PYRECULT
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on yourself—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
Hello everyone, thank you very much for this interview. We are PYRECULT, a blackened hardcore band from Paris, France. The band consists of five members from different backgrounds but united by the same passion for dark and violent music. All members have significant experience in music, having played in bands like MPO, SPITFIGHT, PROVIDENCE, and HEXIS.
Formed in 2013, the band has undergone several lineup changes, which have brought a wide range of influences, approaches, and perspectives, ensuring constant evolution over the years. To date, we have released two EPs, and a new one is just out on KNIVES OUT RECORDS, after a pretty long hiatus due to personal reasons.
Q2. Who are some of your primary influences?
Even if we all listen to a wide range of music genres, our main influences can be grouped into two main categories: hardcore punk and black metal. For the former, we draw inspiration from 90s/2000s metal hardcore and crossover bands like KICKBACK, ALL OUT WAR, ARKANGEL, REPRISAL, DENIED NYC, and INTEGRITY, as well as more contemporary acts such as ALL PIGS MUST DIE, YOUNG AND IN THE WAY, WITHDRAWAL, XIBALBA, NAILS, or QUEENSWAY.
As for black metal, we’re heavily influenced by Scandinavian bands from the second wave of black metal, including IMMORTAL, DARKTHRONE, GORGOROTH, WATAIN, and ABORYM.
Q3. Talk to us about the new EP Voluntary Serfdom: what was the writing and recording process like, what themes and sounds do you explore on the record, etc.?
Ilhan (bass) and I (Cédric – vocals) began writing Voluntary Serfdom at the end of 2022, just the two of us, as the band was on hiatus. Our goal was to retain the fundamental soul of the band but lean more toward hardcore than black metal this time. We were the only active members at the time and worked discreetly. This made the writing process very intuitive and natural. Once we had enough material to consider returning to the studio and to the scene, we started searching for a solid team. In the summer of 2023, we recruited Quentin (drums), Baptiste (guitar), and Benoît (guitar).
We recorded in various studios in Paris, and for mixing and mastering, we collaborated with Pete Grossmann and Andy Nelson at BRICKTOP Studio in Chicago. For the artwork, we once again called upon an artist we adore, Szymon Seich (VBRRTRD), who created the artworks for our previous two EPs and has also worked for BLIND TO FAITH, HOMEWRECKER, and NOISEM, just to name a few.
Q4. The EP is being released by Knives Out—can you provide some detail on the label and how that relationship came about?
We’ve known Johan from KNIVES OUT RECORDS (KOR) for years and have stayed in close contact throughout his various activities. He loved the EP right away, and for us, signing with him was a natural choice, both from a production and human perspective.
On a personal note (Cédric), Johan was the first person I met in the Parisian scene before I even moved there to live here. I met many people through him, so I’m especially grateful to him! After being the frontman of the Parisian band PROVIDENCE, he launched his label, KOR.
For readers unfamiliar with KNIVES OUT, it’s an independent extreme music label (mainly punk/hardcore) formed more than 10 years ago and based in Paris. They specialize in deluxe collector’s editions (CD, cassette, picture LP), with incredible packaging featuring laser engraving, custom cuts, and other surprising elements.
Q5. Is there one song you’d highlight as the best introduction to Pyrecult and why?
As I mentioned earlier, each EP represents a specific era and lineup of PYRECULT. Therefore, it seems relevant to examine each of the three EPs to understand their atmosphere. However, to play the game and answer your question, I’d mention the song “Death Conquers” off the second EP “Obedience”. This track, (which might be my favorite) in my opinion, faithfully represents what we try to inject into our writing. It’s also a fan favorite when we play it live so….
Q6. Talk to us a little about the Parisian hardcore scene or perhaps zooming out a little, other bands in France or beyond we should be paying attention to.
Thank you for this question and for giving us the opportunity to shine a light on the current Parisian scene and its incredible energy! After some challenging years when it was hard to gather even 50 people at shows we organized (even for great international bands on tour), and after seeing many of our favorite venues close due to political and countercultural reasons—not to mention the lockdown period we’d rather not dwell on—the Parisian scene is more alive and dynamic than ever. Shows happen by the dozen, the audience is present, and high-quality bands keep emerging, releasing records, merch and touring!
We can’t help but promote our amazing friends in Parisian bands like CALCINE, TAKE IT IN BLOOD, COLD DECAY, SORCERER, CORRUPTION PACT, HEADBUSSA, WORST DOUBT, CAVALERIE, GLASSBONE, RECLAIMED and DEVIANT. Trust us and check out all these fantastic groups ASAP.
If you want to capture the true essence of this new scene, we highly recommend the excellent video documentary FRENCH PUNK HARDCORE: FLAME STILL BURNS by Clara Griot. It documents the recent rebirth of this scene, and how things are going nowadays.
However, just talking about the active bands doesn’t fully illustrate the current strength of the Parisian scene. We also want to give a big shout-out to all the local promoters, labels, and other concert organizers, such as: PARIS HARDCORE SHOWS, EIFFEL ASSAULT SHOWS, ARAK ASSO, SUDDEN PROMOTION, DELIVRANCE RECORDS, MALLEVS RECORDS, BORN DEAD COLLECTIVE, and DOMINION SHOWS.
Q7. Do you have any touring plans in support of the EP’s release and if so, what are they?
