Over the last year, Crossfaith have been making a name for themselves here in the UK, blowing minds across the country with their one of a kind style and outstanding showmanship while touring with some of the biggest names the hardcore genre has to offer, including While She Sleeps and Of Mice and Men. Now they’ve taken to the road yet again, this time for a 8 date UK tour with Sheffield’s own metalcore giants Bring Me The Horizon, as well as two of their very own UK headline shows. We caught up with frontman Kenta Koie to discuss their world wide takeover, what we can expect from their third UK tour and find out what they’ve got up their sleeves for the near future.
Already 2013 has been quite busy for you guys, with your first ever Australian appearance at Soundwave 2013, your first US tour with Enter Shikari, and now an upcoming slot at GROEZROCK 2013, a 10 date UK tour, THEN back to Japan for a 7 date tour. How do you guys manage such a hectic schedule?
Yes, we are super busy right now, at the same time we are really enjoying this moment. Once I got back to my home, first day is great for chilling, second day I start feel so bored.
How was it touring the US for the very first time? Will you be heading back there any time soon?
It was amazing, we had a great time in the US! It was great for the first US tour. Also we hung out with Enter Shikari and Architects every night. They are really nice guys!
And we’re gonna be back to the US for ‘Warped Tour’. We are so excited!
Last year you blew our expectations out of the water and have become quite a hit within the UK metal/hardcore community. Now you’re back for the third time on April 29th to join Bring Me The Horizon on their ‘It’s The Start Of The End’ UK tour, have you got anything new up your sleeves ready to knock the crowds off their feet once again?
Every time we had a great time and also we have so many great friends. This is the third time in the UK. United Kingdom is my second home actually.
We got some special weapons to make them crazy, so I can not wait to play.
As well as being part of BMTH’s UK tour, you’ve also got your first ever UK headline dates, one of which sold out forcing you to upgrade to the heart of England’s alternative music scene the Camden Underworld, which is also on the brink of selling out. How does it feel to be headlining at such a prestigious venue?
In fact I didn’t expect that, cause that will be our first headlining show in London. So it’s an honour to be back at legendary ‘The Underworld’. Actually, we played at there last April with Of Mice & Men. That show will be the culmination of what we’ve did in the last year. We’re so stoked to be shaking the UK alternative music scene.
Your 2012 EP ‘Zion’ has been a huge hit, and even took the number 1 spot on our top 5 musical releases of 2012. Have you got a new release in the works, and if so, what can we expect? A full album perhaps?
Thanks for choosing us! It’s a pleasure for us. We already finished tracking for our new full length, and also couple songs are done with mixing. These sound are huge and I think you guys will love it. It will be released this summer.
Last year we asked you guys if there were any countries you wanted to perform in which you hadn’t already, but since then you’ve pretty much hit all the major cities the world has to offer. Is there anywhere you’ve left out that you’re eager to tour, or have you managed to tick all the boxes for places you want to perform in?
Yeah we’ve been to so many countries and places, basically we would love to be anywhere, if people want us to play. Personally I want to perform in Russia, cause I heard from my friends that the audience has great passion for music.
‘Zion’ was a huge step up from your previous work and really showed what you guys are capable of. What was your inspiration when creating ‘Zion’, and am I correct in saying it was named after the city of Zion from The Matrix?
We couldn’t be satisfied last two records, so we needed to improve and trying new things. Yes, a word ‘Zion’ is from the movie ‘Matrix’. Zion is the place for people who wake up from virtual reality.
You’ve toured with some of the biggest names in the hardcore genre, but are there any bands you hope to tour with that you haven’t already? If so, who and why?
We are so lucky , we got great opportunities to tour with amazing bands and play at so many great places. We would love to be touring with Slipknot and Skrillex. If it really happened – that will be huge.
Japanese music in the UK is getting more popular every year, and your success is a fine example of that. Are there any Japanese bands that you would recommend people to check out?
You should check out our great homies ‘Coldrain’ – they are a really great band.
And last but not least, any last words for our readers before you embark on your UK tour?
Thanks for reading! Our new album will be released in this summer, keep your eyes on us!
Interview by Charles Shepherd