Belgian prog/post metal band Traels releases new single ‘Centered’

TRAELS signed with POLDERRECORDS and celebrates the occasion with a first single and videoclip called “CENTERED”. Two years after the release of The Abyss Within the band is ready to raise the bar even higher.

The debut struck a chord with press and fans alike, from Belgium’s Rock Tribune summing it up in one word (“Prachtplaat!”) to international prog media picking up on the band. The first vinyl pressing sold out, and a steadily growing live reputation earned TRAELS a spot at ProgPower Europe 2025, where their music was introduced to – and very well received by – an international audience of prog enthusiasts. That momentum fed straight into the writing process for the new album.

With “CENTERED”, the band shows it can hit hard while leaving room for great dynamics, musicality and catchy melodies. The videoclip, filmed and produced by Yulia Moar, tells a story of finding the balance between letting go and the challenge of staying “centered” at the same time, a theme that cuts right to the heart of ‘A Study of Absence’.

The album was mixed by Anton Franzon and mastered by Acle Kahney (TesseracT), who also mastered the band’s debut.

“This album feels like a natural next step after ‘The Abyss Within’. We continued to explore our sound. A bit heavier, more room for vocals, more dynamics, groove and layering. A blast to play live.” – Jason VanAcker

‘A Study of Absence’ will be released in November 2026 through  POLDERRECORDS – the Belgian independent label home to Mantah, Gnome, Your Highness and many more. The label will also bring the band’s sold-out debut ‘The Abyss Within’ back in print, repressed on vinyl an CD.

TRAELS is a four-piece progressive metal band from Belgium, formed in 2023. Their music is atmospheric, precise and intense … both calm and heavy, continuously pulling between tension and release. 

Drawing inspiration from life itself, and musically from bands like VOLA, Plini, TesseracT, Karnivool, Leprous and The Ocean, TRAELS aims for the sweet spot where complexity meets accessibility. “It’s great to see our music resonates with such a wide audience. We aim for that sweet spot between musically interesting, a challenge to play, but at the same time, also easy listening.” – Korneel Lauwereins

Their debut album ‘The Abyss Within’ (2024) made that ambition tangible. The record resonated with old-school metal fans and prog enthusiasts alike, drew praise from Belgian and international press – Rock Tribune summed it up in one word: “Prachtplaat!” – and its first vinyl pressing sold out. A steadily growing live reputation culminated in a spot at ProgPower Europe 2025, opening the final day for an international audience of prog enthusiasts.

The sophomore album ‘A Study of Absence’ will be released in November 2026 on POLDERRECORDS: heavier, more dynamic, with more room for vocals, groove and layering.

Whether in clubs, theatres or at festivals, TRAELS delivers a tight, textured live show … built for audiences who want their metal thoughtful and exciting.

Line-up:
Jason VanAcker – Drums, Vocals
Korneel Lauwereins – Guitars
Sven Caura – Guitars
Kristof Taveirne – Bass