Earlier this year, the extremely sick UK metal band Svalbard announced that they’re breaking up after about 15 years as a band. On Instagram, they wrote, “After much reflection, we have decided that 2026 will be the final year of Svalbard.” Right now, they’re about to head out on their final UK tour. Just before it kicks off, they’ve released one final new song, and they’ve given it the auspicious title “If We Could Still Be Saved.”
“If We Could Still Be Saved” his right in Svalbard’s sweet spot. It’s a merciless, guttural churn with huge, soaring melodic moments and even a bit of glassy, synth-infused beauty. Maybe it’s not merciless then. Maybe its just that the mercy only hits intermittently. Here’s what Serena Cherry says about the release:
We spend most of our lives unaware of finality. Blissfully oblivious to when those musical notes played will be our last.
So when we can see an end in sight for something, it distorts the view. Like a funeral marked in your calendar a year in advance. Appreciation shows its sheepish face and whispers, “Sorry I took so long.”
This is the last time we will release a song as Svalbard. Its a song not just heavy with riffs but heavy with sentiment, reflecting on our 15 years as a band. It’s also a parting gift to all of the people who have supported us.
Think of it as the metal version of “Goodbye” by the Spice Girls!
Below, check out the David Gregory-directed video for “If We Could Still Be Saved” and Svalbard’s upcoming UK tour dates.
TOUR DATES:
11/19 – Glasgow, UK @ Slay
11/20 – Manchester, UK @ Rebellion
11/21 – Newcastle, UK @ Think Tank
11/22 – Bristol, UK @ Thekla
11/23 – London, UK @ Oslo Thekla
“If We Could Still Be Saved” is out now on Nuclear Blast.
