West-Flemish progressive metal four-piece TRAELS emerged from the Belgian heavy scene in 2023 — atmospheric, precise and intense. Their music is calm and heavy at the same time, continuously pulling between tension and release: a slow tide that keeps coming at you, then suddenly breaks.

Their debut album “The Abyss Within” (2024) struck a chord well beyond the prog niche. Belgian and international press took notice — Rock Tribune summed it up in one word: “Prachtplaat!” — and the first vinyl pressing sold out completely. On stage, TRAELS built their reputation the old-fashioned way: show by show, from a sold-out 4AD supporting labelmates MANTAH to opening the final day of ProgPower Europe 2025 for an international audience of prog enthusiasts.

In 2026, TRAELS joined the Polderrecords family for two releases. PR058 brings the sold-out debut back in print on vinyl and CD. PR059 is the sophomore album “A Study of Absence” (November 2026): heavier, more dynamic, with more room for vocals, groove and layering. Mixed by Anton Franzon and mastered by Acle Kahney (TesseracT), who also mastered the debut.

First single “Centered” — with a videoclip by Yulia Moar — out June 26th, 2026.
Presave: https://hypeddit.com/traels/centered

TRAELS are Jason VanAcker (drums, vocals), Korneel Lauwereins (guitars), Sven Caura (guitars), and Kristof Taveirne (bass).

FFO: VOLA, Karnivool, Plini, Leprous, TesseracT, The Ocean