Charlotte Wessels and her band, now called The Obsession, will release their new concept album, Mute Swan Empire, on 5 February 2027 via Napalm Records. The night before, they start their first headline tour of Europe and the UK.
Each of the album’s 15 tracks takes on an archetype that emerges at the end of the Anthropocene, exploring how people respond to climate breakdown, social injustice and the collapse of familiar futures. The title draws on the myth of the swan song, and asks what happens if we never get one.
The former Delain vocalist said: “I didn’t want an album that simply points fingers or offers easy answers. I wanted to explore the contradictions, the uncomfortable grey areas, and the possibility that we can change.”
Charlotte co-produced the record with Joost van den Broek, and Timo Somers worked on the arrangements. Vikram Shankar added orchestral arrangements and Elianne Anemaat plays cello. There are also lyrical nods to Hildegard von Bingen, Julian of Norwich, Martin Niemöller and Longfellow.
Charlotte‘s Patreon, where she has released a new song every month since 2020, has become one of the most interesting creative routes in heavy music. The UK gets three of the first four tour dates, with Melissa Bonny of Ad Infinitum in support.
UK dates 2027
- 5 February: London, Islington Assembly Hall
- 6 February: Glasgow, Slay
- 7 February: Manchester, Club Academy
