KnifeLighter formed in Central Florida after the end of a previous band the three members had played in, driven by a desire to keep making music together. “We formed from the last project three of our members were in and wanted to keep playing music with our friends,” vocalist Pon tells No Echo. “We were lucky to have our drummer join us after our original drummer left to focus on his other band.”
The band’s writing and playing style pulls from several places, with their local Florida scene playing an equally important role. “Our sound is a mix of metalcore and hardcore, trying to blend all our influences into one,” he explains. “Our scene loves heavy hardcore and raw aggression, so we do our best to bring that into every song.”
KnifeLighter recorded their latest single, “Stray,” with Erick Barrington at EB Audio in DeBary, Florida, continuing a working relationship that now spans several releases. “He's done our last several releases and always does phenomenal work,” Pon says.
The new song's inspiration came from an unlikely source: Wes Anderson. The overall theme of the song is coming together to fight back against those who oppress you,” Pon explains. “It was really inspired by the Isle of Dogs movie lyrically.”
KnifeLighter is part of a Central Florida hardcore scene that Pon describes as thriving, with bands like Spine Eater, Rotten Resurrection, Age of Refuge, Tut, Ten-Fifty, Linked Up, and Life Sentence all pushing things forward. “The moshing is hard, and the bands are even harder,” he says.
The scene's strength comes from more than just the bands. Pon credits the promoters, artists, photographers, videographers, and everyone working behind the scenes.
“From the local promoters to the artists designing flyers and merch and photographers and videographers, the Central Florida scene is really thriving, with new blood at every show and new bands taking over doing their thing,” he says. “It's great to be a part of it, and we appreciate every aspect and hand that goes into making this scene as amazing and welcoming as it is.”
KnifeLighter is already looking ahead, planning to record a new EP called A Death Sentence In Gods Land, release singles, and play more shows in the coming year.
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