Nuremberg rock band Stigma are back with their brand new single “Faraway”.
“Faraway” is an evocative, slow burn meditation on distance – both emotional and physical, and the aching beauty that can bloom in separation.
Both intimate and cinematic in its sound, “Faraway” finds its strength not in a flashy production or explosive choruses, but in restraint, atmosphere and the emotional depth that it draws from silence as much as sound.
Listen in here:
Built around a minimal yet immersive soundscape, “Faraway” pulses with a steady, heartbeat like rhythm that pulls you into its emotional centre. Sparse piano chords echo across vast reverb, while layered ambient textures flicker like distant lights on the horizon. There is a tactile loneliness here, cold and expansive, like staring out across a frozen lake or the void between two people who no longer speak.
Vocally, Stigma leans into a raw and breathy delivery with a confessional tone. There is a touch of James Blake’s vulnerability here, mixed with the spectral detachment of artists like FKA twigs or even early Massive Attack.
Each lyric is delivered with careful weight, allowing for pauses to carry as much meaning as the words themselves.
But “Faraway” also dances in ambiguity, offering just enough to guide the listener’s emotional response without closing the door on interpretation. Themes of detachment, longing and a quiet resilience swirl through the verses, inviting listeners to fill in the blanks with their own narratives. It’s a song that speaks as much to heartbreak as it does to healing, depending on when and how you hear it.
Frontman Gerald Zinnegger says about the new single:
“The idea for “Faraway” came when I started thinking about the unusual living situation of a prisoner—someone caught between freedom and confinement. That’s when Gorgona, one of the last remaining prison islands in Europe, came to mind. There, prisoners work in agriculture all over the island during the day, surrounded by open nature, but at night, they’re locked back into their cells. The island itself is completely isolated, even though it’s not far from the Italian coast.
That contrast – between freedom and restriction, between being so close yet completely out of reach – was something I really wanted to capture in the lyrics. Markus took this vision and brought it to life in the guitar work. The verses feature plucked arpeggios that reflect the isolation and routine of daily life, while the fat power riffs in the chorus symbolize the longing for escape.
The whole song is built on that tension, carried by a driving bass and drum foundation from Benny and Stefan, which gives the song its restless energy. That’s exactly the feeling we developed in the studio as we played together. To bring this power to the album, we recorded Faraway as a live session take, capturing the raw emotion in one go. Our producer, Matthias, had to step in a few times to give us key directions and keep the band together to get the best take.“
What makes “Faraway” compelling is its refusal to conform to traditional pop structures. There is no rush to resolve, no neat emotional arc. Instead, it makes peace with uncertainty. And its this patience that pays off.
In a world obsessed with fast results, “Faraway” dares to move at its own pace. This is a bold and meditative piece that reminds the listener of some of the most profound emotional truths.
About Stigma
Formed in 2021 by vocalist and lyricist Gerald Zinnegger and guitarist Markus Mantau, Stigma has rapidly carved out a distinct space in the modern rock scene.
With Rene Chlebnitschek on bass and Bernd Paptistella on drums, the band delivers a commanding blend of hard rock and metal – infused with poetic lyricism and explosive live energy. Influenced by legends like Alice Cooper, Metallica, and AC/DC, Stigma combines the grit of classic rock with a contemporary edge, earning them a loyal and growing fanbase.
Following the release of their EP’s “Last Order” (2022) and “First Call” (2023), Stigma is set to release their debut full length album “Second Chance”, which is set for release on June 4th. The new record deepens their exploration of identity, emotional scars, and redemption anchored in powerful vocals, blistering riffs and a raw energy.
Stigma are also known for their explosive live shows and have earned acclaim for their cinematic music video “Lies of War” which picked up awards in New York, London and Cannes. Their streaming presence now spans over 100 countries, with growing radio support and a loyal fanbase known as the Stigmaniacs.
At their core, Stigma are about turning personal truth into musical fire and reminding us that our struggles are what make us human and what connects us all.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Faraway” here:
Connect with Stigma on their Website
Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music and You Tube
