by Katherine Witts

Emerging from the chaos of lockdown and the vibrant undercurrents of Bristol’s live music scene, Buried in Bermuda have carved their own path with a fierce blend of heavy alt-rock, metal and raw authenticity.

Originally starting as a three-piece cover band in 2021, they’ve since evolved into a powerful four-piece lineup, known for their relentless gigging, emotional lyricism and eclectic sound.

We caught up with the band to talk influences, weird inspirations, vocal techniques and their big dreams.

To begin, if you can give us some background on the band and when you guys first began working together? 

“The band originally formed as a three-piece in 2021 doing some humble covers, but upon surviving the COVID-19 lockdown, we became a four-piece heavy alt-rock/metal band. 

“A few lineup changes, and over 90 gigs later – we are now a passionate, stable and hard-working lineup consisting of: Gilles (vocals and lead guitar), Kyle (rhythm guitar), Alex (drums) and Ben (bass guitar and BVs).”

Who would you say are your biggest influences within the music scene? Have you got a dream band or artist you’d love to collaborate with? 

“There are so many influences, and each unique to each of us. But bands such as Alter Bridge and Audio Slave inspired us to sing and write songs the way we do, along with some heavier bands such as Killswitch Engage and Avenged Sevenfold who have influenced us more recently in our song writing process. 

“In terms of a dream band to play with, it would be Alter Bridge, Gojira or Killswitch Engage. We can dream!”

As Bristol is known for its live music and counterculture scene, how have you found your journey within the communities so far? Has it been a welcoming experience with opportunities to collaborate and perform with others, or have you struggled with this? 

“We have been very fortunate gigging within the Bristol local music scene as there are so many supportive venues, promoters and bands to work with and so many new opportunities that we never take for granted.”  

What’s the weirdest or most non-musical thing that’s ever inspired a lyric or song? 

Probably from the Eastenders character ‘Ian Beal’. In an unreleased song, we will use parts of his infamous outburst of; “I’ve got nothing left!”. 

Screamo is a skill and talent that many struggle with, so what are some of the ways you’ve helped nurture and protect your voice to be able to effortlessly scream? 

Gilles: “Probably through trial and error which isn’t recommended! haha. Starting from ‘fry vocals’ which was adding some ‘strain’ on my natural vocal, I then pushed this further but pushing air out from my chest rather than my throat really helped keep my technique safer.

My main advice is to let the microphone do the work – you don’t need to push/scream as hard as you would imagine, just concentrate on getting the pitch right and the sound engineer will hopefully boost your volume enough.”

What inspired your 7-minute track, Electric? Was it always a goal for you guys to produce a track that not only is captivating in its sound but also immerses the listener for a longer duration than the standard 3-4 minute length? 

Great question. The lyrics were written all together about a fictional and turbulent relationship, but our drummer at the time was going through a divorce and he wrote the second verse from his heart which gave it even more emotion and feeling. I always attempt to sing it for him, so as to maintain the power of the lyrics.

In terms of the 7-minute track length, we didn’t plan on it being more than the usual ‘commercial friendly’ 3/4 minutes, but we had so many interesting parts and breakdowns that it was just easier to include them all rather than cut the track down.

It’s mostly an exception these days, but we would always put authenticity above conformity when possible.” 

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced musically so far? 

“In the earlier years it was keeping everyone (in the band) happy! Within a band people management can be very difficult, sometimes even just for logistical reasons e.g. work and family commitments.

“We went through 2 drummers and 3 bassists before we finally settled and arrived at the current lineup, and touch wood, we are all really happy and focused.”   

As you’re currently working on your EP and have an exciting lineup of gigs in the near future, what are some of your band’s goals for the next couple of years? Is there a dream venue/hopes of a full album, etc. 

Along with our next UK Tour (October ’25), the next things on our band bucket list are to play at either Rough Trade, SWX/Electric or the O2 in Bristol, and to play a major festival next summer!

We are working really hard, and our new management agency is working on our behalf to secure new opportunities.

Lastly, a full album will be coming next year as we are already writing and recording new songs – expect things to get a bit heavier, more punchy and as always with us, eclectic.

A big thank you to Buried in Bermuda, we can’t wait to see you live soon!

Listen to their music here!

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