Global Metal Apocalypse wades through the City of Ashes

"The band name reflected how Orion feeling about 'the big city' life and the way it can really crush you creatively and artistically".

Following the recent review we gave to uprising East Sussex quartet City of Ashes in regards to their groundbreaking new EP "Then There Was  A Hand In The Darkness", it was time to crawl beneath the skin of this fortified monster and excavate the truth behind why this band is one to watch for 2013. The band has just released a new music video and can be seen after the interview.

So guys how long has the band been going, how did it form and what does the band name mean?

We had a couple of line up changes early on but in it's current form the band has been going since beginning of last year. The name is something that Orion wrote whilst he was living in the London. It reflected how he was feeling about 'the big city' life and the way it can really crush you creatively and artistically. When the band formed shortly after that in it's original form in 2009, it seemed like a very appropriate name.

Who or what inspired you to play the style of music you play?

We never really tried to play a particular 'style' of music, but we really just write music which feels natural to us whenever we are in the writing stage. That being said, each of us has extremely wide ranging influences from punk to classical to acoustic to rock and everything in between, and I think these styles have all come through in our music at different times.

What is your local town / city scene like?

We're based in Sussex which has always had a pretty decent rock scene. Over the past two or so years it has seemed to lull slightly, but recent times have seen it beginning to come back in a big way, with more people than becoming excited that about live music again, and we're thrilled to be one of the bands representing this.

Have you played alongside any big bands, if so who? If not who would you like to play alongside?

We've been fortunate enough to play alongside some great bands which have and still are making a huge impact in UK Rock, and further afield! Highlights for us include the shows we've played with our friends Hildamay, Polar and Fei Comodo, while others include Young Guns, Skindred, Exit Ten, Verses, Attention Thieves, SCG and more!

Has the band got any plans for 2013?

We've got some pretty huge plans for this year actually, which have already seen the launch of a brand new Merch Line! The E.P. we recorded with Matt O'Grady (You Me At Six, Deaf Havana, Architects, etc) has just been released in all online stores today, and we're hitting the studio again with Matty through a bit part of March to record the next record! Right off the back of that session, we hit the road for a 2 week UK Headline Tour and are already sorting tour plans for the summer! It never stops over here, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Finally any thank you's, hello's and any other messages you wish to say?

We'd like to give a huge shout out to all the people who have taken such a big interest in the band. A big cyber hug goes to anyone who has grabbed a copy of the E.P or a tee, come hung out with us or put us up on the road. To name you all individually would take an eternity but know that we love you for it!

"Then There Was  A Hand In The Darkness" is out now and can be bought from the band

https://www.facebook.com/cityofashesband
http://www.cityofashes.co.uk/

Below you can watch the bands latest and new music video, "Falling Star"