Yes, absolutely. Alongside several shows here and there in France, we’re currently finalizing the organization of our European promo tour.
Here’s the schedule so far:
11/01Tours (Fr)
12/01 Paris (Fr)
30/01 Metz (Fr)
31/01 Nuremberg (Ger)
01/02 Berlin (Ger)
02/02 Gdansk (Pl)
03/02 Lodz (Pl)
04/02 Ostrava (Cz)
05/02 Prague (Cz)
06/02 Need help
07/02 Zurich (Ch)
08/02 Troyes (Fr)
22/06 Hellfest, Clisson (Fr)
Q8. Any parting words for the readers?
Thank you so much for your support and for listening to us. We’ll be coming to your area very soon. Come see us, talk with us, support your local scenes, buy records and merch and live your passion every day like we do—we need you!
DUSTBORN
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on yourself—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We have started Dustborn in 2018 in Czech Republic, shortly after the breakup of our previous band, which we left due to creative differences. We had a pretty clear idea when we wanted to take our music. At first, it was more of a melodic/symphonic death metal, that evolved over time in our current stuff, which goes more in the direction of black metal. There are still symphonic parts and some death metal riffs, but not as much as in the beginning.
Q2. Who are some of your primary influences?
Currently it’s probably safe to say that we take a lot of inspiration from Scandinavian metal, mostly from Norway and Sweden. We are not super focused on a single thing or on genre. The most prominent influences are probably earlier stuff by Dimmu Borgir or Emperor, Satryricon etc. But there are many more places where inspiration comes from, even from quite different genres, bands like Entombed, Death, Katatonia, Moonspell or Opeth and a myriad of others.
Q3. Talk to us about the new album Unconcealed Atrocities: what was the writing and recording process like, what themes and sounds do you explore on the record, etc.?
Writing this album took unusually long, mostly because of covid, during which we kind of paused the band for some time. Mostly due to lack of playing live, but also some personal stuff. Because of that, the album was in the making for several years and you can hear that in the broader range of sounds, arrangements and overall feel between the songs.
We also took a very different approach to the recording process. We wanted quite a raw sound, with atmosphere akin to older black metal records, but without sounding like copies of someone else. We felt that the material wouldn’t work well with modern, heavily produced sound. So we experimented a lot and tried to get as genuine sound as we could from the individual instruments. The guitars were recorded on three amps at the same time, in the same room and blended together. Drums are not triggered, there are live strings on the record and minimal use of samples. This combined to a very unique, yet familiar sound which we are very satisfied with.
Q4. Do you have a favorite song from the album, or is there one song you’d highlight as the best introduction to Dustborn and why?
It is hard to pick one song. We have put a lot of ourselves into this record and each and every song has some meaning for us, be it the composition, or lyrics. If we had to choose one, it would probably be the title track “Unconcealed Atrocities” – a black metal ride from start to finish, spiced up with some orchestral parts.
Q5. Do you have any touring plans in support of the album and if so, what are they?
We are confirming gigs at home in Czech Republic, but we are currently looking to appear in other countries in Europe as well.
Q6. Are there any other future plans for the band at the current time?
There is always no shortage of plans. The question is, what will our personal lives permit. We’d very much like to appear on some more larger festivals and maybe the time will also come for a tour over the pond. We have done a tour in Mexico with the previous band – there are a lot of fans of European metal there. So maybe we’ll do something like that again in the future.
Q7. What was it that made you want to pursue making music in the first place?
Each one of us would probably give a slightly different answer, but it’s mostly a general love of music, not only metal, some kind of inner desire. I don’t really know how to put that into words correctly. A lot of people like to listen to music, but not everyone has that urge to take part in it. I think that most musicians just have that deeply rooted in them.
Q8. Do you have any parting words for the readers?
Listen to music, go to concerts and support your local artists and underground scene. Because that is where music gets made from the heart, not for money. And listen to our new record, let us know how you like it.
SAISEI
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on yourself—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We’re Saisei, a six-member post-hardcore/metalcore band from Athens, Greece. Our name means “rebirth” in Japanese, reflecting both our influences and the idea of constant evolution. We formed a few years ago, and over time we’ve developed a sound that blends heavy guitars, electronic elements, and emotional intensity. Saisei is a space where we channel our collective energy into something unique that resonates with both the struggles and the triumphs of life.
Q2. Who are some of your primary influences?
We draw inspiration from a mix of modern metalcore heavyweights like While She Sleeps, Bring Me the Horizon, and Northlane, as well as artists that push the genre to its limits like Imminence and Landvmarks. Beyond metalcore, we love exploring genres like EDM and alternative rock, and we weave these elements into our music to create something dynamic and unexpected. Of course, our roots in Greek culture also bring a distinct flavor to our storytelling and visuals.
Q3. Talk to us about the new self-titled album: what was the writing and recording process like, what themes and sounds do you explore on the record, etc.?
The new album represents a turning point for us. Writing it was like stepping into the eye of the storm—there was a lot of tension, but also a lot of growth. The process wasn’t easy, but that struggle became the heart of the album. Lyrically, we dive into themes like resilience, transformation, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. Sonically, it’s a rollercoaster: soaring melodies, crushing breakdowns, and electronic textures that bring everything together. Every track is a piece of the puzzle, but together, they tell a story of emerging stronger through adversity.
Q4. Do you have a favorite song from the album, or is there one song you’d highlight as the best introduction to Saisei and why?
