Metal newcomers Insurgent are bursting onto the scene with their debut EP Sentient, blending the technicalities of prog metal with elements of stadium-ready anthems – making a solid mark with their new release. We caught up with guitarist Joe Rowley to discuss the band’s formation, influences, ambitions and more.
Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your band.
We are a four piece heavy metal band from the heart of Heavy Metal, Birmingham UK. We blend soaring vocal melodies with crushing rhythmic instrumentation, to deliver impactful music that tackles challenging social themes and connects with a broad range of rock and metal fans alike.
How did the band form and how long have you been together?
The four of us met through University (BIMM Birmingham) and very quickly realised that we had something special going on between us. We have been playing together for the best part of three years, but we feel that our latest work is the truest representation of what we are all about. We’ve toured overseas now and feel like we’ve really grown as a unit both musically and as friends.
Can you remember the first time you realised you wanted to make music?
We’ve always been passionate musicians at heart, but getting to the studio for the first time to record our debut single was a special moment, that reaffirmed our shared passion to make music as a career.
Who and what are the band’s main influences?
The band takes influence from a variety of sources that are well-grounded in the metal scene. Alter Bridge, Jinjer, Slipknot and Periphery are always on our playlists and we try to emulate them in some ways, whilst maintaining our own fresh approach to music.
What do you aim to achieve as a band?
We simply want to write music that connects to people in a way that helps them to improve their lives. Obviously, we’d love to play Download Festival, Wacken etc… but the fact that your music has had an impact on someone else is second-to-none and we want to carry that on throughout our careers, regardless of commercial success.
For those who are yet to see you live, what can they expect from an Insurgent show?
We really try to share the moment with the audience at our shows. There’s a lot to be said for authenticity when carrying out a live show and we try to take the listeners on a very real journey with us through the set. No theatrics, no fancy shows, just us and the audience enjoying the music together.
What’s next for Insurgent?
Our EP Sentient is released on August 6th and we’re already keen to get back to the studio to get some new tracks recorded and ready to go. We also have a few live shows planned across summer/autumn and we’re playing at Bloodstock Festival, after winning Metal 2 The Masses competition!
Insurgent‘s new EP Sentient is due for release on 6th August 2021, available to pre-order HERE and pre-save HERE.
