BRAT is back with a new album, a new creative approach, and bigger ambitions.
On EP385 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Liz and Brenner of BRAT to talk about the band's upcoming album ‘Manslayer,’ arriving September 25 through Prosthetic Records.
Liz discusses taking over lyric writing for the new record and how stepping into that role created a new creative outlet while allowing her to bring more of her own perspective into BRAT's music. The band also talks about evolving their sound on Manslayer, adding more catchy, participatory elements while still maintaining the heaviness that has become part of BRAT's identity.
The conversation dives deep into the band's influences and the importance of touring. They talk about Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under, EyeHateGod, Crowbar, Acid Bath, Goatwhore and the ways different bands and tours have influenced BRAT's songwriting.
One of the most interesting examples comes from “Social Grace,” where Brenner explains how a riff was inspired by BRAT's experience touring with EyeHateGod. Rather than simply copying their influences, BRAT approaches these musical homages as a way of acknowledging the bands that have helped shape them—while still trying to make the ideas their own.
Tom, Liz and Brenner also discuss the resurgence of the New Orleans metal scene, particularly the renewed attention being given to legendary bands like EyeHateGod, Crowbar and Acid Bath. They talk about how younger audiences are discovering these bands through newer platforms such as TikTok and why the work ethic of New Orleans musicians has helped these bands remain relevant decades later.
Touring becomes another major topic, including memorable tours with Revocation and Of Sulfur, the unique atmosphere of Nekrogoblikon, concert etiquette, taking care of pets while on the road, and some of the venues and bands BRAT hopes to share stages with in the future.
Liz and Brenner talk about dream tours with bands including Metallica, Cannibal Corpse and Dying Fetus, as well as the significance of playing St. Vitus in New York during BRAT's early touring years.The band has plenty more touring ahead, including shows with Gwar, a headlining Manslayer tour, and a six-week European tour with Napalm Death that will take BRAT into several countries they haven't previously visited.
BRAT will also celebrate the release of Manslayer with an album release show at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, featuring local support from Joystick and Fiend. The show marks what the band describes as the first metal show at the venue.Looking further ahead, Liz and Brenner discuss BRAT's ambitions to headline larger venues and reach new audiences in South America, Southeast Asia and Australia.
From Manslayer and songwriting to New Orleans metal, touring, influences, dream lineups and BRAT's future, this is a deep conversation with one of the most exciting bands coming out of the underground heavy music scene.
EP385 Topics
BRAT
Liz and Brenner
Manslayer
Prosthetic Records
New BRAT album
BRAT songwriting
Liz taking over lyric writing
BRAT's evolving sound
Catchy and participatory songwriting
Cannibal Corpse
Six Feet Under
EyeHateGod
Crowbar
Acid Bath
Goatwhore
New Orleans metal
New Orleans underground music
TikTok and discovering older metal
Touring with Revocation
Ov Sulfur Nekrogoblikon
Concert etiquette
BRAT's touring experiences
St. Vitus
Gwar
Napalm Death
European touring
Metallica
Dying Fetus
BRAT's future touring goals
South America
Southeast Asia
Australia
Manslayer album release show
New Orleans Jazz Museum
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