It’s tough to pick just one, but Impetus is probably the best introduction to Saisei. The song captures everything we’re about: raw emotion, explosive energy, and a willingness to experiment. It’s an homage to the trials we face as artists, and its blend of heaviness and melody showcases our identity perfectly. It’s the kind of track that hits you hard, whether you’re moshing in the pit or just vibing with headphones.
Q5. Talk to us a little about the metalcore/heavy music scene in Greece and what other bands we should be paying attention to.
The Greek metalcore scene is small but passionate. It’s a tight-knit community, and there’s a lot of talent here. Bands like Till Silence Breaks, Nonlinear and Meet The Maker are definitely worth checking out. What makes the scene special is the creativity—every band brings something different, and there’s a hunger to innovate despite the challenges of being in a smaller market.
Q6. Do you have any touring plans in support of the album’s release and if so, what are they?
Yes, we’re gearing up for a European tour, including stops in Bulgaria and France, to promote the album. We’re finalizing dates and venues, but we can’t wait to bring the energy of these new songs to live audiences. And of course we’re playing two release shows in Greece for our debut album, one in Athens 12/20 at Arch Club, as well as Thessaloniki 12/21 at Eightball Club.
Q7. Any parting words for the readers?
Thank you for taking the time to check us out! Saisei is all about connection, growth, and turning pain into power. If you’re looking for music that hits hard but stays with you long after, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for the album and hit us up, whether to let us know you want us to play in your region or just your take on our songs. Let’s grow together.
We are Saisei.
MAHALIA FONTAINE
West London-based singer Mahalia Fontaine joins to talk about influences, her career past, present, and future, and much more!
THE ROCK STAR ENERGY TOUR: CHEEM, PULSES., NIGHTLIFE, WITH SAILS AHEAD
Cheem, nightlife, With Sails Ahead, and pulses. join to talk all things ROCK STAR ENERGY TOUR, plus what each respective band has been up to and what's on the near horizon!
An outstanding round-table as part of a new series for the channel you do not want to miss!
https://www.instagram.com/nightlife_xo/?hl=en
https://pulsesva.com/
https://www.cheem.net/
http://www.withsailsahead.com/
WILDHEART
Photo Credit: Sean Puxty
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on yourself—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
Wildheart are a melodic hardcore/metalcore band with members based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Australia. We have been a band for almost 7 years now, but really started making a name for ourselves as a live act with our debut album “Global Crisis” in 2021. Prior to forming as Wildheart, a number of us played in bands together across a couple of different genres, playing local shows around Queensland and Australia. Our lyrics and our message focus on First Nations issues such as land rights, discrimination, and racism - being fronted by proud Yugambeh man Axel Best - and we also delve into a number of other topics such as mental health, environmentalism, and political inaction in times of crisis.
Q2. Who are some of your primary influences?
Wildheart draw influences from a number of melodic hardcore and metalcore bands, both nostalgic and relatively newer bands in the scene. Some of our main influences include bands like: Counterparts, Architects, Stick To Your Guns, In Hearts Wake, For The Fallen Dreams, and The Amity Affliction.
Q3. Talk to us about the new record Searching for Life Beyond Tragedy: what was the writing and recording process like, what themes and sounds do you explore on the record, etc.?
This record - along with the stand alone single we released in May titled “Death Is All That’s Left” - is quite possibly the heaviest material we’ve ever written together as a group. This could be reflective of the current political and global climate that we find ourselves in, but really we knew we wanted to see this record be a continuation of our previous advocacy in the previously mentioned topics. It was also really important to us that we return to some of our more introspective themes in our lyrics and our songwriting where we could write more melodic songs, focusing on topics that we had written about previously such as mental health. Tracks like ‘Withered’, along with Axel Best’s own struggles with mental health and anxiety, really empowered us to shine light on that; that we all have a role to play in dispelling stigmas associated with mental health and talking about it openly and honestly.
Q4. Do you have any plans to tour in support of the record?
We recently performed in Melbourne and Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia in celebration of the upcoming release of the record. These shows were so amazing and we were so grateful for the support we saw! We would love to get out on the road and perform these songs live for people, it will just be a matter of seeing where our mental health is at the beginning of next year, as well as the rising cost of living doesn’t make touring any easier for touring musicians in a band of our size.
Q5. Is there one song or perhaps a couple songs in particular on the record you’d highlight for any specific reason(s), or perhaps as identify as “quintessential Wildheart” if someone unfamiliar with your music was going to dive in?
‘Evergreen’ is probably all of our favourite track, and reflects the anger at inaction on the very things threatening our planet; war, climate change, corporate greed, global catastrophes. It is super heavy, yet showcases our growing ability to write a damn catchy chorus! Oh, and a tempo change pit call into the end breakdown for good measure.
Q6. What was it that made you want to pursue making music in the first place?
Honestly, just the idea creating art and working with like-minded people has always been a driving force for wanting to create music. I remember as earliest primary school playing in school bands and meeting some truly inspiring musicians growing up, and the flame has always just kind of burned from there.
Q7. What’s in the water down there in Australia that there are just so many outstanding metalcore bands past and present?
I know right! If we could leave you with some suggestions to check out you may not have heard of, be sure to listen to: Volatile Ways, Belle haven, Keepsake, Vacant Home, Satellites Were Set Alight, Chapel Hill, and Saving Face.
Q8. Do you have any parting words for the readers?
