FATAL SWITCH – interview

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:

We’re Fatal Switch, a hybrid nu-metal band from Montreal blending rap, metal, and emotional truth. Our latest release, “Apex”, is the first single from our upcoming dual EP project, Black Sky Anthem – Dusk and Dawn.

“Apex” was written for Apex Wrestling, and while it lives in that hard-hitting, high-impact world, the track goes deeper. It’s about rising through the dark when everything around you is trying to keep you down.

The track also marks a sonic evolution for us. It’s anthemic, hook-heavy, and sharply produced. With Kevin Jardine serving as producer and composer, and former guitarist Ryann Paqueo contributing compositionally, we approached this song with clear intent and strategic songwriting. The result is a certified banger.

Our current lineup includes Steve Tobin (vocals), Max Rope (guitar), David Vigliotti (bass), and Ralph A Samah (drums). Florencio Saint-Thomas contributed synth work on this release, helping expand the sound behind the scenes.

What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?

Honestly? All of it. The attention span is short, the algorithms are gatekeepers, and it feels like nobody cares until everybody cares. To break through like a major label release, you practically need a million-dollar budget.

When did you realise that your project had the potential to be much more than just a fun idea?

It wasn’t a single moment. It’s been years of deep learning, failures, and rebuilding. I’ve studied this industry inside and out to the point where I feel comfortable enough to run a record label. That kind of long-term investment is what turned this into more than a passion project.

Tell us about your latest release. Why should we check it out?

“Apex” blends a high-concept message with gritty execution. It connects directly to the world of wrestling, which we grew up loving, but it also works as a metaphor for life. It’s about fighting back, standing tall, and reaching the top even when the odds are against you.

It also introduces our new sound. Precise, heavy, and built to move a crowd. We approached this song like pros. Every element from the tempo to the hook was designed with purpose. If you want to know what Fatal Switch sounds like in 2025, this is your entry point.

How does a song typically come together for you?

Sometimes it’s organic. Other times it’s highly strategic. A song might start with a riff, a beat, a melody, or just a single lyric idea. It could come from a jam or from a structured writing session.

Lately, I’ve been leading more on the chorus side, making sure the hooks hit hard enough to match the intensity of the music. We want every song to stay with you long after it ends.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?

We’re a fusion of nu-metal, rapcore, and alt-metal, but with a cinematic and emotionally reflective layer.

Think of it as aggressive music with purpose. The riffs hit, the lyrics cut, and the hooks stay lodged in your head.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?

I want them to feel empowered. I want them to feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re struggling or rising, we’re building soundtracks for both.

Where would you really like to tour that you haven’t done so yet, and why?

Europe is at the top of the list. The culture, the food, the scenery, and, more importantly, the way fans there support new music. It’s a dream to tour across that continent and connect with people who actually want to feel something from a show.

How would you say that the sound of your band has progressed over the years?

We’ve become more melodic, more refined, and way more intentional. We’re working with professional-level knowledge and tactics that have helped us elevate the songwriting process.

We’re also writing with more hooks and deeper layers than ever before.

How excited are you for 2025, and what can fans expect from you?

We’re filming a new video this Monday. The Black Sky Anthem – Dusk EP will be launching soon, followed by Dawn. And while those are rolling out, we’re heading back into the studio to create even more.

The goal is to build an endless content cycle that doesn’t just feed the algorithm, it feeds our fans. Expect more videos, more music, deeper visuals, and eventually, a full tour push. This isn’t a one-off year. It’s the beginning of our next chapter.

Links:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/RsbuS5rW2BQ?si=6SCY48c5cWkohzsj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatalswitch

Bandcamp: https://fatalswitch.bandcamp.com/track/apex

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-544851672/apex