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Reliqa | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Central Coast, Australia |
| Genres | Progressive metal |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels | |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Reliqa is an Australian Progressive metal band from the Central Coast, New South Wales. The band consists of vocalist Monique Pym, guitarist Brandon Hutcheson, bassist Miles Knox, and drummer Benjamin Knox.[1]
Reliqa draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, producing a unique sound characterized by heavy drums and bass, complex guitar work, melodic vocal harmonies, and dynamic rap. Their lyrics have historically been focused on concepts and stories, but are now shifting towards more personal themes. The band’s debut album, Secrets of the Future, features elements from Nu-metal, Pop rock, Djent and more. These diverse influences, combined with their innovative approach to music, contribute to Reliqa's identity as a progressive metalcore band.
History
editEarly career (2012-2016)
editThe original four members of Reliqa, Monique Pym, Brandon Hutcheson, Miles Knox, and Shannon Griesberg, began playing music together as early as 2012 after meeting in seventh grade.[2] The group quickly became friends, and would create music together as part of school projects and from jamming in the drummer’s garage. They wrote their first original song, "Omega", in 2014 for a school assessment.[3] Over the years of friendship, the group’s musical confidence and team synergy grew, thus beginning an active pursuit to music as a career.[4] The quartet formed the band in 2016, initially naming it Ragequit. Despite not releasing music under this name, the band would write original songs to perform at live shows in their hometown of Gosford.[5]
Afterlight (2017-2018)
editThe group were in search of a new identity to begin releasing music under. While in their senior year of high school, the group members were studying the works of poet John Donne. One of his works was named “The Relique”. The drummer at the time, Griesberg, took a liking to the name of the poem, and suggested “Reliqa” as the new band name. The other members felt a connection with this name and soon announced their rebrand on 25 July 2017.[6]
With this new image, the band released their first single, "Insomnia", on the 4 December 2017. This served as a preview of Reliqa’s first EP, Afterlight, released on the 5 January 2018. The independently released EP was recorded at Studio 1618 on the Central Coast, and produced by James Strezov.[7]
Eventide (2018)
editIn 2018, Reliqa released two singles; "Earthbound" on August 13, and "Hangman" on September 25. "Earthbound" was released with a music video filmed by Weather Vane Visuals and edited by the guitarist, Hutcheson.[8] These tracks featured on the band’s upcoming EP, Eventide. Reliqa organised a free launch concert on 2 November at The Rhythm Hut in their hometown of Gosford in anticipation for its release on 9 November 2018.[9] The 8 track EP was mixed and mastered by Brad Telfer Audio on the Central Coast, with album art created by Piotr Bednarczuk.[10] The EP was met with success, receiving endorsement from music publication, Wall Of Sound,[11] and over 100,000 Spotify streams in the first month of release.[12]
Despite not releasing new music in 2019, Reliqa reached significant milestones in live performances. They played their first festival, BIGSOUND Brisbane in September 2019, and opened for prominent bands such as Sevendust, RedHook, and Bodyjar.[13]
"Mr. Magic” and “The Bearer of Bad News” (2020-2021)
editReliqa began writing their next single, "Mr. Magic", in mid-2019. It was recorded in March 2020 and released on the 1 May 2020.[14] This was Reliqa’s first song that is about something personal to the group, rather than their usual fictional narrative style. The lyrics are about the frustration regarding political inaction during the 2019-20 Australian bushfires.[15] Reliqa decided to release the single in 2020 to uplift their community and provide new music, addressing the creative stagnation experienced by themselves and others during the COVID-19 lockdowns.[14] The single followed similar success to Reliqa's previous releases, gaining over 100,000 Spotify streams in the first month of release.[16] "Mr. Magic" was produced and mastered by Brad Telfer Audio, with album art by Piotr Bednarczuk.[17] The track was also released with a music video directed and produced by Kangiten Productions.[18]
On 25 May 2020, Reliqa announced that they have signed to the Australian event and tour promoter, Destroy All Lines.[19] A year later on 31 May 2021, they announced that they have signed with the music management company, Open Door Management.[20] Around this time, Reliqa was also changing producers from Brad Telfer Audio to Chris Blancato.[21]
On 16 November 2021, Reliqa announced "The Bearer of Bad News" and its upcoming release. In the same announcement, they introduced Miles Knox's younger brother, Benjamin Knox, as the new drummer, replacing Griesberg for undisclosed reasons.[22]
Reliqa’s next single, "The Bearer Of Bad News", was written in March 2020,[23] recorded at Brad Telfer Audio in mid-2020, but then mixed and mastered by Chris Blancato. The band was aiming to release this track in October, but due to the internal personnel changes, Open Door Management delayed the release to November.[15]
"The Bearer of Bad News" was released on 24 November 2021. This single appears on Reliqa’s next EP, I Don’t Know What I Am. Lyricist Pym viewed this track as her final opportunity to write narratively before shifting to a more personal perspective in her future work.[15] "The Bearer of Bad News" explores the dangers of power and how it can corrupt the naïve to pursue it too.[23] The song was released with a visualizer video with footage by Kangiten Productions, and edited by Third Eye Visuals.[24] The cover art was also created by Piotr Bednarczuk.[25]
I Don’t Know What I Am (2022)
editReliqa began working with producer Chris Blancato in November 2021 for their next EP, I Don’t Know What I Am.[21] The band recorded the EP in March 2022.[23]
On 10 August 2022, Reliqa released the single “Safety”, as well as revealing the tracklist for the upcoming EP.[26] The single features Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer.
