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Interview with
JARHED GOMES
from
(HED) P.E.

(17th November 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the interview in full below:

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After three decades of tearing up stages and rewriting the rules of rap rock, punk, and metal fusion, Jared Gomes, better known as JARHED from (HED) P.E., is still as raw, honest, and passionate as ever. Speaking with Amnplify from Ireland while on tour with Drowning Pool and Spineshank, Jared reflected on the band’s 30-year journey, the evolution of their sound, fatherhood, and why Broke still defines an era.

“It all started in Huntington Beach”

When asked where it all began, Jared laughed.

“Jesus Christ. It all started in Huntington Beach, Southern California. I signed my first record deal in 1995, put out my first record in ’96, and then Broke came out in 2000. That’s the one that gave me a career.”

And he’s not wrong — Broke became the record that put (HED) P.E. on the global map, with their gritty hybrid of punk, hip-hop, and hardcore setting them apart from everyone else in the nu-metal scene.

But for Jared, Broke is both a blessing and a creative weight.

“I’d have to say it’s most people’s favorite record, but I hate that shit, right? Because I’ve done like 10 of them.”

He laughs again — but behind the humor lies an artist still chasing evolution after a lifetime of reinvention.

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The story behind the name

Few bands have a name as unique as (HED) P.E., and Jared admits it wasn’t a master plan.

“We were originally just HED — that came from a song I wrote called Heavy HED, because I was depressed and my head just felt so heavy. Then when we signed our record deal, the legal department said, ‘You can’t be HED.’ I was reading a book about planetary evolution, and that’s where the ‘P.E.’ came from — Planetary Evolution. So, it became (HED) P.E.”

A name born out of raw emotion and cosmic curiosity — fitting for a band that’s always mixed introspection with rebellion.

Thirty years on — and still going strong

Now in what he calls “the final epoch” of (HED) P.E., Jared insists he’s just enjoying the ride.

“When it first started, it was the cliche of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. Now I’m a dad, a husband. When I make money, it’s so I can pay a mortgage and put food on the table.”

And while he jokes about “being in the last days,” he’s quick to admit it’s mostly for dramatic effect.

“I’m being hyperbolic, man. You never know — you might see me in 10 years doing this again!”

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The evolution of sound

Over the years, (HED) P.E. has evolved from genre-blending chaos to stripped-down power.

“When we started, it was more like trip-hop, two guitarists, a DJ — six members doing different things. Now it’s just four of us, a punk rock setup: bass, guitar, drums, vocals. I’ve embraced that stripped-down sound.”

Technology, too, has changed the game.

“Our first record was recorded on tape. We had to rent a U-Haul to move the reels! Now it’s all on a hard drive — or in the cloud. It’s insane.”

On the internet, fans, and freedom

Jared is the first to admit the internet saved his career.

“I wouldn’t have a career without the internet. It took away the gatekeeping — before, record labels decided who got heard. Now, it’s an open market.”

Still, he’s aware of the mental toll of modern life.

“There’s so much information. People are overloaded. It’s making us ungovernable.”

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Influences and inspiration

When it comes to musical roots, Jared’s influences read like a history lesson in alternative culture: “Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Dr. Dre, Black Flag, Suicidal Tendencies…”

He lights up talking about Suicidal’s frontman, Mike Muir (Cyco Miko).

“He’s a god to me. A legend. Super conscious guy these days.”

Celebrating Broke — and what’s next

In 2025, (HED) P.E. will bring Broke to Australia for the first time ever — performing the album in full.

“We’ve never done an anniversary tour before, so this is the first. And we’re bringing Nonpoint with us — they’re huge in the States. It’s going to be wild.”

As for new music? Jared’s already working ahead.

“Our last record Detox hit number one on iTunes Hard Rock for 10 days. The next one’s Relapse, and it’s coming out in the summer of 2026.”

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“Every mosh pit has its own vibe”

After hundreds of shows around the globe, Jared says every crowd has its own energy.

“Each place has its own vibe. Every pit is different. And yeah, I used to crowd surf — but not so much these days. Gotta stay alive for my kids!”

And speaking of family — he beams when mentioning them.

“I’ve got an 18-year-old son heading to university and a 4-year-old daughter. My favorite tattoo is this one that says ‘Dad.’”

Quickfire Favourites

Favorite Album: Houses of the Holy – Led Zeppelin
Favorite Artist: Bob Marley
Favorite Movie: There Will Be Blood
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Drink: Pinot Noir
Favorite Venue: The Machine Shop, Flint, Michigan
Favorite Place to Visit: Australia (of course)
Favorite Topic: Aliens – “Been into them since I was a kid. Now the U.S. government’s finally admitting it!”

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The legacy continues

Thirty years after that first record deal, JARHED is still a student of life — grounded, grateful, and relentless.

“I just enjoy rocking out so much. It’s the highlight of my day.”

Whether it’s the spiritual roots of reggae, the chaos of punk, or the fire of hip-hop, Jared’s philosophy remains the same: evolution, honesty, and heart.

“Namaste, brother,” he signs off. “Maybe I’ll see you in February.”

We’ll be waiting, Jared. Australia’s ready to get Broke again.

(HED) P.E. + Nonpoint – Australian Tour 2025

Performing ‘BROKE’ in full.

Stay tuned to Amnplify.com.au for tour dates, news, and updates.

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Follow (HED) P.E.
Website – Instagram – Facebook
YouTube – X

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Watch the interview in full below:

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Press Release 26th October 2025 (below) HERE

(HED) P.E. 
with special guests
NONPOINT
announce
February 2026
Australian Tour

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AMNPLIFY – DB