Canadian pop-rock powerhouse Marianas Trench has returned with Haven, their sixth studio album and their first release since 2019’s Phantoms, due for release on August 30, 2024, via 604 Records and Warner Music Canada. The band, known for their grandiose and theatrical style, once again pushes the boundaries of their sound with this ambitious concept album inspired by Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. The result is a deeply layered and emotionally resonant collection that takes listeners on a cinematic journey through the highs and lows of the human experience.
From the very first notes of the opening track, "Normal Life," it’s clear that Haven is a departure from Phantoms, yet still unmistakably Marianas Trench. The album blends the band's signature pop-rock energy with lush orchestral arrangements, creating a soundscape that feels both epic and intimate. Josh Ramsay’s vocals are, as always, a highlight—his ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure is perfectly suited to the album’s thematic exploration of heroism and personal growth.
"Lightning & Thunder" stands out as a triumphant anthem, showcasing Ramsay’s impressive vocal range while the band delivers a powerful, stadium-ready chorus. The song captures the essence of the album’s narrative, embodying the resilience and determination of the hero’s journey. It’s a track that demands to be played at full volume, the kind that will undoubtedly become a staple of the band’s live shows.
"I'm Not Getting Better" takes a more introspective turn, exploring the feeling of being stuck and yearning for something more. The lyrics are raw and honest, set against a backdrop of driving guitars and swelling strings. It’s one of the more emotionally charged moments on the album, offering a glimpse into the darker side of the journey.
Tracks like "Down To You" and "Now Or Never" keep the momentum going with infectious hooks and dynamic arrangements. These songs remind listeners why Marianas Trench has remained a beloved fixture in the pop-rock scene for over a decade. The band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with complex, layered instrumentation is on full display, making these tracks both radio-friendly and deeply satisfying for longtime fans.
"Into The Storm" and "Ancient History" bring a sense of urgency and tension to the album, reflecting the struggles and obstacles that are inherent in any journey. The former builds to a breathtaking climax, while the latter features one of the most intricate arrangements on the album, with the band weaving together elements of rock, pop, and orchestral music to create something truly unique. To boot, "Ancient History" features a belting saxophone instrumental which is a complete show stealer of the entire album.
As the album progresses, the themes of resilience and hope come to the forefront. "Stand And Fight" slows things down with a song nearly entirely full of just string instruments, with Ramsay's powerful vocals soaring over top, and "Stand And Fight" acts as a rallying cry, encouraging listeners to face their challenges head-on in life, while musically "Turn And Run" stays almost the same as the previous track, lyrically it offers a more reflective moment, acknowledging the fear and uncertainty that often accompanies change.
The album's tenth track "Worlds Collide," is one of the band's staple cinematic masterpieces, which they've been known for since Masterpiece Theatre (2009), featuring all four members harmonizing vocally, with many key changes and changes to the instrumental. By the time the listener gets to the next track, "Nights Like These," the listener has been taken on a full emotional journey. The song is a celebration of the moments that make the struggle worthwhile, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are moments of light and joy. The album's penultimate track, "Remember Me By," delivers a '70s and '80s pop-rock sound, with a tune chock full of synths, sultry guitars, and throbbing bass that teleports you right back to the days this sound was prevalent. "Haven," the title track, closes the album on an extremely powerful note. The eight-and-a-half-minute musical epic is a song about finding solace and safety in the midst of chaos, a fitting end to an album that is as much about the destination as it is about the journey. The final orchestral swell leaves the listener with a sense of closure, but also the feeling that the journey is never truly over.
Overall, Haven is a triumph for Marianas Trench—a bold and ambitious album that successfully marries the band’s theatrical sensibilities with a deeply personal narrative. It’s a record that invites listeners to embark on their own journey of self-discovery, with Marianas Trench as their guide. With Haven, the band has not only one-upped themselves, but they’ve also created an album that is certain to resonate with fans new and old for years to come. You can pre-order and pre-save Marianas Trench's album Haven here.
Marianas Trench US Tour Dates:
September 12 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall ^
September 14 - Anaheim, CA - House of Blues ^
September 15 - Phoenix, AZ - The Van Buren ^
September 17 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues *
September 18 - Houston, TX - House of Blues *
September 20 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues *
September 21 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre *
September 22 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works *
September 24 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore *
September 25 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground *
September 27 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza *
September 28 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza *
September 30 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore *
October 1 - Boston, MA - Citizens House of Blues *
October 3 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Roxian Theatre *
October 4 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom *
October 5 - Columbus, OH - The Bluestone *
October 7- Buffalo, NY - Electric City *%
October 8 - Grand Rapids, MI - GLC Live at 20 Monroe *
October 9 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues *
October 11 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave *
October 12 - Minneapolis, MN - The Fillmore *
October 13 - Omaha, NE - The Admiral *
October 15 - Denver, CO - Summit *
October 16 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Depot *
October 18 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre #
October 19 - Portland, OR - McMenamins Crystal Ballroom #
Marianas Trench Canadian Tour Dates:
November 16 - Halifax, NS - Light House Arts Centre **
November 17- Halifax, NS-Light House Arts Centre **
November 18 - Moncton, NB - Casino New Brunswick **
November 20 - Montreal, QC – MTELUS **
November 22 - Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre, Southam Hall **
November 23 - Kitchener, ON - Centre In The Square **
November 25 - Hamilton, ON - FirstOntario Concert Hall **
November 26 - London, ON - Centennial Hall **
November 29 - Windsor, ON - Caesars Windsor Colosseum **
November 30 - Toronto, ON – HISTORY **
December 3 - Thunder Bay, ON - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium **
December 4 - Winnipeg, MB - Burton Cummings Theatre **
December 6 - Regina, SK - Conexus Arts Centre **
December 7 - Edmonton, AB - Midway Music Hall **
December 9 - Medicine Hat, AB – Co-op Place **
December 10 - Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Event Centre **
December 12 - Vancouver, BC – Orpheum **
^ - Grayscale and Piao
* - Cassadee Pope and Piao
# - Girlfriends and Piao
** - LØLØ