Photo Courtesy of Tariot
Emerging from the ever-evolving heavy music scene of Singapore, Tariot continues to carve their name into the region’s metalcore landscape with a sound that is both aggressive and emotionally charged. Blending crushing breakdowns with melodic intensity, the band has steadily built a reputation for delivering music that resonates with listeners navigating themes of struggle, resilience, and self-reflection.
From early releases that captured raw energy to more refined and hard-hitting tracks like “Old Habits Die Hard” and “Built to Burn,” Tariot showcases a dynamic evolution while staying true to their roots. Their ability to balance heaviness with memorable hooks sets them apart in a scene that continues to grow across Southeast Asia.
With a growing catalog and a strong presence in live performances, Tariot represents a new wave of artists pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern metalcore band in the region.
In this interview, we take a closer look at the band’s journey, creative process, and the stories behind their music—offering fans a deeper understanding of the passion and drive that fuels Tariot.
For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you introduce Tariot and your musical identity?
Tariot is a metalcore band from Singapore that leans into intensity, atmosphere, and emotional weight. Our music sits between aggression and vulnerability, with heavy riffs, and basically inspiration from what we grew up listening and jamming to when we were in our teens.
At the core of it, we want our songs to hit a listener like how we were first blown away from catching our favourite act when we were.
Looking back at your earlier releases like Reinvent, how do you think the band has evolved musically and personally?
Looking back, our earlier material captured a raw and hungry version of who we were at the time. As the years went on, we became more intentional with songwriting, production, and the way we express emotion through heavy music.
Personally, we have also grown a lot as people, and that naturally shaped the maturity and depth of the band.
What inspired the formation of Tariot, and what has kept the band going through the years?
Tariot started from a shared love for heavy music and a need to create something of our own.
We wanted music that felt intense but still carried emotion. What kept us going was the bond in the band, the memories on the road together and the belief that we still had more to say.
What were some defining moments in your journey as a band so far?
Every release taught us something. Every show pushed us forward. Some of the biggest moments were when we dropped music that really felt like us and saw people connect with it especially live. Watching people in a place you have never been to in your life singing your lyrics is a whole new feeling.
Your sound carries strong metalcore and hardcore influences. How would you describe the “Tariot signature” sound?
We love music that feels aggressive but still has weight behind it. The Tariot sound is dark, intense, metalcore at heart with a tad bit of dubstep/electronic influence. We want it to hit hard live and stay with you after the song ends and party.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind your album Drag Me To Hell?
It usually starts with a riff, a mood, or a section that feels strong enough to build around. Essentially, we end up working with it and just rewriting portions till we are happy with what it incites in us and the next thing you know, you have a full blown structure of a song.
Sometimes it’ll be a catchy chorus that drives it but for us it’s always “the main hook riff” of a song. With Drag Me To Hell we wanted every track to stand on its own while still feeling like part of one world.
How do you balance aggression and emotion in your songwriting?
For us they go together. The aggression gives the song energy and impact. The emotion gives it purpose.
We never want to be heavy just for the sake of it. We want the heavy parts to feel connected to something real.
Do your lyrics come from personal experiences, social commentary, or fictional concepts?
A lot of it comes from personal experience. Sometimes it comes from things we see around us or things we are trying to make sense of. Even when the writing gets more abstract, it still comes from a real place.
Your newer tracks like Fragments and Fleeting Time show growth in production and intensity. What direction are you currently exploring musically?
Right now we are pushing toward something darker, sharper, and more complete. We want the songs to feel bigger and more intense but also more refined. The goal is to keep growing without losing what makes us who we are. Always chasing that idea of perfection even though we have no idea what that shape or form really is. But I guess you could say that’s the fun part of it all!
Is there a particular track in your discography that feels the most meaningful to the band? Why?
This is a hard one! That changes over time. Usually the most meaningful track is the one that best captures where we are as a band in that moment. Some songs stay close to us because of what we were going through when we wrote them. Others mean a lot because of how people responded to them. I think all in all, we really do love “Fragments”. The vocal writing was slightly different on this one and the production take for everything was done in a totally different manner as well.
Are there any upcoming releases or projects fans should watch out for?
Yes for sure. We have more in the works and we are excited about what is coming next. We are trying to make each release feel like a step up from the last one. Not going to release much spoilers here but there’s a playthrough coming out in a few weeks that we filmed a week ago and there’s a track we’re currently set to finish up in a couple of weeks which is honestly one of the best we have ever done. I can’t wait to release it!
How would you describe the current heavy music scene in Singapore?
The scene in Singapore is passionate and full of heart. It may be smaller than other places but there is a lot of talent here. People really care and that matters. There is a real sense of effort and community in the heavy scene.
What challenges do metal bands face in Singapore compared to other markets?
One of the biggest challenges is scale. There are fewer opportunities and it can be harder to reach bigger audiences. But in a way that also forces bands here to work harder and be more intentional with every move.
Have you seen changes in audience support for heavier genres over the years?
Yes definitely. More people seem open to heavy music now and there is more interest in the genre than before. It still takes work to build support but it feels like the audience is growing and paying more attention.
Do you have plans to tour more in Southeast Asia?
Yes that is something we really want to do. There are so many strong scenes across Southeast Asia and we would love to be part of that more. Playing to new crowds in the region is a big goal for us.
If you could collaborate with any international metal or hardcore band, who would it be?
There are a lot of bands we respect. Make Them Suffer, Polaris, and Parkway Drive would all be amazing. They each bring something different to heavy music and it would be exciting to create something with that kind of energy.
What does global success look like for Tariot?
For us it means reaching people beyond where we started. It means building a sound that people connect with no matter where they are from. Touring more, growing the band, and making music that lasts would all be part of that.
Tariot is known for high-energy performances. What can fans expect at your live shows?
They can expect a lot of intensity and a lot of heart. We want the set to feel real and physical. We are not just there to play songs. We want people to feel something when they watch us.
What has been your most unforgettable gig so far?
The unforgettable ones are always the shows where the crowd and the band are fully locked in together be it just the sheer size of the venue/crown or just the vibes. We can’t give you just 1 maybe the Japan tour we did in 2024 feb with earthists and sailing before the wind! This was such a pleasant experience and these guys were freaking fun off and on stage!
Do you have a message for your supporters both in Singapore and internationally?
To everyone who has supported Tariot, thank you. Every stream, every show, every message, and every bit of support means a lot to us. We do not take any of it lightly and we are grateful that people are on this journey with us.
Don’t miss out on the latest releases, live shows, and exclusive updates from the band. Follow Tariot and be part of their journey as they continue to push the limits of Singapore’s metalcore scene.
Click the link here to follow and support the band.
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