Interview: We Came As Romans (Slam Dunk Fest Preview)

Over the coming days and weeks, Already Heard will be previewing this years Slam Dunk Festival in detail through a range of interviews and features.

Since forming in 2005, Detroit’s We Came As Romans have been honing their craft with their brand of hook-y metalcore becoming more layered and dynamic with every album. Their latest eponymous effort is the bands fourth album to date and sees the sextet embrace their melodic side with impressive results. Songs such as ‘The World I Used To Know’ thrive on big hooks, crunching guitars, hard-hitting drum work. However cuts like ‘Tear It Down’ show WCAR aren’t afraid to return to their former aggressive skin.

Having visited the UK numerous times, as well as festivals throughout the world, their next visit to the UK sees them appearing at the Slam Dunk Festival for the first time. It coincides with a co-headline tour alongside fellow Slam Dunk band Memphis MAy Fire.

As they prepare their bags for another trip to the UK, we spoke with vocalist Dave Stephens to find out what his expectations for Slam Dunk are.

AH: Even though you’ve been over to the UK plenty of times, this is going to be your first time at Slam Dunk. Are you looking forward to your Slam Dunk debut and what have you been told about the festival?
Dave: Absolutely! Anytime we can play the UK and get in front of some potential new listeners is a blessing. We’ve been told it’s a great festival and a lot of fun, so we’re counting down the days!

AH: You’re going to be playing alongside the likes of Of Mice & Men, Issues, and Memphis May Fire. You must be looking forward to playing with some familiar faces?
Dave:
Those are all bands we’ve grown very close to over the years so whenever we get to share the stage with them, it’s a great time.

AH: Away from the Atlas stage, who are you hoping to watch over the three days?
Dave:
Norma Jean, Every Time I Die, New Found Glory. I’ve been a fan of all three of those bands since I was a kid so it’ll be awesome to watch them play.

AH: You’ve played festivals on both sides of the Atlantic. Is there anything specific you like about festivals?
Dave: Festivals give you a chance to make new fans but also friends with so many bands in one place, it’s always quite the party backstage.

AH: Secondly, what festival survival tips would you give to readers?
Dave:
Don’t forget to eat throughout the day and drink a water in between your alcoholic drinks. Be sure to keep a schedule on hand as well so you don’t miss your favourite bands!

AH: For anyone who has never seen WCAR live, what are they missing out on?
Dave:
We put a lot of energy into our live performances and do our best to ensure whoever is watching us gets their money’s worth.

‘We Came As Romans’ by We Came As Romans is out now on Equal Vision Records (US) / Spinefarm Records (UK).

The Word Alive will be playing on the Atlas stage:
Slam Dunk North (Leeds) – 4:00 – 4:35pm
Slam Dunk Midlands (Birmingham) – 4:00 – 4:35pm
Slam Dunk South (Hertfordshire) – 4:00 – 4:35pm

View more of Already Heard’s coverage from Slam Dunk Festival 2016 here.