BORSTAL

Ex-dimmu drummer brings the fury on new hardcore punk project

BEST KNOWN AS a former drummer with Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth and Testament, Nick Barker is simply a British metal legend. Now he’s scheming to become a hardcore legend, too (alongside members of Dripback and Knuckledust) in Borstal. Purveyors of ferocious old-school hardcore, with a dash of thuggish street punk thrown in, Nick’s new crew represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this, like total Sick Of It All, Cro-mags worship with a British twist,” he says. “I’ve always been a fan of that music. When we were kids, all the thrash bands we were listening to were wearing GBH and Discharge shirts. That crossover attitude just became part of the fabric of who we are. Punk, metal and hardcore are all connected.”

As showcased on debut EP At Her Majesty’s Service, Borstal’s sound owes plenty to classic New York hardcore, but songs like Vicious Circles and Karma could only have come from rainbothered British streets. Meanwhile, after a decade working behind the scenes, Nick is excited to be back in action and ready to start some serious homegrown aggro.

“Before, I’ve always joined other people’s bands, but with Borstal I’ve been a part of it from the start, so it’s more personal and it feels like my baby. Everyone in this band is on the same page and we’re all fucking chuffed about it. It’s a great feeling. It feels great to be doing something new, from the grassroots up.”

AT HER MAJESTY’S PLEASURE IS OUT NOW ON 4FAMILY RECORDS