That fun exists against a backdrop of intense emotions, however, in some instances drawn from subject matter very close to home. Themes of mental health and suicide prevention are at the forefront of Cut Throat and Cold Nights, songs influenced by the loss of Kesari’s best friend Charlie at the age of 18.
“I met him at school,” remembers the frontman. “I was not into metal at all at that time, I was like 12, 13. But we started listening to a lot of death metal and black metal, like Deicide and Mayhem, and then it just progressed. He was a big part of my personality growing up, he’s the reason I am who I am. If he could listen to the album he’d be proud.”
Another challenge Kesari has had to face is a debilitating medical condition, something he faces up to with a sense of defiance, his frustrations becoming audible as he talks.
“I was born with bilateral congenital talipes, and it’s progressively gotten worse over the years,” he explains. “It’s gotten to the point where I had a walking stick on this tour we just played in Europe. I still try and do what I can onstage, I still fucking throw spin kicks and jump around, but people don’t see the day after that when I’m in a lot of pain and can’t really get around. But as much as it affects me, we just crack on. Whatever pain I go through live, I’m gonna deal with it just to play, cos it’s the most important thing in my life, getting onstage, playing shows.”
“I think it would be cool for this to feel more inclusive for disabled people,” adds Olly. “I want people to be able to resonate with that power that Kesari holds onstage.”
“I hope it’s an example for some people (with medical conditions), that you don’t have to just stay at home,” Kesari expands. “If you wanna come to a show, you can come to a show in a wheelchair, it’s fine.”