Kabbel announces debut album ‘When The War Is Over’
KABBEL have announced a brand new album!
The French artist and producer has revealed his debut album, When The War Is Over, which is scheduled for release on October 30th, 2026 via Music Of The Void, the label founded by darkwave powerhouse PERTURBATOR. The upcoming record follows 2021’s End Of Norms EP and sees KABBEL further developing his self-described ‘queer sadcore’ sound, blending alternative rock, synthpop, darkwave and heavy music influences.
Performed, composed and produced entirely by Gregory Hoepffner, When The War Is Over marks a stylistic shift for KABBEL, embracing a more direct and hook-driven approach while retaining the project’s dark and emotionally charged atmosphere. Across the album, themes of identity, minority stress, inner conflict and resilience are explored through a fusion of synth-heavy pop sensibilities and heavier alternative influences.
Speaking about the album’s title, Hoepffner explains, “the title is something I would like to hear regarding the state of the world right now, even though KABBEL’s universe is mostly focused on inner conflicts. Being in a constant state of war takes all your energy, and reduces your life to this battle. There are many things we feel the need to battle these days: climate change, the comeback of fascism, tech-billionaires stealing our work and using precious resources to re-brand it.
There’s a positively cathartic side to this album and my only goal is that it gives you the confidence to not give up, and hope for a better future.”
To coincide with the announcement, KABBEL has also unveiled Reward, the album’s lead single, which features a guest appearance from PERTURBATOR.
Discussing the new track, Gregory Hoepffner shares, “this song is about chasing a dream, and how the chase is often better than the dream itself. I didn’t realize it at the time, but what I was chasing at the start of my career wasn’t fame or success, it was genuine human connection. I owe everything valuable in my life to my past music adventures: my jobs, my friends, my partner. In the long run, the ‘product’ matters less than the experience. That’s the reward.”
Watch the official music video for Reward here:
Also, you can view both the track list and artwork for the upcoming new album below:
Track List:
- The Blaming Game
- Fiction Clouds
- R Chrome
- Reward (feat. PERTURBATOR)
- Afterlife (feat. IMER6IA)
- No More XTC
- Elephant
- You Don’t Matter
- Endless
- When The War Is Over
When The War Is Over is set for release on October 30th, 2026 via Music Of The Void. Pre-orders are available now and can be purchased here.
For more information on KABBEL follow his official page on Instagram.
