Los Angeles hardcore metal band Cutthroat have spent the last several years grinding through international tours, sharpening their sound, and steadily building momentum within both hardcore and metal circles. With the upcoming release of The Purge EP in late summer, the band now feels like it’s entering an entirely new chapter.
Formed in 2013 by vocalist Neil Roemer, Cutthroat have always balanced metallic hardcore, thrash, and hip-hop influence, but The Purge pushes the band into noticeably heavier territory. “I do look at Purge as a new chapter,” Roemer tells No Echo. “This go around, we are a bit more organized and have a really good team to support us.”
With this release, the band has also quietly dropped the “LA” from their name. “Today, I would like to believe that when you think of Cutthroat in this industry, you only think of us,” Roemer says.
The first taste of The Purge EP was recently released in the form of a music video for its title track:
Since No Echo last featured them, Cutthroat have toured in Europe, the United States, and Japan. They also started working on new material in late 2024. “Japan is always the biggest highlight for me personally,” Roemer says. “Best people and best place on the planet.”
The band’s lineup is now more international, with São Paulo musicians Betto Cardoso and Renato Romano playing drums and guitar. Roemer says the distance isn’t a problem because everyone treats the band professionally. “We mainly just do tours, so we will meet up a few days before the run and get our rehearsals in,” he explains.
Roemer says Cutthroat's sound has evolved naturally, pushing him to grow as a vocalist. “Working with this current lineup, they have forced me to dig deeper and expand my vocal range even more,” he says.
Even as the band leans heavier, Roemer remains energized by the current hardcore landscape, shouting out bands like Mindforce, Heat, DRAIN, and Speed. “I’m very proud of the hardcore scene and where it is at today,” he says.
Looking back overall, Roemer sounds grateful for what the band has allowed him to experience. “Cutthroat has been a vessel for helping the expansion of the mind and seeing the world through a different lens,” he says. “Expect to see us operate on a higher level.”
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The Purge will be out on August 14 through M-Theory Audio.
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