Essence Laboratories #2: The Veil, Živa, Tir, No Names

Essence Laboratories #2: Spring 2026 is a diverse showcase of established artists in the leadup to the flagship festival event. THE VEIL (NSW) return to Canberra to launch their long-awaited new album, Departures. Showcasing the band’s signature sound that effortlessly combines post-punk and doom metal with moments of shoegaze beauty and black metal catharsis, Departures is an inventive and inspired work and a bold new step for Australian underground music. Following up an inspired set at Essence 2025, ŽIVA (Vic) returns to Canberra to launch her second full-length album ŽIIVA. The sophomore album agains showcases ŽIVA's signature Slavic darkwave, with an expanded and reinforced production palette. As those who caught ŽIVA at Essence well know: this is an unmissable set. TiR (NSW) is one of Australia's best-known exponents of dungeon synth, with his own uniquely folkloric take on the genre and a strong track record of live performance both here and overseas. Those who caught TiR's set at Essence 2025 will doubtless be out in force to again be spellbound, while those who have not yet done so have a treat in store. NO NAMES (NSW) opens the night, delivering their signature brand of pummeling industrial for fans of Godflesh, Ministry and Red Harvest. A night not to be missed; a night that will not be quickly forgotten.