Photo Courtesy of XMORAZ
Hailing from Taiwan, Xmoraz is a Metalcore/Post-Hardcore band known for blending crushing heaviness with emotional melodies, atmospheric soundscapes, and heartfelt storytelling. Since forming in 2019, the band has built a distinctive identity through music that explores struggle, growth, and human connection.
In this interview, Xmoraz talks about their creative process, musical influences, the challenges of independent artistry, and the passion that continues to drive their journey forward.
Can you introduce Xmoraz to our readers and share how the band first started?
Xmoraz is a Metalcore / Post-Hardcore band from Taiwan, formed in 2019. Our music blends intense emotion, melody, and themes centered around human nature and the inner world. The members all come from different backgrounds and regions, but we met during our student years in Kaohsiung and eventually formed the band through connections made online.
What is the meaning behind the name “Xmoraz,” and how does it represent your identity as a band?
The name “Xmoraz” comes from two ideas. The “X” represents crossing, intersection, and the unknown, while “Moraz” is derived from the word morass, meaning a swamp or a difficult emotional state that is hard to escape from. We wanted the name to represent the chaos, darkness, and contradictions people experience in life, while also symbolizing the will to break free and keep moving forward.
How would you describe your music style to listeners hearing you for the first time?
If we had to describe Xmoraz’s music, we would call it “emotionally driven and story- focused Metalcore / Post-Hardcore.”
We place strong emphasis on emotional build-up, melody, atmosphere, and lyrical depth. There is anger, vulnerability, and healing within our music. We hope listeners can find emotions they’ve personally experienced within our songs.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both locally and internationally?
We are influenced by many artists from both Taiwan and abroad. Internationally, bands such as Imminence, As I Lay Dying, and I Prevail have had a strong impact on us.
Your music carries strong emotions and heavy energy. What inspires the themes behind your songs?
Much of our songwriting comes from real-life experiences, including relationships, loneliness, self-doubt, social issues, and even stories from people around us. Some songs were written during very low points in life, while others were born from moments of self-reflection and growth.
We want to portray genuine emotions and personal transformation through our music.
Among your releases so far, which song feels the most personal to the band and why?
Among our released songs, “Driftline” holds the deepest personal meaning for us.
It is not only the beginning of our concept album After the Ashes, but also a reflection of the album’s emotional core.
The song portrays the feeling of being lost, broken, and forced to keep moving forward through uncertainty. For us, this is not just a fictional story — it reflects real emotions and experiences we’ve gone through over the past few years.
While creating the song, we revisited past pain, loss, and struggles, and slowly realized that what truly keeps a person moving forward may not be answers, but a belief deep inside that never completely fades away.
That is why “Driftline” feels less like just the first single, and more like the true beginning of a journey.
“Defy” has connected with many listeners. What message did you want fans to take away from that track?
“Defy” is essentially about resistance — resisting the voices that make you lose yourself, resisting fear, and resisting the people who try to define who you are.
How is the metalcore and post-hardcore scene currently growing in Taiwan?
We believe Taiwan’s Metalcore/Post-Hardcore scene has always had incredible energy, and in recent years, more bands have begun developing their own unique identities. Although it remains a relatively niche scene, everyone is very genuine and increasingly focused on both the quality of their music and their live performances.
The biggest challenge is honestly perseverance. As an independent band, we have to handle songwriting, recording, filming, promotion, and live shows ourselves. Sometimes we face financial pressure, time management struggles, and moments of doubt about whether we can keep going.
But because of that, every performance and every listener who connects emotionally with our music becomes incredibly meaningful.
Can you describe the creative process of Xmoraz when writing and producing music?
Our songwriting usually begins with an emotion or a visual image. Sometimes it starts with a riff, and other times with a melody or lyrics. We discuss the atmosphere and story of the song together, then gradually build the arrangement layer by layer.
How do you balance melodic emotions with aggressive instrumentals in your sound?
We’ve always loved the coexistence of beauty and destruction in sound. That’s why we intentionally incorporated the violin into our music, using it to create vivid imagery and emotional depth through different musical textures.
What has been one of your most memorable live performances so far?
Every live show leaves a strong memory, especially when we see people screaming along, singing together, or even crying in the crowd. In those moments, we truly feel how music can connect complete strangers.
That energy is difficult to describe in words.
How important is audience connection and fan support for Xmoraz?
The connection with our audience is extremely important to us. Writing songs is often our way of processing emotions, but when those songs help someone through a difficult period in life, it reminds us again and again of music’s power.
The support from listeners feels less like support for music alone and more like shared understanding and companionship.
Are there any artists or bands you would love to collaborate with in the future?
Eddie Berg.
What goals does Xmoraz hope to achieve in the next few years?
In the coming years, we hope to bring our music to more countries, complete more international tours, and continue creating more mature and complete works.
Is there any upcoming music, project, or performance fans should look forward to?
Recently, we’ve been preparing new material, while also working on upcoming performances and touring plans.
What message would you like to share with your supporters around the world, especially your fans in the Philippines?
We truly want to thank everyone who supports Xmoraz, especially listeners from different countries who are willing to hear our voice. To our friends in the Philippines, your passion and energy genuinely move us. We hope that one day we can perform in your city and bring these emotions and energy to you in person.
Thank you for supporting us all this time. We’ll continue creating music and moving forward.
Lastly, if you could describe Xmoraz in just three words, what would they be?
“Authenticity,” “Struggle,” and “Rebirth.”
All photo materials courtesy and credited to Xmoraz..
Follow Xmoraz on their official social media accounts by clicking the links below and don’t miss their latest releases, updates, and upcoming performances.
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