In Hearts Wake

In Hearts Wake is a cornerstone of the 'UNFD sound' that defined Australian metalcore in the 2010s. Hailing from Byron Bay, their sound identity is built on a foundation of technical hardcore and melodic metal, characterized by high-production polish and a commitment to conceptual storytelling.

Their career arc is marked by ambitious thematic pairings, most notably the Earthwalker and Skydancer albums, which explored feminine and masculine energies in relation to the environment. Culturally, they occupy a unique niche as environmental activists within the heavy music scene, having won the Environmental Music Prize. They are part of a tight-knit Australian movement alongside Northlane and Parkway Drive, influencing a generation of bands to integrate social and ecological justice into aggressive music. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain accessibility through melodic hooks without sacrificing the intensity of their hardcore roots. Their 2024 album Incarnation represents a return to a darker, more visceral sound, proving their longevity in a shifting genre landscape.