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Interview with
KYLE ANDERSON
from
BRAND OF SACRIFICE

(17th October, 2024)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below

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I had the chance to sit down with Kyle Anderson, the frontman of the heavy-hitting band Brand of Sacrifice. From a quiet start in Toronto to a global deathcore phenomenon, Kyle shared his journey, inspirations, and the unique sound that makes Brand of Sacrifice stand out in a crowded heavy music scene.

The Formation of Brand of Sacrifice

Kyle reflected on the early days of the band, formed in 2018. He and his guitarist were both stuck in mundane careers—Kyle in insurance and his guitarist in tech—when they decided to reconnect with their musical roots. Their debut EP The Interstice was a passion project, drawing influence from Kyle’s favorite anime, Berserk. “We didn’t expect much attention, but it just caught on,” Kyle recalls. That initial wave of support set them on their way to becoming a major name in deathcore.

Deathcore with a Twist

When asked to describe their sound, Kyle broke down the elements that define deathcore—a mix of the speed and darkness of death metal combined with the breakdown-heavy intensity of hardcore. But Brand of Sacrifice doesn’t stop there. Their music incorporates electronic, choir, and industrial elements, adding layers and complexity to the traditional deathcore formula. Kyle’s vision is to take heavy music beyond its conventions, creating a sound that’s brutal yet nuanced, much like the anime that inspired him.

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Inspirations Beyond Metal

Kyle’s creative influences extend beyond the metal world. He cites Berserk as a significant influence, describing it as “the death metal of anime.” He sees parallels between the dark, philosophical themes in Berserk and the deeper emotional undertones in metal music. Musically, Slipknot, Mick Gordon (known for the Doom soundtrack), and Meshuggah have shaped their sound, along with a desire to push boundaries.

A Growing Legacy

Since signing with Nuclear Blast in late 2023, Brand of Sacrifice has continued to build momentum. Their latest single, “Purge,” was released around the same time as the signing, marking a new chapter for the band. The song, along with its visually intense music video, exemplifies the high level of creative energy the band is putting into their work.

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Looking Ahead: New Music and Tours

Brand of Sacrifice is hard at work on their next album, set for release in 2025. While Kyle couldn’t provide an exact release date, fans can expect more of the band’s signature brutal yet multi-dimensional sound. In the meantime, fans in Australia can catch them in November at Froth and Fury, where Kyle promises to deliver an unforgettable performance, especially after overcoming some vocal issues during their previous Knotfest appearance.

The Future of Heavy Music

When asked about his long-term aspirations, Kyle expressed hope for a mainstream resurgence of heavy music, similar to the nu-metal wave of the early 2000s. “We’re seeing it a bit with platforms like TikTok and YouTube,” he said. But he believes the genre needs more recognizable figureheads to truly break through on a cultural level. With their unique sound and rising popularity, Brand of Sacrifice is poised to be part of this next wave.

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In the continuation of my interview with Kyle Sanderson, bassist of the metal band Brand of Sacrifice, we delve into some lighter, more personal territory—Kyle’s favorite things, from artists to tattoos. The conversation flows naturally, revealing the influences and passions that shape both his music and life.

Favorite Artist: When asked about his favorite artist, Kyle didn’t hesitate to mention Linkin Park. They’ve had a profound impact on him, offering inspiration throughout his life. While Brand of Sacrifice’s sound veers heavily into deathcore, there’s something relatable about his connection to a band as iconic and versatile as Linkin Park. Their mix of emotional vulnerability and crushing instrumentation is a thread that resonates with fans of heavier music across genres.

Favorite Movie: Kyle’s favorite movie? No surprise here—he’s a fan of The Matrix, especially the first one. The revolutionary sci-fi classic appeals to his love of mind-bending plots and intricate themes. Like many, the film’s exploration of reality, control, and rebellion likely speaks to his own ethos of challenging norms, which is evident in Brand of Sacrifice’s unique sound.

Favorite Place to Visit: Tokyo, Japan takes the top spot for Kyle’s favorite travel destination. He mentioned how much he loves the city’s energy, blending futuristic tech with deep-rooted traditions. Coming in second? Australia. Kyle’s excitement about visiting Australia again, along with the band’s upcoming tour, makes this one close to home for fans Down Under.

Favorite Venue: For a favorite venue to play, Kyle had to think for a moment but landed on The Summit in Denver, Colorado. Described as a 1,000-cap venue with a small backstage, Kyle shared how the intimate vibe makes it special. The connection with fans is unparalleled, and the energy there, he says, is always electric.

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Favorite Food: When it comes to food, Kyle revealed that he loves pho—Vietnamese noodle soup. Known for its rich broth and variety of flavors, it’s a dish that offers comfort and warmth, much like the steady rhythm Kyle holds down in the band’s tracks. Pho might seem simple, but its complexity lies in the layers of taste—a fitting parallel to his role in the complex compositions of Brand of Sacrifice.

Favorite Drink: Kyle’s drink of choice? Malbec red wine. While it may be local to Argentina, Kyle appreciates it for its deep, robust flavor. It’s a reminder that no matter where we’re from, we can all appreciate the finer things in life.

Favorite Person in History: In terms of historical figures, Kyle draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela. This choice connects to Kyle’s own South African heritage on his mother’s side. Mandela’s resilience, strength, and transformative leadership left a mark on Kyle’s worldview, particularly in how the South African leader turned personal struggles into powerful advocacy for freedom and justice.

Favorite Tattoo: Kyle is covered in tattoos, but his favorite? The one on his throat. While he admitted it wasn’t exactly fun to get done—it took two sessions and a total of 15 hours—the work itself was freehanded by a talented South Korean artist based in Toronto. It’s an intricate piece of art that stands out both in its location and craftsmanship.
We also discussed his first-ever tattoo, which was a lion on his forearm. Though it’s since been covered up by a newer, more vibrant version of the same design, the memory of that first ink still lingers. His tattoo journey, much like his music career, is one of evolution, learning, and continual improvement.

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A Deep, Thoughtful Conversation

As the interview wrapped up, Kyle opened up about his approach to life and music. Describing himself as a pragmatic and introspective person, Kyle emphasized the importance of having a plan in both the music business and life. He shared that while talent is essential, it’s only one part of success. Strategy, hard work, and collaboration are critical. His methodical nature seems to be a driving force behind Brand of Sacrifice’s rapid rise in the metal scene.

Closing Thoughts

Despite the brutal exterior of the music and his stage presence, Kyle comes across as thoughtful and philosophical. He hopes the heavy music scene will continue to grow, and he encourages young artists to embrace their creativity, use the internet as a tool, and—most importantly—get good legal advice when signing contracts.

Stay tuned for more updates as Brand of Sacrifice embarks on their tour (Froth and Fury this November, and also when they support Thy Art Is Murder later in the year). Kyle’s wisdom and thoughtful approach leave no doubt that the band will continue to break boundaries and bring their unique sound to fans around the globe for a long time to come. 

Catch this and many other full interviews on Amnplify HERE.

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Watch the full interview below

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AMNPLIFY – DB