Cryptid Culture Interview
Tell us a little bit about the band. How did you come together and when did you start recording music and taking it on the road?
The path for this band has been a long and complicated one, going back as far as the first single. The history prior to the name change begins with the band officially forming in 2020. During that time, we released two full EPs—Something Dark and Eerie and Sinner’s Heart—before abruptly dissolving in 2022.
While I would say the band plays primarily horror rock, there are definitely a plethora of other influences the band has, such as psychobilly (“Psychobilly (Gotta Die)”) and heavy metal (the guitar solo on “Hell Hounds”). How would you best describe the band’s sound? Who are some of your biggest influences?
The group, especially with its current lineup, comes from a diverse collection of influences. So the sound you're hearing is really a blend of those. Everyone primarily writes their own parts and has full creative control over them, resulting in a fusion of many different styles. We're rooted in horror punk, and that will never change, but we’re adding elements from metal, pop-punk, and theater to both the music and the live show.
The band was previously known as Casket Culture. What led to the name change, and will this have any effect on the band moving forward?
We disbanded in 2022 due to some internal creative issues and returned to our other projects. Last year, discussions began about bringing the project back. Not all founding members returned—including the primary songwriter. After that reunion, it was decided that it would be unfair and inappropriate to continue using the same name. Since the writing process is now different, there will be a change in sound, but our goal remains to stay true to our roots while creating music that challenges us both technically and creatively.
Will the name change have any impact on the availability of Casket Culture merchandise such as CDs, t-shirts, etc.?
It will. We're crafting new merch to go along with the name change, alongside a fresh aesthetic and branding. The music will begin to incorporate themes not just from contemporary horror, but also from fringe and classic sources—including Lovecraftian, psychological, and of course, cryptid-inspired horror.
I’ve seen the band perform with the likes of Blitzkid and Cancerslug. Are there any other legendary horror rock bands you’ve performed with, or any you’d like to? What would your ideal show look like?
So far, those have been the pinnacle—and if asked, we’d absolutely do it again. Right now, we’re aiming to appeal to a broader audience by bringing horror punk and its themes into the mainstream. If we could pick a dream opportunity, it would probably be to perform at larger festivals or conventions.
What does your current tour schedule look like? Do you have any plans for the rest of 2025?
We just wrapped up a long run of smaller, yet significant shows. The goal was to introduce the new lineup and sound—essentially an announcement that we’re not dead, but very much undead and evolved.
The last time I saw the band, you played some new material. Are there any plans for a forthcoming album?
Yes! We’re currently working on it. The plan is to release a several-song EP with interconnected themes and storytelling. We’re beginning the groundwork this month, and it will include the three new songs we played on the last run: OnlyFangs, Attack! The Night the World Ended, and Cult.
When the band isn’t recording or performing, what are you up to? What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of music?
Josh does theater and has been in several productions, including Sweeney Todd. Billy is a gamer—mostly into open-world RPGs and anything where he can swing a sword. Reilley runs a promotions company called Not Your Mother’s Music Scene and is deeply connected to the local music scene. Matt’s a gamer too, but more into tabletop—D&D, World of Darkness, and other dice-rolling adventures.
With a name like Cryptid Culture, I have to ask: What are some of your favorite cryptids and/or which do you find most fascinating?
We all seem to have a soft spot for Mothman. In fact, there will be a song on the new album about him and how he terrorizes West Virginia. We’re also really into eldritch monsters—Cthulhu being a major one, naturally—as well as stories involving the Yellow King.
Do you have any final parting words, or is there anything you’d like people to know about the band that we haven’t covered?
All we can say is that some projects come and go—but you cherish the time you get to work on them and the growth they bring. As far as the Cryptid guys go, we’re not done yet. We still have so much more to express, create, and share with all of you.
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