Bells

Bells is an American instrumental post-rock project primarily led by Jon Hershey and Sean Hennessey. The project's origins are notable for their connection to the metalcore scene, as Hershey was the original vocalist for August Burns Red.

However, Bells represents a total aesthetic departure from those roots, embracing a cinematic, ambient-influenced sound. Their debut full-length, 'Our Forest, Our Empire' (2012), established a signature style characterized by nature-themed titles and expansive, reverb-heavy arrangements. Musically, they occupy a space between the melodic accessibility of Explosions in the Sky and the textural depth of Hammock. Critical consensus highlights their technical proficiency and ability to evoke specific environmental imagery without the use of lyrics. Their later work, including 'Coloring in the Sun' (2018), continued to refine this approach, integrating more sophisticated synth layers and polished production. They are a key example of the 'pastoral' post-rock movement, prioritizing emotional resonance and atmospheric immersion over technical aggression.