San Diego’s anvilchandelier are part of a new wave of bands pulling from the chaotic and emotional roots of late ’90s and early 2000s metalcore while filtering it through the perspective of a younger generation raised inside DIY scenes. Though the band itself is relatively new, the members had already been active within the San Diego scene before coming together. “Each member had already been involved in the local San Diego scene in one way or another, whether that was playing in bands or supporting them, but our most important requirement when forming was that we were all friends,” vocalist Noah Mercer, guitarists Jack Mouzas and Ethan Sgarbossa tell No Echo.
Mercer and drummer Josh Henderson had previously worked together and were eager to start a new project centered around an early 2000s metalcore sound. Mouzas and bassist Mikey soon joined and began writing the band’s first demo. Sgarbossa initially came aboard to produce and record the band’s first EP, but after filling in live and building chemistry with the group, he became a permanent member, completing the lineup.
For anvilchandelier, the term metalcore still carries real meaning. “Metalcore to us is the calculated sound of metal blended with the aggressive and emotional side of hardcore,” they explain. “The late ’90s and early 2000s are a heavy influence for this band.” Vocally, they draw inspiration from groups like Converge, Zao, and From a Second Story Window, while instrumentally, they balance chaotic riffing with melodic passages reminiscent of acts like 7 Angels 7 Plagues. They also acknowledge the emotional DNA of early 2000s screamo as part of their musical identity.
“We grew up learning music from things like Guitar Hero and older family members showing us the heavier side of music,” they say. “We expanded on this by growing up and attending shows at places like Che Café, Epicentre, and Soma.”
Recently, the band released a split with fellow Southern California group A Year Ago Today, a collaboration that grew naturally from the two bands’ shared roots in the scene. Both groups had previously released material through Wilmore Records and quickly formed a strong connection. “We did a small run together, and since then, have been inseparable, and they have become some of our best friends that we see often,” the band says. “We decided that we wanted to put out a split together because they are our sibling band and we couldn’t imagine a split with anyone else.”
The release was ultimately handled as a joint effort between Paper Wings Records and Self Inflicted Records, a partnership the band says was important for maintaining a genuine connection with the people helping put the music out. “Paper Wings Records was the right choice for us because it was someone who seemed genuinely excited to work with us, and it has always been important to us to foster a good relationship with our scene.”
Looking ahead, the band’s focus is now on writing their first full-length. “At this point with our releases, we feel we are ready to start working toward a full-length release,” they explain. “We are taking our time to write something that all of us are truly proud of and resonates with our influences at the moment.” In the meantime, the band plans to stay active on the live front with plenty of shows on the horizon.
They’re also keeping a close eye on other bands pushing metalcore forward. In Southern California, they point to Call Me the Boxer and lost not found as two acts worth watching. “Call Me the Boxer is doing that chaotic math-grind sound while lost not found is reminiscent of early The Devil Wears Prada with shreddy elements,” they say. “Both bands are made of young kids who you can tell love and appreciate the culture and are making music that would make the Unc’s proud.” Outside the U.S., they highlight the UK’s Crowquill as another band they admire and hope to share a stage with someday.
Beyond the music itself, anvilchandelier emphasize the importance of community and creativity within the scene.
“Love and support your communities,” the band says. “Don’t be afraid to create something shitty in the pursuit of something unique and special.” They also close with a reminder that hardcore has always been tied to social awareness and action. “Protest and vote in your local elections.”
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anvilchandelier on social media: Instagram
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