Arcane Roots have reformed and returned, and today (Tuesday 27th January) they release their first new music since 2018, in the form of the single ‘A Wave, Across The Sea’. The track is a six minute masterpiece that never sits in one place for too long, and showcases the full range of dynamics and breadth of musicality people have come to expect from Arcane Roots. ‘A Wave, Across The Sea’ is released through the band’s new label, Big Scary Monsters (BSM), a label celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, and a label a very young Arcane Roots once tried desperately to be signed with. In a full circle moment, this very much felt like a destined collaboration, to finally work with the team at BSM, AND be part of such a momentous celebration. After their decision to go on hiatus in 2018, Arcane Roots very much all went their separate ways. Some moved abroad, some started families, some stopped making music entirely. The feeling though, that at some point when it all felt right there would be a musical reunion, was always there. This huge, emotional, and exciting musical return sees the band, formerly a three piece, expand their ranks with the return of founding musician and member Daryl Atkins, as well as Icelandic composer, Bjarni Biering. From guitarist and vocalist, Andrew Groves on the reformation and return – “When we disbanded the band in 2018, it was always with the understanding that we could return one day under better circumstances. Founding drummer Daryl Atkins & myself had long been looking for a way to continue creating together, after him needing to leave Arcane Roots in 2015. Our busy work schedules had other plans however and it wasn’t until a chance meeting with Icelandic composer Bjarni Biering, after relocating to Iceland in 2019, that we struck upon the unlikely songwriting partnership that we have today. Within a short time we felt we had something to share and began to set the stage to see if this could become the supergroup we’d all dreamed of. We’re still exploring that to this day, that excitement & challenge commands absolutely everything we do and it feels completely limitless right now.” The single was an exclusive, world premier and Track Of The Week with the Radio 1 Rock Show last night (January 26th), which you can listen back to – HERE Live wise, Arcane Roots have also today been announced for both 2000trees Festival and ArcTanGent Festival, 2026 festival exclusives. Headlining the Axiom stage on Friday night (10th July) at 2000trees Festival, they will also be playing a stripped back 2nd set at on the Forest stage the following day (Saturday 11th July). There WILL be warm up shows announced ahead of both of these festival sets – sign up to the band’s mailing list and / or Discord to be the first to hear about them (both via bands socials). On this live return, Andrew Groves explains why these festivals are so important – “If you were going to ask me where I would want to present such a pivotal event in our lives, 2000 Trees & ATG would be the immediate retort. They have always served as both a source of raucous celebration and loving home-away-from-home for us. We’ve always given our all to make Arcane Roots the very best it could be and now this rebirth feels like we’ve only just scratched the surface. There is nowhere more fitting for us to share our new findings with.” Watch this space for more live shows, more new music and more surprises in 2026. ——
Arcane Roots live 2026:
July 8th – 11th – 2000trees Festival (two sets)
August 19th – 22nd – ArcTanGent Festival
—— A little bit about about Arcane Roots:
Arcane Roots are an alternative rock band formed in the UK known for their intricate musicianship, emotional intensity, and genre-defying sound. Formed in the late 2000s, the band’s final incarnation, before announcing their split in 2018, consisted of Andrew Groves (vocals, guitar), Adam Burton (bass), and Jack Wrench (drums). This current reunion sees the band return with renewed creative purpose and an expanded line-up. Founding member Daryl Atkins has rejoined the group alongside Icelandic composer Bjarni Biering, whose combined perspective and multi-instrumental versatility signals a new era for the band. Blending math rock complexity, post-hardcore energy, and expansive electronic textures, Arcane Roots developed a reputation for ambitious songwriting and technical precision. Their early EPs, including Left Fire (2011), earned them a cult following with riff-heavy tracks that paired soaring melodies with intricate rhythmic shifts. The band’s debut full length album, Blood & Chemistry (2013), pushed their sound further into emotional, anthemic territory, while still showcasing their trademark precision. They evolved again with Melancholia Hymns (2017), embracing synth driven atmospheres, ambient influences, and a more introspective lyrical focus. This bold shift earned critical praise for its inventiveness and maturity, and saw them grow at UK radio with two back to back Radio 1 ‘Hottest Records In The World’, and garner over 30 plays on the station for lead track ‘Curtains’, a 5 minute masterpiece. The band are hugely celebrated for their dynamic live performances, often moving fluidly between delicate passages and explosive, cathartic climaxes and they step confidently into a new era one that honours their past while boldly exploring the sounds and ideas that lie ahead. ——–
Arcane Roots are:
Andrew Groves (vocals, guitar),
Adam Burton (bass, vocals),
Jack Wrench (drums, vocals)
Daryl Atkins (Drums, synths and production)
Bjarni Biering (Composition, keys and synths)
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