Future Palace

Future Palace is a Berlin, Germany-based group active since 2018. The band works in alternative rock, metalcore and post-hardcore, and it is built around vocalist Maria Lessing, guitarist Manuel Kohlert and drummer Johannes Frenzel.

Formation and early lineup

Future Palace forms at the end of 2018. Lessing joins Kohlert and Frenzel after she features on the latter’s previous band. Frenzel brings experience from Redcraving, Whoeverthouart and 8BCC. The three begin as a WhatsApp group called Future Palace, and that name becomes the band’s own.

Recorded output and releases

The band’s debut single, “Maybe,” appears in March 2019 in collaboration with Christoph Wieczorek of Annisokay and Sawdust Recordings. Its video follows on the band’s YouTube channel in April 2019. “Anomaly” comes next in May 2019, followed by “Illusionist” in March 2020, which features Tobias Rische of Alazka. Around the release of “Illusionist,” Future Palace signs with Arising Empire.

“Ghost Chapter” is released in July 2020 and introduces the band’s debut album, Escape, which follows in September 2020. The album focuses on human social connection, loneliness, trust and support, and the need for sympathy and understanding in difficult times.

In 2021 the band releases “Paradise” and “Heads Up.” “Heads Up” deals with depression and the sense of hopelessness linked to the pandemic. Their second album, Run, arrives in June 2022 and addresses the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It also includes post-hardcore, electronica and growling vocals. “Malphas” follows in 2023.

Live activity and themes

Future Palace plays its first concerts in Berlin and Hamburg in August 2019. It later announces a headline tour in Germany, which is cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2022, the band tours as a headliner with Annisokay on the “Take Me to Paradise” tour.

Maria Lessing writes the lyrics, which draw on personal experience, especially depression, inner conflict and toxic relationships. The songs often present vulnerability and the search for relief through a personal, diary-like perspective.