Howells Share Video For “Mea Culpa”

Calgary heavy alternative band Howells have unveiled the official music video for “Mea Culpa,” a track from their newly released album Fade Into Being Pt. 2. The video marks the latest chapter in the band’s ambitious visual storytelling project, expanding Sylphae, the neo-gothic world that connects their music, characters, imagery and evolving mythology.

The new video follows a year of interconnected releases that have transformed Fade Into Being into something far beyond a traditional album campaign. Across the project’s songs and accompanying visuals, Howells have been gradually introducing listeners to a fictional universe built around themes of memory, identity, grief and the passage of time.

“Mea Culpa” represents another step into that world, continuing the band’s commitment to creating a larger experience around its music.

Reflecting on the creative journey, frontman Benjamin Howells says the band’s ambitions extend well beyond recording and releasing songs.

“We’re building something much larger around the band. Eventually, the music will be only one doorway into Howells. Our live shows will let people physically step into the world we’re creating, while the lyrics reveal more about its characters, places and history. I’ve also begun developing some written material to deepen the story of Sylphae.”

The video arrives on the heels of Fade Into Being Pt. 2, released October 30, which completes an ambitious two-part project blending gothic emo, post-hardcore, shoegaze and pop-punk. Howells describe their distinctive sound as “Halocore” — dark and hopeful, sacred and dangerous. Part hymn, part breakdown.

Created with producer Devin Taylor, a five-time Nail The Mix winner, Fade Into Being explores the space between atmospheric restraint, melodic immediacy and cathartic heaviness. The project features collaborations with Astrology Girl on “Overflow,” Folded Hand on “8 Fold Fence,” and 90’s Winona on “94.”

Previous videos for “Broken Roses” and “94” introduced key elements of Sylphae. “Broken Roses,” filmed in part at Calgary’s Reader Rock Garden, offered an early glimpse into the band’s neo-gothic setting. “94” continued the story, introducing James of 90’s Winona as the Keeper of the Archive of ’94, with a custom VHS tape and vintage memorabilia becoming part of the narrative.

The band’s visual approach also extends into photography, using infrared techniques to transform familiar landscapes into surreal environments that reflect Sylphae’s distinctive atmosphere.

Howells have been steadily building momentum throughout the project. Fade Into Being Pt. 1 has surpassed 70,000 streams, while the band has earned Rock Recording of the Year nominations at the 2025 and 2026 YYC Music Awards. They’ve also received support from CBC Radio, X92.9, CJSW and college stations across Canada, sold out hometown headline shows and developed a dedicated fan community known as The Rose Court.

With the arrival of “Mea Culpa,” Howells continue inviting listeners deeper into a world where the music is only the beginning. Though Fade Into Being is now complete, the creative universe surrounding it is still taking shape.