If we could leave one message with readers/listeners, it would be that whilst things can often feel hopeless, that despite all the terrible things happening in the world, there is hope for a better future. We are just a local heavy band, but if we can convince one person to engage with say politics for example and make choices towards a better future for everyone, then it will have been worth it.
CHIEFLAND
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on the band—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We are CHIEFLAND, a modern emo/alternative rock outfit from Germany. We hail from four different German cities, making the band an exciting long-distance project. We started out as a melodic hardcore band in 2015, but have shifted towards emo and alternative over the years. On the one hand, we all evolved musically; on the other, it was due to member changes. We have released two full-lengths, three EPs and a couple of singles so far. Our new EP “Sentiment Valley” comes out November 8th.
Q2. Who are some of the band’s primary influences?
We are pretty much rooted in the sound of US bands such as Movements, Silverstein, Citizen, The Story So Far and the like. Depends on the individual song really, but those are some main influences. You can also hear a pinch of shoegaze in our songs as well.
Q3. How has your sound evolved from the beginning to now?
We shifted from melodic hardcore towards emo/alternative rock. However, we managed to keep some main characteristics of our sound. If you listen to “Silent Decay” from our latest EP, you definitely get a good impression of CHIEFLAND’s sonic DNA.
Q4. You guys are scattered across four different cities in Germany. How do you make that work?
It came to us naturally. All of us have played music for years now and got to meet a lot of friends through playing in bands and touring all over Germany. In our case, we had member changes during the pandemic and shortly after. Of course, you reach out to the friends you met through music, even though they live farther away. If you’re motivated, then that’s no problem at all. We stay in touch through our chat, have regular video calls and meet in person to rehearse. It all a matter of how much you’re willing to give.
Q5. Talk to us about your recent EP Sentiment Valley (I reviewed it here)—what was the writing and recording process like? What are some themes or particular sounds you explore on it?
Writing “Sentiment Valley” came about smoothly. We had a few sketches laying around, but most of the heavy lifting in terms of songwriting was done over the course of a few weeks in early 2024. We knew that we wanted our songs to sound more modern and beefier than our previous releases. Thematically, it is all about processing emotions anyone can relate to, such as loss, toxic relationships or everyday situations where you just feel uncomfortable.
Q6. I saw Alan Day of Four Year Strong (you can read my review of their most recent LP here) handled production duties. How did that come about?
We knew that Alan is a seasoned musician with a lot of experience under the belt. He also produced some bands we enjoy. Think of Can’t Swim, for example. Reaching out to him thus was a no-brainer. He is a super nice guy. We jumped on a video call, talked about the songs and how we wanted them to sound like. He then took the demos, re-arranged parts, made adjustments and put the songs on a whole new level. That outside view definitely helped us.
Q7. How did you choose your featured guests on the EP and what do you think they contributed to it?
We saw Christine perform with her band Pool Kids as support for La Dispute a while back in Hamburg. That show was awesome and Pool Kids have a very unique sound, somewhere between pop rock, emo and math rock. On “Bad Move”, Christine’s vocals bring in another dimension, very fragile in the verse, but powerful in the chorus. She can do it all. It really sends chills up your spine – in a good way.
Skywalker’s feature came about through touring. We supported Acres together in September 2023 and it was instant friendship. Jan contributes two different styles to “Silents Decay”. First off, some pop punk vocals that could easily be mistaken for a Mark Hoppus feature and then his growls that give the song its powerful climax.
Q8. With the EP now released, what are your plans for the near future?
We want to tour with the songs as much as possible to show them to our fans. However, we will also return to the studio early next year to record some more music to be released in 2025.
WINNIE AMA
Photo Credit: Chris McKenna
Ghanaian-Northern Irish singer Winnie Ama joins to discuss her musical background and journey, her Desert Island Top Five albums, her upcoming full-length album, and much more!
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KILLING FROST
Promo pic by Max Spoljaric
Questions answered by Mårten - Guitar & Synth.
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, would you please provide some background on the band—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We’re from Helsinki, Finland and we were formed in 2018. We were on the road with Foreseen and Red Death at the time and talked about starting a new band with Niko on the vocals. Initially it was Jaakko on guitar, Joonas on bass and me on drums but I made it clear from the start that I wanted to play guitar for a change but I could be behind the kit until we find someone suitable. On the demo it was Mirko on bass and me doing drums, other guitar and keyboards. A couple of variations later we finally figured out our final line-up with Niko on vocals, Jaakko on guitar, Mika on bass, Roope on drums and me on guitar and keyboards.
Q2. Who are some of the band’s primary influences?
The whole thing was built around this soundscape certain bands had. Like Sheer Terror, Celtic Frost, Darkside NYC and Crowbar. The muddy and harsh guitar sound is something you don’t come across often anymore so that was especially appealing to us. I personally adore Josh Silver’s work on the keyboards so I try to soften the guitars with some synth noodling now and then.
Q3. Many modern hardcore bands have opted for more polished production—is this something you’ve consciously moved away from?
Yes. I think hardcore music has reached a certain point of saturation because of its increased popularity and that causes a lot of bands sounding the same because of the current trends. For sure you can achieve the image of big production and clean sounding instruments, but do you really want hardcore and punk inspired music to sound all that? I’d rather have it sound more raw and handmade. Not appealing to the masses.
Q4. How do you feel your sound has evolved from your first release?
