Metalcore band born in 2013 in Leeds UK, On Hollow Ground's latest album Blood Is Blood was just released on the 17th of July, so we thought the timing was perfect to have a chat with Jack Flynn (Lead Vocalist), Ryan Scott (Guitar, Vocals), Chris Batty (Guitar), Bob Howe (Bass) and Joe Wood (Drums) on the past, present and future of the band.
Dan: Hey guys, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, first of all, On Hollow Ground is a pretty sweet Metal name, is there some special meaning behind it? And how did you guys come up with it?
On Hollow Ground: No problem, pleasure’s ours! We used to bullshit it was symbolic about the Metal scene but these days we’re just honest... we took it from one of our favourite songs: Heart of a Coward - 'We Stand As One'.
D: Cool, I've noticed a fair few bands use their favourite titles or lyrics for their names, how did you guys meet and form On Hollow Ground?
OHG: We were all in different bands and sort of knew of each other from playing shows together. We were growing tired of our current projects and wanted something much more serious and professional. Somehow we came best friends along the way.
D: Then it was worth the effort. Your most recent track is 'WMD', can you tell us why you decided to make a video for it? OHG: The song provides relief for the album [Blood Is Blood], it’s a moment where things take a step back lyrically and a lot of seriousness is stripped back. Just to provide pure aggression and excitement - we just wanted to make sure that we supported that not only audibly but visually.  Blood Is Blood is out NOW!
D: Awesome call then, my first thought after viewing 'WMD' was "short, but aggressive af". Where have you performed so far?
OHG: We’ve toured the entire UK, up and down, left to right many times. D: Sweet, in that case what are your favourite and least favourite venues? OHG: Tons, plenty of ones we loathe too! Ok here goes: Camden Underworld, The Key Club (Leeds), Rebellion (Manchester), Club 83 (Hitchin), Tunnels (Aberdeen) to name the best! D: I do miss Camden Underground, a lot of fond memories... Who writes your songs? OHG: Guitarist Ryan Scott generally goes about his normal day to day writing riffs and beats in his bonce, then translates it all on to guitar and fleshes them out with beats and demo drums, shows them to Jack and from there they’re arranged and refined. It’s at that stage both Jack and Joe go away to write their respective parts. Jack: lyrics and vocal melodies - Joe: Drums.
D: Wow, you make it sound super easy. What are the main themes or topics for most of your tracks?
Jack: This album is all about my late father. We didn’t have the greatest relationship so it’s all about resentment, forgiveness, hate and love. D: Those kind of emotions generally make powerful music, do you think these subjects will change over time? Jack: I don’t necessarily feel this chapter is closed but I have received “something” by documenting much of my grief in this fashion. D: Let's talk about dreams now, if you could open for any artist/band in the world, who would it be? OHG: Toughie that, probably Emmure, Stray From the Path someone who brings a similar energy and attitude to us. 
Emmure
D: That would be an awesome line up with all three of you guys. So how can fans-to-be gain access to your music? And follow you on social media?
OHG: We’re on everything imaginable! But for the most comprehensive source check www.onhollowground.com D: We like to inject a bit of extra humour and have a bit fun with our interviews, so... What is the most useless talent of each member? OHG: There’s only really one member with truly useless talents and that’s our drummer Joe - Got a million on Tetris and can smash the shit out of a Rubix Cube sharpish!
D: The fabled million? That's God level! If you weren’t in a band, what would you be doing instead?
OHG: What we already do. Unfortunately, we’re not at that point in our career where this is a full time gig yano? Jack - teacher, Ryan - social care, Bob Howe - car salesman, Batty - watch salesman, Joe - barrister. D: Some serious professions there. Big reveal time... who sings in the shower and what songs? OHG: Normally practise screaming when we’re trying to drown each other. D: You’ve just been signed to do a massive worldwide tour, what 2 bands are you inviting to open for you and have a beer with after for Europe? the States? and Asia/Australia? OHG: All of the above in terms of places! Worldwide init? Probably those Backstreet Boy lads and Cannibal Corpses. Something a bit off it’s bonce. 
Backstreet Boys circa 1997
D: Interesting choices, but fair play. Finally what is one message you would like to give to your fans?
OHG: Thank you, following and sharing on social media is so important and does so much for us so keep up the great work. Much love to you all!
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