Pelican: Pioneers of American Instrumental Post-Metal

Pelican is an American instrumental rock band from Chicago, Illinois, renowned for forging a distinct path in the heavy music landscape. The quartet's major achievement lies in their influential catalog, including critically acclaimed albums like "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw" and "City of Echoes," which have solidified their status as genre-defining artists.

Early career

Pelican formed in 2001 from the remnants of Chicago's hardcore and metal scenes, originally conceived as a side project by guitarist Trevor de Brauw and bassist Bryan Herweg. Their early sound, a dense, sludgy instrumental approach, was captured on their self-titled debut EP in 2003 via Hydra Head Records, immediately drawing attention within the underground.

The band's first full-length album, "Australasia," arrived later in 2003, establishing their signature formula of crushing riffs, melodic undercurrents, and expansive song structures. This release laid the groundwork for their future, earning them a dedicated fanbase within the post-metal and post-rock communities.

Breakthrough

Pelican's breakthrough arrived with their sophomore album, "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw," released in 2005. The album marked a significant evolution, incorporating more atmospheric and melodic passages alongside the heaviness, broadening their appeal. Its success led to increased touring and recognition, cementing their place on the influential Hydra Head label.

Their follow-up, 2007's "City of Echoes," further refined their sound with a leaner, more direct approach. This period saw the band performing at major festivals and securing licensing deals that placed their powerful instrumentals in films, television shows, and video games, expanding their reach beyond the traditional metal audience.

Key tracks

March Into the Sea — This epic track from "The Fire in Our Throats..." is a quintessential Pelican journey, moving from a serene intro to a monumental, crushing crescendo.

Dead Between the Walls — A driving, rhythmic force from "City of Echoes" that showcases the band's ability to craft compelling hooks without a single vocal.

Australasia — The title track from their debut LP is a sprawling, immersive composition that defined their early, weighty sound and ambition.

Forever Becoming — The title track from their 2013 album signaled a powerful resurgence, blending melancholic melody with aggressive, pummeling rhythms.

The band experienced a period of transition, including a label move to Southern Lord Recordings for 2009's "What We All Come to Need." After a hiatus, they returned strongly with "Forever Becoming" in 2013 and later founded their own label, Pelagic Records, for distributing their work and that of similar artists. Their most recent studio album, "Nighttime Stories," was released in 2019 to critical acclaim.

Fans of Pelican's immersive, riff-driven soundscapes often appreciate the work of similar instrumental acts. Russian Circles share a Chicago origin and a masterful blend of post-rock dynamism with metallic force. Isis, while often featuring vocals, were pivotal in shaping the atmospheric post-metal genre Pelican helped popularize. Mono from Japan explores similarly cinematic and emotional instrumental territory, though with a greater emphasis on orchestral grandeur. Red Sparowes offer another American perspective on thematic, narrative-driven instrumental rock.

Pelican's catalog maintains a strong presence on radio stations dedicated to alternative and heavy music. Their songs are staples on specialty metal shows, independent music radio stations, and online rock radio streams that champion progressive and instrumental artistry, often featured in blocks designed for deep, immersive listening.

Listeners can discover the powerful, wordless narratives of Pelican's music on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to onairium.com to hear their iconic tracks and latest work in rotation on stations that champion innovative rock and metal.