When a band has had as storied and, at times, controversial a first decade in the limelight as Escape The Fate, there is often a temptation to focus on that past, rather than concentrating on the future. Yet after releasing their fifth, and arguably most significant studio album to date, the upcoming chapters of the Vegas quartet’s career not only look bright, but are set to resolutely be their best yet.
Indeed, the group (completed by drummer Robert Ortiz and guitarists Thomas "TJ" Bell and Kevin "Thrasher" Gruft) is now blessed with the most stable and creatively fertile line up they’ve enjoyed in years.
Indeed, for new new blood Thrasher - both playing and writing extensively on his first Escape The Fate album, it has been an opportunity to really earn his stripes. “I wanted to show exactly what I can do,” explains the axe-man. “Having been a session player for years but always loving this band’s output, there was a responsibility on my shoulders to prove myself. I tried to take everything I’d learnt over all the years of playing and pour it all into these songs. And what’s great is that the guys gave me all the support I needed - it’s been one of the most free and enjoyable writing environments I’ve ever enjoyed.”
And so, what we witness is a re-incarnated, reborn, rejuvenated Escape The Fate firing on all cylinders once more. With a stint supporting HELLYEAH already under their belts this year and upcoming dates across the UK, this is a band who, after a ten-year tenure, are still as hungry as they’ve ever been.
The message from the Escape The Fate camp is louder and clearer than it has even been in the past: “We’re coming for everyone and we aren’t taking any prisoners,” concludes Mabbitt.