In these burdened days of climate change and political upheaval, the divisions between us grow ever deeper. Misogyny and racism fuel social media; armed conflicts break out around the world. Death and devastation spread across the globe. And, in the midst of it all, the voice of truce is but a whisper in the deep rumbling thunder of war.

But, if you are looking for a master negotiator, touch guitarist, Marcus Reuter, has an impressive track record. Truce ❤ is the third he has brought about with the help of Fabio Trentini (bass) and Andy Sirkis (drums).

The trio make powerful, improvised progressive rock. The sound of bombs and artillery shells reverberates through solid bass lines, machine guns rattle behind the drums. At times, bereaved women and children cry out from the tortured guitar riffs. But there is also love and hope suspended in simple melodies. The ‘3’ in the album title doesn’t just signify episode three of the ‘truce’ series, it is also half of the ASCII art for a heart. In his comments on the album’s Bandcamp page, Marcus Reuter says, “I hope that when you listen, you’ll feel the energy, intensity, and, most of all, love that went into creating it”.