Aussie metal maestros Make Them Suffer have evolved for over a decade, relentlessly honing and bolstering their unique blend of symphonic metal, progressive metal and metalcore tendancies. From their debut EP Lord of Woe released back in 2010 to their current iteration in 2022, the band have consistently stunned and enamoured, joining the likes of Architects, Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder, Northlane, Chelsea Grin and countless others around the globe along the way.
When the lockdowns hit Australia, resoundingly also rocking the music industry to its core, a question mark had emerged for Make Them Suffer internally as a band. And it was this very timeframe amid Melbourne's intense and restricting lockdowns that the pathway to Make Them Suffer's brand new lineup inevitably began to take shape, with guitarist Nick McLernon joining fellow Melbourne muso Alex Reade, formerly of Drown This City, on runs within the prescribed kilometer bubbles. A long-time fan of Make Them Suffer and a prolific musician in her own right, the stars aligned and a light bulb moment saw Reade recently unveiled as MTS's vocalist and keyboardist; aka, the essential and trademark "fifth member" for Make Them Suffer.
Last week releasing the explosive new track Doomswitch, alongside an accompanying music video, it would be at the filming for that very video that Reade and the band were all entirely together in-person for the very first time. But now, the new exciting chapter for MTS is well in full swing, with the band performing two sold out shows in Brisbane and Sydney last weekend, with a sold out show in Melbourne tonight in Melbourne, and a final two sold out shows in Adelaide and Perth over the weekend.
With symphonic flourishes, blasting beats, jagged guitars, and oscillating light and shade between frontman Sean Harmanis and Reade, Doomswitch is equally energetic and ethereal, leveling up the band's heaviness alongside emphatic melodics while presenting a resonating narrative: "It's not how you get knocked down / It's how you get back up."
Performing harsh vocals in conjunction with the cleans, busting out keys and keytar and seamlessly fitting into the Make Them Suffer world, Reade's addition has been met with resounding praise from longtime fans and new fans alike. But in between touring the new track, Alex Reade stopped by Behind The Soundcheck to join host Tiana Speter, chatting renewed talents and passions, core memories, the importance of tough love and beyond.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Alex's whirlwind 2022 and the surreal synchronicities of her journey to joining Make Them Suffer.
How Alex ultimately became part of Make Them Suffer, including pre-existing friendships, lockdowns and finally emerging all together in person as a band for the first time when they filmed the music video for Doomswitch.
Alex's first run of shows with Make Them Suffer, including sold out shows in Brisbane and Sydney and the "core memory" moment that she considers one of the best of her life.
Alex jumping onto harsh vocals unexpectedly for Doomswitch, her genuine respect for those who have come before her and her ultimate shock and gratitude at the positive reaction.
Alex's strong musical background, including being a classically trained vocalist and her initial plans for her musical journey; and her ultimate discovery of metal.
Alex's take on the current state of the Australian heavy music scene and the tenacity behind the scenes.
The first album Alex ever brought herself and her most memorable recent live music experience.
In honour of some of the themes underlying the new Make Them Suffer track Doomswitch, Alex shares the ultimate go-to for picking herself up when life tries to knock you down.
CATCH ALEX ON EPISODE 6, SEASON 2 OF THE SOUNDCHECK'S PODCAST BEHIND THE SOUNDCHECK BELOW, ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS - OR CHECK IT OUT WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS FROM.
BEHIND THE SOUNDCHECK
HOST/PRODUCER: Tiana Speter
GUEST: Alex Reade (Make Them Suffer)
THEME SONG: Hall Of Shame by Osaka Punch
DOOMSWITCH IS OUT NOW. FOR MORE MAKE THEM SUFFER INFO, INCLUDING TOUR DATES, HEAD HERE.
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BY TIANA SPETER