The EP, I Don’t Know What I Am, released on 16 September 2022. Reliqa’s previous two singles return on the EP, along with four new tracks. The EP’s name refers to how listeners perceive Reliqa’s music and not being able to categorise it. The recurring ambiguity of the genres their music can fit into inspired I Don’t Know What I Am, and gave the band an opportunity to explore different sounds. The EP is written from a personal perspective, rather than in a fictional narrative style like the last two EPs.[27] It saw much success in the form of sold-out LPs and over 1,000,000 Spotify streams in the first 3 months of release.[28]
Following the release of I Don't Know What I Am, Reliqa performed several live shows alongside prominent bands, showcasing their new tracks. These include opening for Silent Planet and Currents on their 2022 Australian tour, performing with Spiritbox and Make Them Suffer in March 2023, and opening for Babymetal in June 2023 for the Australian stretch of their world tour.
Secrets of the Future (2024)
editFollowing the release of I Don't Know What I Am, Reliqa began work on their next album in December 2022.[29] Aiming to reach an international audience, they signed with German label Nuclear Blast and Australian label Greyscale Records, announcing the partnership on 19 February 2024 via Facebook. In the same post, they revealed that their new single, "Terminal," would release on 22 February alongside a music video directed by Colin Jeffs.[30]
In March 2024, Reliqa performed at Knotfest sideshows, opening for Halestorm and debuting their next single, "Killstar (The Cold World)" at these events.[31] The single was officially released on 28 March with another Jeffs-directed music video. That day, Reliqa announced that they would be releasing their debut album, Secrets of the Future, on 31 May 2024.[32] On 23 April, Reliqa announced a national tour dedicated to the release of the album. Reliqa would tour with fellow Australian artist, RinRin, from 14 June to 23 June 2024.[33]
Reliqa announced the third and final single from their upcoming album on 6 May 2024. The single, "Dying Light", released on 9 May with a music video directed by Colin Jeffs.[34]
Reliqa's debut album, Secrets of the Future, was released on 31 May 2024. Building on the personal themes of their previous EP, the album features introspective lyrics, spoken-word sections that explore Pym's emotions, and ballad-style songs. Each band member’s unique musical influences—Pym’s Nu metal and Pop music, Hutcheson’s Metalcore, Miles’s prog metal, and Ben’s Hip hop and UK rap—create a diverse listening experience. Once viewing their genre-blending style as a limitation, the band now embraces it with greater confidence in their musical identity.[35] Secrets of the Future was produced by Chris Blancato, who Reliqa have called their "fifth member" for playing a key role in their songwriting.[36] The album art, as well as merchandise, was created by Northary Studios.[37] The album was received well by several music publications, such as Wall Of Sound, and has amassed over 1.5 million Spotify streams in the first 6 months of release.[38]
On 22 August 2024, Reliqa announced that they are a part of the lineup for Good Things 2024.[39] They have also opened for Periphery on their Australian tour in November 2024, and will be joining In Hearts Wake's Australian tour in February 2025.
