Interview with State Of Deceit by Matt Bladen
MoM: Give us an introduction to the band for anyone that doesn't know you. Band name, members, style etc?
State Of Deceit: We are State of Deceit, a heavy metal band from Cardiff, South Wales. We are a four piece band which includes Pete Scammell (vocalist), Jon Russell (guitarist), Matt Wilson (bassist) and Matt Toner (drums). We have been a band for around 2 years and we’ve been described as range of styles including thrash, groove, hardcore, metalcore, and heavy metal. I guess people hear a diverse range in our songs.
MoM: Elephant in the room. How have you coped with the pandemic? What have you been up to?
State Of Deceit: Sheesh! What a year! It has been tough but we are a very close knit band and very good friends so we have gotten through this together. We haven’t been sitting on our arses too much (except the drummer who needs to get down the gym). We have been writing new material, working on promoting our current EP around the world with a number of organisations, contacting promoters and most recently we have been in the studio with Tim Hammill at Sonic One Studios recording our new EP due for release this year. In some respects this year has been tough because we have only had a handful of practices in between lockdowns but we have also kept ourselves very busy.
MoM: What experience have you had with Bloodstock/M2TM in the past?
State Of Deceit: It’s one of our favourite shows to be a part of and we just love playing them, whether we get through to the next stage or not. The people and fans who turn up to the shows are amazing and the atmosphere is electric. Until we make it through and win, you will always see State of Deceit at M2TM. Even after we win, we’ll still be there supporting other bands. We’re fans of other local bands too.
MoM: How are you feeling entering this slightly restructured M2TM format?
State Of Deceit: Pretty awesome… I mean we have a guaranteed pass to the final this year due to winning our heat last year (pre-COVID). This will be our first ever final at M2TM in Cardiff. Something we have wanted to achieve since we started and we are bringing something special to the final this year. We’re currently working very hard on our live performance and I have a feeling that we are going to be a threat to the other finalists.
MoM: What would it mean to play Bloodstock? Would it be more significant doing so this year, after everything that's happened with live music?
State Of Deceit: Let me answer the second question first. No. It wouldn’t be more significant to us this year than any other. Bloodstock is a festival that has ALWAYS been significant to us and to play it would mean the world to us. It’s one of those festivals that we would want to come back and play again and again in the future. It’s absolutely fantastic and the talent that plays there is insane! To be a part of that would be a dream come true for us all.
MoM: Give us a three word rundown of what to expect in your performance?
State Of Deceit: BRAIN MELTING CHAOS
Final Thought: State Of Deceit have already done a lot of the hard work so let's hope they really bring it in the final
MoM: Give us an introduction to the band for anyone that doesn't know you. Band name, members, style etc?
State Of Deceit: We are State of Deceit, a heavy metal band from Cardiff, South Wales. We are a four piece band which includes Pete Scammell (vocalist), Jon Russell (guitarist), Matt Wilson (bassist) and Matt Toner (drums). We have been a band for around 2 years and we’ve been described as range of styles including thrash, groove, hardcore, metalcore, and heavy metal. I guess people hear a diverse range in our songs.
MoM: Elephant in the room. How have you coped with the pandemic? What have you been up to?
State Of Deceit: Sheesh! What a year! It has been tough but we are a very close knit band and very good friends so we have gotten through this together. We haven’t been sitting on our arses too much (except the drummer who needs to get down the gym). We have been writing new material, working on promoting our current EP around the world with a number of organisations, contacting promoters and most recently we have been in the studio with Tim Hammill at Sonic One Studios recording our new EP due for release this year. In some respects this year has been tough because we have only had a handful of practices in between lockdowns but we have also kept ourselves very busy.
MoM: What experience have you had with Bloodstock/M2TM in the past?
State Of Deceit: It’s one of our favourite shows to be a part of and we just love playing them, whether we get through to the next stage or not. The people and fans who turn up to the shows are amazing and the atmosphere is electric. Until we make it through and win, you will always see State of Deceit at M2TM. Even after we win, we’ll still be there supporting other bands. We’re fans of other local bands too.
MoM: How are you feeling entering this slightly restructured M2TM format?
State Of Deceit: Pretty awesome… I mean we have a guaranteed pass to the final this year due to winning our heat last year (pre-COVID). This will be our first ever final at M2TM in Cardiff. Something we have wanted to achieve since we started and we are bringing something special to the final this year. We’re currently working very hard on our live performance and I have a feeling that we are going to be a threat to the other finalists.
MoM: What would it mean to play Bloodstock? Would it be more significant doing so this year, after everything that's happened with live music?
State Of Deceit: Let me answer the second question first. No. It wouldn’t be more significant to us this year than any other. Bloodstock is a festival that has ALWAYS been significant to us and to play it would mean the world to us. It’s one of those festivals that we would want to come back and play again and again in the future. It’s absolutely fantastic and the talent that plays there is insane! To be a part of that would be a dream come true for us all.
MoM: Give us a three word rundown of what to expect in your performance?
State Of Deceit: BRAIN MELTING CHAOS
Final Thought: State Of Deceit have already done a lot of the hard work so let's hope they really bring it in the final