Known for playing packed out shows that are built off high-energy and massive sing-a-longs, Long Island melodic hardcore band Stand Still spent much of 2023 working with Greg Thomas at Silver Bullet Studios perfecting new material. After sharing “Steps Ascending” two weeks ago, the band now deliver the single “Mysticism.” Both songs are part of two song promo out digitally on DAZE, as a precursor to the band’s debut album set for release this Spring. On “Mysticism,” the band exemplifies their ability to produce extremely catchy songs that pack emotion. The riffs are bouncy, hooks prevalent, and there’s enough heavy momentum to make you want to move.

On the song’s lyrics, vocalist Gerry Windus comments:

“Mysticism is often defined as “becoming one with God”. In this instance, ‘God’ is the ideal version of one’s self. This divine version of the self seems impossible to reach, and this track details the journey one goes through in an attempt to unite with it.”

Stand Still kick off an east coast tour this week with House and Home and Spite House on select dates. More info below.

Long Island, NY has been a home to melodic hardcore for a long time, citing acts including The Movielife, Silent Majority, and Crime In Stereo as forebears. For the past few years, a myriad of bands have come along to carry on the sound and Stand Still prove to be one of the most exciting of the new wave. Formed in 2020, Stand Still launched with their EP, A Practice In Patience, in 2021. The band followed it up with their second EP, In A Moment’s Notice in 2022, garnering praise from BrooklynVegan, The Alternative, and Distorted Sound. Throughout the past four years, Stand Still have hit the ground running, playing shows alongside Pain Of Truth, Drain, Koyo, Gorilla Biscuits, Silent Majority, Incendiary, and Restraining Order to name a few.

Stand Still is Gerry Windus (vocals), Steve Hallam (guitar), Bryan Natole (guitar), Mat Rienecker (bass) and Andre Valerio (drums).