rock sensibilities with zappy electronic beats that the gatekeepers might scoff at. The album boasts the sort of lively cover art that, upon first glance, you would associate with an EDM record.
Lessing has admitted that their label was against such a shift in aesthetic, but despite a very mild compromise, the band has stayed true to their artistic vision. A decision that I am thankful for and hopeful will lead the way for more departures from the cliche, gothic imagery the rock scene is so accustomed to.
With an absolutely stacked year of touring ahead, including a full set of dates in the US and some of the largest rock festivals in the world, those of us outside of the capital are extremely lucky to see a run of shows that prioritises the lesser visited cities of the country, such as Bristol, Nottingham and tonight’s performance in Sheffield.
As I arrived at the venue I must admit I was somewhat shocked. Having played the sizable Rescue Rooms in Nottingham this past Saturday, I was expecting to enter one of Corporation’s larger rooms with hoards of excitable rock fans.
Instead I found myself in one of Corporation’s more modest rooms with a reduced, yet fiercely supportive, deployment of fans. The smaller crowd size leaves me frustrated. I’m disappointed for the band whose live performance and musical ability more than justifies a huge sold-out show, but also disappointed for all the Sheffield locals who clearly did not get the memo that such an exciting, up-and-coming band were in town.
Though intimate, the venue went on to show why it has such an iconic reputation globally with the likes of iconic guitarist Slash and Russell Senior of Pulp singing its praises.
The atmosphere was rowdy and raw, floorboards thumping with the stomping of the crowd, bass lines resonating through you as if you’re made of glass, it felt on edge in the best way possible.
Future Palace entered the stage before an impressive lighting rig which shone silhouettes of the Berlin outfit as they built up to the explosive first chorus of the evening. The trio took full advantage of the uniquely tall stage, which had the band’s shoes at eye level, as they towered over the crowd.
Their stature was fitting as Lessing and Kohlert commanded the crowd with their unapologetic confidence and dominant stage presence. All the while Frenzel provided percussive support as he battered the drums with manic intent.
You would be forgiven for listening to the music of Future Palace and naively assuming their message was a light-hearted one, with their upbeat, electronically influenced melodies. Lessing, however, ensured there was no mistake. Her songs are inspired by the darker moments of her life which she highlighted as she stressed the impact of depression, a condition she has suffered with, and called us to action to help one another in our own dark moments before sharing their song, Decarabia. 
They further delved into the misfortunate experiences of Lessing’s past. The frontwoman shared her harrowing personal experience of domestic abuse, not in an effort to dwell on the sadness but to inspire hope. She explained that, just as she has, others can get through such torture and reclaim their sense of being. Her influential words lead into a tender, acoustic rendition of Lately that was met with swaying flashlights in the audience. It was a welcome moment of reflection on an otherwise rowdy night.
Energy levels never waned throughout the show. A constant flurry of movement from the compulsory mosh pit which took up a large portion of the room, paired with expansive melodies which engulfed the crowd as they roared back.
The show hit another level following the brief acoustic intermission. A precession of some of the band’s most popular hits, Dreamstate, Dead Inside and Heads Up, provided the ramp-up to the final crescendo as they closed out the evening with Paradise.
Any fears that the crowd had worn themselves out were put to rest as they divided for one final wall of death in celebration of a fiery night of music from the German heavyweights.
As Future Palace approach the end of this short run in the UK and a handful more on the continent, they will no doubt be setting sights on the summer. A huge run of festivals awaits the band on the rise, tail-ended by their first US tour.
With autumn tour announcements on the horizon, do not sleep on this Goliath in the making again. It may be the last chance you have to witness them in such a compact setting.
Immerse
Bristol proudly boasts a long history of artistic exports that have gone on to be known worldwide and celebrated in every corner of the globe. Immerse will be looking to add their name to that history as they take to the road to spread the word of their powerful brand of Metalcore.
The band have already secured a strong presence within the local scene in their hometown, with headline shows and appearances at the widely popular metropolitan festival, Misery Loves Company.
They are now seeking to expand their bubble of influence beyond the southwest and could do much worse than to pair up with Future Palace to facilitate this. No stranger to warming up the early arrivals, having supported Cane Hill late last year, the band took to the task with absolute proficiency.
Their music holds no prisoners, with ferocious, high-tempo beats and visceral screams. It’s appropriate their most recent album is titled Energy and that is precisely what they imbued within the receptive audience.
Immerse have already treated us to two new singles this year, You Are Alone In This World and Take It All, with which I’m sure they are hoping to capture the attention of their new followers gained along the road this month.
The band offers exactly the sound and vibrant performance that could take them a long way. I hope to encounter them again at one of the many festivals over the summer and, hopefully, a headline tour across the country in the not-too-distant future.
