Influences: High Hopes

With their second album, ‘Sights And Sounds’, Reading quintet High Hopes demonstrate a ferocious display of melodic metalcore and sees them mature compared to past releases. Throughout they bring about a sense of familiar alongside freshness and ambition to the genre as seen on tracks like ‘The Callout’ and ‘Defender’.

As High Hopes prepare to release ‘Sights And Sounds’ as well as a European tour with Kingdom Of Giants and Continents, we asked the five-piece to tell us about some of the songs, bands and albums that have inspired them.

Nick: Killswitch Engage – Alive or Just Breathing

‘Alive or Just Breathing’ was the first album that I ever listened to where it combined heavy riffs with positive lyrics, showing another side to heavy music. It was at this stage that I became interested in pursuing music as a career and not just a hobby.

Krishan: It Prevails – Capture and Embrace

Most of us grew up listening to this album, musically it is just incredible. The way that they creatively blend heavy and melodic sections has greatly influenced our writing and playing style. In my opinion this album is flawless, every song is as good as the next. If you’ve never heard it, you’re definitely missing out.

Shaun: Rage Against The Machine – Bombtrack

I heard ‘Bombtrack’ before I heard any other Rage song, and this is what inspired me to pick up the bass guitar! I needed to learn that song, the funk that they bought and the tone stands out in every Rage song. So thank you Tim Commerford, without you I’d have probably been a drummer which is far too expensive!

Daryl: The Devil Wears Prada

This is the band that changed my perspective on metalcore music all those years ago, the album ‘Plagues’ especially. The band at the time were doing something completely different to all other bands and that really stood out to me. The drummer Daniel Williams played a huge part in my drumming style and presence on stage, I remember following them round on their first UK tour and getting to know the guys on a personal level. Everyone was so welcoming and I remember getting some personal tips from Dan which, at the time, completely blew me away! It still inspires me today to have the same attitude towards our fans.

Nathan: The Wildhearts – The Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed

I remember first hearing this album as a youngster and being completely blown away by the song ‘Vanilla Radio’. This originally influenced me and my guitar playing in the rock genres, which over time transitioned to heavier stuff. I still on occasion whack this on for old time’s sake!

‘Sights And Sounds’ by High Hopes is released on February 5th through Victory Records.

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