Debut album “Planned Obsolescence” by Only Human set for release on March 27th, 2026
Progressive metal continues to push boundaries and stay at the cutting edge of music, regardless of the era. Only Human, a new Danish band recently signed with Season of Mist, is set to release their debut album titled “Planned Obsolescence”. This album challenges the norms of progressive metal and serves as a warning about the encroaching technocracy in our society.
Vocalist Patrick Grønbæch Christensen, who also handled the production, mixing, and mastering of the album, explains the concept behind “Planned Obsolescence”. He states, “We wanted Only Human to be about something. ‘Planned Obsolescence’ is supposed to wake people up to all the ways technocracy is encroaching on society. We now live in a reality where humans are products to be consumed and disposed”. The band’s lead single, “Automata”, embodies this message and sets the tone for the album, delivering a chilling yet thought-provoking narrative.
The album, set to release on March 27th, 2026, tackles the theme of technology’s takeover of society. Each track on the album contributes to the overarching concept, exploring themes of existential dread and the dangers of letting technology control our lives. In the song “Automata”, Only Human delves into the idea of offloading critical thought to algorithms and the potential consequences of such actions. The accompanying music video visually demonstrates the perils of blindly following technology without questioning its motives.
Despite the bleak outlook presented in “Planned Obsolescence”, there is a glimmer of hope interspersed throughout the album. Only Human’s music encourages listeners to defy the system and reclaim their autonomy in a world overrun by technology. Christensen emphasizes the importance of valuing humanity over profit and the necessity of resisting the dehumanizing aspects of technocracy.
The band’s collaboration and shared vision have culminated in a unique musical experience. Drawing inspiration from various music genres and bands, Only Human has crafted a distinct sound that merges influences from different eras. Their name, derived from a scene in The Matrix, reflects their interest in exploring dystopian futures and societal collapse through their music.
With a lineup formed through a combination of online connections and real-life interactions, Only Human brings a fresh perspective to the progressive metal scene. Their debut album serves as a bold statement about the potential pitfalls of our modern society’s reliance on technology and consumer culture. Through their music, Only Human challenges listeners to critically examine the world around them and strive for a future where humanity is valued above all else.
As they prepare to debut “Planned Obsolescence” and take the stage at various live shows throughout 2026, Only Human remains at the forefront of progressive metal, offering a compelling and thought-provoking musical experience for fans of the genre and beyond.