Australian metalcore quartet Reliqa have announced their second studio album, titled “High Risk Thoughts”. The record is scheduled for release on 12 February via Nuclear Blast. Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled the album’s opening track, “Serum”, which is available now on all streaming platforms accompanied by a music video.
A Bridge From “Secrets of the Future”
Regarding the new single, the band said:
Serum’s sound represents a sort of bridge from where we were to where we are now, so it felt apt to have it not only open the new record but also mark its announcement to the world.
- Reliqa
They further described the track as having a mechanical edge inspired by Danish progressive metal influences, noting that it is the only song on the upcoming album that the band has already incorporated into their live performances.
“High Risk Thoughts” follows the band’s 2024 debut full-length, “Secrets of the Future”. According to the announcement, the new record serves as a mature expansion of the band’s sound, blending ethereal melodies with heavy, pulsating instrumentation. Lyrically, the album explores themes of patience, self-grace, and understanding.
Monique Pym Fronts the Band
Monique Pym is the frontwoman of Reliqa, handling vocals for the band. She has been part of the line-up alongside guitarist Brandon Lloyd and the Knox brothers since the group’s formation in 2017 on the Central Coast of New South Wales. As the voice of the band, she fronts a group that has released the EPs “Afterlight”, “Eventide” and “I Don’t Know Who I Am”, as well as the singles “The Bearer of Bad News”, “Mr. Magic” and “Terminal”.
Formed in 2017 on the Central Coast
Formed in 2017 in the Central Coast of New South Wales, Reliqa features vocalist Monique Pym, guitarist Brandon Lloyd, and the rhythm section of Benjamin and Miles Knox. The band gained significant momentum following the release of their debut album, accumulating millions of streams and performing at major Australian festivals such as Good Things and Life’s A Beach. The group maintains a DIY approach to their creative process, keeping production close to home.
First North American Tour With Northlane
In support of the upcoming release, the band is set to embark on their first-ever North American tour as the support act for Northlane. The tracklist for “High Risk Thoughts” is as follows:
- “Serum”
- “Hands to the Ceiling”
- “High Risk Thoughts”
- “Quiet Coda”
- “Your Touch”
- “Cemetery Roots”
- “One Word”
- “Unguarded”
- “Digital Heaven”
- “Nobody Survives This”
