Cutthroat: Incoming third strike
Cutthroat, a four-piece Los Angeles hardcore metal band, has been shaking up the scene since their birth in 2013, touring the world with e.g. Biohazard, Body Count, Agnostic Front, Madball, Sick of it All, Destruction and even the Metal Gods Judas Priest. Currently they are working on their third full-length – founding member and front man Neil Roemer tells us more:
How is Cutthroat’s third album coming along?
We have tracked 5 of the songs (without vocals) and have 5 more on deck. We’re tracking at Ray Luzier’s (Korn Drummer) Studio.
So far it’s sounding massive.
Any favorite metal or punk and hardcore bands that you like, Neil?
Oh there are so many, old and new.
Although I’ve been a fan for a long time, I’ve been listening to a lot of Corrosion of Conformity and down lately. Hardcore wise, I recently have really been getting into Combust from NY. Punk wise I’m really digging Dead City in LA.
Why does the band like to mix in different sounds to create their unique sound, like Hip hop and metal?
I think it’s a reflection of all of our influences. I really enjoy the creative difference.
How did you begin your life in music? What were your early days like?
I started as a DJ. Bringing my turn tables to house parties and spinning hip hop and break beats. Then I got in to Rapping, that evolved once I discovered hardcore. I saw an old Agnostic Front live video from CBGBs and I was blown away. Shortly after that I started my first HC band called Ghetto Box. Evolved from there.
What was it like releasing Cutthroat’s first album in 2020. Did audiences and listeners immediately take to the band?
Actually our first record was dropped in 2013. Formed shortly after I did a downset tour. It was started by myself and Chris Lee (downset drummer). I don’t think anybody immediately took to it. It’s just been something that we’ve been nurturing over the years and continues to grow that way.
Who writes the band’s lyrics and what subjects does the band like to write about?
I write all the lyrics. I like to speak about the events taking place around us and in my personal life. I try to write to relate to people dealing with similar experiences.
Will you be touring soon to support the new album?
We have tour plans early, mid and late 27. Working out logistics as we speak.
Your debut album “Reflekt” (2020) was produced by Biohazard’s Billy Graziadei, followed the 2023 release “Fear by Design”. Did Cutthroat choose to create a different sound with the 2026 EP “Purge”?
Yes, the idea was to have us bring all of our influences to the table and build from there.
You now have some new members (Sao Paulo metal veterans Betto Cardoso on drums and Renato Romano on guitar). How did they join the band?
They have been friends I’ve meet while touring with different bands.
Any future plans and projects for you, Neil?
I think the plan is to continue to write and tour. The goal is to keep making bigger records and playing bigger tours.
Interview: John Wisniewski
Photos from band website and band Instagram
