New Bedford, Massachusetts, has quietly been carrying the torch for the state’s hardcore scene over the past few years. As the Boston area continues to push people further out, it’s fitting that one of the scene’s strongest holdouts is this coastal city some 50 miles from the metro.
Hailing from New Bedford, Riverbed have spent the last five years carving out their place with a frenetic, heavy take on metallic hardcore—one that balances chaos with brief moments of harmony. Their sound rides the line between hardcore and metalcore, built on punishing riffs delivered at breakneck speeds, drawing clear influence from the more aggressive side of Converge and the early 2000s Hydra Head Records era.
The band originally started as a studio project between guitarist Evan and vocalist Sean, who previously played together in Raindance. “When Raindance disbanded, we weren’t ready to stop,” Evan explains. “The pandemic felt like the right time to start something new, so I wrote a couple of songs and tracked a demo with Trevor Vaughan, playing all the instruments while Sean handled vocals.” As things opened back up, the lineup solidified with Chris Campbell on drums, Julian Mazzola on bass, and Dylan Kulpa stepping in on guitar after Ilya Podolskiy left to focus on family.
Riverbed’s live presence quickly set them apart. Their blend of metallic hardcore intensity with more dissonant and atmospheric passages stood out early on, offering a dynamic contrast that made their sets hit differently from their peers. Over time, they followed up early releases with a string of singles—“Death Dealer,” “Dead Flowers,” and “Vultures,” the latter two of which landed on their new EP, Mourning Lovers. They’ve also shared bills with acts like Inspirit, The HIRS Collective, A Loss For Words, and A Wilhelm Scream, while remaining deeply rooted in their New Bedford scene.
Mourning Lovers is a loosely conceptual EP centered on personal loss and the emotional fallout that follows. Sean’s lyrics reflect that weight. “The EP took me a while to write,” he says. “A lot of it comes from losing my mom and dealing with relationships during that time. It wasn’t meant to be a concept record, but it ended up feeling connected. I realized I was mourning with each loss.”
Musically, the EP expands on the band’s foundation while sharpening their identity. Evan points to influences ranging from ’90s hardcore—Turmoil, Converge, One King Down, Botch—to the broader sonic scope of Hydra Head-era bands like Isis, Cave In, and Neurosis. “Those bands showed me that hardcore and metal could be both chaotic and beautiful,” he says. “I think that comes through in everything we do.”
That blend is evident across Mourning Lovers. Opener “Dead Flowers” builds from relentless riffs and breakdowns into a more dynamic structure, shifting into a breakbeat before settling into a slower, heavier section where Sean’s vocals take center stage. “Vultures” leans heavily into the band’s Converge influence, with frantic drumming and jagged riffs driving the track forward.
Elsewhere, songs like “Current” and “All Halo’s” introduce sludgier, more atmospheric elements, giving space for the band’s more reflective side. On “All Halos,” Sean steps outside his usual delivery for a brief melodic passage, adding another layer to the band’s sound. The title track closes the EP with a slower, crushing section that underscores the record’s emotional core, eventually fading out with subtle piano, bringing the release to a somber, reflective end.
With Mourning Lovers out now, Riverbed are planning a series of shows across New England, including a hometown release show at No Problemo Taqueria in New Bedford. While full touring plans are limited due to personal commitments, the band hopes to fit in a few weekend runs later this year.
Looking ahead, they’re already focused on new material. “I’m constantly writing and demoing,” Evan says. “In the past, I’d bring full songs to the band. Now I want to get everyone in a room and build something together. The goal is to work toward a full-length next.”
Mourning Lovers is available now on all streaming platforms, with additional support available through the band’s Bandcamp. And if you’re anywhere near New Bedford, catching Riverbed live in their home environment is still the best way to experience what they’re building.
Riverbed would like to shout out to everyone who has supported them along the way, including Craig at No Problemo, Brad at The Pour Farm Tavern, Derrick from Killing It Entertainment, Victor from Violent and Grey Bookings, Trevor from A Wilhelm Scream, and artists Tyler Dipaola and Dean Forsythe.
NBMA. NBHC.
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Riverbed on social media: Instagram
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