Metal To The Masses 2022 Interviews: I Fight Bears (Heat #8 28.05.22)

Interviews With I Fight Bears By Matt Bladen

Dan Blackmore - Vocals
Chris Treharne - Guitars
Marc James - Guitars
Drew Hamley - Bass/vocals
Scott Preece - Drums

Coming at you from Bridgend, home to Funeral For A Friend, Those Damn Crows and Bullet For My Valentine, South Wales metal beasts I FIGHT BEARS hurl out juggernaut riffage, imposing vocals, and thunderous beats, that suck you in and spit you out. 

In 2018, the Welsh heavyweights dropped their self-titled debut album, sparking glowing comparisons to Lamb Of God, Parkway Drive, and Killswitch Engage. The record piqued the interest of Metal Hammer, who placed the band on their cover CD, exclusively streamed the album, and backed the band with a feature in the magazine. The album was also widely praised from many acclaimed websites and online sources. The band followed this up with the release of their shredding cover of the classic Spandau Ballet song ‘Gold’ I FIGHT BEARS’ live stock is on the rise too, with support slots with the likes of Bleed From Within, The Word Alive, Continents, Perpetua and Skies In Motion have only furthered their growth.

I FIGHT BEARS are currently working hard on brand new material for an EP to follow up from their debut album. Stay tuned to their socials for updates.

MoM: How have the last year(s) been for the band? What have you been up too?

I Fight Bears: The Covid years were difficult for us as they were for most people. But we did manage to start pulling new material together and making headway on getting it recorded and produced.

MoM: What experience have you had with Bloodstock/M2TM in the past?

I Fight Bears: We’ve attended many heats in the past number of years to support fellow bands but this will be our first time playing as part of M2TM. It’s exciting!

MoM: How are you feeling entering the M2TM format back as it should be? Playing in front of a crowd again?

I Fight Bears: The best way for anyone to experience a band is to see them live. We’re thrilled that we can do this again. We love creating records but our real power is in the live setting.

MoM: What would it mean to you to play Bloodstock?

I Fight Bears: Bloodstock is a truly great festival. Lots of bands we love play it every year. It would be a huge accomplishment for us to be a part of a festival that houses such great acts.

MoM: Tell us two truths and one lie about the band?

I Fight Bears: 

1. We were once at a recording studio in North Wales and a body was tragically discovered about 300 metres from our studio in a river.

2. Our guitarist Marc James is a power lifter and competes regularly

3. Dan our vocalist often competes in large eating competitions and often wins.

MoM: Finally give us a four word rundown of what to expect?

I Fight Bears: Bears Will Be Fought