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
Company Of One with LUCAS STONE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:35
Interview by Kris PetersNot content with fronting one of this country's most loved rock outfits in Hammers or saddling up behind the kit with blues funk trio Hot Cobra, Gold Coast-based singer, songwriter and guitarist L…
Weaponising Music With KEN MARY From FLOTSAM & JETSAM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:47
Interview by Kris PetersWhen it comes to iconic metal bands, they don't come much better than Flotsam & Jetsam.Since pummelling their way onto the scene with their crushing debut album Doomsday For The Deceiver almost 40…
Ushering In A New Era With PAT DAVERN From GRINSPOON [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
Interview by Kris PetersGrinspoon have flown the flag for Australian rock since bursting onto the scene after winning the Triple J Unearthed contest with the song Sickfest in 1995. They released their debut, self-titled…
Pushing The Needle To The Red With GEOFF O'LEARY From PISTONFIST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:52
Interview by Kris PetersIt has been a well deserved breakthrough 18-month period for Brisbane rock outfit PistonFist that saw the band not only deliver their debut album RedLine, but also power through support slots with…
Trouble On The Horizon With SAMMY DUET From GOATWHORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:57
Interview by Kris PetersThey say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and if that is true, then crushing extreme metal outfit Goatwhore will be earning themselves plenty of hugs when they return to Australia this July as…
Conquering Darkness With AARON TUCK From LUMEN AD MORTEM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:46
Interview by Kris PetersThe inaugural Necrosonic Festival to be held at Brisbane's Mansfield Tavern on August 31 is not your typical metal festival. This is a festival put together by people who have a genuine love of an…
Music For The Soul With AJ CHANNER From FIRE FROM THE GODS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:30
Interview by Kris PetersUS metal outfit Fire From The Gods consolidated their growing stature in October 2022 with the release of their third album, Soul Revolution.Featuring the singles SOS, Thousand Lifetimes, World So…
Sad Girls Smile The Brightest With KARLY JEWELL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:01
Interview by Kris PetersReward for effort is not a phrase generally used in the music industry, with countless bands and musicians paying their dues thousands of times over and still not finding that elusive pathway to t…