Interlock (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | John Tyrell, Syan |
| Defunct | 2008 |
| Headquarters | London , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Industrial metal music |
Interlock was an industrial metal group originating from London, England, established in 1996 by John Tyrell (guitar and programming) alongside bassist Syan. The band ceased activities in 2008.
Formation and Early Years
Guitarist and programmer John Tyrell created Interlock, drawing inspiration from acts such as Fear Factory, My Dying Bride, and Nine Inch Nails. Bassist Syan, who remained a constant member, joined him as co-founder. Their demo '97, recorded using a 4-track recorder and Digital Compact Cassette, was released in May 1997 and showcased Matthew Lee (vocals, lyrics, samples) and Syan contributing female vocals. This demo attracted coverage in UK music publications due to its electronic elements, dual vocal approach, and a unique full-color eight-page booklet designed by John.
Although the lineup experienced changes, Interlock performed across various small venues in the UK. Early live shows did not feature a drummer on stage; instead, they utilized pre-recorded drum and sample tracks, occasionally enhanced by keyboard players or a violinist.
In 1999, Interlock independently launched the Submerged EP featuring new female vocalist Emmeline May. The release received acclaim from magazines such as Kerrang! and Terrorizer. Following performances supporting the EP, the band issued a split album with neo-classical gothic act Seventh Harmonic, remixing three tracks from Seventh Harmonic alongside one Interlock remix. In 2000, Matthew Lee left the group and was succeeded by singer Hal Sinden, who is the grandson of actor Donald Sinden.
Death by Design
In 2001, Interlock entered the studio to record a split album with London-based band Needleye. The project, titled Death by Design, was entirely produced by John under the Deepwater Production alias. It included two original songs from each band, two remixes of each other's material, plus a collaborative track. Released in 2002 through Armalyte Records, the album was supported by a UK co-headlining tour with Needleye. Drummer Tori Lucian, later associated with Kingsize Blues, joined Interlock for these live shows. The band earned recognition in Terrorizer’s year-end rankings as "best unsigned band," while Hal Sinden was highlighted as "most shaggable male." In 2003, Interlock appeared in the gothic-themed documentary Sex, Lies and Bondage Tape, broadcast on Anglia TV.
crisis//reinvention
After recruiting drummer Matt Platts (formerly of Salem Orchid and Nightnurse) in late 2002, Interlock began developing new material. Guitarist Chris 'Static' Dixon joined early in 2004 to provide additional guitar support following John’s arm fracture. The band gained interest from Anticulture Records after receiving airplay on Maz Star’s Total Rock Radio program, which included an unreleased cover of Björk’s "Army of Me."
Interlock signed with Anticulture Records at the start of 2005. John handled production and artwork design for their album crisis//reinvention, released in May that year. The album quickly received airplay on both the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show and Total Rock Radio. After intermittent touring, Emmeline May departed and was replaced by vocalist Christina Gajny, initially as a temporary stand-in for a UK festival appearance but soon becoming a permanent member. With Christina onboard, the band re-recorded selected tracks and resumed live performances across the UK.
"Skinless" remixes
Toward the end of 2005, Interlock partnered with CGI artist Christian Jelen (known for White Noise and MirrorMask) to produce a video for "Skinless," with editing handled by Lasse Hoile (Porcupine Tree). Simultaneously, the band initiated an open remix contest for the track "Skinless." The winning entry by Elseedy was included on an EP released in February 2006, which also featured seven additional remixes alongside two original Interlock songs, highlighting Christina's vocal performance on both the title track and the newly introduced "Blue."
Although a video for "Straight" was shot, it was ultimately shelved due to internal complications. Throughout the year, Interlock conducted sporadic tours across the UK, during which drummer Matt Platts exited the group in November.
US tour
At the start of 2007, Interlock announced Joe Butterworth as their new drummer and unveiled plans for a United States tour. They created a fresh video for "Straight," directed by band collaborator Mart Anthony, with a digital release scheduled through Anticulture Records; however, this digital launch was later canceled, despite the video premiering in May.
The 'Trans-Atlantic' tour kicked off in April in London and proceeded with performances across the US alongside industrial act Inswarm. Upon returning to the UK, Interlock parted ways with guitarist Chris 'Static' and brought Mart Anthony on board for the remaining tour dates; Mart was soon confirmed as a full-time member.
In July, Interlock appeared at Hellfest Summer Open Air in France before wrapping up their live shows for that year to concentrate on composing a new album.
Final days
By late 2007, Interlock had departed from Anticulture Records and released demo tracks from their forthcoming album Parasite. After several months dedicated to writing and recording in early 2008, they announced their disbandment in August:
"26 August 2008
Interlock's set at Offset this Saturday will be their final live performance.
Owing to internal challenges, the band has resolved to disband immediately afterward.
We extend our gratitude to all supporters—including fellow bands, musicians, promoters, media outlets, venues, endorsers, and especially our fans—for their unwavering loyalty throughout our career.
Members will pursue other projects; updates will be available on our official Myspace page www.myspace.com/interlock.
Interlock has exited the stage... thank you and goodnight."
Following the split, John Tyrell established Khaidian, Hal Sinden and Joe Butterworth formed Talanas, Syan took on bass duties with Tribazik, Christina Gajny leads Inner Eden, and Mart Anthony launched Wolfshead while collaborating with Beth Ryan.
Current members
- John Tyrell (also known as John Hull) – guitar / programming / songwriter / record producer (1996–2008)
- Syan (Sabrina Barlow) – bass (1996–2008)
- Hal Sinden – vocals / lyricist (2000–2008)
- Mart Anthony – guitar (2007–2008)
- Christina Gajny – vocals (2005–2008)
- Joe Butterworth – drums (2006–2008)
Previous members
- Chris 'Static' Dixon – guitar (2004–2007)
- Matt Platts – drums (2002–2006)
- Emmeline May – vocals (1998–2005)
- Frank Hull – drums (2001–2002)
- Matthew Lee – vocals / lyricist (1996–2000)
Live members
- Rob Archibald – bass guitar (2008)
- Tori Lucion – drums (2002)
- Pixi – lead vocals (1997–1998)
Albums
- Death by Design (split CD alongside Needleye) (2002) Armalyte Industries
- crisis//reinvention (2005) Anticulture Records
- Skinless Remixes (2007) Anticulture Records
Demos
- Demo – 1997 (1997)
- Submerged (1999)
- Seventh Harmonic vs. Interlock (split CD with Seventh Harmonic) (2000)
- Parasite demos (2008)
Compilation appearances
- "Rest" featured on No Holy Additives (1998) Eldthorne
- "Rest (tilted 2.0)" remix included in Full Tilt III compilation (2001) Spiky Black Cat Records
- "The Hold (CDW)" and "Birdman (edit)" contributed to Working with Children and Animals (2002) Wasp Factory Records
- "This Waking Moment," "Coalesce," and "the Feeling Skinned Us remix" appeared on Vampire Diary OST (2007)