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Band Timeline

2015

Formation of Holding Absence and early singles

Holding Absence, a Welsh rock band from Cardiff, formed in 2015 originally fronted by vocalist Zac Vernon. The band released their debut single 'Immerse' on June 21, 2015, followed shortly by their second single 'Luna'. This initial lineup recorded the band's first tracks, setting the foundation for their emerging presence in the rock scene.
2016

Lineup change and release of 'Permanent' single

In 2016, original vocalist Zac Vernon left the band to form another project called Parting Gift. Lucas Woodland, previously of Falling With Style, joined as the new lead vocalist. With this new lineup, Holding Absence released the single 'Permanent', marking the start of a new creative phase. They quickly followed it with the contrasting single 'Dream of Me', which helped them gain attention from US-based label SharpTone Records.
2017

Signing with SharpTone Records and extensive touring

Holding Absence signed with SharpTone Records in 2017, physically releasing the double-A side single 'Permanent/Dream of Me'. The band spent much of this year touring the UK, supporting bands like Blood Youth and We Are The Ocean, and performed at the prestigious Download Festival in Donington. They released their third single 'Penance', a six-minute track exploring themes of happiness, followed by touring the UK supporting Young Guns and releasing the single 'Heaven Knows'. In December, they announced a surprise split EP with label mates Loathe, demonstrating a desire to innovate and expand their reach.
2018

'This Is as One' split EP with Loathe and European touring

The split EP 'This Is as One' was released in March 2018, featuring both Holding Absence and Loathe. Coinciding with the EP, the band embarked on a unique co-headline tour across Europe, their first significant venture onto the continent. On the UK leg, they curated support acts individually for each date, showcasing a collaborative spirit with emerging artists such as Sleep Token and Modern Error. During this period, a founding member and guitarist Feisal El-Khazragi departed, later joining Loathe on bass. Holding Absence also expanded their live lineup with new guitarists Scott Carey and Chris Smitheram, appearing at Slam Dunk Festival and supporting Being As An Ocean on tour.
2018

Awards, nominations, and major touring support

Holding Absence was recognized as the Best Breakthrough Band at the Cardiff Music Awards and was nominated for Best UK Breakthrough Band at the Heavy Music Awards. The band performed at several UK festivals and ended the year supporting UK post-hardcore band As It Is on their biggest tour yet, with Trash Boat and Courage My Love. To support the tour, Holding Absence released the single 'Like a Shadow', viewed as a reintroduction of the band with their refreshed lineup.
2019

Release of debut self-titled album 'Holding Absence'

Later in 2019, Holding Absence announced and released their debut self-titled album on March 8. Prior to the album launch, they put out several singles including 'Perish', 'You Are Everything', and 'Monochrome', offering a taste of their evolving sound. The composition process was reportedly challenging for Lucas Woodland, reflecting deep emotional and creative investment. The album solidified their position in the post-hardcore and alternative rock scenes, building on years of steady growth, lineup changes, and extensive touring across the UK and Europe.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Lucas Woodland

2016

Lead vocals

Story of Holding Absence

Holding Absence: A Welsh Rock Band Carving Their Own Path

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Cardiff, Wales, Holding Absence emerged in 2015, ready to inject a potent dose of post-hardcore into the world. The band consists of the powerful vocal presence of Lucas Woodland, the sonic architect Scott Carey on guitar, the rhythmic backbone of Benjamin Elliott on bass, and the driving force of Ashley Green behind the drums.

Their initial foray into the music world came with a series of singles in 2017, establishing their raw energy and undeniable talent. This momentum carried them into 2018, where they collaborated with fellow heavyweights Loathe on a split EP, further solidifying their place within the UK's burgeoning underground scene.

Finally, in 2019, Holding Absence unleashed their debut record, bearing the same name as the band itself. This self-titled album marked a significant milestone, showcasing their matured sound and lyrical depth. The band's commitment to their craft caught the eye of SharpTone Records, a leading force in the US heavy music scene, and soon they were signed, ready to take their music to a global audience.

A Story of Evolution and New Beginnings

Holding Absence's journey is not without its twists and turns. The band's initial lineup featured vocalist Zac Vernon, who contributed to their early recordings like "Immerse" and "Luna." However, Vernon eventually parted ways to form Parting Gift, leaving the door open for Lucas Woodland to join the fold.

Woodland, previously known for his work in the band Falling With Style, brought a fresh perspective to the group. His arrival marked a turning point for Holding Absence, with their debut single "Permanent" showcasing a new era for the band. This was quickly followed by the contrasting "Dream of Me," a track that caught the attention of SharpTone Records and set the stage for their future successes.

The Legacy of Hammock and a Name That Resonates

The name Holding Absence is a direct nod to the Hammock song "Holding Your Absence," a testament to the band's admiration for the atmospheric soundscapes created by the American duo. The name itself evokes a sense of longing, a yearning for something lost, a feeling that resonates deeply with the emotional core of their music.

Holding Absence is not just a rock band; it's a story of resilience, evolution, and artistic ambition. From their formative years in Cardiff to their international rise, they've proven their commitment to pushing boundaries and forging their own path within the world of heavy music. With SharpTone Records behind them, the future is bright for this Welsh band, ready to take their music to new heights.

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