https://www.facebook.com/RedeyezIndy
From: Indiana
Sounds like: Metalcore
Interview by Axle Gritt
For years, the underground heavy music scene in the Midwest has searched for a band that bridges the raw, unapologetic grit of the early '90s with a modern, bone-crunching sonic assault. Enter Redeyez, forged in Indianapolis in the summer of 2023. Operating as a singular creative powerhouse while gearing up to assemble a full live touring lineup, the mastermind behind Redeyez has just delivered a monumental milestone: a massive 48-track triple album titled The Sceptre Of Shadows (Volumes 1, 2, and 3) via Static Edge Entertainment.
We sat down with the force behind Redeyez to talk about the new record, the realities of writing a massive independent catalog, and what lies ahead as the band prepares to take these heavy grooves to the live stage.
1. What's new with Redeyez?
It’s been an absolute whirlwind of creation and execution. The biggest milestone right now is the release of our massive 48-track triple album, The Sceptre Of Shadows (Volumes 1, 2, and 3), anchored by singles like "Ghost In Your Darkness," "Down In The Dirt," "The Bends," and "Retribution's Anthem." Alongside that, we’ve been locking down our digital presence, dropping fresh content, and getting everything dialed in as we actively put the live touring lineup together to bring this unadulterated heavy groove metalcore to stages across Indianapolis, the Midwest, and beyond.
2. What do you want people to take away from the new album?
I want listeners to feel that raw, unvarnished catharsis. The album explores the full spectrum of the human condition—taking you from the heavy shadows of anger, anxiety, frustration, and loneliness, right through to empathy, compassion, and raw desire. Each track is designed to lock you into a tight, straitjacket-like confinement of rhythm and melody. There are no smoke and mirrors here. When people spin The Sceptre Of Shadows, I want them to let their inhibitions go completely unhinged and remember that we all want to get crazy sometimes.
3. How does the writing process go?
It’s an intensive, immersive process because every element has to pull its weight to create that massive wall of sound. It starts with building a foundation of bone-crunching rhythm and lead guitar work, thunderous bass lines, earth-shattering drum programming, and piercing keyboards. Lyrically, it’s about weaving a collage of fiction, truth, fantasy, and reality. Because I handle the core tracking and arrangements, every song is meticulously constructed to deliver that punch-you-in-the-mouth energy while keeping the emotional depth completely authentic.
4. What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve always kept my roots planted firmly in heavy metal, hard rock, classic rock, and classic soul. Lately, I've been cycling through heavyweights like Sepultura, Pantera, Lamb of God, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Dio, Slipknot, Alice Cooper, Whitesnake, and Rush, while also appreciating the incredible vocal work coming out of acts like the Hindley Street Country Club. Drawing from those diverse spectrums keeps the heavy groove metalcore sound sharp and unpredictable.
5. Do you have any pre-show rituals before performing?
As we ramp up auditions and rehearsals to get this touring machine on the road, my focus backstage is all about zeroing in mentally. It’s about vocal warm-ups, running through guitar phrasing in my head, and getting into that high-energy headspace. When you play heavy groove metalcore, you have to bring an explosive physical presence to the stage, so getting locked into the right mindset right before hitting the boards is crucial.
6. What's one thing you'd change about the local music scene?
Redeyez: I'd love to see even more venues and promoters take a chance on supporting raw, uncompromised heavy underground music. Having witnessed legendary music venues come and go in Indianapolis since the early '90s, you develop a deep nostalgia for the powerhouse scenes of the past. Bringing back that tight-knit, fiercely loyal community vibe where heavy bands can consistently pack out rooms and build a movement together would be incredible.
7. What's your favorite show that you've played and why?
Sharing a bill with Soulfly takes the top spot without a doubt. Playing alongside Max Cavalera and that crew is a true bucket-list heavy metal milestone. The raw energy they bring matches the exact philosophy of Redeyez, and standing on that stage was an unforgettable experience. Looking ahead, capturing that same intense energy with our new touring lineup is going to set a whole new benchmark for our live shows.
8. Any plans for any music videos?
Absolutely. Visual presentation is huge for a project of this scale, especially with a 48-track triple album out in the wild. We've actually backed the release up with 15 music videos for the album, ensuring that the visual firepower matches the massive scope of the music. You can find them rolling out across YouTube, VEVO, and our official channels to give fans a complete, immersive assault.
9. What do you wish to accomplish for the rest of the year?
The primary goal for the rest of the year is locking down the live touring lineup, getting rehearsals tight, and booking shows across Indianapolis, the Midwest, and surrounding areas. We want to get these songs out of the speakers and directly in front of the masses, while continuing to grow the mailing list and expand our reach across all major platforms.
10. Any shoutouts?
Redeyez: A massive shoutout to the production company Static Edge Entertainment for believing in the vision, and to every single metalhead and supporter holding down the underground. Make sure to check out the official website at redeyezmetal.com, hit up the store at store.redeyezmetal.com, and follow the movement across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and all major streaming platforms. Crank it up, stay unhinged, and let's get crazy!"