Even though we had this blueprint for the band early on it was still more about trying things out and how they work. After the demo and couple of first gigs we knew what we really wanted to sound like. I think we have found a fitting pattern for us to write music and perform live confidently. We sound more dark and powerful than in the early days.
Q5. What was your mindset writing and going in to record your Frozen Dawn EP?
I feel that the EP was our first release as a proper band since we finally had a steady crew behind it. So that in mind we just wanted to make a great 7”. Sound wise we wanted to go more towards rough direction than on the demo.
Q6. Who are some other great bands on the scene we should be paying attention to?
Dome Runner, Forced Humility both from Finland. Right now we have a great thing going on here up north and a lot of people are missing it.
Q7. What does the band have for plans on the horizon?
We just finished working on our upcoming compilation album with two new songs and we hope to have it out on our US tour this winter. After that it’s high time we start working on our debut LP.
Live photos by Eemi Kettunen
DAWNWALKER
Mark Norgate of Dawnwalker joins to talk about the band’s new record The Unknowning, gateway bands, cross-pollination in the UK scene, and much more!
NYLON
Q1. Could you please provide some background information on the band for those readers who may not be familiar with you—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We are NYLON, a hardcore punk band from Sheffield, Steel City. Love a breakdown, big on 2 Stepping, not keen on posers. We formed technically in 2022. Started playing gigs in May 2023. Put an album out entirely by ourselves this summer (2024). We’re just four guys who like making hardcore.
Q2. How would you describe the band’s sound? Who are some of your primary influences?
We always say we are majorly influenced by the scene we grew up listening to and were a part of. Early to mid 2000’s hardcore is always where our sound and probably our hearts lie. Lockin’ Out records, Dead and Gone records, Bridge 9 and all that good stuff. Bands like Outbreak, Deal With It, The Legacy, Dirty Money. But having said that we aren’t stuck in the past, there is so much amazing music coming out regularly, especially in the UK that is a massive influence on where we go with our sound.
Q3. Who are some other bands in your area we should be paying attention to?
Without Love are a great melodic hardcore band from our area who we are also lucky enough to be mates with and play shows with. Their music is so well written and great to see live. Other bands in the area who just sound great are Cannon Ball, Mouth Parts, Rough Justice and Leashed. They’re all mega different and great bands in the local Sheffield scene and beyond.
Q4. Do you have any upcoming plans for releasing new music or playing shows?
We released our first album this year completely DIY and by ourselves so that’s out there currently and we have a whole heap of gigs booked for the remainder of the year and beyond which we’re looking forward to. Playing a lot of cities we haven’t played before and also out on a short tour with our friends in Hidden Mothers in February to support the release of their new album. Then we are planning on recording a few new tracks in January too as we have a lot of ideas going round our practice space at the moment.
Q5. What would be your dream lineup of bands or artists to share the stage with that you have not had a chance to?
I can only speak for myself, as a band we have a very broad taste in music.
But it would be great to play with DYNAMITE and the Flex. I could reel off loads of Euro and US bands too, past and present but with the UK scene as mint as it is right now there’s no need. But also Cold World.
Q6. Do you feel like hardcore is in a good place right now?
I think it’s more popular than I can ever remember. So yeah hardcore is in a great place. There is more opportunity to be involved in hardcore than ever before with so many bands and promoters putting on so many great gigs in so many cool venues up and down the country. When you go to these massive shows with barriers and all that it can feel a little bit diluted but while there’s still strong DIY shows and communities around Hardcore is still alive and well.
Q7. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! Any last words or a parting message for the readers?
Support your local scene. Go to local shows. Listen to your local bands. There’s probably a wicked scene on your door step to go get involved in so go get it.
withpaperwings
Q1. Could you please provide some background information on the band for those readers who may not be familiar with you—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
We are from Orlando, FL and formed around October of 2023- so we’ve been a band for about a year now. Our vocalist Evan, bassist Chris, and drummer Van were in search of guitarists after a previous unreleased project was laid to rest. Shawn and Ben happened to be in the right place at the right time. We all meshed instantly and had very similar takes on what we wanted to sound like. Everyone in the band is a Florida native other than Ben who came down from Connecticut a few years ago.
Q2. How would you describe your sound? Who would you say are some of your primary influences?
I think ultimately we are all aiming to write metalcore that is for the dancers. We want to blend the triumphant and evil tremolo riffs with fast breakdowns, and some more brutal elements. We want it to have those really sonically invasive parts while still being mosh-music. We try to stray away from the overproduction of some modern metalcore and bring back the more raw and heavy elements. As a band we really look up to some of the early metalcore and proto-deathcore bands like On Broken Wings, Nientara, Poison the Well, From a Second Story Window, Blood has Been Shed, 7 Angels 7 Plagues, Undying, etc.. Everyone in the band as an individual has pretty different influences, but we all have a common goal which allows us to blend our unique tastes into one coherent product. Our tastes span jazz, classic rock, death metal, slam, deathcore, and many more.
Q3. You have a track on the Light of the Final Dawn Coming Strife Records Compilation (my review of the compilation can be read here); how did your inclusion come about? Being such a UK-centric affair, it was an interesting geographic inclusion although sonically a perfectly sensible one.
