Bristol band Calvaria offer up a tribute to 2000s metalcore and nu-metal with elements of progressive metal in a thrilling sound they describe as “melodic, loud and riffy.”
The band formed in late 2022 when vocalist Scott King and guitarist Natasha Bray started writing together. They released three singles and debut EP Prophecy the following year, before relocating to Bristol in 2024, bringing bassist Alex Carpenter, drummer Dylan Bond and guitarist Joe Gormley on board to complete the lineup.
On the sound they’ve crafted since, Natasha told us: “We aim to pay homage to the nostalgic sounds of early 2000s metalcore while combining it with our own modern twist. Expect lots of riffs, heavy breakdowns, guitar solo’s and big vocal hooks. We are influenced by metalcore, new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBH), progressive metal and nu-metal to name a few.”
Our latest taste of this is Calvaria’s fourth single The Serpent Lies Within, which was released in March and the first with the full lineup in place. It opens up with low-tuned guitars and big cymbal hits under cool guitar licks, which develop as the drums pick up pace. Scott’s engaging vocals take over alongside busy instrumentals, flowing into a catchy chorus “Bleed for me now, As hell resides beneath your skin, In the shadows of doubt, Where you can’t hide, The serpent lies within.”
More fun guitars bridge into another verse supported by backing vocals and flowing into another big chorus supported by heavy drums. This time it drops into a repeating high-pitched guitar over low chords, giving way to a fun driving riff and a big solo. That sets up a big final blast of the chorus and a piercing guitar and heavy vocals bringing the track to an end on a high.
On the track, Natasha told us: “The reception has been great, we did a single launch show in South Wales on the day of release, which went really well. We’re really pleased with the press we’ve received and also the general feedback. For anyone who hasn’t listened yet, expect an energised song with big riffs, thumping drums and soaring vocals. There’s definitely nostalgic elements in the song too.” Check it out in the stream here:
We firmly recommend giving their earlier music a listen too, including the excellent debut EP Prophecy. It opens up with the powerful opening title track before the lively Shadows of a Thousand Years and a personal favourite Raven, which opens up with a cool chugging riff and busy guitars support engaging vocals. And it signs off in style with the heavy At World’s End.
The Calvaria sound has been inspired by the likes of Bullet For My Valentine, The Raven Age, Killswitch Engage and Architects. As Natasha explains: “We’re big fans of early 00s metalcore, so that has massively influenced our sound. However, we’re still into more traditional heavy metal as well, which has probably subconsciously influenced our sound.
“To us, there’s nothing more inspiring than watching a great live band (whether it be a famous band or a local one). This always inspires us to write more music and develop our sound. We write about lots of topics, such as global issues and other personal stuff that we are experiencing.”
There’s plenty more to come from Calvaria, who plan to release their second EP at the end of the summer, hopefully with a short tour to support it. The band gigs regularly, including playing Bristol’s Metal 2 The Masses semi-final this Sunday (11 May) and The Venue in Wycombe next Thursday (15 May).
Natasha also teases “talk of something very exciting happening” next year, which they aren’t allowed to reveal yet. She added: “Watch this space! We’re working relentlessly behind the scenes with exciting things to come. This is just the beginning!”
You can follow Calvaria on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer and YouTube.
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