Mutiny UK are a five-piece groove metal band from Northamptonshire, featuring former members of Torch, The Witness and Full Contact. New Boots spoke to guitarist Kieran Murphy about their brutal new single ‘Warfare’ and much more besides.
Who is in the band, where are you based?
We’ve got Niall Billingsley on vocals, he’s based in Daventry, Jamie Hitchcock on bass, Joe Linnell on drums [both from Moulton], then myself Kieran Murphy and Ben Swingler on guitars, and we’re based in Kettering!
How did you guys get together?
Ben, Jamie and Joe used to be in a band together a couple of years ago, they started jamming around this time last year for this project, which turned into Mutiny. Soon after they got in touch with Niall to do vocals, and I joined on guitar last August.
How would you describe your sound? Who are your main influences?
We try to combine as many influences as possible within our music, both to keep ourselves invigorated and listeners likewise. Predominantly we provide a groove metal sound, with elements of old school death metal and new wave metalcore. Influences range from bands such as Meshuggah, Architects, After The Burial, Sylosis, Carcass, At The Gates…I could sit here all day giving you bands, haha!
Tell us everything about this single, ‘Warfare’.
‘Warfare’ was the first full song that I wrote for the band; it started with the intro riff at a practice. We played it live for a few shows and eventually changed certain sections, until we were finally happy with the finished product. At this point we headed up to Dundee, Scotland in February to record with Kieran Smith [drummer of To Kill Achilles]. He did a smashing job producing us, and we’re chuffed with the final outcome.
What are your live shows like?
Without sounding like your generic metal band, we just try to keep it as energetic as possible and keep the crowd entertained and involved, whilst having a laugh at the same time. That’s what it’s all about really. We aren’t some super elitist band that’s angry at the world and everyone in it; we’re all pretty chilled out/laid back.
Are you part of a wider scene in Northamptonshire? Any favourite bands/venues to play with?
We recently played at The Roadmender in Northampton. In terms of local venues that’s a place we’ve all been going to since we were kids, so it was cool to finally play a show there. In terms of local metal bands Krysthla are smashing it, likewise with From Eden To Exile. Would definitely recommend checking them both out!
What has been your favourite band moment of the past year?
Collectively, it was probably recording ‘Warfare’ up in Dundee. It was great listening back to the final product after we’d spent months working away at it.
What was the last album you bought/streamed?
Kieran: I’ve recently pre-ordered Ride’s This Is Not A Safe Place on vinyl.
Ben: The Maccabees Colour It In
Niall: JID The Never Story
Jamie and Joe: Architects Holy Hell
What are your burning desires for the band to do? What plans do you have?
We’re about two or three songs away from finishing writing for our debut album. The plan up until then is to continue playing shows. We’re hoping for a release early-mid 2020, but we’ll have more information to come on that soon.
Warfare is out now via the usual digital platforms