In short, Griffin Marthe from Miracle, Memento., and Cathedral Bells connected us to Oli from The Coming Strife. Griffin (and others from these bands) have been instrumental in supporting us since the very first show. Griffin produced our demo and The Coming Strife responded with unrelenting support, which is how we ended up releasing through them. Oli reached out a few months later asking if we wanted to be on the comp and we were immediately enthusiastic about it- there are some incredible bands on there alongside us. The Coming Strife has quite the arsenal of amazing music, all fitting within a tight yet diverse sonic range.
Q4. The scene in Florida from a distance seems to be absolutely cooking right now. Is this an accurate assessment? Who are some fixtures on the scene and some other bands on the scene we should be paying attention to?
The scene in Florida is incredibly healthy right now. Four years ago you could barely get 25 people in a room on a Saturday night, now we have shows that are getting sold out on a weeknight. People are starting bands non-stop and they are all fantastic. Others are becoming really involved in the scene with the production of physical media like zines and photo-books, like the Fatal Entries zine, or the photograph zine Christopher Arauz recently printed. We have people doing incredible film/photography work too like Caleb Joshua, Matti Joseph, and Ian from Florida Hardcore. There are so many amazing bands all over Florida it would be impossible to shout them all out. From Orlando: Datura’s Embrace, Monterey, Miracle, Memento., Watts, Jinzo. From South Florida: Fallen God, Away With Words, Amnio, Domain, Sidearm, No Truth, Dissent. From Jacksonville: Unregistered Weapon, Between You and God. From Tampa: Contention, Resentment, Six Paths, Dogmatic. Check out Florida labels like Armageddon Records and blackheaven records.
Q5. There seems to be a major revival in bands looking to the origins and first wave of metalcore these days in what seems to me to be a conscious move away from the more polished iteration of the genre. What do you attribute this to?
In our personal opinion we think the South Florida scene, around 2015-2017, produced some of the first real Metalcore revival bands. xElegyx, Drawing Last Breath, Cast You Down, amongst others, were the first to really bring back and popularize the sounds of early Metalcore, reminiscent of bands like undying, prayer for cleansing, 7 Angels 7 Plagues. Additionally after these bands dissolved, The Coming Strife Records began to curate a label that had bands continuing this same Metalcore revival sound.
Q6. What is it about those earlier metalcore bands that speaks to you?
I think it's the fact that they were pioneering a genre. None of these bands were really trying to emulate other bands because they were starting a whole new wave of music. The heaviness really cuts through for these bands. The production sound they got from being the first to make music like this just created such a brutal element that isn’t really present in a lot of modern metalcore. Metalcore is supposed to be a blend of metal and hardcore, and that’s exactly what these bands were doing. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what words characterize the distinct sound these bands have other than raw, brutal, and harsh. It’s also really cool just to see the evolution of early niche genres like this and how the associated culture takes shape alongside the music.
Q7. What are some of your most memorable experiences as a band so far?
The first thing that comes to mind is definitely our first sold out show at Will’s Pub on 12/29/23. The lineup was absolutely stacked, as we played with Watts, xResentmentx, Miracle, and Testament of Hate. The room was absolutely packed and the energy was insurmountable. Just an overall phenomenal show. We also have some really fond memories from our first tour. It’s pretty surreal to see people so receptive of our music outside of our home state. We love interacting with different people from all over the country. It was also amazing to enjoy some of the scenery, such as hiking down a quarry to swim in bright blue water near Knoxville, Tennessee.
Q8. What are some of your upcoming plans—shows, new music, etc.?
We are currently in the process of writing our first EP. We aim to share this with everyone in the first few months of the new year. Finishing the year out, we will be playing I Guess It’s a Fest in Ohio, also hitting Knoxville, TN on the way there for the second time. In early December we will be playing Birmingham, AL for the first time, and taking a run through Texas with the homies in Girl of Glass and Thus Spoke Zarathrustra and playing No Sleep Fest. We are incredibly excited for the future of withpaperwings.
HARRY CLOUD
Photo credits: Gina Skwoz
Harry Cloud joins to talk about LA, not touring, not playing music at home, not taking yourself too seriously, the new record, and much more!
BELOW THE NECK
Thomas and Ciaran from Inverness "beatdoon" merchants Below the Neck join to discuss the new lineup and the band’s future, the heavy music scene in Scotland (and beyond), long-haul touring, and much more!
GRIEF RITUAL
Chris and Jamie from Church Road Records' latest signing Grief Ritual, a band I'll simply characterize as "heavy," join to chat about the signing, their upcoming single with friend of the show Harry from Burner, future plans, influences, and much more.
"There's that word again. 'Heavy.' Why are things so heavy in the future? Is there a problem with the Earth's gravitational pull?" - Doc Brown
Find out below.
POPPY WIZARD
Q1. For readers who might not be familiar with you, could you provide some background on the band—where you're from, when you formed, etc.?
Hey, we’re Poppy Wizard from Düsseldorf and Cologne, Germany! The band was formed in mid-2021 as a two-piece, with Lukas (guitar) and me (Henne, guitar/vocals). In 2023, we finally completed our lineup by bringing in our longtime friends Phil (drums) and Robin (bass).
Q2. Who are some of the band’s primary influences?
Our influences are pretty broad, ranging from ‘90s and early-to-mid 2000s grunge and shoegaze bands like Slowdive, Superheaven, Pity Sex and Narrow Head. On the other hand, we all have roots in the hardcore scene (fun fact: Poppy Wizard originally started as a hardcore band). That influence is still present in some of our riffs or the more shouted vocal parts. There are also other genre influences, like alternative rock, and a bit of emo mixed in.
