EMQ’s With Virtue In Vain
EMQ’s With Virtue In Vain
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Welsh Metalcore band, Virtue In Vain. Huge thanks to their Vocalist, and founder member, Hywel, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi, my name is Hywel, I am the vocalist of Virtue In Vain.
Virtue In Vain started when I formed the band to create music more in line with the style of music I was listening to (Mainly Metalcore). In our early years, we played around the local scene and played with Mason & Dan, who were in other bands at the time. Our bands had line-up changes, and they both joined Virtue In Vain. Since then, we have been in the same lineup up releasing the “Dusk//Dawn” EP and our singles ‘The Whispers of Sleep’ & ‘Preservation’.
How did you come up with your band name?
We wanted the band name to represent something we relate to. The name portrays the idea that you shouldn’t have to look up or follow the same path as someone or something just because it has been portrayed as successful.
That just because you take the path less travelled by doesn’t make your view any less valid, we are all different and wealth and success have no bearing on character.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are from South Wales and are based in Cardiff. The scene here is incredible! So many great bands are playing all over, so there is always a place to go to listen to great music.
We are lucky to be based in an area that has a few venues that support Metal and have such a great scene, so it really pushes you to be the best you can be as a band.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We have just released our first Single ‘Blood Eyes’ from our upcoming EP “Nothing Is All I Am”.
We have also released it alongside a music video, which was so fun to make. Make sure to go check it out.
Who have been your greatest influences?
It varies for everyone in the band, but I would say that Make Them Suffer have been the greatest influence. From their music, stage presence and taking lessons from its members, they have truly influenced Virtue In Vain and helped us be the best version of ourselves.
What first got you into music?
I have always been around music, from my parents playing it when I was younger around the house, and on long drives when we went on holiday.
Bring Me The Horizon & Bullet For My Valentine were my first introduction to metal music, and from there I was hooked.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Make Them Suffer would be my first choice for us all for sure, although personally, I would love to work with Mike Hranica from The Devil Wears Prada. His style of lyrics and vocals really inspired me to be the vocalist I am today.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Good question. That’s a tough one, I think I am torn between Warped Tour & Download. Both really are the incredible festivals showcasing both big and small bands, so I would love to play either one, or both haha!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I don’t think we have received anything weird from a fan, in all honesty. We have had lovely conversations with people who have listened and watched us live, so I can’t say anything weird… sorry.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for all your support! Every like, comment, and chat we have had from each of you has really helped inspire us. I can promise you we are only just starting!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Daniel Williams. He was the original drummer of The Devil Wears Prada and was a huge part of my love for metal and wanting to learn more about drums.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I honestly love so many things about being a musician. Being creative, writing music and creating ways to showcase the music, be it on stage or on video. I love playing shows, from loading in and out of the venue and the late-night drives. I honestly cherish so much about it.
I think if I was to hate one thing, it would be drama that comes with being a musician. Sometimes, little things end up blowing out of proportion, and I feel it moves away from the core of just playing music for the love of music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Oh my, I would have to say the money that musicians and those in the industry at the grassroots level make.
We can all say we love music, and there is no feeling like watching an artist live. However, venues are closing, and grassroots musicians are doing all that they can to play and create. I would love to see a shift of people going to support bands playing at your local venues.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“With Roots Above And Branches Below” by The Devil Wears Prada.
That was the album that made me want to be a musician. I remember feeling as though I had found my sound, and from there I have made music ever since.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
A. Vinyl for sure! Although growing up I bought CD’s, there is something about Vinyl that I love. It feels as if I have a small part of history, and I love that.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Now that is a great question. For me, it was when we played Northants Festival this year. It was the first time we had played an outdoor festival, and we were really nervous.
I could not say enough kind words about that festival. Everyone, from the fans to staff, was so lovely and really helpful. We truly poured our hearts out on that stage, and it was a point in this band’s history that I will never forget.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I think I would probably do some videography. I enjoy being creative and creating visuals, so I think I would be doing that.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
I would love to have Mike Hranica, Nick Mclernon, Sean Harmanis, Johnny Franck & Charlie Simpson. That many amazing musicians at one party, that would be an incredible evening.
What’s next for the band?
We have a couple of shows to end 2025 and then our upcoming EP “Nothing Is All I Am” is out 23rd January 2026 which we cannot wait to show you!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Of course, all our socials are @virtueinvain, check them out below
FACEBOOK:: https://www.facebook.com/VirtueInVain
INSTAGRAM:: https://www.instagram.com/virtueinvain
WEBSITE:: https://www.virtueinvain.co.uk
YOUTUBE:: https://www.youtube.com/user/VirtueInVain
TIKTOK:: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtueinvain
STREAMS::https://streamlink.to/VirtueInVain
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
A bun for me haha!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you very much for the interview, it’s been fun answering these questions.
‘Blood Eyes’ is out now on all streaming platforms, and our video is on our YouTube channel.
Go check it out and see you at a show near you!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
