HUNTDOWN - Strength in Every Battle ! (France - HardCore - Interview with Pec).

- Hello ! Can you introduce yourself and tell us how it all began for you - your encounter with this musical universe, what appealed to you, what fascinated you and what made you want to get into music?
We’re Huntdown, a hardcore band from Paris. I’m Pec, guitarist of the band. I’m originally from Besançon, which had a huge punk and hardcore scene in the early 2000s, with bands like Munky Posse, Asidefromaday or Gantz. I’ve always wanted to play hardcore and never really played another style. As for the other members, they’ve all grown up in the hardcore, oï or metal scene. we play hardcore because it’s a music that speaks to us, carries a message, and really hits you in the guts.

- Tell me about the band... How you met - the current line-up - past experiences - and above all - WHY the need to form THIS band?
David and I had been wanting to start a ’90s hardcore/metal band for a while. In 2022, when the Covid crisis ended, a lot of musicians were around and we met Camille, who came in on drums. A few months later, Phil – who had already played with David in Hardxtimes and Angry Vets – joined us on vocals. Finally, Kevin jumped in right after the release of our Chasing Demons EP in 2023.
Before Huntdown, I spent 15 years in Wendy’s Surrender, a hardcore punk band from Besançon. Phil and David are veterans of the Paris scene, Camille comes more from a metal background, and Kev has played in several hardcore bands… but also in a Joe Dassin cover band (yes, that really exists!) - (Wow, can't believe this ha ! Ed.) This mix lets us confront our different visions when writing, and that’s what shapes our sound.

- Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost ?
We sit somewhere between the rage of Terror and the heaviness of Connecticut hardcore (Hatebreed, 100 Demons…). From day one, we’ve tried to do things seriously, surrounding ourselves with reference people: Zeuss on mastering, La Goule on artwork… Our goal is to give back to others what music has given to us. When it all turns into chaos in the pit, that means we’ve done our job ! (Fuckin' good reward ! Ed.)

- Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences ? How important are the lyrics for you ? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics ?
Most of our influences are North American: Hatebreed, 100 Demons, Strife, Ringworm, Terror… In hardcore, lyrics are essential. Phil puts a lot of meaning into them: anger, struggles, real-life experience. There’s always a message to convey, even if everyone interprets it in their own way.

- I know you're about to release a new album.. Some words on it ?
Our new album is called "This is War". It’s a 10-track release coming out October 10 on German label Demons Run Amok. We’re really proud of how it turned out: recorded by Alex Mazarguil at UFO Studio (Lionslaw...), mastered by the legendary Zeuss (Hatebreed, Throwdown, Agnostic Front), and artwork by La Goule (All Out War, Get the Shot…).
It’ll be out on vinyl and CD, and also available on all streaming platforms. Preorders are up now on the Demons Run Amok website.

- Future plans ?
To hit the road and defend "This is War". If anyone wants to book us, just reach out through our socials, we’re ready!

- Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
We’ve already had the chance to share the stage with some legendary bands (Slapshot, Downset, Freya, Negative Approach, Buried Alive), but personally my ultimate dream would be to play with Hatebreed or No Warning. And of course, stepping onto the Hellfest stage… that would be insane.

- Your BEST & WORST concert - as a band - and why ?
The most “last-minute” was definitely our first international show in Paris in 2023: we got the call at noon to replace a band at 7pm… that was a crash course.
The best? The one with Downset and Freya. We organized that gig ourselves, the vibe was incredible, and sharing the stage with two bands that left their mark on the scene was a real high. But honestly, I always feel like the best is still ahead of us.

- Next live-appearance(s) ?
We’re lining things up around the release of "This is War". Announcements are coming soon, stay tuned.

- Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
The Paris hardcore scene is doing well. A lot of bands are active, there’s energy, connections happening. We’re glad to be part of that movement. We’re also good friends with Hook & Bones, go check them out, they’re awesome.

- Last word is yours..  
Go give our album a listen. Otherwise… NO Fucking barricades, Stage dive!

Follow the Band