Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

The band name was chosen after making a selection of name ideas. Richard suggested the name because it stuck with him (it was a song title from one of his own songs in the past) and we all felt it’s a fitting name, thematically.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

Most of us are from the Haarlem, Noord-Holland region (or in close proximity to it). Richard is from Almere, Flevoland, which is a bit farther away.

As for the origins, it started about 3 years ago, before the whole Covid thing. It started when Maurits, our bass player, contacted me to see if I was up for getting a new band going. We jammed a little bit and got together to meet Menno (our drummer). After a couple of sessions we had a connection and so we started looking for additional members. Pim, our other guitarist joined pretty early and after writing a couple of demo songs and vocal auditions we found Richard as our lead singer. With all 5 members in place, the foundation was laid. Each and every one of us had experience with playing and performing from previous bands so we found a good basis to work from.

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

We have a wide variety of influences on an individual level. Our bass player and drummer love the more aggressive bands like Lorna Shore and Shadow Of Intent, but I myself am more into the old-skool metalcore sound. Think of bands like Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Parkway Drive, Darkest Hour, to name a few. Those bands have had a prominent
influence over my playing and my songwriting.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

For me it started when I was around 14. I got my first guitar as a birthday present. Practiced a bit, learned some basic songs, nothing special. But when I hit 18 I started to take it a bit more seriously because I really wanted to play in a band. That happened, because shortly after I was asked to co-found State Of Negation, which also featured Pim on guitar.
I really love playing live shows, even more so than recording. I’m happy I am able to do that with LEH now too.

Of course I have other ambitions, but those are more work related. But if I got the opportunity to make music a full time career, I would definitely go for it.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Haha, that’s a big list to write down! I am currently enjoying Bleed From Within’s latest record, as well as Sylosis’.

Do you sing in the shower?

I try, haha. I’d love to be able to do metal vocals like fry screaming and such, but I suck at it. My only fan is the shower curtain.

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

Definitely! Our main focus the last few months has been towards the Metal Battle and other live shows. But currently we are working on recording and finalizing a new single that’s to be released this summer, and the next one after summer. And we’ll be doing a lot of festivals this year too, as part of the prize pool for winning the Metal Battle.

Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

We’re not working on a full album right now. The current market developments have led us to adopting a more incremental release strategy. That means we will be putting our efforts into high-quality singles, accompanied by a cool piece of content like a music video or a
promo. An EP release is planned for early 2024, however.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Well, the low hanging fruits would be to say Wacken, Graspop, Ozzfest, Rock Am Ring, etc. The US and European festivals. But I’d also love to play on 70.000 Tons Of Metal. There’s just something about the idea of playing on a big cruise ship.

Other than those, I’d love to go on a well-organized tour someday, including a big bus.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Well, my all-time favorite band is and will be Rammstein. So music wise I’d say something like SEHNSUCHT or MUTTER. But guitar-wise I’m definitely heavily influenced by Ascendancy, by Trivium. It’s one of the best metalcore albums out there in my opinion and has absolutely stood the test of time.

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

Ooh yes.. I love cheeky joke-music as well. Big fan of Bloodhound Gang and The Lonely Island. I’ve had periods when I’d be putting them on repeat all day, much to the annoyance of my partner.

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

Haha, well that would be quite subjective, wouldn’t it? I mean, the greatest bands on earth to me are wildly different to what the other band members might see as the best. But if you ask me, I’d say a good festival with all the greats: Linkin Park, Slipknot, Trivium, Machine Head,
Parkway Drive, and of course Loyalty Ends Here.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

Yes, that was Linkin Park’s Meteora. I do think I still have it somewhere but I’m not sure.

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

I’d say: If you’re into that melodic old-school metalcore sound and vibe, love a great party, come to our shows. You won’t be disappointed!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

We have a very handy website prepared where people can find all the relevant links, to our music, videos, our merchandise etc. Bookers and promoters can download our Electronic Press Kit as well. https://linktr.ee/loyaltyendshere

We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

If you haven’t, check out our latest single TESTAMENT (on all streaming services) and our same-titled music video on YouTube. Be sure to follow us on social media as we have a lot of cool stuff coming in the future!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum