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Lebanon Hanover

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Band Timeline

2010

Formation of Lebanon Hanover

Lebanon Hanover was formed in 2010 in Sunderland, England, as a duo consisting of Swiss vocalist and guitarist Larissa Iceglass and British vocalist, bassist, and synthesist William Maybelline. The members met through the music social media website Last.fm, sharing 80s music recommendations before meeting in person. The band was named after two neighboring towns in New Hampshire, reflecting their interest in American themes despite their European origins. Their formation marked the beginning of their distinctive minimalistic post-punk sound influenced by 1980s gothic rock.
2011

Early Releases and Signing with Fabrika Records

In 2011, Lebanon Hanover released a split EP with the band La Fete Triste which garnered attention. This release helped them catch the eye of Fabrika Records, a Greek independent label specializing in dark wave and post-punk music. Shortly after, Lebanon Hanover was signed by Fabrika Records, establishing a platform that would allow them to release full-length albums and reach a broader audience in the post-punk and gothic music scenes.
2012

Debut Albums and Rising Profile

In 2012, Lebanon Hanover released two studio albums: their debut album, 'The World Is Getting Colder,' and later that year on Halloween, their second album titled 'Why Not Just Be Solo.' These releases helped the band gain recognition for their dark, melancholic, and minimal sound combining synth, bass, and guitar elements. Their music drew comparisons to iconic 1980s bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus. Their early work set the foundation for their distinctive style and expanding fan base.
2013

Third Album and Touring Challenges

Lebanon Hanover released their third album, 'Tomb for Two,' in 2013, culminating a trilogy of albums that explored themes consistent with their dark and minimal aesthetic. The single 'Gallowdance' from this album gained popularity and was frequently played in clubs. However, the year was marked by challenges during their North American tour when visa issues caused the band to be refused entry into the United States, forcing cancellation of several shows. Additionally, the romantic relationship between the two members ended, with Larissa Iceglass remaining in Berlin and William Maybelline relocating to Greece, though the band continued to work together professionally.
2015

Release of 'Besides the Abyss' and Continued Evolution

Lebanon Hanover's fourth album, 'Besides the Abyss,' was released in 2015. This album continued to develop their signature melancholic post-punk sound while maintaining the minimalistic and dark aesthetic that had defined their music. The release reinforced the band's standing in the European dark wave and post-punk scene. Despite geographical separation of its members—Iceglass in Berlin and Maybelline in Greece—the duo remained creatively connected and active in producing music and performing.
2018

'Let Them Be Alien' and Stylistic Shifts

The fifth studio album, 'Let Them Be Alien,' was released in 2018 and marked a stylistic evolution for Lebanon Hanover. Larissa Iceglass had moved to Greece by this time, and the band began incorporating elements outside traditional post-punk, including black metal, shoegaze, and neofolk influences. This album reflected the band's willingness to experiment and expand their musical palette while retaining the melancholic and dark atmosphere their fans appreciated. Their sound became more textured and diverse, signaling artistic growth.
2019

Cancelled U.S. Tour Due to Visa Denials

In 2019, Lebanon Hanover planned a tour in the United States, aiming to reconnect with American audiences after previous visa difficulties in 2013. Unfortunately, their visa requests were again denied by U.S. authorities a month before the tour was scheduled to begin. The cancellation was a significant setback, restricting their ability to perform and expand their fan base in the US market. Despite these challenges, the band continued to create music and engage with their international audience through other avenues.
2020

Release of 'Sci-Fi Sky' amid Global Challenges

Lebanon Hanover released their sixth studio album, 'Sci-Fi Sky,' in 2020. This album was supported by singles such as 'The Last Thing' and 'Digital Ocean,' continuing their tradition of melancholic, minimal post-punk music infused with synthesizer and bass. The release came during a global pandemic, which impacted touring and live performances worldwide. Despite these conditions, Lebanon Hanover maintained their presence and connection with fans through recorded music and digital platforms, reinforcing their enduring place in the dark wave/post-punk genre.
2023

Return to Live Performances and U.S. Shows

In 2023, Lebanon Hanover actively participated in multiple European festivals including Primavera Sound and Wave-Gotik-Treffen, reasserting their live presence in the post-punk scene after years of limited touring. Notably, they returned to the United States in October 2023 for the first time in a decade, performing six shows and reconnecting directly with American audiences. In November 2023, the band released the single 'Better Than Going Under' and its B-side 'Kyiv,' demonstrating their ongoing creative output and commitment to evolving their sound and artistic expression.

Albums

lebanon-hanover_1st_album
Lebanon Hanover / La Fete Triste
4 tracks
2011
lebanon-hanover_2nd_album
The World Is Getting Colder
11 tracks
2012
📷
No Image
Why Not Just Be Solo
11 tracks
2012
lebanon-hanover_4th_album
Tomb for Two
10 tracks
2013
lebanon-hanover_5th_album
Besides the Abyss
10 tracks
2015
lebanon-hanover_6th_album
Let Them Be Alien
10 tracks
2018
lebanon-hanover_7th_album
Sci-Fi Sky
10 tracks
2020
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

William Maybelline

2010

Larissa Iceglass

2010

Story of Lebanon Hanover

Lebanon Hanover: A Post-Punk Powerhouse

Lebanon Hanover, a Swiss-British post-punk duo, emerged from the bustling streets of Sunderland, England in 2010. The band's sound is a potent blend of icy synth melodies, driving basslines, and Larissa Iceglass's hauntingly beautiful vocals.

Iceglass, a Swiss native, provides the band's signature guitar riffs and vocals, while William Maybelline, a British multi-instrumentalist, anchors the band's sonic landscape with bass, synths, and backing vocals.

Their name, a nod to two neighboring towns in New Hampshire, USA, hints at the band's unique blend of international influences and nostalgic Americana. Signed to Fabrika Records in Greece, the band has released six studio albums, each showcasing their artistic evolution and unwavering dedication to crafting captivating post-punk masterpieces.

From Last.fm to the Stage:

Larissa and William's musical journey began in the online world, where they connected through the music platform Last.fm, trading recommendations for 80s music. Their shared passion for post-punk led to a real-life meeting in Sunderland, and Lebanon Hanover was born.

Their debut performance took place in Berlin's legendary King Kong Club in October 2010, marking the start of their ascent to post-punk prominence. A split EP with La Fete Triste in 2011 caught the attention of Fabrika Records, propelling them to the forefront of the international music scene.

Their debut album, "The World is Getting Colder," dropped in 2012, followed by their second album, "Why Not Just Be Solo," later that same year. These albums cemented Lebanon Hanover's status as a force to be reckoned with in the post-punk revival, captivating audiences worldwide with their haunting melodies and raw emotional intensity.

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