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
Fuelling The Fire With MORGAN LANDER From KITTIE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:14
Interview by Kris PetersCanadian metal outfit Kittie returned with a vengeance recently after a 13-year hiatus.Crashing onto the scene in 1999 with their debut album Spit, Kittie evolved far beyond their nu-metal origins…
Making Up For Lost Time With MIKAEL STANNE From DARK TRANQUILLITY [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:49
Interview by Angela CroudaceOne of the architects of The Gothenburg Sound, Dark Tranquillity are about to storm Australian shores for the first time in over a decade, delivering three exclusive shows in Melbourne, Sydney…
Music & Intimacy With BURTON C BELL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:58
Interview by Kris PetersBurton C Bell is a name synonymous with metal.Fresh off his induction into the prestigious Metal Hall of Fame, Burton continues to solidify his legacy as a trailblazer of industrial metal. Renowne…
An Avalanche Of Metal With TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:41
Interview by Kris PetersRipper Owens has returned to Australia, but this time he is on his own. Not literally, of course, but for the first time in recent memory, Ripper comes Down Under with a clean slate and no pre-exi…
The Consequences Of Life With JESSE LEACH From KILLSWITCH ENGAGE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:40
Interview by Kris PetersRight before the turn of the century, casual jam sessions between a group of friends unassumingly lit the fuse for an insane 25-year ride to follow…Hailing from Western Massachusetts (where the on…
MATHIAS FARM From MILLENCOLIN Issues SOS To Australian Fans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:34
Interview by Angela CroudacePhoto Credit: Erik Ohlsson, Magnus LarnhedTwo of the all-time punk greats will be returning to Australia with pioneering California dynamos PENNYWISE and beloved Swedish trailblazers MILLENCOL…
A New Era Of Metal With STEFFEN KUMMERER From OBSCURA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:47
Interview by Kris PetersWith their new album A Sonication, Germany-based metal band OBSCURA launch the second of their trilogy concept. The group’s second (seventh overall) album for Nuclear Blast pivots on many fronts.…
Keeping It Real With RYAN MILLER From BLACK RHENO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
Interview by Kris PetersBlack Rheno seem to be on a bit of a tear at the moment. Last year, they toured the country with their own headline shows, packing out venues and even supported the mighty Pantera. Then, in Novemb…