Melodic hard rockers Departed have announced that the “silence ends now,” with the release of the new single You’re The Reason, marking the band’s first new music since 2019.
“You’re The Reason showcases exactly who we are now,” vocalist Mark Pascall told MetalTalk. “Bridging our original sound with something heavier, darker, and evolved, this is only the start. Just wait for what’s coming.”
Departed feature Mark Pascall, who has become known for his work fronting the likes of Cats In Space, Kingdom of Madness and Myke Gray of Skin, alongside Ben Brookland, the former lead guitarist for critically-acclaimed UK rock band The Treatment.
The pair are joined by Matt Chalk, a multi-instrumentalist who is the master behind the kit and Mike Rigler, formerly of Voodoo Vegas, on bass.
Over the years, Departed have appeared at major festivals including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, SteelHouse Festival, Looe Music Festival, Hard Rock Hell and Winterstorm.
As well as supporting bands like Status Quo, Big Country, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, Chuck Mosley (Faith No More), the Graham Bonnet Band, and Skindred, the band were proud to support the Michael Schenker Fest on tour and were the major support for The New Roses UK tour.
More recently, the band made a most welcome return to the live arena as special guests to Myke Gray’s Skin at KK’s Steel Mill in 2023 which was covered by MetalTalk. This was a “showcase performance that easily maintains their parity with the many contemporaries who have emerged in their absence.”
You’re The Reason marks a heavier return, with great crunchy riffing and sets the mouthwatering prospect of how the band may choose to return to their earlier material in a live setting.
In 2018, Departed hit the stage at Download, having released the song Are You Ready? This track was highlighted by Mark in a 2018 interview as one that had really come into its own. “It’s been really well received and goes down extremely well live,” Mark said. “We do feel that our songs are very strong and it’s hard to pick a favourite as such.”
With a catalogue of solid rock songs behind them, there is a desire within Departed to unleash a more modern incarnation of the band and the material that has been developing over the last few years.
“Now is a new era for the band,” Mark told us, “and after a few years’ hiatus, the band are raring to go and can’t wait for their new material to be shared with the world.”
You can find out more at the band’s Facebook page.
