Occults: The Darkwave Architects of Modern Synth-Rock

Occults is a synth-rock and darkwave band from Manchester, England, known for their atmospheric soundscapes and driving electronic rhythms. The group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their 2018 album Neon Veils, which charted in the UK Top 40 and spawned several successful singles.

Early career

Formed in 2012, the core duo of vocalist/producer Aris Thorne and multi-instrumentalist Leo Vance began crafting music in a converted warehouse space in Manchester's industrial outskirts. Their self-released 2014 EP, Ceremonial, caught the attention of the independent label Shadowgate Records, which signed them later that year.

Breakthrough

The band's mainstream breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Glass Heart. The track's viral success on alternative music platforms led to a major label deal with Vertigo Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Their subsequent debut album, Neon Veils, entered the UK Albums Chart at number 32 and was certified Silver for over 60,000 copies sold.

Key tracks

Glass Heart — This breakthrough single defined their signature blend of melancholic melodies and pulsating synth bass.

Echo Priestess — A fan-favorite track from Neon Veils that became a staple of their live performances.

Silent Alarm — This 2020 single showcased a harder, more guitar-driven edge to their darkwave aesthetic.

The Unbinding — Featuring a collaboration with producer Sasha Gray, this track highlighted their evolution into more complex production.

Chrome Horizon — The lead single from their 2022 sophomore album Double Helix, marking a return to the charts.

The success of Neon Veils allowed Occults to embark on extensive international touring throughout 2018 and 2019. Their follow-up album, 2022's Double Helix, debuted at number 28 on the UK chart and incorporated more live instrumentation while maintaining their foundational electronic sound. The band has collaborated with artists like electronic musician VOWWS and contributed a remix for The Soft Moon, solidifying their standing within the modern darkwave scene.

Fans of Occults often appreciate the work of similar artists in the UK's alternative electronic sphere. The Soft Moon shares a similar affinity for brooding, post-punk inspired electronics. Boy Harsher operates in a comparable realm of minimal, driving darkwave and synth-pop. Health mirrors their aggressive blend of noise and melodic synthesizers. She Past Away offers a Turkish take on the same foundational coldwave and gothic rock influences.

The music of Occults maintains regular rotation across a network of dedicated alternative rock radio stations and specialist online rock radio streams. Their tracks are frequently featured on programs focusing on post-punk revival, new wave, and modern synth-rock, connecting them with a global audience of dedicated listeners.

Listeners can discover the atmospheric discography of Occults through the radio stations featured on our website. Their defining tracks and latest releases are regularly played on the independent music radio stations available on onairium.com, providing the perfect gateway into their shadowy sonic world.