By Laura Jane.
(Image: Clare of Summonfire Photography]
Formed in 2022, Vanitas have been pushing boundaries and releasing strong tracks which affirm why they are making huge bounds and leaps in the underground metal scene. Vanitas are a UK band that branch into the world of symphonic progressive metal.
Their latest EP release 15th August 2025, “Journey To The Sun” with a respectable listening time of 22 minutes 56 seconds received positive feedback and described by the band as an audible experience of ‘placing the listener as the protagonist of their own chronicle’.
In today’s review, we take a closer look at the upcoming single ‘Nobody,’ set for release this Friday, 20th February (tomorrow).
The track starts strong launching straight in with a catchy riff and pounding drums which set the direction of where the track is going. Vocally the track kicks in with some aggressive heat from female vocalist Jade Maris backed by sharp and crisp riffs and drum work which keeps the track in a forward momentum. Across the track, it blends melodic moments with heavier sections which keep you engaged and questioning where the track will move to next, adding layers and depth to the audible experience.
I did have quite a comical moment when listening where I found myself replaying between 2:03 to 2:06 for a few play throughs thinking that the lyrics were “BRB” and found myself thinking “what a peculiar articulation” and how odd announcing to “be right back” when following up with the bridge. I can confirm, this was me mishearing and the lyrics are actually “hear me” which now after going back and listening, I hold my hands up with the misheard lyric here. If you guys read this and want to use that for some reels on social media, you’re welcome to my suggestion - I know, I know not all heroes wear capes.
I’ll say it - this song is a banger, but at times the mix doesn’t give Jade’s vocals the power they deserve. For anyone who has had the honor of seeing Vanitas live, she's an absolute powerhouse with her vocal capabilities and I feel that the recording doesn’t quite capture that same force. This is the only negative that I feel I can give comment towards regarding this track release. The rest of the recording quality is impressive delivering a crisp, well‑balanced sound that brings out the bands real character.
An additional mention whilst on the topic of charachter, I want to include some spotlight to their recent promo shots which I do believe are in support of this and the upcoming release are absolutely beautiful. I don’t often comment on supporting media to what is sent over or what we receive but the photography which has been done and embraced by this band is absolutely gorgeous and embodies what I believe this band would be like in visual format. A lot of bands you'll find currently just have some generic photos in a backstreet with high grain and some edgey aspect then throw them out in to the media with no real depth or personality to them, Vanitas (and their photographer, Clare, for these sets) have gone above and beyond with their supporting photography and have managed to put some thought and personality in to these really offering a powerful supporting piece to their music and praise needs to be given where praise is due. Credit for photography work goes to Clare from Summerfire Photography.
Overall the track is an absolute delight. I mean… Come on, Laura — calling something a ‘delight’ in music-speak is a bit on the lame side, truly is but it was an absolute pleasure to sit down and listen to this track. I know it’s not the sort of genre where you can experience something in the scenario of “olt’ put’t kettle on and stare out the window whilst reflecting on your day” but it’s as close as it can be for comparison. It has some substance.
It has lyrical depth, clear directive and musically it has a clear display of talent and thought process which has gone into the delivery of this track. In support of the release Vanitas have also released a music video, set to premiere tomorrow the official video can be found on their youtube page or simply click the video below tomorrow when the video goes live. The track artwork has been taken from the video which was filmed and produced by Chris Brooker of Brooker Films.
Final thoughts; It begs the question — how have more people not discovered Vanitas yet?
Their sound is easily strong enough to break far past where they are currently. I feel their sound is one that would appeal to a great audience and I honestly, really hope these guys do get that visibility in the future as from what I’ve heard and with this new release it’s well deserved. I know there are many factors that could be discussed of why it’s hard for bands these days to get where they deserve to be and I really do feel for artists these days who are pushing out music that is of great quality that deserves more recognition but is brick walled due to the simple fact music these days falls down to so much more than just having the musical talent there. Should breaking these walls be this difficult? No - yet somehow, it is.
If you like what you hear from both the previous discography of Vanitas and what is to come tomorrow you can catch them live on their co-headline show with AKKADIAN with special guests at Scruffy Murphy’s, Birmingham. Tickets available here. VANITAS - Scruffy Murphy's Tickets | Friday 20 February 2026 at 19:30
Anything you need about Vanitas is in the link below:
VANITAS | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch | Linktree
VANITAS ARE:
Mitchell Barlow - Guitar
Elijah Storer- Guitar
Jackson Cann- Drums
Jade Maris - Vocals
Jon Willingham - Bass
Listen to their previous EP “Journey To The Sun” - HERE on Spotify.
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