Midwest metalcore never sounded so... At peace. And we can thank Stories Through Storms for the single that feels like letting go, in the best way.
Stories Through Storms is a metalcore band from the Midwest. Originally founded in 2013 by Storm Ruby, the frontman, before taking a ten-year hiatus, coming back in 2023. They have spent their time back together as a band touring the Midwest, with a distribution deal with Teamwrk Records in 2025, and with more large announcements to come in 2026 and 2027.
That means this band is one to keep your eyes and ears on. But I don't have to tell you that. Just listen to their newest single, "Fade," and you'll know exactly what I'm saying!
"Fade" feels like healing... But in the stages that still sting. In the verses, the lyrics are riddled with questions we ask ourselves while in unhealthy relationships. Sometimes we never utter these questions out loud for fear of the reactions others will have to them or the reactions we are scared to have to their answers. But Storm is asking all of them and making us face them together.
Their sound is a lot softer in this single but doesn't fail to keep the band's overall vibes and branding in mind. Nothing wrong with a band that has a soft-heavy duality; I mean, honestly, those are some of my personal favorites. The way the clean vocals play with the instrumentals is still catchy and singable. While the lyrics are heavier, more raw, and moodier, somehow the song keeps a light air to it. As if knowing and singing along to a song about uncertainty and feeling unloved or unwanted by someone who doesn't show you visible love or love that is painful isn't the end of the world even though it can feel like it at the time.
Between the melodic opening with synth, soft keyboard, and that almost ambient melody that carries under the electric guitar, drums, and bass as Storm sings, you can't help but feel a little calmer. The lyrics plead to whoever the song is to in your own mind, but the melody makes it seem almost like a plea to oneself as you move forward. It's bittersweet, tragic even, but it's necessary.
Stories Through Storms really took metalcore and turned it into hopecore with "Fade," and I love it! It's not happy, it's not LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE, but it hits all the right spots. It hurts and feels light at the same time. That duality and the ability to successfully go from heavy music to a softer side is a talent that Stories Through Storms achieved hands down! I might be a metalcore/hopecore fan after all!
Listen to "Fade" now!
Don't forget to watch the music video for "Fade" too! You won't want to miss out on this masterpiece!
