Having formed in 2010 from the remnants of high school bands and a shared vision for UK metal, Despite My Deepest Fear (DMDF) burst onto the underground metal scene without hesitation.
Drawing influence from the then-booming deathcore community, their first release, "This Dies With Us", was released digitally and was received with critical acclaim, putting DMDF in a strong position for their debut album "Dimensions".
In 2011, the trend of heavier metal dissipated with the reemergence of more rhythmically prominent riffs and breakdowns seen in the early 2000s. This prompted DMDF to draw inspiration from their US and European counterparts such as The Devil Wears Prada, Caliban and Killswitch Engage.
We met up with Aaron (guitarist) from the band at the Ruislip Lido where we were stood for an hour waiting for a turn on the miniature train, to top it all, it was raining, hard.....I broke out a couple of cans of strong cider and we had a good old chat about films starring Anne Hathaway, corporate tattoos and living with 40000 fans on Facebook, here's how we got on....
Please introduce the band and your music in one sentence....
DMDF are a six-piece Metalcore act from London combining the heaviest riffs with catchy choruses.
You’re called ‘Despite my Deepest Fear’, how did you come about choosing this name?
We got the name from a song called The Eyes Of The Ranger by Sea Of Treachery. It took us forever to pick a name and we’ve all hated it ever since.
Which band made you want to get a band together?
Thinking back it was probably The Devil Wears Prada more than anyone. They have definitely been the band that influenced us all from the very beginning.
Would you rather live with a dog that sings lullabies or a gorilla that can do sign language? Explain your answer.
Gorilla because they’re awesome and because I want to learn sign language.
In your opinion, what is the BEST album/record ever released and why?
This is probably an impossible question to answer. There are plenty I can say I always enjoy when I listen to them like Iowa – Slipknot or Killing With A Smile – Parkway Drive but I’m not sure I could say they’re the best ever released!
Tell me a fascinating fact about you or one of your band members?
Our bassist Julian has a Monster Energy tattoo on his calf, which subsequently got him unlimited Monster for life. That’s one benefit of living with him for sure!
What can your fans expect from your European tour?
Lots and lots of energy. No matter how tired we are from the endless drives out there we will be on top form. First time out there for us and we’re not going to let anyone down.
Favourite venue you have played at and why?
We all love Camden’s Underworld. Played that to a sold out crowd, which was ace. It’s definitely one of the favourites.
If you had a chance to put together your own ‘super group’, who would be in it? (only living members please).
Dave Grohl. That’s all you need, right?
Being an unsigned band, how hard is it to get noticed and how has social media aided your music?
It’s fucking difficult. For the life of me I have no idea where our 40 odd thousand ‘Likes’ came from on Facebook! We haven’t been around for that long! I’m fairly certain a gigging band that uses social media will always win versus a gigging band without it. It just enhances your reach to people across the globe. Of course there are heaps of negatives to all of the main social media sites bands use like the restrictions on Facebook, which are killer. Without social media we wouldn’t be where we are today and that I can say for certain.
What was the first guitar riff you heard that made you feel ‘all funny’ still gets you today?
Probably CKY – Quite Bitter Beings. Ace riff.
Do you own a record that you wouldn’t like to admit you have?
I’m more than happy to tell people about some of my early CD purchases like Sisqo, Lil Bow Wow and Shaggy… to name a few.
Who designed the artwork for your EP ‘Make or Break’?
We had a photo shoot with Tom Barnes and we decided to use his Chesterfields he had in the studio and someone just came up with the idea of using them in the album art as it ties our promos and the artwork together quite nicely. So technically Josh (guitar) put the Phobos and band name on there but Tom took the shot!
Explain the cover version of Katy Perry’s ‘Fireworks’?
There isn’t much to explain! We recorded it over the course of two days and it was by no means something serious but we got that played on Radio One. Which was pretty cool.
Which other tracks are you going to be covering in the future?
Nothing planned as a band but our new vocalist Nick is whacking out killer covers every now and then on his SoundCloud
First gig you ever went to?
Steps at Wembley Arena. No shit.
Where did you record your EP and what made you choose that studio?
We recorded that with our former drummer Daniel Kerr at Avenue Studios. He did Game Changer and we liked how that sounded so we went back!
Do you think we can ever live in a world where a chicken can cross the road without having its motives questioned?
Let’s hope so!
What are your plans for 2015?
Album, tours, bigger tours.
It appeared the miniature train had broken down and a refund was our only option, rather than wallowing in self pity, we decided to get an ice cream (with a flake) and have a walk around the park, whilst walking, we threw in a few quick fire questions for Aaron to chew on....
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Recording Studio or Live Show? Live show
Drum machine or the real deal? Real deal
Mac or PC? Mac
Fry up or Sunday roast? Fry up
Lemmy (Motorhead) or Ozzy (Black Sabbath)? Ozzy
CD or Vinyl? CD
Car or Motorbike? Car
Acoustic or electric? Electric
Shower or Bath? Shower
Tattoos or Piercings? Tattoos
Robert De Niro or Al Pacino? De Niro
God or Google? Google
SOCIAL MEDIA
We'd like to thank Aaron for spending an hour waiting for the train and then having to stand in a line for ice cream, we wish the band every success in the future and reckon it won't be long until their 40000 Facebook followers become 50000!
The band is playing some live dates, to keep upto date, check their LIVE DATES for more information.
Their 'Make or Break EP' is available HERE
Interview by Mark Wincott