pic: Stef
GUITARS :: James | VOCALS :: Maarten | BASS :: Dries | DRUMS :: Serch
2010 : “ABSTRACTIONS” EP (conspiracy records)
2010 : “ABSTRACTIONS 2.0” EP (let it burn records)
2011 : “DORADUS” LP (let it burn records)
2013 : “NOUMENON” LP (Basick records)
2017 : “///” LP (Basick records)
2020: “PROPAGANDA” LP (Pelagic Records)
2023: “VANTA” LP (Pelagic Records)
On the 6th day of the 6th month at 6 o’clock in 2010, the math-chaos phenomenon known as BEAR clawed its way into existence. In a sweaty, crowded café (a rite of passage for any self-respecting Belgian band), the four founding members, frustrated at the state of the world they were living in—and more immediately, the lack of emotional response from the crowd in front of them—started to decimate their surroundings, both figuratively and literally. Following the carnage of their first-ever BEAR show, the message was abundantly clear: this was a band destined to wreck things.
BEAR quickly established themselves as one of the most unrelenting forces in the European metal scene, blending technical hardcore with chaotic math-metal precision. Their debut release, *Abstractions* (2010), was a five-track EP that first showcased their raw energy. After a UK tour with While She Sleeps and a wave of highly praised reviews in publications like Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, and Mindview, they signed with Let It Burn Records, which re-released the EP as *Abstractions 2.0* in 2012.
Their first full-length, *Doradus* (2011), recorded at Red Left Hand Studio with Sven Janssens and mastered by Alan Douches (Converge, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon), proved that BEAR was a force to be reckoned with. The single *Wreckthings* and its chaotic music video set the tone for what was to come. The band spent the following years performing at major festivals such as Groezrock, Euroblast, and UK Tech-Fest, sharing the stage with acts like Periphery and Textures.
2013 saw the release of *Noumenon* on Basick Records, mixed by Jochem Jacobs and again mastered by Alan Douches. This album took their sound to new technical heights while maintaining their signature aggression. The video for *Rain*, the album’s first single, displayed a darker and more atmospheric side of BEAR, solidifying their reputation for delivering both sonic and visual intensity. Following this, the band toured extensively across the UK and Europe, building their reputation as one of the most punishing live acts in the underground scene.
In 2017, BEAR unleashed their third full-length, *///*, this time recorded by Stef Exelmans and again mastered by Alan Douches. However, 2017 was also a turbulent year for the band, marked by a significant lineup change as founding guitarist departed. Despite the challenges, BEAR found new drive and energy with the arrival of James Falck. The album was followed by a series of landmark performances, including slots at Roadburn, Graspop and Euroblast to name a few and an extensive tour that took them all the way to India in 2018.
Then came *Propaganda* (2020), again recorded by Stef. Released amidst the global pandemic, the album’s promotion was severely impacted by lockdowns, limiting their ability to tour. However, BEAR persevered, and their first shows back included a mini-tour in the Czech Republic, proving their resilience in the face of adversity.
2023 marked the release of *Vanta*, a record born from hardship and struggle, this time recorded by Chiaran Verheyden of Hippotraktor.
Shortly after finishing *Propaganda*, new guitarist James Falck was diagnosed with cancer. Between surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, the band faced one of their toughest periods yet. Coupled with the global lockdown and personal losses, these experiences shaped *Vanta*, making it one of their darkest and most cathartic records to date. In December 2023, BEAR returned to India for an exclusive performance at the NH7 Bacardi Weekender festival in Pune, alongside Monuments and other international and Indian acts.
Now, in 2025, BEAR celebrates 15 years of relentless chaos. With one EP, five full-length records, countless tours, high-profile shows, and two trips to India under their belt, they show no signs of slowing down. Having overcome cancer, lineup changes, and personal loss, one thing remains certain: BEAR will never die.
To mark this milestone, BEAR will perform a select handful of exclusive shows throughout the year, including a hometown anniversary show at Trix in Antwerp on June 7th and an appearance at Pelagic Fest on August 23-24 alongside their Belgian labelmates Psychonaut and many more. But that’s not all—on February 18th, BEAR will unleash *Punisher*, a standalone single that might be their heaviest track to date.
And that’s just the beginning—more will follow later this year.
Long live the BEAR
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March 2025
BEAR ///
STUFF WE USE, WEAR AND ENDORSE:
| STAGG | MATAR | IBANEZ | BARE KNUCKLES | DIMAZIO | DUNLOP STRINGS | KUPPMEN STICKS
