Wales’ dark-pop outfit, The Nightmares, are set to release their second album, Fire In Heaven, on 14 February 2025, via Venn Records. This highly anticipated follow-up to their 2023 debut Séance promises to expand on the band’s already atmospheric sound. Alongside this announcement, The Nightmares have unveiled the first single from the album, "Dead Roses", accompanied by a stunning new music video.
"Dead Roses" offers a glimpse into the emotional core of Fire In Heaven. With dreamy, synth-driven melodies and a lush, indie-pop aesthetic, the track dives into deep emotional territory. Vocalist Adam Parslow shares that the song reflects on how small, seemingly insignificant moments can trigger intense emotional reactions. “A discarded rose on the ground may seem trivial, but it can bring back memories of trauma or pain,” he says. Parslow’s introspective lyrics are paired with shimmering guitars and moody synths, creating an ethereal yet intense listening experience.
Thematically, Fire In Heaven is an exploration of love, loss, and the universe’s mysteries. Parslow explains that the album’s title is inspired by a quote from Killing Joke’s Jaz Coleman, which resonated with the band. “It perfectly captured the mood we were trying to achieve with these new songs,” he says. The Nightmares delve into a range of themes, from the mythical allure of siren songs to the existential question of life beyond Earth. The album promises to take listeners on a sonic journey that contrasts human struggles with the enormity of the universe.
Musically, the band have embraced a more expansive sound. With the addition of a second guitarist since their debut, The Nightmares have ventured into more grandiose territory, drawing influence from bands such as The Cure, Interpol, and Bright Eyes. Tracks like "Beneath Your Name" and "Letting It All Go" showcase their ability to blend melodic indie-pop with darker, more introspective lyrics. Fans of Alkaline Trio and Motion City Soundtrack will find much to love here, but Fire In Heaven also hints at new directions, as The Nightmares continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound.
The Nightmares have built a reputation as one of the UK’s most promising alt-rock bands, having already earned plaudits from Kerrang! and BBC Radio 1’s Daniel P. Carter. The band has also performed an Audiotree session and shared stages with artists like Funeral For A Friend, Creeper, and Dashboard Confessional. Their cult status within the UK’s alternative scene is set to grow with the release of Fire In Heaven.
Fans will also be able to catch The Nightmares live in the coming months, with a series of dates supporting Vision Video across the UK in December. The band have also announced a special album release show at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on the day of the album’s launch. The show promises to be a celebratory event, marking the culmination of the band’s hard work on their new material.
The Fire In Heaven tracklist has already been revealed, with songs like "Heaven Won’t Hold Me" and "Siren Song" promising to be fan favourites. The combination of atmospheric production, emotional lyrics, and anthemic hooks makes this a must-listen for fans of dark, introspective indie rock.
Tickets for The Nightmares’ upcoming shows are available now, and pre-orders for Fire In Heaven are live. With the release of Fire In Heaven, The Nightmares look set to cement their status as one of the most exciting bands in the UK alt-rock scene. Their sonic growth, combined with their emotionally charged lyrics, makes them a band to watch in 2025.
Save the date for Fire In Heaven, and watch the video for “Dead Roses”:
Upcoming live dates
