The Hope Burden won their M2TM final in quite bizarre circumstances with their atmospheric post metal sound. Kind enough to answer my questions, drummer Phil Platt took time out to tell us about the band.
Paul: Let’s start with a brief history of the band
Phil: We started back in 2015 as an instrumental band before adding Josh on vocals in 2016. We released our debut EP Decline. Despair. Decay’ in 2018 and have been progressively been branching out and playing shows outside of our Oxfordshire.
Paul: Introduce us to the current line up?
Phil: Josh Day – vocals, Jason Smalley – Guitars, Neil Brewer – Guitars, Ryan Thornton – Bass and Phil Platt – Drums
Paul: Describe the band’s sound and influences
Phil: Broadly speaking we could be described as an atmospheric post-metal band. We draw influences from bands like Alcest, ISIS, Devil Sold His Soul, Rosetta and Deafheaven.
Paul: Prior to Bloodstock, what are some of the highlights for the band so far?
Phil: We’ve really enjoyed playing a recent run of out-of-town shows and meeting bands from the wider scene in the UK. Our EP has received some good reviews which has been nice and even won us some free studio time.
Paul: Let’s move on to Bloodstock and your road to the festival. Please tell us about your journey
Phil: It seems like it’s been a long journey to get to Bloodstock. We first entered M2TM in 2017 and crashed out in the first heat (and deservedly so), so to win has been both surprising and a really great experience. Our journey was made all the more memorable after the Oxford final was cut short due to a power cut on the High Street which meant that we didn’t get to play, and so we actually won by tagging on to the Northampton final instead. It was all a little surreal, but massive thanks to all involved for rearranging.
Paul: We know from our friends in bands that getting to the M2TM final is a great feeling. Tell us about the build up to your final and how you handled it
Phil: We went into the initial final just hoping to play well and I don’t think any of us really thought that we would win. After the power cut in Oxford forced us to play on the Northampton show I think we just relished the opportunity to play somewhere new, and as part of Hopfest on an outdoor stage too. It was very hot - still not sure that we handled that bit particularly well.
Paul: What about when you were announced as winners? What were the emotions like?
Phil: I think we always felt like we might be too ‘different’ for Bloodstock, so it was a bit of a shock to be announced as winners. Now we’re just really looking forward to playing the New Blood stage and hanging out for the whole festival.
Paul: So, moving on to the festival itself, what can we expect from you?
Phil: We’d like to think that live is where we sound best. We try to mix a dark melodic atmosphere with heavy sections so hopefully we have something that will appeal to lots of the Bloodstock crowd. More than anything its an incredible opportunity that we hope to take full advantage of.
Paul: Which bands are you looking forward to seeing there?
Phil: So many great bands are playing but we’re looking forward to seeing our fellow M2TM winners Grief Ritual along with Cradle of Filth, Thy Art Is Murder, Aborted and Taake.
Paul: Have you been to Bloodstock before?
Phil: No, this will be the first Bloodstock for all of us, but very excited to be there
A big thanks to Phil for his time. We hope you enjoy what will be a brilliant weekend. Another style to catch at the New Blood Stage, The Hope Burden play on Friday 9th August. Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/thehopeburden/
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