Ashen Reach – Interview

Hotly tipped UK metallers ASHEN REACH continue their ascension with the launch of their breathtaking new single and video, The Dark – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi98-q1l8dI . The band’s much anticipated new EP, The Fear, is also out now. We caught up with the four-piece to find out more about their history and background:

What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?

Kyle Martyn Stanley – Vocals
Paddy Cummins – Lead Guitar and Vocals
Jess Stanley – Drums
Joe O’Sullivan – Rhythm Guitar

How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.

The band formed in mid-2019 in the wake of a previous lineup dissolving.  The few who remained searched for new members and found them in Joe and Kyle.  The biggest city near us all is Liverpool, with Paddy being the only one actually from there and the rest being in the outskirts.  It was the European capital of culture in 2008, is one of the friendliest cities in the country, and is the hometown of the biggest band ever, The Beatles.

When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?

We started gelling almost instantly.  It was like we were all in sync with each other.  With us all being on the same page with regards to where we wanted to be as a band, it all came very naturally to us as a collective.

Who are your musical influences?

We have an eclectic mix of musical influences between us that have helped us make the sound that AR is today.  These include the likes of Rammstein, Alter Bridge, Dio, Slipknot, System of a Down, Iron Maiden, Bad Omens, Architects, Slaughter to Prevail, I Prevail and many more.

Where did the name of the band come from?

The name of the band comes from a volcanic island in the video game “Sea of Thieves” called “Ashen Reaches”.

How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend?

Jess and Paddy have known each other for over a decade, and they met Kyle and Joe in 2019.

Are you friends from school or any family relations?

None of us met in school.  Jess and Paddy are engaged.  To the surprise of many,  Kyle and Jess are not related,  but they do share the same surname.  The first time we met each other and got to know each other was when the band formed.

Where have you played or toured?

We have played all over Wales, Scotland, England, and Cornwall with festivals such as Call of The Wild, Steelhouse, Planet Rockstock, Firevolt, LoveRocks, Winterstom, and Wildfire.  We have shared bills with bands such as The Darkness, Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons, Europe, Graham Bonnet, Inglorious, Michael Schenker, Stone Broken, and GUN.

In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?

Our influences have helped us create our own unique sound, which is heavy and melodic but also instantly recognisable as “Ashen Reach”.  This, combined with our high-energy shows, has gotten us a name as the band that gets any venue bouncing and moshing, no matter the age or nature of the audience.

If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?

We would describe it as powerful, melodic, modern metal. It is music that shakes you to your core, that stirs something hidden deep within you, be it physically or emotionally, and often both, making you feel all sorts of emotions, from excitement, euphoria, anger, love, strength, and more.

Where can we find your social media sites?

You can find us on all streaming services such as Spotify, Apple music, Youtube, Tidal, ITunes, Deezer etc we are also on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads

Our linktr.ee account contains most links

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/AshenReach

Website: www.ashenreach.co.uk

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashenreach

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashenreach/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7c9c3pUdBeyiObak7xHFnG?si=tZ4ndeVDS4i7HoJ_CwfC4g

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ashenreach