Eden also released their first new music since 2013 Holy Books and credit cards 1: Promisesthe first in a series of three EPs planned for 2026. The band describe their new EP as ‘a series of observations about how perceptions of events – from the personal to the global – shape us into who we are’. Including talented artists such as Huw Lloyd-Jones and Simon Rogers, who have played with other projects, it will be great to hear what they have produced under the Hape Eden label.
Also Eden started in 1993 when Huw Lloyd-Jones met Ian Hodson in a temporary metal band, but a friendship was born which eventually led to Also Eden in 2003. At first they were called ‘Eden’ but soon realized it was a generic band name, so they changed it to ‘Also Eden.’ Eden have also been very promising as a band with some quality albums, even playing Night of the Prog Festival at Loreley. However, it was also a seemingly cursed team at times, including a brain haemorrhage for Lloyd-Jones at one point, and after he left in 2009, his replacement Rich Harding suffered a serious cycling accident. Such misfortunes hindered their progress. The group stopped after that [Redacted] in 2013 but so far, their members have not done anything. Huw Lloyd-Jones developed the successful rock festivals Summer’s End and Winter’s End on-going, as he performed with Unto Us on their only album in 2014, and again on the single album Midnight Sun in 2018, together with keyboardist Ian Hodson. Simon Rogers also played on Ghost Community’s only album so far in 2016. It seems that these artists were looking for something but couldn’t find it, so maybe the revival of the project Hape Eden will be the musical home they have been looking for?
Thirteen years is a long time to wait for new devices, so is it worth it? Well, the short answer is ‘Yes’.
This might be an ‘EP’ but at around 35 minutes long (albeit with a bonus acoustic version of one track) this is a big chunk of new music, not too close to what the old LP used to be… and we’re given 35 minutes of great quality. Promises it starts with a tribal drum introduction by new instrumentalist Guy Monk and the whole band gradually joins in building up the tension with Ian Hodson’s synth-driven rock. This is a catchy song with memorable hooks and lyrics. Lloyd-Jones shared that:
‘Promises are a love song. Its message is very simple: don’t overthink. Take each day as it comes and do your best to embrace whatever it brings. That is not easy in today’s world but there is comfort when you are with the people you love.’
This is a straightforward message of love that fits the anthemic rock style of this piece. A more restricted variation shows the simple words of Lloyd-Jones before we return to the cry of ‘Today’s Promise’. Once again Eden takes a step back with chiming guitar and subtle bass from Graham Lane, before returning to the title – it’s the best rock song available. They go in a completely different direction with the beautiful melodies of Artist’s Handsespecially the soft, folky guitar of Simon Rogers. Lloyd-Jones beautiful baritone voice shines brightly on this gem of a song. This is clearly a personal song for Lloyd-Jones as he explained to TPA:
The Artist’s Hands is an appreciation of the artist’s art. The ability to look at something and then convey its feelings, emotions and feelings on paper or canvas blows my mind (and I’m so jealous!). It was inspired by watching my partner, Miriam, painting on the beach on a dark, overcast day in Mwnt, West Wales. It’s my favorite place in the world and when I look at his painting, I can smell the ocean!’
Again Eden paints those pictures skillfully with keyboards and soft sound. Simon Rogers plays some great guitar in the music scene, which then backs away with a wash of Hodson’s rousing keys and Lloyd-Jones’ beautiful vocals. The guitar picks up again as the song takes its final flight – you can hear the picture being painted in this part of the scene.
In a completely different mini-epic Scented Candle Corridors a similar wave of synths and Lloyd-Jones’s vocals precede what Hape Eden describes as a ‘heavy bag’ of the title’s perils, ably driven by Monk and Lane on the rhythm section. Obviously, some words for Lloyd-Jones shared:
‘Scented Candle Corridors is a combination of memories and feelings from my childhood. Feelings of inadequacy. The impossibility of being ‘steady Eddie’ and my lack of desire to grow up with a house on the property with a Volvo and a stable job. I have never wanted to ‘garden’. I think they call it ADHD now!’
As Lloyd-Jones remembers his younger days – it’s like lifting a veil over his memories. Music Again Eden perfectly describes the theme of the songs. As the end draws to a close the screeching guitar and drums add to the atmosphere until Rogers unleashes another rousing guitar solo that sings beautifully through the keyboard and Hape Eden brings this beautiful piece to a thrilling end.
The original tracks from this EP are augmented by a short acoustic version of the opening track Promisesa showcase for Rogers’ well-chosen guitar, starting with a strumming Spanish guitar track. The acoustic version features Lloyd-Jones’ beautiful vocals first, embellished with some beautiful backing vocals… it sounds great – perhaps a style Eden should explore more in the future?
Holy Books and credit cards 1: Promises it’s an amalgamation of acoustic heaviness, darkness and light. They can handle complex arrangements, but they know the importance of simplicity and a memorable song. If you haven’t heard of Eden this is a good introduction as it’s one of their best releases, and if you’re familiar with Hape Eden then rest assured they’re back – better than ever. This great release is very ‘promising’ for the new future of Eden, and we look forward to two more releases in 2026.
THE DIFFICULT ROAD
01. Promises (9:05)
02. Artist’s Hands (7:11)
03. The scent of candles (10:26)
04. Promises (Acoustic) (6:37)
Total Time – 33:19
ADDED
Huw Lloyd-Jones – Lyrics
Simon Rogers – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Ian Hodson – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Graham Lane – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Guy Monk – Drums, Drums
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Release Date: 3rd February 2026
ATTENTION
– In Time (2006)
– It’s Kindness to Ask (2008)
– Difference Like Light (EP) (2010)
– Think of the Children! (2011)
– [Redacted] (2013)
– Holy Books and Credit Cards 1: Promises (EP) (2026)
CONNECTIONS
Also Eden – Website | Facebook | Group camp | X
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