Metalcore four-piece Fates Messenger have released their debut single, Scars, from their upcoming debut EP. We asked guitarist Ron the BIG questions . . .
Formed by members of hardcore/thrash outfits Above All, Romeo Must Die and Dishonour The Crown, members of Fates Messenger have played support to Korn, Fear Factory, Entombed and Pitchshifter.
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Discussing the lyrical themes behind their new track, vocalist and lyricist Tony Maddocks says: "The lyrical theme to this song came to me while I was reading a heartbreaking story in the media about a teenager who had taken their life due to the ongoing bullying and abuse they had suffered online and physically within their social circles.
"A cruel and sad reflection on just how inhumane and vicious humans can be in this harsh new world which we have created, where there's no escape from this kind of mental and physical abuse and how the smallest comment can have a long-lasting effect on a person’s life whether it be face to face or online."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm an ink-addicted, music loving, gym rat.
How would you describe your music?
An onslaught of neck snapping hardcore thrash with gurn-inducing groove and a touch of synths.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Collectively, Pantera, Madball, Slayer, Machine Head, Terror, Sepultura, Hatebreed, Sick of it All, Vision of Disorder to name a handful. We definitely write music that we’d listen to.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ozzfest 98 - my only time watching Pantera with Dime and Vinny. Life of Agony, Fear Factory (Obsolete had recently come out so it was pure bass drop insanity) Coal Chamber.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Use Your Illusion 1 - Guns N’ Roses. My Michelle will always be one of my favourite songs.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Guilt by Throne. They hit hard and every track is a pure neck snapper.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Sometimes you gotta cut the grass to find the f*****’ snake" - Severed Ties by Malevolence. Lyric rings so true to a lot of people these days.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Portishead - Dummy, love my heavy music but Portishead can be spun no matter the mood so it would endure.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We have released our first single on Spotify and all good streaming platforms. Keep an eye on our socials for more updates: @fates.messenger.
Alan Corr
If you have been affected by any of the issues raising in this article, please see RTÉ's list of helplines.