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Secrets of the Future |
|
Extended plays
edit| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Afterlight |
|
| Eventide |
|
| I Don't Know What I Am |
|
Singles
edit| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Earthbound" | 2018 | Eventide |
| "Hangman" | ||
| "Mr. Magic" | 2020 |
Non-album single |
| "The Bearer of Bad News" | 2021 | I Don't Know What I Am |
| "Safety" | 2022 | |
| "Terminal" | 2024 | Secrets of the Future |
| "Killstar (The Cold World)" | ||
| "Dying Light" |
Music Videos
edit| Year | Song | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Earthbound" | Self-directed |
| 2020 | "Mr. Magic" |
Kangiten Productions |
| 2021 | "The Bearer of Bad News" | Third Eye Visuals |
| 2022 | "Safety" | Colin Jeffs |
| 2024 | "Terminal" | |
| "Killstar (The Cold World)" | ||
| "Dying Light" |
- ^ Varvaris, Mary. "Reliqa: 'There's So Much Space For Positivity In Heavy Music'". The Music. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Hall, Byron (30 May 2018). "Reliqa // BEHIND THE BAND - Interview". behindthesceneau. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ METALBIRB (30 March 2023). "Monique Pym (Reliqa) on "Female Fronted" Metal Bands, Finding Your Identity, Spiritbox Show and more". YouTube. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Brown, Paul (7 November 2018). "Episode #59 feat. Monique Pym of Reliqa". Spotify. Wall of Sound: Up Against The Wall. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (31 July 2016). "FAR AWAY STABLES!". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reid, Poppy (29 May 2020). "Get To Know: Sydney alt-metal quartet Reliqa". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (5 February 2018). "DAMSIQA w/ Special Guests". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (13 August 2018). "RELIQA - Earthbound (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (12 October 2018). "Reliqa - 'Eventide' EP Launch - Free Event". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (9 November 2018). "EVENTIDE is now yours". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Brown, Paul 'Browny' (16 December 2018). "Wall of Sound presents: "2018 YEAR IN REVIEW" – by Wall of Sound Owner/Podcast Host Paul 'Browny' Brown". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (28 December 2018). "Thank you for 100,000 steams on THE HALFWAY POINT". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (24 December 2019). "RELIQA 2019". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ a b The Creative Cast; Bromley, Andrew (16 March 2021). "Episode 18 with Monique Pym". Spotify. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Heavy Sweater Podcat; King, Johnathon (2 January 2022). "Monique Pym (Reliqa)". Spotify. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (12 June 2020). "Thank you for spreading the magic over 100,000 times so far on Spotify 🔮". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Bednarczuk, Piotr. "ILLUSTRATION 2019 – 2020". kenshin. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (1 May 2020). "RELIQA - Mr. Magic (Official Music Video". YouTube. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (25 May 2020). "🔮 RELIQA x DESTROY ALL LINES 🔮". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (31 May 2021). "Open Door Management 📰". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b Brown, Paul 'Browny' (24 November 2021). "Reliqa Return to Deliver the Goods on Comeback Track 'The Bearer of Bad News'". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (16 November 2021). "THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS premieres next Wednesday, 24th November at 7:00pm AEDT". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Subculture Music Interviews And Reviews (1 March 2022). "RELIQA - The Bearer Of Bad News Interview". Spotify. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (24 November 2021). "RELIQA - The Bearer of Bad News (Official Visualiser)". YouTube. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ reliqaband (16 November 2021). "THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS premieres next Wednesday, 24th November at 7:00pm AEDT". Instagram. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (9 August 2022). "SAFETY feat. Sean Harmanis of Make Them Suffer is out everywhere tomorrow, August 10". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Behind The Soundcheck; Speter, Tiana (6 September 2022). "Season 2, Episode 4 | Reliqa | 7-09-22". Spotify. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (10 January 2023). "The IDKWIA EP just clocked 1 mil on Spotify". Facebook. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ Skyjoker (23 May 2024). "Interview: Monique Pym of Reliqa Talks "Secrets of The Future"". Spotlight Report. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (19 February 2024). "We are so proud to finally announce that Reliqa has joined the Nuclear Blast and Greyscale Records families". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa Archive (26 March 2024). "RELIQA - LIVE @ Halestorm sideshow in Sydney, AUS - 20/03/2024". YouTube. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (28 March 2024). "SECRETS OF THE FUTURE". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (23 April 2024). "Australia, we're bringing Secrets of the Future to you live this June!". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (9 May 2024). "DYING LIGHT". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Crabb, Brendan (31 May 2024). "Reliqa Interview". Heavy Music HQ. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (30 May 2024). "At midnight local time, Secrets of the Future will be yours". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (28 March 2024). "Our debut album 'Secrets of the Future' is now available for worldwide pre-order!". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (2 June 2024). "We are in awe of the reception of Secrets of the Future so far". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Reliqa (22 August 2024). "Australia, Good Things are coming your way". Facebook. Retrieved 4 November 2024.