Band of the Day: Forsaking Fate

We’ve come across a surprising number of bands from South Africa over the years – there must be quite the scene over there. Add another to the impressive list with Forsaking Fate…

Simple things first – where are you from?

Rory: Hey there Metal Fam, I hail from East London.

Grant: Born and bred in the small town of East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa

How long have you been playing as a solo act?

Rory: Well I’ve been playing the drums since I was 14, so roughly 20 years. 10,000 hours rule nailed.

Grant: I’ve been involved in music in some way or form since I started school. I began playing the piano and then moved on to guitar once I discovered rock and metal. I dabble in whatever I can get my hands on though.

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Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?

Rory: For me, it is sort of a mantra for “it is never too late to become what you were meant to be!”

Grant: I’ve always been drawn to the notion that we do not have to be what society is trying to mould us into. Many of us face a lot of pressure from many different angles to be something we’re not, as if it’s our fate. We are encouraging all to forsake that ‘fate’ so to speak, break the shackles that society entraps you in and be who you truly are or who you truly want to be.

What are your influences?

Rory: Well I’m all over the place. My mom used to play Led Zeppelin Moby Dick, and that had me hooked. I have my sister to thank for my first exposure to real metal at first it was Manowar’s Triumph of Steel and Slayer’s Seasons in the Abyss then it was Deicide’s Once Upon the Cross the drumming blew me away!

Grant: Generally my metal influences relate to melodic metal and thrash metal. I grew up on the staple thrash and death metal. I like to mix the old and the new. Modern day influences are along the lines of Mors Principium est and Sylosis whilst the old school influences are along the lines of the big the four in thrash, Pantera and In Flames. I also enjoy a bit of hiphop/rap and ambient type stuff.

Describe your music. What makes you unique?

Rory: Forsaking Fate has a very deep groove sound, based around our mutual love for thrash and Deathcore. I also play for the band Chaos Doctrine, so I can only describe it as an industrial thrash beast with intense peaks and variations! Bazooka for your face for sure!

Grant: Forsaking Fate is balls to the wall, no holds barred metal in your face! It has speed, it has groove and has melody. We blend the old school influences with the new and strive to create something that stems from and reflects what’s within.

Do you have any particular lyrical themes?

Rory: In my opinion our content varies from album to album.

Grant: Absolutely. Our first release was very much end of days related. With each song being a chapter in this part of the story and flowing into one another. ‘Illusions’ is about breaking through the illusion that society has created around us which reveals the ‘end of existence’. After finding one self in this new unexpected reality, feelings of ‘retribution’ are stirred up. This leads to seeking revenge on the powers that be, the master minds that have been orchestrating the master plan behind the scenes, the ‘souls of demolition’.

What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?

Rory: Forsaking Fate is primarily a live band. It’s all about the stage and bringing 100% – I also understand that people pay good money to watch us as bands perform and they deserve top billing! Having said that I believe it’s my part to bring the thunder every time!

Grant: the nature of our music is energetic and our live show reflects that. We are a three-piece band and our live show has been compared to that of a five piece. As mentioned above we go balls to the wall every time and just have a blast on stage! After all, it’s what we love doing and we try and transfer that love and energy to our audience every time.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?

Rory: We played a show in a local bar years ago and the kids went so wild the floor almost caved like we all felt the bounce and my kit was floating up and down!

Grant: I’ve been rocking out so hard once I lost my footing and bailed over into the amps haha! I’ve been knocked with and knocked by band mates with headstocks. I’ve seen stages bounce and crowds breaking and pulling over railings. There also always seems to be one guy that tries to make his way on stage as well at the smaller venues.

What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?

Rory: My kit is a Pearl Export Series. My hardware is Pearl:

I use Paiste 2002 custom series cymbals and they are:

  • 1 x 18′ crash,
  • 1 x 19′ Crash Ride,
  • 1 x 22′ Ride with a big ass bell
  • My stock are Vic Firth extreme 5AN’s

My setup for Chaos Doctrine is a bit different, I call it the “Harbinger of Chaos”

  • 1 x 16′ crash
  • 1 x 18′ crash
  • 1 x 10′ splash
  • 1 x 12′ splash
  • 1 x 12 Zel Bel
  • 1 x 19′ crash ride

Grant: I play Jackson Guitars. They play like butter and are tough as nails. My go to at the moment is a Kelly body shape. Amp wise I go with a peavey 6505 or any of the 5150 range for its ballsy grunt and simplicity.

What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?

Rory: Forsaking Fate has a new single in the works at the moment so keep your eyes peeled! There’s also a whole lot coming your way with Chaos Doctrine, but I can’t tell you guys too much but trust me it’s some really awesome stuff.

Grant: We have some new material in the works. A teaser for a new single is out, so keep a look out for more announcements for more info on when it will be released.

What are your plans for the next 6 months or so?

Rory: Apart from the single, we’re starting the writing process again. Our creative process is like a tennis game and we’re constantly bouncing ideas off of each other! And now we have Alec Larson (Bass), which in himself is a giant musical maestro. And Chaos Doctrine is always busy, something’s going to jump out the cauldron soon!

Grant: As mentioned, we are working on new material for an upcoming release. Other than that, the plan is to keep pushing the boundaries and hopefully play a series of live shows if and when the world allows it.

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If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!

Rory: I would love to support Deadline again (top Old School Heavy Metal Band in South Africa)! We go way back and that is one legendary band! And I’d also really dig to tour with Theatre Runs Red!

Grant: That’s a tough one with so many great and talented bands around. I agree with Rory on Deadline and Theatre Runs Red. We were actually all on the bill for Pit at The Polo in KZN prior to lockdown happening. But if I had to add a couple more to the massive list, I would have to say Rhakshah and The Fallen Prophets.

Forsaking Fate: official | facebook | instagram | youtube

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