The power that Agelast bring to the world of melodic hardcore is a breath of fresh air. Their new EP, ‘Beliefs’, is a blistering haze of anger and intensity, peppered with raw emotion. Today we are bringing you an exclusive first listen to ‘Beliefs’, and catch up with Robert Clark and Jon Heavens from Agelast, who give us some background on what fuelled the EP.
“Agelast is essentially the band I’ve always wanted to create” says vocalist, Clark. “I think that ‘Beliefs’ perfectly sums up who we are; aggressive, melodic, heavy and catchy, in almost equal measure.
I dived into the writing process trying to genuinely challenge myself both vocally and lyrically. I wanted to write songs that really say something, but with big memorable hooks and parts that people would want to sing along to.
The guys in this band are all so talented that I admit to feeling a lot of pressure to live up to their high standards. I honestly think that it’s this mentality of trying to prove myself that has made this release what it is. We’ve all come from slightly different musical backgrounds but the point at which we all meet is melodic hardcore and I believe you can hear that running through the songs on ‘Beliefs’. I really couldn’t be happier with what we’ve created.”
Heavens echoes Clark’s views on the EP, and also explains the personal journey he went through during its creation, and what he hopes others others will get from ‘Beliefs’.
“The EP was a cathartic experience for me,” begins the guitarist. “I was letting go of a lot of things as a musician and as a person throughout the writing and recording process. What you are hearing as each song plays is a group of guys changing and going down avenues they hadn’t properly explored before, in different ways.
My past in bands is from a relatively technical metal/hardcore background. Whilst at the time I loved it, I became spent writing riffs nobody would want to hear but a few guys would love to play. My tastes have changed drastically, and I find myself going back to my roots from the different path. What I wanted to create was songs full of hooks that would get stuck in people’s heads, without ultimately forgetting who I was or where I came from.
I want others to hear things that brings them back to the bands they used to love when they were younger, whilst providing something fresh, new and exciting. Misery Signals, Shai Hulud, and even the earlier Defeater, Hundredth and The Ghost Inside releases. Of my years of creativity, being a designer and musician for nearly a decade, I have never been more proud of anything than I am with ‘Beliefs’.”
‘Beliefs’ is released on May 13th via Hope Lost Records