Q3. What made you fall in love with music and want to pursue it in the way that you have?
We started playing in different bands from a young age and have been pursuing music in some form ever since. I think we all got introduced to the local hardcore and punk scene during our teenage years, and from that point on, we wanted to be part of it and create something we love. Many of our friends are musicians, so we’re always surrounded by creative people, which has been a huge source of inspiration for our own creativity.
Q4. What was the writing and recording process for the recent EP like? Were there any themes or sounds you wanted to explore? How has the reception been?
The writing process started in 2021 and progressed pretty slowly. Lukas and I mostly met in our rehearsal space during the pandemic, taking our time to discover the sound we wanted. Initially, we set out to write hardcore songs, but the music naturally evolved into a more melodic direction, and we embraced that vibe. We wrote a bunch of songs, and once Robin and Phil joined, we finalized the instrumentals with all four of us contributing, which really added the final touch of magic. Lyrically, we don’t focus on specific themes. Lukas and I wrote the lyrics separately and then refined them together. For me, songwriting often begins with a random sentence that pops into my head—sometimes while I’m asleep or in the most unexpected moments. From there, the lyrics evolve, sometimes metaphorical, sometimes straightforward, depending on how I feel. We mostly write about personal struggles with navigating the world, relationships, and mental health, but we don’t necessarily offer solutions—our music is more of an outlet to process those experiences. We’re really happy with the positive reception so far. It’s been great to see people enjoying the music we love to make and share.
Q5. Is there one song in particular you would point to and say this is “quintessential Poppy Wizard”?
For me, it would have to be "Lately I've Been Caught Up." It captures all the little elements that define Poppy Wizard. The songwriting and sound go through different phases and emotional shifts, yet each instrument remains simple, which is a key part of our approach—don’t overcomplicate it! The lyrics were written 50/50 by Lukas and me, and you can sense our minimalist approach, especially with the repetition of vocal lines.
Q6. What are some of your touring highlights or most memorable shows you’ve been a part of?
We’ve had several memorable moments from the few shows we’ve played so far. For me, one of the highlights was our Cologne show with Hippie Trim. It was our first hometown gig, and having all our friends there partying with us made it really special! Another big highlight was our first three shows in Austria with our good friends from Trauma Glow. It was a great way to kick off our live performances.
Q7. What are your plans for the near future—shows/touring, more music, etc.?
Our next show will be on October 26th in Bochum, where we’ll be opening for Sport. We’re also planning a short three-day tour from November 8th to 10th, which we’ll announce soon. Right now, we’re already back in the recording process for a three-song promo we plan to release by the end of the year. We’re also hoping to play in a few European countries next year—so stay tuned and hit us up if you want us to play in your city!
DURENDAL
Q1. Could you please provide some background information on the band for those readers who may not be familiar with you—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
So Durendal is a five-piece Metalcore band based out Leicester in the UK. Right in the middle of the country. We all attended college and university together, and some of us were even in the same workplace briefly. Our shared love for heavy music is ultimately what brought us together after some of our older groups disbanded. The conception of Durendal came to be in late 2023, we toyed with a couple ideas that included a more classic Beatdown/Heavy Hardcore sort of style but after bringing up some older demos we knew we wanted to gravitate toward a more Metalcore type of sound.
Q2. How would you describe your sound? Who would you say are some of your primary influences?
We’ve definitely been described as nostalgic, and I’ve seen a few people online use the term “VHS Core” when speaking about us. Id’ like to agree and really I would say this band is a love letter to the music we all grew up listening to. We’re not here to push the needle or change the landscape per se, we’re just here to have fun doing what we love. We draw influence from a number of sources, and that pool of influences will only continue to grow as we put out more music. It’s a fairly eclectic mix. For now, a lot of that influence comes from early 00s Metalcore groups such as Martyr A.D, Eighteen Visions, Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, On Broken Wings, etc.
Q3. Are you big King Arthur fans?
Personally, I’m not as well versed with history, like a lot of people I’d say most of my information on these sorts of topics comes from the media I consume. And whilst I can’t speak for everyone in the band, I know we’re all a bit nerdy, and we do love swords. Our name derives from medieval weaponry after all.
Q4. You’re now a part of The Coming Strife team, a label that’s really become one of the most vital of the UK heavy music scene. How did that come about?
It all came about a bit unexpectedly really. We really wanted to play the field in terms of who to work with in the build up to our debut release, and as it was our first time I think we were all comfortable enough to do it independently. After we put out a couple of singles, we were approached by TCS to work on releasing it together. They’ve played a crucial part in reviving the sound of Metalcore in the UK, and to be a part of that is really important to us.
Q5. You have a track on the Light of the Final Dawn Coming Strife Records Compilation (I’ll be reviewing the full compilation as part of my September Shout-Outs); what can we expect from your contribution?
We’re super excited for the compilation to release. We were asked to contribute with a new track pretty much right after our EP came out, and I wasn’t sure if we could pull it off as we were a pretty late addition to the track list. That being said, we pulled a really strong track out of the bag and we can’t wait for you to hear. If you’re a fan of big choruses, you’re going to love this one.
Q6. What are some of your most memorable experiences as a band so far?
