It has been five long years since Marianas Trench last released a studio album, but Haven proves the wait was worth it. Lead singer and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Josh Ramsay has poured his heart into this album, as he does with every project he undertakes.
Ramsay is renowned for his dedication to creating concept albums, where each song contributes to a larger narrative. Haven is no exception, weaving a compelling story inspired by Joseph Campbell's concept of the Hero's Journey.
As with the Hero's Journey, the album begins with a call to adventure, depicted in the opening tracks, “Normal Life” and “Lightning & Thunder.” The cycle then reaches the threshold where transformation begins. “I’m Not Getting Better” captures the realization that something must change. The subsequent tracks explore the challenges of this journey, representing the crucial moment when a decision must be made that could shape everything that follows.
The Hero's Journey continues with the theme of death and rebirth, reflected in “Into the Storm,” where Ramsay confronts struggles yet pushes forward. He wrestles with doubts about whether he can make it through, ultimately deciding that the fight will be worth it. The line "it's not giving up, it's surrender" symbolizes the death, immediately followed by the rebirth with the declaration, "we were meant to step into the storm."
The next step, transformation, is illustrated in both “Stand and Fight” and “Turn and Run.” These songs embody themes of change and the uncertainty that accompanies it. Ramsay’s lyrics, “...what will I become, if all that I do is turn and run,” acknowledge the fear of transformation but also the power of facing it head-on.
“Worlds Collide,” a likely fan favorite, ushers listeners through atonement and into the stage of return. Reminiscent of the band’s 2009 album, Masterpiece Theatre, this track fuses elements from various songs in the band’s catalog, supported by theatrical instrumentals and lush four-part harmonies.
As the album nears its end, “Nights Like These” and “Remember Me” bring the journey to a close, marking the stage of return. They reflect on memories of the past and the image Ramsay wishes to project as he emerges from this journey. The cycle comes full circle with the final track, “Haven,” which references the album’s beginning: “Who decides what makes a normal [life]?... I know a place where I belong... In my extraordinary life.” The journey is complete, but the lyrics hint that more challenges lie ahead. The question remains: Are we prepared?
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Marianas Trench US Tour Dates:
September 12 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall ^
September 14 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues ^
September 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren ^
September 17 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues *
September 18 – Houston, TX – House of Blues *
September 20 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues *
September 21 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre *
September 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works *
September 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore *
September 25 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground *
September 27 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *
September 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore *
October 1 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues *
October 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Roxian Theatre *
October 4 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom %*
October 5 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone *
October 7- Buffalo, NY – Electric City %*
October 8 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *
October 9 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues *
October 11 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave %*
October 12 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore *
October 13 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral %*
October 15 – Denver, CO – Summit *
October 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot *
October 18 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre #
October 19 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom #
Marianas Trench Canadian Tour Dates:
November 16 – Halifax, NS – Light House Arts Centre **
November 18 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick **
November 20 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS **
November 22 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre, Southam Hall **
November 23 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square **
November 25 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall **
November 26 – London, ON – Centennial Hall **
November 29 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor Colosseum %**
November 30 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY **
December 3 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium %**
December 4 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre **
December 6 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre **
December 7 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall **
December 9 – Medicine Hat, AB – Co-op Place %**
December 10 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre **
December 12 – Vancouver, BC – Orpheum **
^ – Grayscale and Piao
* – Cassadee Pope and Piao
# – Girlfriends and Piao
** – LØLØ
% – Not A Live Nation Date
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