Over the past few weeks I’ve been talking to one of the newer bands that has appeared on the hardcore scene. However the band may be new but you’ll most likely recognise some faces that have been with us throughout the past decade and beyond.

Towards the end of last year Afraid To Die released their first single Stigmata Bleeds and since this their debut EP in early February named ‘Hell Is A Place In My Mind’ whilst performing at this years Reality Unfolds Fest at New Cross.

With ex members and current members from previous projects such as Svalbard, Heights, Grim Harvest, Morrow, Burning Skies, Counting Days, Crows-An-Wra, Consolation, Devil Sold His Soul you knew this was going to sound mega.

I caught up with Thom vocalist for Afraid To Die and an old friend of mine from the local Hertfordshire scene to find out more about the new project!

FIRST OF ALL WHERE ARE YOU GUYS BASED & HOW DID YOU ALL MEET?

For the most part we are based in and around London. We’ve been talking about starting this band for years but finally came together the middle of last year before recording our EP September 2025. The band is a mixture of old and new friends, with our drummer Dave being the common factor between most of us.

Hardcore and alternative music is a small world really so we’ve all been mixing in similar circles for decades, been fans of each others bands.

WHAT WAS THE SCENE LIKE WHERE YOU WERE GROWING UP & HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN IT?

I (Thom) grew up in Hertfordshire so was spoilt for choice really hanging out in St Albans, Watford etc. Bands like Enter Shikari and Your Demise really helped put SAHC on the map, but there was a thriving scene of smaller bands as well.

I made loads of great friends in that scene who I am still close with to this day

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME AFRAID TO DIE?

Pure chance. Would love to have a cool story but we just batted ideas around for months and months and Afraid To Die was one we all liked. I think it fits our ethos and sound.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND TO SOMEBODY WHO HASN’T HEARD YOU BEFORE?

A metalcore melting pot. A bit of H8000, a bit of Ferret Records, and we keep writing riffs we call “the Deftones one”.

WHAT HAS BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE BEEN FACED WITH?

Finding the time write, rehearse and play shows while juggling jobs and families.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR ALL TIME FAVOURITE ARTISTS?

Speaking for myself here; Deftones, Glassjaw, a bunch of NYHC, and Steely Dan.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SHOWS YOU’VE REALLY ENJOYED BEING A PART OF & DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE VENUE?

We were super lucky to be on the Shai Hulud tour alongside the incredible Crowquill. So any of those shows!

The New Cross Inn seems to be becoming a regular haunt for us.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM TOUR TO GET AFRAID TO DIE ON?

Ozzfest 1996 

WHAT HAS BEEN SOME OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES YOU’VE HAD TOGETHER?

Recording our EP with Steve Sears and releasing it via The Coming Strife.

I’d also shout out our tour with Shai Hulud and Crowquill.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR LOCAL SCENE AND THE REST OF THE UK CHANGE IN RECENT YEARS?

As a bunch of uncs we do talk about how the scene has changed over the years, but it seems to be in a really healthy spot at the moment.

There are loads of amazing young bands and enthusiastic people supporting scenes around the country.

HOW IMPORTANT IS REPRESENTATION IN THE COMMUNITY?

It’s so important, and hardcore music has always pushed boundaries in terms of providing a platform for everyone.

All our shows are inclusive and welcoming spaces.

WE MEET A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS SCENE. DO YOU HAVE A GREAT CONNECTION WITH ANYONE IN PARTICULAR AND WOULD RECOMMEND WORKING WITH?

 Theo at Real Life is the best.

WHO HAS BEEN SOME OF YOUR LARGEST INFLUENCES FOR YOUR MUSIC?

Too many to name, we seem to have strands of everything from crust punk to black metal in the mix.

When we started the band we wanted to sound like Arkangel.

WE CAN’T ALL BE MUSICIANS 24/7 SO WHAT JOBS/CAREERS DO YOU GUYS HAVE?

Me, Dave and Liam all have officey jobs in the music area, Andrew is a tech and Mikee runs the best screen printers going Vino Sangre.

HAVE YOU GOT ANY HOBBIES/INTERESTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE PEOPLE?

Finding and eating Sainsburys VLTs.

YOU’VE ALL WORKED ON PREVIOUS PROJECTS BEFORE AFRAID TO DIE, HOW DOES THIS BAND COMPARE TO THOSE PREVIOUS PROJECTS?

We really just have fun hanging out and writing music we’d want to hear.

We’ve got no expectations about touring or anything like that, it’s laid back and easy.

YOU RELEASED YOUR DEBUT EP ‘HELL IS A PLACE IN MY MIND’ BACK IN FEBRUARY. WHAT WERE YOUR INFLUENCES FOR THESE TRACKS AND HOW HAPPY WERE YOU WITH HOW IT CAME TOGETHER?

We were super happy with how it came out and it was nice to see the songs take on slightly different forms as they went from a rehearsal room to the studio.

They turned out heavier than we ever expected. We recorded with Steve Sears at Blue Myth who does amazing work, and we were lucky enough to put the 12’s out on The Coming Strife Records.

No peace for my enemies lyrically is the favourite song I’ve ever done, but trench raid is so groovy.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU GUYS FOR THE REST OF 2026?

We’ve got a few shows coming up next and then we will be writing some new songs for whatever we release next.

We are supporting withpaperwings at the New Cross Inn on October 26th and also have a support slot for Still In Love at The Black Heart with Mashaal on December 19th.

Probably a couple more as well before the year is out.

FINALLY, HAVE YOU GOT ANY OTHER ARTISTS/FRIENDS YOU THINK THE PEOPLE SHOULD CHECK OUT?

Listen to Crowquill

Keep supporting band and promoters and of course DIY UKHC

You can listen to Afraid To Die on all major streaming services now!

For further show information keep an eye out on their socials @afraid_to_die_

Until next time, I’ll catch you in the pit!

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