Interview With Clarity As Arson – West Heat #1 The Bunkhouse, 15.02.26
1. Please introduce yourself for anyone who may not know you. Tell us
a little bit more about you as a band?
We are Clarity As Arson, we are a metalcore band from Ebbw Vale South Wales. We formed in 2008 but after a few name changes, we settled on Clarity As Arson. We were active for many years playing all over Wales and a few times in England but in 2016 we decided to go on an extended hiatus as several of us wanted to settle down and start a family.
1. Please introduce yourself for anyone who may not know you. Tell us
a little bit more about you as a band?
We are Clarity As Arson, we are a metalcore band from Ebbw Vale South Wales. We formed in 2008 but after a few name changes, we settled on Clarity As Arson. We were active for many years playing all over Wales and a few times in England but in 2016 we decided to go on an extended hiatus as several of us wanted to settle down and start a family.
Time passed and we all decided to get back together and jam for fun but after a few sessions we decided to start playing gigs again as nothing feels as good as playing on a stage in front of a crowd.
Last year we recorded our Second EP Blood, Sweat and Beers which is on all streaming sites and we are looking to record another EP sometime this year. We mix metalcore heavy riffs with southern hardcore licks, we draw our influences from Cancer Bats, Every Time I Die, Killswitch Engage, Letlive., Converge, Malevolence and so many more.
2. What made you want to participate in the Metal To The Masses South Wales 2026 campaign? Have you had previous experience? Or is this your First time?
We have previously played in metal to the masses many years ago and got to the final heat. It was an amazing experience and we had so much fun, it was held in Fuel Cardiff and the energy from the crowd and comradery from the other bands made applying for this year’s competition a no brainer for us.
3. M2TM is all about supporting your local scene. How important is the local scene to you as a band?
The whole scene has changed massively since we were last playing gigs regularly, the scene is crucial for us as an aspiring band and it’s always good to make connections with bands and promoters at gigs and M2TM is a huge opportunity for us and other bands.
4. We have a slightly different set up this year with Heats/Quarters/Semis taking place at Bunkhouse & Green Rooms. Have you played the venue before or is this your first time? Are you excited to get on those stages?
We are playing Bunkhouse and its avenue that we have never played before but we have heard amazing things about the venue from friends who have had the privilege to play there. We have played in Swansea before, in Sin City, Lemon Factory and The Scene. It was always a great atmosphere in Swansea
5. What are your expectations from being a part of M2TM?
What we expect from being a part of M2TM is to put on a good show, meet new bands and people and hopefully build relationships and connections that lead to more shows and opportunities for us as a band.
6. What would getting to our Day Of Wreckoning final and the possibility of playing Bloodstock Festival 2026 mean to you?
As a band playing in the Day Of Wreckoning would be an incredible opportunity, playing for the chance to play at Bloodstock with the best up and coming bands in the UK. Even if we didn’t make it to Bloodstock the learning that we would come away with from that opportunity would be invaluable. But on the other side, playing a festival as established and renowned like Bloodstock is every band’s dream.
2. What made you want to participate in the Metal To The Masses South Wales 2026 campaign? Have you had previous experience? Or is this your First time?
We have previously played in metal to the masses many years ago and got to the final heat. It was an amazing experience and we had so much fun, it was held in Fuel Cardiff and the energy from the crowd and comradery from the other bands made applying for this year’s competition a no brainer for us.
3. M2TM is all about supporting your local scene. How important is the local scene to you as a band?
The whole scene has changed massively since we were last playing gigs regularly, the scene is crucial for us as an aspiring band and it’s always good to make connections with bands and promoters at gigs and M2TM is a huge opportunity for us and other bands.
4. We have a slightly different set up this year with Heats/Quarters/Semis taking place at Bunkhouse & Green Rooms. Have you played the venue before or is this your first time? Are you excited to get on those stages?
We are playing Bunkhouse and its avenue that we have never played before but we have heard amazing things about the venue from friends who have had the privilege to play there. We have played in Swansea before, in Sin City, Lemon Factory and The Scene. It was always a great atmosphere in Swansea
5. What are your expectations from being a part of M2TM?
What we expect from being a part of M2TM is to put on a good show, meet new bands and people and hopefully build relationships and connections that lead to more shows and opportunities for us as a band.
6. What would getting to our Day Of Wreckoning final and the possibility of playing Bloodstock Festival 2026 mean to you?
As a band playing in the Day Of Wreckoning would be an incredible opportunity, playing for the chance to play at Bloodstock with the best up and coming bands in the UK. Even if we didn’t make it to Bloodstock the learning that we would come away with from that opportunity would be invaluable. But on the other side, playing a festival as established and renowned like Bloodstock is every band’s dream.
We at Clarity As Arson have always wanted the opportunity to play a festival and would love for that dream to become a reality one day.
7. We encourage all the bands in M2TM to try and check out the other bands, who are you most looking forward to? Who should your fans also try to catch?
We have checked out the other bands in our heat and there is some fierce competition. I know I am really looking forward to sharing the stage and hearing House of Hosts live.
8. Tell us in five words why people should come and see your band?
High Energy, groovy metal, sweaty
https://www.facebook.com/clarityasarson
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03havxXkl41PmZPjhyxze4?si=EZ50uPIeQ22ujysZ23cFww
7. We encourage all the bands in M2TM to try and check out the other bands, who are you most looking forward to? Who should your fans also try to catch?
We have checked out the other bands in our heat and there is some fierce competition. I know I am really looking forward to sharing the stage and hearing House of Hosts live.
8. Tell us in five words why people should come and see your band?
High Energy, groovy metal, sweaty
https://www.facebook.com/clarityasarson
https://open.spotify.com/artist/03havxXkl41PmZPjhyxze4?si=EZ50uPIeQ22ujysZ23cFww
