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
More Greetings & Salutations With AZZA & HUTCHY From FRANKENBOK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:17
Interview by Kris PetersPlaytime is over. Now shit gets real.Much has been made of Frankenbok welcoming back original vocalist Hutchy to launch their next foray into the world of metal, but as fun as the honeymoon period…
To The Moon And back With BJORN STRID From NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:24
Interview by Kris PetersThe seventh studio album for Night Flight Orchestra was always going to be difficult given the passing of original member David Andersson between releases.Music is an emotional form of expression…
Setting Sail For Australia With PHILLY OCEAN From YACHTLEY CREW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:53
Interview by Kris PetersFor those uninitiated, Yacht Rock encapsulates the revival of Soft Rock Hits from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, which has become a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring fans to dress the part and sing a…
Sonic Experiments With STEPHEN & ARIC From HOUSE OF PROTECTION [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:38
Interview by Kris PetersHouse of Protection, the new venture from Stephen Harrison and Aric Improta, serves as a sanctuary for those who surrender to impulse. Abandoning any regard for tradition and form, they followed a…
New Beginnings With SHAOLIN G From UNITY TX [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:42
Interview by Kris PetersWhile it came as no surprise when Void of Vision announced their swansong with the What I'll Leave Behind Australian Tour 2025, the impending sense of loss was still evident.Due to frontman Jack B…
The Gentle Art Of Killing With LEENO DEE From DEPARTMENT OF GLOOM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:38
Interview by Kris PetersThey’ve been called Deathrock, Gothcore, and, from one creative soul, “kinda goth punk glam Manson-y metal?” They’ve also been called “a best kept secret”. Although that really began to change sin…