Belgian atmospheric metalcore risers Ice Sealed Eyes are turning the page on a new chapter — and if Tape 1: Far Away is any indication, it’s going to be a devastatingly beautiful one. The four-song EP marks the band’s first release since signing with Arising Empire, and it’s less a collection of songs than a single continuous emotional arc built to be experienced start to finish.

Built on shimmering ambience, crushing guitars, thunderous drums, and soaring, emotionally-charged vocals, Tape 1: Far Away explores the fragile space between holding on and letting go. Opener “Stay Still” bleeds seamlessly into “To Realise” and “The Weight Of Loss,” weaving one continuous journey through grief, isolation, betrayal, and acceptance. It’s the kind of record that rewards patient listeners — and absolutely wrecks them in the process.

“Stay Still” sets the tone, with fading hope colliding against overwhelming loss. Its lyrics capture two people trapped in separate emotional worlds, each witnessing the other’s collapse while unable to bridge the growing distance. From there, “To Realise” descends into an almost hypnotic spiral, its ritualistic, repetitive lyrics mirroring the helplessness of watching someone knowingly walk toward irreversible decisions. The tension finally erupts on “The Weight Of Loss,” where grief gives way to confrontation. Haunted by fading memories and broken trust, the closing chapter refuses empty apologies and instead embraces painful acceptance — a devastating but oddly cathartic finale.

Each track stands on its own, but together they reveal the full cinematic vision behind the release: recurring melodies, evolving dynamics, and interconnected themes that reward listeners from beginning to end.

Already recognized as one of Belgium’s most promising emerging heavy acts, Ice Sealed Eyes have amassed millions of streams worldwide with their independent releases and steadily built an international fanbase. Following the success of their acclaimed debut album ALTAR, the band toured extensively across Europe, delivered a standout performance at Euroblast Festival, and shared stages with the likes of Falling In Reverse, Unprocessed, Amenra, Brutus, Resolve, and Hypno5e. Tape 1: Far Away perfectly captures the band’s signature fusion of cinematic atmosphere, crushing heaviness, and deeply emotional storytelling — a statement debut for their new era with Arising Empire.

Pre-save Tape 1: Far Away here: https://arisingempire.com/icesealedeyes

ICE SEALED EYES LIVE (with REVNOIR support):
09/04 — Troyes, FR — Tramfest
02/04 — Lyon, FR — Club Transbo
02/05 — Strasbourg, FR — La Laiterie
02/06 — Lille, FR — The Black Lab
02/07 — Brussels, BE — Botanique
02/10 — Lorient, FR — Hydrophone
02/11 — Nantes, FR — Le Ferrailleur
02/12 — Bordeaux, FR — Rock School Barbey
02/13 — Toulouse, FR — Le Rex
02/18 — Reims, FR — La Cartonnerie
02/19 — Rouen, FR — Le 106

If you’re into atmospheric heaviness with real emotional weight behind it, Ice Sealed Eyes should be at the top of your watch list.