The Canadians of Eyes Front share their journey, the challenges they faced, and the strength of their hardcore community in Edmonton. They also reveal their passion for hockey, like any good Albertan. We delve into their decision to release their album independently and the inspirations behind their songs. Let’s dive into the words of this intriguing interview.
1. You come from several other Canadian bands. What is so different about Eyes Front that would even be at the heart of your formation?
All the bands we were in before Eyes Front played different genres and sub-genre’s such as Death Metal, Metalcore, Pop Punk, and Power Violence. From the brutality and speed of Death Metal and Power Violence to the Ear Worm hooks and melodies of pop punk and metal-core, I think it definitely helps us in finding our sound a little more on this last EP for sure.
2. Any words on the Oilers' final since you don't hide being hockey fans, or did we dream it?
Hey, we went from losing three games in a row right off the bat to making it to game 7 so that’s something to be proud of. We made some money in bets, lost some money in bets, but one thing for sure about Edmonton, we’re always losing in champion city.
3. The hardcore community in Alberta is very tight-knit and active on social media. Is it the same in Edmonton for your scene?
Absolutely it is, we’ve got a lot of familiar faces coming out to every show and the best thing about it is that we’re all connected with other cities when it comes to hardcore. Quite a few of us are in bands that have played elsewhere in Alberta, or have gone to other cities for festivals within the province, so it’s very tight-knit. You also get people inviting other people out to shows or starting bands, and that all brings us together, and grows our numbers
4. What are the reasons that led you to release your self-titled album independently, rather than continuing with Mangoe Records, who released "Tied to the Tracks" two years ago?
Mangoe Records was a great partner to work with for our first EP and a true supporter from our Demo. We just found that American conversions and shipping rates were kind of getting out of hand, so we decided to just deal with it by self releasing digitally for the new EP. All the best to Chris from Mangoe Records!
5. You perfectly combine Crossover, Beatdown, and Metalcore in your sound on the latest record. Which bands have influenced your music?
Too many bands to name 'em all TBH, it’s just influences from our youth to what we listen to know. I guess if I were to name four bands that really influenced this EP it would be; Backtrack, Mindforce, Power Trip & Trapped Under Ice.
6. You faced difficulties during the transition between the two records, including member changes, but it seems that in the end, this turned out to be beneficial for the recording of the self-titled album?
This is the first songwriting we’ve done from start to finish with the same lineup, so I feel like everyone’s influences and ideas were able to come to light for this project from the start. I think that it definitely ended up being beneficial to really have a solid core within the band.
7. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the album in your own words?
The issue with recording anything, and anyone can attest to this, is that you wish you had more time with the songs. There are parts or little flairs here and there that get added after the fact that you really wish made it onto the album. I think the strength of the album though is the fact that we all had a say with how the songs were written, and it comes off as more cohesive.
8. How do the lyrics of "Face the Facts," the most listened-to song on Spotify, reflect personal and social struggles, as the song seems to encourage the listener to face difficult truths and not be discouraged?
"Face the Fact" isn’t a happy song meant to encourage anyone. It’s about calling out people who let their emotions get the better of themselves before they can take a moment to figure out the logistics of it all and take the best course of action.
People play themselves by not asking if what they are doing is out of a selfish vendetta or for the greater good. Fuck those people who wave a flag pretending to be valiant when all they carry are shitty intentions.
9. According to our interpretation, "Sleep Tight" seems to be an invitation to rest and find comfort, even in difficult times. What do you do in those moments? Is there a particular episode that inspired the writing of this song?
"Sleep Tight" is actually about someone who just doesn’t deserve to walk around a free man. That being said, once the music is out there, it’s up to the listener to interpret it as they want! If you want to take it as a positive then do so, but when it came to writing it, I can tell you it came from a negative and loathing place.
10. Which song from the album makes you want to let loose the most when you're on stage and why?
"Wildrose" is the easiest to let loose, too. Riff and vocal wise, it’s not super complicated, and it’s a triumphant anthem about this wonderful "Wildrose" scene we got building in Alberta.
11. Which song from the album has the catchiest chorus in your opinion?
"Sleep Tight" is definitely the catchiest for me, while good night sleep tight in this song means being put six feet under, we all at one point said the words good night, and sleep tight before going to bed. Easy lyrics to remember.
12. How does the album cover, which shows your love for monster trucks, as well as in your advertisements, reflect the personality of Eyes Front?
We wanted to let loose with this EP and do cool shit without taking ourselves too seriously, so who doesn’t love monster trucks, motorcycles, Ford Broncos, fire, Grim Reapers and graveyards?
13. You have been less active on social media since June. Do you have any plans for the fall and winter tours?
We’re working on some plans. We took a little break to have some time to ourselves and focus on our personal lives. We’re in our thirties and work full-time jobs, we got bills to pay, people to marry, dogs to take care of, it’s challenging getting big plans in the works but that all doesn’t mean we’re going anywhere or not working on some bigger things for the band during the quiet times.
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At first glance in this interview, it is clear that their strength lies in the community they have created in their hometown. Their unwavering passion, their ability to transform negative experiences into powerful, catchy artistic creations. Does Eyes Front embody the spirit of independence and authenticity while staying deeply connected to their local roots? Absolutely! Their self-titled album is one of the best records released this year, and we believe they have a strong chance of being part of the discussions for the best albums at the end of the year. Don’t play dead, go listen to this album right away. And start the thrash!
