Harry Kappen is back, and he’s not holding anything back. With his latest single “Break These Chains,” released on February 28, 2025, the Dutch multi-instrumentalist, music therapist, and ever-introspective rocker dives headfirst into a whirlwind of distortion, defiance, and disillusionment. Pulled from his aptly titled fourth solo album Four, this track is less a gentle invitation and more a necessary jolt—a call to snap out of the fog and face the uncomfortable truths of our time. It’s protest music, but not in the traditional sense. It’s personal, poetic, and pointed—all delivered through Kappen’s unmistakable sonic stamp.
There’s an urgency in “Break These Chains” that hits right out the gate. Over grinding guitars and a classic rock foundation that feels both vintage and fresh, Kappen takes aim at the chaos of the modern world. Fake news, political deception, crumbling values, and a world increasingly driven by money over meaning—this is the heavy air the song breathes. “Where are the angels when you need them?” he pleads, and it’s not a rhetorical question. It’s the cry of someone watching the structures of truth and empathy buckle under the weight of greed and indifference. But this isn’t a doomsday dirge—it’s a demand for awakening, a reminder that breaking the chains means choosing clarity over confusion, compassion over control.
Musically, “Break These Chains” thrives in Kappen’s signature eclecticism. There are echoes of classic rock titans like Bowie and McCartney, but there’s also a rawness, an edge that’s all his own. His voice—worn in the best way, like leather and late nights—carries the weight of his message without ever sounding preachy. And that’s part of Harry’s magic: he invites reflection without telling you what to think. He creates the space, and the listener fills in the meaning.
The song is one thread in the rich tapestry of Four, a 10-track album that explores love, loss, longing, and the elusive art of staying grounded in turbulent times. At the heart of it all is Harry’s love for his wife—a grounding force that shapes not just his lyrics but his life. It’s a striking contrast that gives his music its depth: the world may be unraveling, but there’s still room for tenderness, for memory, for joy.
Harry Kappen isn’t just another voice in the indie rock landscape—he’s a rare breed. As a seasoned music therapist, he spends his days using melody and rhythm to help young people navigate trauma, tension, and transformation. That therapeutic touch bleeds into his music. Even when he’s raging against the machine, there’s a sense of healing in it. He’s not here to wallow in despair—he’s here to hold up a mirror and ask, “What are we going to do with what we see?”
Following his earlier albums Pictures, Escape, and Time Will Tell, Four feels like a natural progression—more polished, more personal, and more fearless. It’s a culmination of experience, both musical and emotional. Each song stands on its own, yet they’re all connected by Kappen’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. Whether he’s exploring jazzy ballads, Latin-tinged rhythms, or hard-hitting rock, there’s no mistaking his voice—both literal and artistic.
“Break These Chains” isn’t just a song—it’s a challenge. To shake off the numbness. To remember what matters. To reclaim the virtues that seem to be slipping through our fingers. And in a world oversaturated with noise and distraction, Harry Kappen is offering a much-needed dose of clarity—loud, raw, and beautifully real.
