British newcomers Alfonso Conspiracy offer up an abrasive fusion of 90s industrial metal, dark gothic and horror culture and modern metal riffs in a captivating sound they describe as “unapologetic, ugly and naked.”
Alfonso Conspiracy is the work of Hull-born multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Max James, who’d always wanted to be in a band and took matters into his own hands when he realised nobody around him shared that passion. He learned to play multiple instruments, then how to record produce and release music, before moving to Birmingham to study music aged 18.
On the sound he’s crafted since, Max told us: “I don’t have a box or a line to cross. It’s just me, and whatever I want to say or create is said or created. It is dark, it is intense and not like anything else right now. I think it is the natural progression of metal music.
“I blend Industrial Metal music from the 90s with modern core music. It’s like Nine Inch Nails, but there are drop E breakdowns and stuff. I adore horror movies and aesthetics and goth music also, so they play a big part in my sound and style. If Nine Inch Nails and Korn had a baby and Bring Me The Horizon raised it, and said baby was obsessed with horror movies, the outcome would be Alfonso Conspiracy.”
Our latest taste of this is WHORE, which was released last month. It opens up with industrial electronic sounds that continue under heavy guitars and drums, which continue under the intense opening vocals “Fuck you and everything you stand for. Not like you have a fucking clue about the cliche that you’re trying to be. Maybe look at yourself instead of bursting cherries.” The powerful vocals continue, dropping into a big stabbing guitar riff that continues under the lines “Hand in hand, Like a heart attack, Just slip a pill and it’ll all turn black, I’m not asking to take it back, I just wanna know why.”
The pace slows down before bursting into a wild flurry of fast-paced vocals, giving way to building electronic sounds and growled vocals as it increases in intensity. It suddenly explodes into cool guitars and synths then chugging guitar chords to bring the track to a lively conclusion.
On the track, Max said: “It’s a very visceral and intense song. It doesn’t hide anything and doesn’t apologise for that. It is a perfect introduction to the album’s nature and it isn’t for the faint of heart. I am extremely proud of what came from this song, and I cannot wait to perform it live.”
That comes ahead of Alfonso Conspiracy’s debut album The Explicit//The Exploited, which is out next month. “I am so excited for it to be out into the world,” Max told us. “I’m nervous and eager to see people’s views on my little creation, and super excited to take it to the stage next year. It is everything you know about Alfonso Conspiracy turned past 1000.
“I think it is the most honest I have ever been in any context of my life, and it is as raw and pure as possible; two attributes I strongly believe are missing in metal today. It is ripe with Industrial energy, but brought into the modern climate of heavy riffs and breakdowns, and I am proud of the sound I have formed for myself. I think there is a big place for it in the metal scene today, and this is my introduction to it. First impressions are important, and I think whatever the impression I give people from this record is welcome to me.”
And on specific tracks to look out for on the album, Max added: “I think every song has something different to say, and something fresh to offer. I really believe every song deserves the time of day of listeners, and I think it really is an album where everyone will have a different favourite. I would personally say I am super excited about my personal favourite, deeper than that… It is a super uncomfortable, nasty song, but I am so proud of it. It’s one of those songs where it’s like, I always wanted to make it, I am glad I managed it. I think (pathogen) and (transmit) will be a great time on stage too, so I can’t wait!”
The Alfonso Conspiracy sound has been influenced by a wide range of genres and artists, starting with Max growing up on the likes of Slipknot, The Prodigy, Green Day, Michael Jackson and even Rihanna. When he began showing an interest in becoming a musician, he was heavily influenced by the likes of Architects and Parkway Drive, who helped him start writing heavy riffs and presenting himself in a certain way. Then, as “a moody teenager,” he discovered the world of industrial metal and goth with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, The Sisters Of Mercy and Marilyn Manson changing his outlook on art and gave birth to the concept of Alfonso.
And on what inspires him to write music, Max explains: “My music is my way of processing, understanding and expressing life as a whole. I write about anything and everything, as long as I feel strongly about it. It is often struggles I experience, whether they are my own or not. As cliché as it may be, pain is the biggest inspiration for music. I mainly use my music as a form of expressing personal struggles, and I believe the more vulgar and less limited I am, the more cathartic it is for me.”
Alfonso Conspiracy’s debut album The Explicit//The Exploited will be released two weeks today (5 December). They also have gigs booked in the diary, with new music and plenty more exciting news to follow next year.
You can follow Alfonso Conspiracy on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube.
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