As Tides Rise Interview: Rising Metalcore Band Shares Insights on Music and Brotherhood

By Z

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing As Tides Rise, a rising metalcore band from Omaha, Nebraska, known for their powerful performances and tight-knit brotherhood. I first encountered them while covering a Blacktop Mojo show at the 1867 Bar. The band, consisting of Micah Murphy (vocals), Brandon Maynard (guitar), Alex Martino (drums), Austin Staton (guitar), and Tristan Wallitsch (bass), impressed me with their approachable demeanor and passion for the metalcore scene. Their music, blending heavy riffs with melodic elements, has resonated with fans across the Midwest. In this exclusive interview, we dive into what inspires As Tides Rise, their creative process, and their journey as a band.

What Inspired the Formation of As Tides Rise?

The story of As Tides Rise began during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Micah Murphy, the band’s vocalist, shared how it all started.

Micah: “I had always wanted to be in a band. I’d been singing for years but never professionally. During COVID, I connected with others through the Omaha Musician’s Hangout Facebook group. It took about a year to finalize our lineup, especially finding the right guitarists.”

Brandon: “After meeting Alex and Micah, we just vibed. It felt like a family, not just a band. We all share the same passion for music, and that’s what keeps us together.”

Austin: “Brandon and I had been in other bands, but they fell apart due to a lack of shared vision. When Micah reached out about joining As Tides Rise, it just clicked. Everyone here is on the same page, driven to become touring musicians.”

Alex: “It was a process to find the right fit. We went through several guitarists before landing on Austin and Brandon, but their energy and commitment made all the difference.”

This sense of camaraderie and shared goals has been the backbone of As Tides Rise, making them a standout in the local metalcore scene.

Musical Influences Behind As Tides Rise’s Sound

When asked about the bands that inspire their music, each member highlighted different influences that shape their unique metalcore sound.

Micah: “It’s hard to pick just one band. Our Last Night got me into metalcore with their mix of heavy and melodic elements. Singing along to their songs in my car was my first real connection to the genre, and it inspired me to pursue this path.”

Tristan: “Micah introduced me to Dayseeker, and their emotional depth really pulled me into metalcore.”

Alex: “I came from a jazz and marching band background, so metalcore was new to me. Micah and Brandon got me into it with a Spotify playlist to learn drum beats. Bands like Bad Omens and Dayseeker stood out as I developed my style, especially mastering double bass.”

Brandon: “Korn and Faith No More are huge for me. Their funky basslines and experimental vibes shaped how I approach guitar.”

Austin: “I grew up on Korn, System of a Down, Mudvayne, Static-X, and Linkin Park. Now, I draw inspiration from Architects, Spiritbox, Counterparts, Fair to Midland, Nothing More, and Trivium for our modern sound.”

These diverse influences blend to create As Tides Rise’s signature sound, appealing to fans searching for “metalcore bands with melodic and heavy influences.”

Biggest Pet Peeves Within the Band

Every band has its quirks, and As Tides Rise is no exception. The members shared their lighthearted frustrations, often tied to their passion and excitement.

Brandon: “Sometimes we get so excited that we jump ahead of ourselves. We’ll have all these ideas, get tangled up, and then have to backtrack to figure out where we are.”

Austin: “Our group chat can get overwhelming. Certain members—looking at you, Tristan—fill it with non-band stuff, and I miss important details buried in hundreds of messages.”

Tristan: “I’d say our writing process can be a bit disorganized. We’re so eager that we throw out ideas without a clear plan.”

Micah: “We’re all passionate, so we dive into new ideas without always aligning. But we make it work through democracy—majority rules after we debate like we’re running campaigns.”

Alex: “I agree about the disorganized writing, but our conflicts come from passion. We butt heads because we all care about creating something great.”

This chaotic yet democratic process highlights why fans searching for “authentic metalcore bands” connect with As Tides Rise’s genuine approach.

Fun Facts About As Tides Rise Members

The band members shared some surprising tidbits about themselves, showcasing their personalities offstage.

Brandon: “I’m an open book, but I guess not everyone knows I’m into rap battles. I write diss tracks for the band in our group chats.”

Micah: “Apparently, I’m known for my love of Mountain Dew Kickstart. I grab two to four cans every time we stop at a gas station.”

Austin: “I couldn’t swim until I was 12. Also, I’m vegan and a bit of a workaholic in IT, with way too many computers at home.”

Tristan: “I have a weird lump on my leg. Probably should see a doctor about that.”

Alex: “I don’t have any quirky facts off the top of my head, but I guess my transition from jazz to metalcore drumming is pretty unique.”

These personal anecdotes make As Tides Rise relatable to fans looking for “metalcore bands with unique personalities.”

What Do As Tides Rise Members Do in Their Downtime?

When they’re not rocking stages, the band members lead varied lives.

Brandon: “I hang with my wife and kids. I’m always diving into new projects, like building a pool out of pallets or planning a hot tub with copper pipes. My front porch is peak Midwestern.”

Austin: “I’m a workaholic in IT, but it’s also a hobby. I have five cats—Zuko, Nya, Danu, Mufasa, and Snoop—and four guinea pigs. Zuko, named after the ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ character, claims my chair the moment I sit down.”

Micah: “I have two cats, Kiki and Hayes. Hayes has these cool gray feet that fade to lighter shades.”

Alex: “No pets for me, but I spend my downtime chilling and staying ready for the next practice.”

Tristan: “I keep it low-key, just hanging out and staying connected with the band.”

These glimpses into their lives appeal to fans searching for “Midwest metalcore bands with relatable lifestyles.”

What Do You Admire About Each Other?

The band’s mutual respect shines through when discussing what they admire about one another.

Brandon: “Micah’s a go-getter who never cuts corners. Alex is a boss who keeps everything running. Austin fights for what he believes in, and Tristan is always there when you need him.”

Austin: “Brandon’s confidence owns any room he’s in.”

Micah: “Alex’s growth as a drummer is insane. He went from jazz to nailing double bass in metalcore, which is no small feat.”

Alex: “Everyone’s passion is evenly split. Brandon and Micah keep us on track with reminders and schedules.”

Tristan: “Brandon’s creativity in songwriting is always on point. He’s got ideas flowing constantly.”

These qualities resonate with fans searching for “metalcore bands with strong teamwork.”

As Tides Rise’s Future and Recent Releases

As Tides Rise’s music connects with listeners who feel alone, offering solace through raw, relatable lyrics and powerful melodies. Their latest single, “Losing Myself,” accompanied by a stunning music video, showcases their evolution as a band. Fans can catch them live on June 18 at The Royal Grove in Lincoln, Nebraska, alongside Texas Hippie Coalition. Tickets are available here.

For those searching for “up-and-coming metalcore bands in 2025,” As Tides Rise is a must-listen. Their Midwestern heart, combined with their dedication to their craft, makes them a band to watch. Follow them on social media to stay updated on their journey to becoming touring musicians.

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