Others resist it. Some seek it out. Others fear the unknown. Sometimes it happens beyond our control. Whatever one's mindset, change is inevitable. The challenge comes with how we face it and deal with the consequences.

For singer-songwriter Dave Varlet, the man at the heart of Shellcase, change came unexpectedly when he found himself rebuilding the walls around his foundation. Stripped down to his essence, the core of Shellcase is on fire with a third album in the making.

Dave saw the band departures as something positive and it will heavily influence the upcoming album. Varlet says, "it’s meant to be that they moved on and some other things in my life, it’s so cool ‘cause it’s just like this brand new everything and it feels really awesome. And you’re going to be able to hear it soon."

"I know that I want this album to bring out elements I've never shown before. This alluring, darker, sinful side of me that no one has ever seen," says Varlet. "I want to find something new within myself, and with this album, I'm definitely the boldest I've ever been. I'm not trying to push boundaries. It's not a conscious thing. It's a natural artistic place."

Shellcase began in 2004, with demo’s in 2005 and 2007. The 2010 debut album, ‘Dead Memories’, landed the band on supports slots for Soulfly and Alter Bridge. A collaboration with Maurice Engelen ‘s label SonicAngel came with the release of 2012's ‘Esperanza’ - earning them slots on SuikerRock, DubhFest, CoastRock… and the highly acclaimed TV series ‘De Ridder’ which ended up using their music.

"Ten years on the road was both educational and inspirational in the re-invention of Shellcase", says Varlet. "Watching all those musicians come and go helped me let go of my fear, following my art and not worrying about 'Is this too much?' or 'Am I pushing too far?' or 'Are people going to judge me?' I'm going to do what I do in my moment to create, and people are either going to love it or not. There will always be people who don't get it. You've got to do it for yourself and create your own path. This 3rd album will be the most fearless I've ever felt making music."

"Working solo to write and record this new album is extremely hard work. I created this band and I’m very protective about Shellcase. It's very sacred. The trials and tribulations made me more resolved to make things happen."

With the 3rd album, Shellcase is geared for the next level - as musicians, songwriters and performers. "I want the band to become widespread," says Varlet, "and that doesn't mean selling out. If you change who you are to become part of another world, then your art is cut short and you jeopardize what you believe in. I’m not doing that. My music is for me first, I write it for me, I’m doing my own special thing that you can only identify with me. I can do that and still be connected, still love the underground world, and tap into new crowds and people who can understand the music. I love what I’m doing and I’m ready to have more people know about Shellcase."