Every once in a while, a new band drops a track that makes you stop, turn the volume all the way up, and wonder, “Where have YOU been hiding?” Hailing from Mebane, NC, Feelings Like Fire’s latest single, “Bad Romance,” is a cover of the iconic pop anthem originally penned by Lady Gaga. It is exactly that kind of “holy crap” moment — a powerful, polished, and genuinely exciting statement from a band that feels ready to bring their signature sound to your earbuds.
As the group's third single, “Bad Romance” hits with the confidence of that which only a band passionate about the project can conjure up. The guitars are thick, heavy, and razor-sharp — seemingly drawing inspiration from the likes of Silverstein and Pierce The Veil while still carving out their own unique identity. But what really sets this cover apart is its ability to balance heaviness with atmosphere. There’s a dark and complex quality to the track, layered by a distant, familiar melody and texture that creeps in beneath the brutality.
Vocalist Blake Carroll delivers a standout performance here. With absolutely monstrous guttural lows, paired with the ability to shift into cleaner melodic moments, that really stuck with me. The chorus is a perfect example of how a song can still be catchy without losing its edge — soaring just enough to stick in your head while keeping the emotional weight fully intact.
Behind the kit, drummer Allan Kuylen brings serious energy and creativity. The drums never settle for simply keeping time — instead, he drive the song forward with clever fills, shifting grooves, and a sense of urgency that keeps you locked in from start to finish.
Absolutely killing it with the guitars was Matt Stretz and Zeke. Matt rips through solos with an intense energy and shredding riffs that cut right through the mix. A creative touch I particularly enjoyed was how, instead of singing Gaga’s original opening lyrics “Rah, rah, ah-ah-ah, Roma, roma-ma Gaga, ooh-la-la, want your bad romance,” the lyrics were instead transcribed and rewritten to be played on guitar. To me, this demonstrated a knowledgeable understanding of music theory and it made my nerdy heart happy to hear. Zeke, on the other hand, holds everything together with deep, punchy base lines that add extra weight to the sound. Together, they create a powerful, in-your-face feeling that’s impossible to ignore.
The production is another highlight — clear, powerful, and massive without sounding overproduced. Every instrument has room to breathe, and the balance between raw aggression and polished delivery is struck perfectly.
If “Bad Romance” is any indication of what’s to come from Feelings Like Fire, metalcore fans need to start paying attention now. This is an ensemble with serious talent and a sharp vision that I can easily see leading to breaking out in a big way. Keep them on your radar — they won’t be underground for long.
Feelings Like Fire (by @zac.tomlinson and @kuylen.media)