Its honestly still very early days for us as we’ve only officially been a band since May, so that’s a tough one to answer. We’ve got a lot in the pipeline that should prove memorable in the future, but I think collectively for now we’d say that the warm reception we’ve received in such a short amount of time has been really welcoming and something we won’t be forgetting too soon.
Q7. Who are some other bands on the scene we should be paying attention to?
We’ve gotta give a huge shoutout to our TCS family, in particular to Dandelion & Long Goodbye who’ve shown us love from the very start.
Q8. What are some of your upcoming plans—shows, etc.?
We’ve got a few of shows lined up throughout September and October that we’re really looking forward to. As the later half of the year approaches, we’re hoping to get ourselves back into the studio and lay down some new material. Watch this space!
SHARP TONGUES
Answered by Carl Häger, vocals
Q1. Could you please provide some background information on the band for those readers who may not be familiar with you—where you’re from, when you formed, etc.?
Carl:
Sharp Tongues is a melodic hardcore band from Gothenburg, which we formed in late 2020. We’ve already managed to release two DIY EPs and played at several shows and festivals. Our music is heavily inspired by the classic hardcore wave of the 90s, with bands like Carry On and In My Eyes being major influences, but we also like to mix in modern elements to keep our sound fresh and relevant.
Most of us have played in other hardcore bands before, like Set My Path, One Minute Left, Hope Haven, The Change, and Eyes Shut. Two of our members are also part of the band Modern Guilt.
Q2. When I first got into hardcore in the mid-2000s, melodic hardcore was the predominant sound, but its “star” has seemed to wane since. Yet several great bands I’ve spoken with lately such as Hell Can Wait, are diving back into that sound. Sharp Tongues go even further back with your influences, though, it seems to me. Who would you say are some of your primary influences?
I first got into the hardcore scene in the late 90s, but I’ve been into punk since I was a kid. I’ve always had a strong love for melodies, and when the emo wave hit in the early 2000s, it really resonated with me. When I started Sharp Tongues, I knew I wanted to incorporate those melodies—maintaining the intensity of screaming vocals but blending it with a sense of emotion and melody. I’ve always aimed to find that perfect mix of raw energy and melody.
Our first EP was heavily inspired by bands like Carry On and In My Eyes, and you can definitely hear that influence in our sound. It’s still very much present, but with our upcoming album, we’re exploring a broader range. While it has a solid hardcore foundation, you’ll definitely notice the emo wave coming through at times.
Q3. What was it about hardcore that attracted you to it?
I was just a kid when I discovered bands like the Sex Pistols and Swedish punk band Ebba Grön. I fell in love with their music right away; the feelings they stirred in me were something new and exciting. As I grew older, I found my way into hardcore, and it felt like a natural progression. I was drawn to hardcore because of its raw energy and the real emotions it expresses. Growing up, I loved punk for its spirit and DIY attitude, which led me naturally to hardcore. It wasn’t just about the music it was about connecting with others who felt the same way and creating something meaningful together.
I have kept the DIY mentality with me my whole life, and it’s something I apply in my everyday life and work. It helps me make the right choices and tackle challenges with a hands-on approach. Whether it’s in music or other areas. It’s all about staying motivated, and creating something meaningful with what you have.
Q4. Talk to us about the upcoming record—what was the writing and recording process like, what themes do you explore, what can people expect?
We released a single in September 2023, and soon after, Mike from New Age Records got in touch with us. After a few weeks of discussions, we decided to work with them on an album. We’re excited to announce that our album, No Rescue, will come out on September 6.
I had a few songs ready when Mike reached out, but I ended up writing more over the fall and winter. We ended up with eight tracks for the album. The writing and recording process was a lot of fun, and we really worked hard to create something that shows both our influences and how we’ve grown as a band.
No Rescue dives into themes of personal struggles and finding hope during tough times. We’re really excited about this release and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Q5. What are some of your most memorable experiences as a band so far?
In the first year, it was just me writing songs and working on the project as a personal creative outlet. It was something that gave me a lot of energy and focus, especially during a time when I really needed a project to pour my creativity into. When we released our EP, it caught some attention and started generating buzz. This led to people reaching out and asking us to play live shows.
Seeing the positive response, I reached out to some close friends and invited them to join the band. Our first show was in September 2022. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to perform at smaller punk and hardcore festivals, as well as various local shows and I’m excited about what’s ahead for the band.
Q6. Who would you say are the “Big Four” of Swedish hardcore (past and/or present your choice!)?
Refused is a must-mention when talking about the biggest names in Swedish hardcore. Their influence on the scene is massive, and I personally loved their early stuff—my first band even covered 2 Refused songs. Their blend of hardcore with experimental elements changed the game and set a new standard in the genre.
Desperate Fight Records also had a huge impact on me, releasing compilations that introduced me to so many incredible bands back in the day. Those releases were a key part of my journey into the Swedish hardcore scene, especially from Umeå. Bands like Final Exit and Shield.
Today, the Swedish hardcore scene is more alive than ever, with so many great bands and passionate people driving it forward. Moral Panic Records in Gothenburg and Actiung Out in Stockholm are doing incredible work, and bands like Sidestep, Speedway, Xiao, and Bulls Shitt are pushing the boundaries and keeping the energy high
Q7. What are some of your upcoming plans post-album release—shows, etc.?
After the album release, we’re planning to play some shows in Sweden this fall and winter. We’re also gearing up for a shorter tour in spring 2025. Beyond that, we’ll keep writing new songs and staying positive!