SWOMP

The Glorious Sons' Brett Emmons discusses new 'John Shambles' solo project

Brett Emmons is stepping into more personal territory with Cabin Fever, the new album from his solo project John Shambles. Released April 30, the album sees the The Glorious Sons frontman move away from the band’s arena-ready rock sound in favour of something looser and more stripped down, blending folk, garage rock and lo-fi alternative influences. Songs like “Fool In The Woods,” “Landmines,” “Try Not To Freak Out” and “New Friends” lean into raw, unpolished songwriting while exploring anxiety, isolation and self-reflection. In a recent interview with SWOMP, Emmons dove into the inspiration behind the project. John Shambles has continued building momentum with recent live shows, including a sold-out performance at Mod Club in Toronto. SWOMP also caught Emmons during his May 9, 2026 show at London Music Hall. More details at https://www.johnshambles.co/ [https://www.johnshambles.co/].

Filmmaker & singer discuss legacy of Filipino rock icons in 'Eraserheads: Combo on the Run'

A new documentary chronicling one of the most influential bands in Filipino music has hit theatres across North America . “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run,” directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura, opened April 24, offering an intimate look at the rise, breakup and reunion of the Eraserheads, a band often described as the “Beatles of the Philippines.” The 102-minute film blends concert-scale storytelling with a closer examination of the personal dynamics between band members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. It centres on the group’s cultural impact and their 2022 reunion concert, “Huling El Bimbo,” which drew massive audiences and briefly united a politically divided country. SWOMP caught up with Buendia and Ventura for an interview.  Ventura said the project goes beyond music, aiming to capture a broader portrait of Filipino identity during a time of social and political change. “Combo on the Run is not just a documentary about an iconic band,” she said in a statement. “It is a celebration of their journey, their music, and their role in shaping the cultural fabric of the Philippines.” The film positions the band’s story alongside the evolving national landscape, drawing parallels between their internal struggles and a society grappling with division and uncertainty. Formed in 1989 in Quezon City, the Eraserheads rose to prominence in the 1990s with albums such as “Ultraelectromagneticpop!,” “Circus” and “Cutterpillow,” helping define the sound of modern Filipino rock. Their influence has endured decades after their 2001 breakup, with their music continuing to reach global audiences through streaming platforms. Ventura, who has worked across music and film industries in Los Angeles and Berlin, said the documentary also reflects themes of communication and reconciliation. “At its heart, this film is about connection,” she said. “It reflects what happens when people struggle to express themselves, and how difficult yet necessary it is to find a way back to one another.” Produced by Mano Y Mano, Offshore Music and Voyage Studios, the film features a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes access and interviews, offering both longtime fans and new audiences insight into the band’s legacy. “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” started screening in select theatres across North America on April 24. More details are available at https://eraserheadsfilm.com/ [https://eraserheadsfilm.com/].

Wage War brings swamp-heavy sound to Sick New World as new EP lands

Wage War hit Sick New World with a sharpened edge, arriving in Las Vegas fresh off the release of its new EP It Calls Me By Name. SWOMP spoke with the Florida metalcore band ahead of its evening set, where the focus was firmly on the newly released material and the tour set to launch. The five-track EP leans heavily into the band’s roots, both geographically and sonically, drawing inspiration from the raw intensity of their home state. “It Calls Me By Name is about being drawn to your roots,” the band said. “Five tracks shaped by Florida, the swamp, and the relentless aggression of nature.” That direction is front and centre on lead single “Song of the Swamp,” a track the band describes as the “tone setter” - built on tension, aggression and a relentless, driving force that carries through the release. Wage War - Briton Bond, Cody Quistad, Seth Blake, Chris Gaylord and Stephen Kluesener - has long balanced melody with heaviness, but the new material pushes further into a more punishing sound. The band is currently on the road in support of the EP, with a spring headline run already underway and stops across the United States, including Detroit, Chicago and New York. Follow the band at https://wagewarband.com/ [https://wagewarband.com/].

Chained Saint kick off Spiral Stage at Sick New World, chat with SWOMP backstage

Chained Saint wasted no time making an impression at Sick New World, opening the Spiral Stage with an early 11:35 a.m. set. The teen metal band brought sharp energy from the outset, quickly sparking a circle pit as early-arriving fans packed in. SWOMP spoke with the band backstage following the set, as the group continues to build momentum well beyond its South Florida roots. Formed in 2022, Chained Saint - Ethan Kahn, Sebastian De Avila, Cameron Cottrell and Sean Sterling - has quickly earned attention across the metal world. The band has been praised by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford and featured in The New York Times as part of a profile on Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine. Their debut album Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, leans into a stripped-down approach - recorded to analog tape with no digital shortcuts - capturing a raw, thrash-driven sound. Offstage, the band has been gaining traction through a series of high-profile moments, including a run of Los Angeles shows with clothing brand Affliction, a limited-edition merch collaboration, and the release of a Live at the Whisky a Go Go EP. They’ve also begun breaking into larger festival circuits, appearing at events like Welcome to Rockville and Rocklahoma. After a weather-cancelled set at Louder Than Life, the band still found its moment when Slaughter to Prevail invited Sterling onstage - a connection that has since led to tour opportunities. Follow the band at https://www.chainedsaint.com/ [https://www.chainedsaint.com/]. Photo credit: Jack Lue

P.O.D. discuss new album with SWOMP at Sick New World

After guitarist Marcos Curiel shared on social media that a new P.O.D. album was being recorded in Philadelphia, SWOMP got the scoop from the band in an interview following their blistering Sick New World set in Las Vegas, Nevada. On top of finishing a new album, P.O.D. is staying busy throughout 2026 with several festival spots and shows across the United States and Europe. Follow the band at https://payableondeath.com/ [https://payableondeath.com/].