Interview with Continents: returning for a new era
Welsh metalcore band Continents has emerged from a hiatus, introducing a fresh musical era with their latest single “Lifeline”. After taking a step back in 2019, the band has taken time to reflect, recalibrate and return with a renewed perspective, bringing forth a song that shares a raw glimpse into the emotional struggles experienced by lead vocalist Philip Cross.
Formed initially in 2012, Continents swiftly gained recognition, signing with a prominent label and achieving success throughout the UK, Europe, and Japan. Their energetic live performances became synonymous with their name, allowing them to share stages with notable acts like The Ghost Inside, Cancer Bats, and The Word Alive. Their return was officially announced in 2022, marked by the release of singles 'Bad Blood' and 'Clarity'.
In a candid interview, Cross shares insights into the band's journey and the significance of “Lifeline”. Touching on the evolution of Continents, the band's creative process and the significance of the deeply personal lyrics featured in the latest single, we explore what this new era means for the band and the exciting future ahead.
Could you share with us a bit about the journey you went on that led to bringing back Continents?
“When we parted ways after the final show in April 2019, we had been working on new material that was partially recorded. Two years after we split, we were all in covid and we were just sitting with this material contemplating what's going to happen to it.
Eventually, Darryl and I decided we’d remix some of the songs and put them out, which became the two singles that were released in 2022. Pretty quickly we started getting label interest again. Which if I’m perfectly honest, isn’t what we were looking for or ready for. We really needed to just create again for fun. It was all really exciting though which pushed us to start writing again.
During the original hiatus, I wasn’t in the mindset to stay in the band with my mental health. When we came back together, Darryl was actually the one to suggest exploring that area through the lyrics, because it wasn’t something I’d ever opened up about. Up to this point I’d never wanted to. But going down that road now, it’s become the whole concept and theme behind what we’re doing together now.”
This latest single “Lifeline” really is the kickstart for this new era?
“It was the first new track we wrote and funnily, the last track we recorded. I’d put it off because I didn’t feel like I’d gotten my head around the track yet. At the time, I thought there could be more to it, but Darryl again was pretty certain we had something. So when we did get into the studio to record it, I think I wrote the heavy section of that song in like 10 seconds. Quite freestyle and just letting it naturally come.
Now, I think it’s one of my favourite songs that we've written as a band because of how deep it is lyrically. I suppose the song reflects what's happened to me in my life. Having been through counselling and therapy, we’re given tools that somework and other times they don’t, and sometimes you have to make the hard decision to remove people from your life. And that’s kind of what the song is about. The chorus and heavy section are both about when you feel like you’re just stood there and everyone’s looking at you but you’re in your own head overthinking things.
Do you feel like then in writing this song, you started to put that language to everything you were going through?
Definitely. It all came up naturally and it was the first time I’d really done that with a song. Even when I listen to that song now, it’s just got the pure emotion. I can hear it in my voice. I feel very much like that song is me.
It sounds like you’re taking more opportunity to put yourself into the music. Is there any message you hope people take away from this song and the new music?
I’m a massive overthinker which has led me to sometimes being self-limiting. Like I can’t do anything better than my first go, so I won’t push myself. But with the music we’re creating now, and even with the music videos, I’ve stepped up to add my interpretations and vision. For a long time I was too afraid to speak up for what I thought we needed. And the rest of the boys in the band have been open and collaborative about that too.
And then for creating this song, I just thought it would be quite cool if people can resonate with, or click with the song. I found some parts of the song can be triggering, but we’ve had some really positive messaging and DMs back from people about it. It’s great if our song and our music can help to people feel less alone. We hope that anyone struggling will know that there’s support out there whether, be it drop-in centers, helplines, therapy, counselling or the NHS. It’s so important to just take that initial first step in the right direction.
“Lifeline” though was written more for people to be aware of what they're saying. Sometimes, what we say can have a lasting negative impact. So on one side, it’s about being more conscious of what you say to people. And on the other side, it’s that I hope people feel like they can seek out support. I work in homelessness prevention, so I know how stretched our healthcare system is. But there is support out there and you will be helped.
And all of that is something we really wanted to represent not only in the music but in the artwork as well. We’ve created this ghost figure as a simple way to represent six quite difficult concepts in mental health. The smiling mask represents the fake smile of a narcissist and the idea of smiling to hide depression, the ghost is both about being haunted by the past and social anxiety by hiding under a sheet, and the lantern represents both gaslighting and a lamp to find your way out.
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Continents?
We just filmed a video, quite literally last night that should be out soon. And we’ve got another music video scheduled to film. Then it’s working towards the EP, hopefully some shows and getting back in the studio.
To end, we’ve got to ask something a little lighthearted. If you were in a coma, what is the one song that without a doubt could get you up?
I’ll probably go with “No, No” by Too Unlimited. It’s a dance hit from the 90s. I'm not gonna sing it for you, but I’d probably be bumping some 90s dance rave music.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. In the UK, visit Mind and for our US readers, visit TWLOHA for a list of regional resources.
As Continents embark on this new chapter, “Lifeline” stands as a powerful testament to the band's evolution and dedication to addressing meaningful and relatable themes. Through their music, they aim to connect with listeners on a deeper level, fostering a sense of unity and understanding amidst life's challenges.
Stream Continents and their latest single “Lifeline”:
