Melbourne five-piece Future Static are set to release their sophomore album, Ornaments & Memories, on 6 November via Wildthing Records. Having steadily made their mark on Australia’s heavy music scene and beyond, the band have shared stages with the likes of Babymetal, Don Broco and Enter Shikari, establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the genre.
Their latest release sees them push their signature metalcore sound into more expansive territory, exploring themes of internal and external conflict, growth, change and love. Building on the foundations of their debut, the album showcases a band growing in both confidence and musical ambition. As vocalist Amariah Cook explains, “Ornaments & Memories naturally became the musical journey of what it feels like to start setting yourself up for a life worth living”.
The album opens with ‘Ephemeral’, a track driven by a swirling guitar riff and a thumping drumbeat that immediately draws listeners in. With lyrics such as “put your hands up to the sky”, it feels tailor-made for the live stage, offering the perfect opportunity for fans to get involved and let loose. It is easy to imagine this track becoming a live favourite, bringing audiences together through the shared chaos and exhilaration of the mosh pit.
‘There’s Nowhere Else To Go’ follows with another powerful opening guitar riff, showcasing the band’s energy and fury. Lyrically, the track explores self-evaluation and insecurity, emphasising the importance of believing in yourself despite the doubts of your inner critic or the opinions of those around you. Lines such as “Hit me with those comebacks, start again” capture this defiant attitude, encouraging listeners to confront their insecurities without allowing them to undermine their confidence or potential. It is a powerful reminder that self-belief can be the first step towards achieving incredible things.
‘Swing’ further showcases Future Static’s ferocity, pairing high-energy vocals with lyrics that confront political oppression, the erosion of rights and the lack of empathy shown by those in power. The line “Did you ever really care about me? Or is it fun for you to watch me bleed?” captures the anger and frustration at the heart of the track. Through its unapologetic message, the band highlight the importance of standing up for your rights, while the song becomes a rallying cry for those who feel targeted, silenced or unsupported by those in power. In doing so, it offers a sense of solidarity to listeners who may feel they are facing these struggles alone.
The title track, ‘Ornaments & Memories’, takes a more emotional approach, exploring the importance of clearing your mind and learning to move beyond the past in order to embrace the present. The lyrics, “Ornaments and memories / Take up an awful lot of space for nothing / Invest the time to clear your mind’s surroundings”, encourage listeners to let go of what no longer serves them and make room for personal growth. It is a reflective moment on the album, reminding us of the importance of appreciating the present rather than allowing ourselves to become consumed by the past. With its introspective message, the track offers a poignant reminder to make the most of the time we have.
Overall, Ornaments & Memories is a release for Future Static fans to get excited about. Each track is packed with energy and emotion, with several poised to become fan favourites in a live setting. While the band remain true to their signature metalcore sound, they continue to push boundaries, exploring a more expansive and emotive approach to heaviness. The result is an album that showcases both their musical growth and their ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. With this release, Future Static are firmly establishing themselves as a band to watch in the heavy music scene.