Rising teenage metal band Chained Saint, made up of high school students Ethan Kahn (17, guitar), Sebastian De Avila (18, bass), Cameron Cottrell (19, drums) and Sean Sterling (18, vocals), have just released their debut album, Blindside. Just ahead of this eagerly-anticipated release, which was produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, I had the opportunity to chat with the quartet.
First of all, would you mind introducing yourself, and briefly explaining your music to any potential new fans?
Ethan: I am Ethan, and I play guitar in Chained Saint. The way we view our music in Chained Saint is a blend of thrash/hardcore.
Cameron: I am Cameron, and I play drums in Chained Saint.
Tell me about your journey with creating music. How did you get started, and what first ignited your passion for music?
Ethan: I began kind of just messing around with the keyboard and after a while, I gravitated toward the guitar and just couldn’t stop. What really ignited my passion was when I got really into music, and realized I could be playing the stuff I love with other people.
How has growing up in Florida helped to shape you as musicians?
Ethan: It has been great with me, I love the people and a lot of the local bands/scene, and I really think being able to practice in a dark garage in 90° weather has helped be able to kind of play anywhere.
Which musicians do you admire most, and why?
Ethan: If I had to make a top 5, it would go Danny Carey, Brent Hinds, Kirk Hammet, Chuck Shuldiner, Cody Chavez
Cameron: Dave Grohl, Brann Dailor, Danny Carey, Jay Weinberg, and Josh Fresse
If you had to pick out your favorite song or lyrics from your recent album, what would they be?
Ethan: I would have to choose "Stronger than Stone" as my favorite song on the record. It was the last song we wrote and has a great blend of the thrash and hardcore influences we had at the time.
When fans recommend Chained Saint to others, what song do you think would be the best introduction to your music?
Ethan: "Animosity." We chose "Animosity" as our debut single because we really believed if there was a song to be our introduction to the world, "Animosity" would be perfect.
Cameron: Definitely "Animosity."
What are your goals for your music career, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
Ethan: My goals are really just to have as much fun playing with my best friends as I can. Within the next couple of years, I hope to be on tour, and hopefully have another record out!
Cameron: My goals are pushing our music out there, touring with my friends, and having a good time.
What was the first favorite artist that you had?
Ethan: Probably the Rolling Stones. The first song I ever learned on guitar was "Jumping Jack Flash", and I had loved them for a while before that, too.
Cameron: The first favorite artist I had was definitely Metallica.
What was the first concert that you ever attended?
Ethan: I believe the first concert I ever attended was G.N.R.
Cameron: The first concert I attended was Korn back in 2021.
What have you been listening to lately?
Ethan: A lot of TOOL, Descendants, and Dismemberment Plan.
Cameron: A Perfect Circle, Volcano, and Mad Season
Can you share any interesting or surprising facts about the band or its members?
Ethan: Sean is a double black belt in Tang Soo Do.
If you were an animal, what would you be, and why?
Ethan: Yellow Elephant
Cameron: Penguin, because I would be chillin' all day.
Lastly, hype yourselves up — why should people check out Chained Saint? What do you think sets your music apart?
Ethan: Definitely check out "Stronger than Stone" and "Animosity"! Those two songs show off who we are and how we sound really well.
THE DEBUT ALBUM FROM CHAINED SAINT
