German heavy-psychedelic band KANT returns with “Qualm,” their first new single in over a year,released today via Sound of Liberation Records. The track offers a preview of a sonic shift for the Aschaffenburg-based quartet, moving toward a rawer and more angular sound while retaining the dark atmosphere fans have come to expect. “Qualm” arrives as both a digital single and a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl, featuring the previously online-only track “Vicious Circle” on the B-side – marking the first time all of KANT’s music is available in a physical format.
German heavy-psychedelic band KANT is back with a new single, “Qualm,” marking their first release in over a year. The track, available now via Sound of Liberation Records, offers a glimpse into the band’s next phase of musical exploration.
While their previous album, Paranoia Pilgrimage, leaned heavily into classic vintage rock, “Qualm” takes a noticeably rawer turn. The sound is described as more hectic, angular, and louder, while still retaining the dark atmosphere of their earlier work. This shift signals a continued evolution for the band, known for pushing boundaries within the psychedelic rock landscape.
The title itself is intentionally ambiguous. “Smoke is everywhere. Whether on the street, in a bar, or in your own head,” the band explains, highlighting the core concept of the song. In German, “Qualm” translates to smoke, but in English, it evokes feelings of doubt or unease – a duality the band expertly captures in both the lyrics and instrumentation.
“Qualm” is being released as a digital single and a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl. The B-side features “Vicious Circle,” previously available only online, marking the first time all of KANT’s songs are available in a physical format. Pre-orders are available through the Sound of Liberation Records webstore.
Formed in 2020, KANT hails from Aschaffenburg and has quickly established itself as a force within the heavy-psychedelic scene. The band is celebrated for their immersive live performances and expansive soundscapes.
Drawing inspiration from the psychedelic and alternative scenes of the late 60s and 70s, as well as the heavy metal and doom of the 80s and 90s, KANT crafts a distinctive sound. Their music blends distorted guitars, powerful drums, and swirling melodies with compelling vocals and experimental noise elements. Fans of King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard, Witchcraft, Pentagram, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Kadavar, and Hällas will find much to explore in KANT’s sonic world.
KANT is:
Marius Seidel – Guitar, Vocals
Nicolas Jordan – Guitar, Vocals
Elena Strähle – Bass
Bryan Göbel – Drums
KANT will be performing live on February 13, 2026, at the Engelsburg in Frankfurt, Germany, and on February 14, 2026, at the Blues Bar in Bielefeld, Germany.
Stay connected with KANT:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kant_band
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kantband
Bandcamp: https://kantband.bandcamp.com
Website: https://www.kant-band.com
