Just as May gave way to June, Halsey posted an unflinching video depicting their illnesses, and released a poignant song about themselves: "The End."
But the end of what, exactly? The end of making music, which Halsey dragged themselves from poverty to doggedly pursue? God forbid, the end of a life? No, they're referring to something even more bracing: the end of all things.
"If you knew it was the end of the world / Could you love me like a child? / Could you hold me in the dark," Halsey sings in the chorus of the aching ballad. "If you knew it was the end of the world / Would you like to stay a while? Would you leave when it gets hard?"\
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Listening to the brutally honest, detail-stuffed "The End," you practically squint under fluorescent hospital lights: it's one of the most personal, and risk-taking, singles Halsey has ever penned. And there are a lot more where that came from. Along with the song, Halsey also announced they've recorded a new album, the title of which they haven't disclosed just yet.
"Let's try something different this time and start at 'The End,'" the three-time GRAMMY nominee wrote on Instagram, before sharing a carousel of photos and videos detailing their brutal health journey. Here's everything GRAMMY.com could find about their forthcoming fifth album.
First Things First: They're On A New Label
If you need a refresher, Halsey had a very public break with their previous label, Capitol Records, whom they were with for eight years. The snafu was over their single, "So Good," which Halsey claimed was on ice until "they can fake a viral moment on TikTok."
A year later, Halsey left Capitol, and soon inked a deal with Columbia Records. Their fifth album will be their debut with Columbia.
They're Eyeing A "Rebirth" — And A Path To Wellness
Within said Instagram carousel, Halsey reveals the state of their physical vessel — and their burning desire to get right with their body.
"I'm giving myself two more years to be sick," the 29-year-old says, rubbing their legs to soothe the pain. "At 30, I'm having a rebirth, and I'm not gonna be sick, and I'm gonna look super hot and have so much energy, and just get to re-do my twenties in my thirties."
"Long story short, I'm Lucky to be alive," they wrote in the caption. "Short story long, i wrote an album." As such, expect the new album to tackle all of the above, and unfold it into unexpected shapes and dimensions.
They've Unveiled A New Website
Along with all this, Halsey has revealed a mysterious website, ForMyLastTrick.com. Peruse its array of digital badges; they undoubtedly, cryptically tie into their new album, from a cigarette butt (they quit a few years ago) to a cartoon X-ray machine to a Casper-like ghost clutching a sign: "You won't find me here." Whatever the intent behind that statement, you'll find a lot of Halsey in this collection of symbols.
It's Going To Be Emotional
Last fall, Halsey hinted that their fifth album would be a highly personal, internal affair. "Not pictured: me splitting myself in two everyday so that I can give you my deepest wounds (and a handful of perfect joys) for the 5th time in 10 years," they wrote on Instagram.
Thankfully, Halsey's in one piece — and seemingly on the creative roll of their lifetime. As the "chaos and confetti of big singles and album releases" continues, keep checking this piece for up-to-date information on Halsey's latest offering.
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