Letterbombs & Heaven Through Violence – PALLA Split LP: Screamo & Elder Scrolls Lore

The screamo scene is bracing for impact. Finnish band Letterbombs has teamed up with Boston’s Heaven Through Violence for a split LP, PALLA, released today, March 20, 2026. For fans of emotionally raw, high-energy music, this collaboration promises a potent dose of both bands’ signature sounds – and a surprisingly literary foundation.

What sets PALLA apart isn’t just the pairing of two respected names in the screamo world, but the conceptual framework underpinning the entire project. As the bands explained on Bandcamp, the album functions as a sonic adaptation of the 2001 short story “Palla,” which is connected to the expansive universe of the Elder Scrolls role-playing game series. Heaven Through Violence tackles the first volume of the story on side A, while Letterbombs interprets the second volume on side B.

A Story Rooted in RPG Lore

For those unfamiliar, “Palla” – available to read at The Imperial Library – is described as “the classic, relatable tale of a boy in love with his friend’s mother.” It’s a narrative that, admittedly, might seem a little removed from the typical lyrical themes explored in screamo. Stereogum’s Chris DeVille, who first reported on the release, acknowledged his own lack of familiarity with the Elder Scrolls franchise, but noted the songs themselves “are bringing the requisite amounts of heat.”

The Elder Scrolls series, developed by Bethesda Softworks, is a landmark in the RPG genre, known for its sprawling open worlds, complex lore, and player agency. The original game, The Elder Scrolls: Arena, debuted in 1994, but the franchise truly exploded in popularity with 2002’s The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and again with 2006’s critically acclaimed The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The most recent installment, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), remains a cultural touchstone, spawning countless mods and a dedicated fanbase. The short story “Palla” originated as part of the promotional material for Morrowind, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters within that world.

Letterbombs and Heaven Through Violence: A Convergence of Styles

Letterbombs, hailing from Finland, have built a reputation for their intense, emotionally charged performances and intricate songwriting. Their Bandcamp page consistently generates excitement among screamo fans, as Stereogum noted. Heaven Through Violence, based in Boston, brings a similarly visceral energy to their music, often incorporating elements of hardcore punk and post-hardcore. Both bands are signed to Fireflies Fall, a Bordeaux-based DIY record label (Bandcamp), which is handling the release of PALLA.

Fireflies Fall has been steadily gaining recognition within the underground music scene for its commitment to supporting innovative and challenging artists. Their discography, as listed on their Bandcamp page, includes releases from a diverse range of experimental and hardcore bands. The label’s focus on physical media – particularly vinyl – has too resonated with collectors and fans who appreciate a tangible connection to the music.

The Tracklist and Sonic Landscape

PALLA unfolds across ten tracks, with Heaven Through Violence taking the lead on the first five. Their contribution consists of five parts – “i” through “v” – ranging in length from under a minute to over six minutes (“v” clocks in at 6:17). Letterbombs then respond with five tracks of their own (“vi” through “x”), offering a contrasting yet complementary perspective on the source material. The full tracklist is available on the Fireflies Fall Bandcamp page.

While detailed reviews are still emerging, early impressions suggest that PALLA successfully captures the emotional complexity of the “Palla” short story. The album’s blend of raw intensity and nuanced songwriting promises to appeal to both longtime fans of Letterbombs and Heaven Through Violence, as well as newcomers to the screamo genre.

Vinyl Availability and Label Focus

Beyond the digital release, PALLA is also available on vinyl, a format that Fireflies Fall actively champions. Vinyl orders can be placed directly through the label’s website (firefliesfall.com/product/ltb-htv/). This direct-to-fan approach allows the label to maintain a close relationship with its audience and ensure that the music reaches those who are most passionate about it.

What’s Next for Letterbombs, Heaven Through Violence, and Fireflies Fall?

Following the release of PALLA, both Letterbombs and Heaven Through Violence are expected to focus on touring and promoting the album. Specific tour dates haven’t been announced as of today, but both bands are active on social media and will likely share updates in the coming weeks. Fireflies Fall, meanwhile, is already looking ahead to its next release, FF051, a project from the band Mar, scheduled for release in March 2025. The label’s consistent output and dedication to supporting emerging artists suggest that it will continue to be a vital force in the underground music scene for years to approach.