Backstage Hangs With SPLIT CHAIN

Backstage Hangs With SPLIT CHAIN

Author: HEAVY Magazine January 27, 2026 Duration: 12:40
Interview by Simon Russell-White
Videography and editing by Rashid AlKamraikhi
There’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly when in the company of Split Chain: “The Chain does what it wants”. As mantras go, it’s used by the Bristol, UK quintet as a means of encapsulating the broad-minded, unconstrained creative freedom with which they approach their art, as well as a means through which to try to make sense of the sky-rocketing trajectory the band have found themselves on.
Call it instinct, fate, divine intervention, whatever – the whims of ‘The Chain’ have led to a moment where one thing is abundantly clear: Split Chain are one of the hottest, zeitgeist-capturing new bands in the world.
In Australia right now on tour with Better Lovers, this is Split Chains first ever trip Down Under, and this is what HEAVY reviewer and conductor of this interview, Simon Russell-White, thought of their live performance in Brisbane...
"It’s currently 6° Celsius in Bristol, UK, this being the hometown of English rockers Split Chain. If the hot and humid weather in Queensland bothered anyone on stage, then they sure didn’t show it. Split Chain delivers a heavy and emotive set, emotive in the way of musical notation and all out deep feels. Singer “Bert” Martinez-Cowles voice sails through the PA system as the band cruises through their eclectic tracks including stand out (for me) ‘who am i?’ drawing serious attention and crowd participation.
It’s been a whirlwind two plus years for the lads, from playing small hometown shows, to signing with Epitaph soon after now Bert, Jake, Oliver, Tom and Aaron have embarked on their first ever Australian tour, and tonight’s show along with Better Lovers is their first here in the land of Oz. It was special, and the reception the quintet received will surely see them return very soon!"
With three shows left in Melbourne, Belgrave and Adelaide be sure to catch this epic line-up for yourself.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Dive straight into the raw, unfiltered conversations happening behind the amplifiers and drum kits. HEAVY Music Interviews, straight from the team at HEAVY Magazine, pulls you backstage and into the green room for genuine talks with the most compelling voices in rock, punk, metal, and the wider heavy music landscape. This isn't about polished press releases; it's where artists open up about the craft of a crushing riff, the stories behind an iconic album, and the realities of life on the road. Each episode delivers a new perspective, whether it's a legendary frontman reflecting on decades of noise or a breakthrough band explaining their explosive sound. You'll hear the passion and personality that fuels the music, directly from the musicians creating it. For anyone who lives for the energy of a heavy track and wants to know the people behind it, this podcast serves as a regular, essential connection. Tune in for authentic discussions that go far beyond the surface, keeping you directly plugged into the heart of the scene.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 1000

HEAVY Music Interviews
Podcast Episodes
Still Packing Sting In Your Tail With ULI JON ROTH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:25
Interview by Kris PetersGerman guitarist Uli Jon Roth is renowned for his work with the Scorpions during their early, more experimental phase and for pioneering the neoclassical metal genre. He is also known for his inno…
Three Cheers For Rock With BRIAN BUTCHER From THE HOME TEAM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
Interview by Kris PetersThe Home Team are travelling to Australia for the second time - this time with Mayday Parade - for the Three Cheers For 20 Years tour, after crossing the ocean last May with Caskets (UK).The quart…
Filling The Void With ALEX DEAN From ARCHITECTS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
It's scary to think that British metalcore outfit Architects are just hitting their stride eleven albums in.Having completed two Summer runs with Metallica in the lead up to their latest masterpiece The Sky, The Earth &…
PIG DESTROYER Return To Australia With Grindcore Fury Intact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than 15 years, grindcore titans Pig Destroyer will finally return to Australia, and frontman J.R. Hayes couldn’t be more thrilled. “We’re just really, really excited,” he said. “It’…
Lock Up Your Children, GWAR Are Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:32
Interview by Kris PetersAs with every other year, anticipation surrounding the first line up announcement for Good Things 2025 was almost at a fever pitch. Social media experts and promoter wannabe's all shared their pro…
Making Some Noise At BIGSOUND With GRECCO ROMANK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
BIGSOUND can be anything you want it to be. You can choose to revel in the activities and workshops, or check out the band showcase gigs or watch/see/listen to any number of things, but the one thing that catches HEAVY e…
ROCK HARD Or Go Home With PHIL & TISH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:41
Interview by Kris PetersAfter championing the cause for Australian music for almost a decade via their weekly radio show, Rock Hard With Phil & Tish, the two co-hosts have decided to take the next step in their evolution…
IN TRANSMISSION Channel Frustration And Hope On Betterment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
Interview by Angela CroudacePost-rock outfit In Transmission are back with their new EP, Betterment, a record that blends atmospheric beauty with an urgent social conscience. Frontman Martin says the inspiration behind l…