Ahead of a sold-out UK tour supporting Superheaven, the new track is the Bristol quintet's darkest to date.
It comes as the latest in a string of singles, following the release of dreamy 'Extract', 'Chalk', and wickedly nostalgic shoegaze-influenced 'Fade'.
Speaking on 'Descend', frontman Bert Martinez has shared:
"'Descend' is a full circle story told from the point of view of someone growing up in a toxic household.
"It tells of how it feels to be pushed down and made to feel like the problem, on enduring personal suffering for others to strive. When you're living through that, there can be a feeling of never-ending. But though the memories and impact can stay with you, there is always a way out."
Guitarist Jake Reid adds:
"I'd had a period of intense writers block and I was feeling a bunch of pressure, which led to me being stuck in an anxiety loop.
"It built up and up until the instrumental for 'Descend' just came like a eureka moment - a massive cathartic release."
Take a listen to blisteringly emotional track below.
Split Chain will tour the UK with Superheaven and Higher Power this May before a summer of festival appearances.
See their full list of live dates below.
May 16 - London - Islington Assembly Hall w/ Superheaven May 17 - Leeds - Project House w/ Superheaven May 18 - Glasgow - Stereo w/ Superheaven May 19 - Bristol - Marble Factory w/ Superheaven June 30 - Manchester - Outbreak Festival July 13 - Cheltenham - 2000 Trees Festival August 31 - Torquay - Burn It Down Festival September 7 - Liverpool - No Play Festival
