Brotality Interview: Unleashing Heavy Metal Fury in Lincoln

By Jacqueline Radakovich & Mitch West

In New York City's concrete jungle, where ambition fuels dreams, Brotality—a thrash metal trio—emerges with a sound that's both intoxicating and unrelenting. Brothers Bryce and Reece Maopolski, alongside drummer John Haring, fuse the raw energy of thrash metal's golden era with modern melodies and progressive grooves. The result is a sonic experience described as "infectiously energetic," "irresponsibly groovy," and "infinitely heavy." Ahead of their July 18, 2025, performance at Lincoln's 1867 Bar, we sat down with Brotality to discuss their music, influences, and plans for their "It Feeds" tour.

Brotality's Midwest Connection: Rocking the Heartland

Q: You're set to bring your high-energy thrash metal performance to Lincoln's 1867 Bar. Have you made your mark in the Midwest before, or is this your first venture into Nebraska?

Reece Maopolski: We've played extensively across the Midwest, and it consistently delivers some of the best shows and music scenes. For the past few summers, we've centered our tours around Midwest venues and festivals in states like Missouri, Indiana, and Nebraska. This tour focuses heavily on the region, as our past experiences have shown that Midwest crowds feel like a home away from home for Brotality.

Crafting Brotality's Signature Sound: Infectious Energy and Groovy Riffs

Q: Your bio highlights your "infectious energy" and "irresponsible grooves." How do you infuse this unique energy into your songwriting and live performances?

John Haring: We aim to channel our personalities and individual musicality into every aspect of our music. By staying true to ourselves, we create songs that resonate deeply with listeners. We give each other complete creative freedom, exploring every idea—no matter how wild. This openness fosters creativity and helps us craft a distinctive sound.

Volume is a key component. This is the first project where I can play as loudly and intensely as I want, not just for the sake of volume, but because it reflects how I feel. We rehearse at live performance levels, sometimes louder, to capture that raw energy. When writing, we obsess over every detail to ensure the groove hits just right. On stage, we pour every ounce of energy into embodying the music, delivering an unfiltered expression of our passion.

The Making of 'It Feeds': A Milestone in Brotality's Evolution

Q: Your latest EP, It Feeds, is a beast of a release. How did it come together?

Bryce Maopolski: It Feeds has been in development for two years, following our previous release, The Woods Will End You. With John joining as our drummer, we took a hands-on approach to production, refining what defines the Brotality sound. This EP emphasizes groove with crushing, memorable riffs that stick with listeners. Being fully independent allowed us complete artistic control, making It Feeds a true reflection of our current musical passions and growth as artists.

New York's Metal Scene: Bands to Watch

Q: New York has a rich history of producing great rock bands. Which local or regional bands deserve more recognition?

Reece Maopolski: Firing Squad, a thrash metal band from our college town, is phenomenal and a blast to share the stage with. Northeast Pennsylvania, especially Scranton, has a vibrant scene with bands like Cruel Bomb and Dissentience, who deliver crushing riffs and are some of the kindest people you'll meet. We also love Dedwurm from Cincinnati—their 10-plus-minute prog/circus metal songs are wildly creative and criminally underrated.

Memorable Venues and Unforgettable Shows

Q: You've performed on some unique stages over the years. Which venues or locations stand out, and do you have a favorite?

Bryce Maopolski: Festivals like Creation Fest and Uprise Fest are incredible because I attended them as a fan growing up, so performing there feels surreal. The Foundry in Lakewood, Ohio, is a favorite because I watched bands like Kublai Khan, Varials, and END there as a kid. Legends in Cincinnati holds a similar place in my heart. Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and The Crucible in Madison, Wisconsin, also stand out for their electric energy and welcoming vibes.

Unexpected Moments on Tour

Q: Since forming in 2016, what are some of the most surprising or memorable experiences from your shows?

Bryce Maopolski: One wild moment was playing a midday set in an open Barnes & Noble. A promoter booked us, and we just went for it—blasting heavy metal while bewildered customers shopped for books.

John Haring: We once played a former World War II machine shop in Mississippi, a giant metal cube with no ventilation. Toward the end of our set, I felt electric shocks from my snare, running up my arm and down my spine. I was on the verge of passing out but powered through. It took me 20 minutes to recover afterward—one of the craziest experiences I’ve had on stage.

The Thrill of Performing Live

Q: What goes through your mind when you hit the stage in front of a crowd?

Reece Maopolski: It’s time to unleash. We channel all the energy built up throughout the day and pour it into our performance. In thrash metal, showing passion and emotion is crucial. We don’t want to be a band that plays heavy riffs while standing still. Our music is intense and energetic, and we strive to reflect that live.

John Haring: I’m usually quadruple-checking my drum kit to ensure nothing fails under our aggressive playing. Once we start, I almost detach mentally, letting muscle memory and the music take over. I occasionally snap back to grab water or breathe, but otherwise, I clear my head and let the performance flow.

Sibling Synergy in Brotality

Q: As brothers, how do your sibling dynamics influence your creative process? Any standout "Bro-tality" moments?

Reece Maopolski: Our connection is instinctive. Bryce and I have played together since we were 9 and 10, building a natural chemistry. We often understand each other’s ideas without words. When Bryce writes a riff he’s excited about, I’m usually just as stoked. Sharing influences like our favorite bands helps us align creatively, making songwriting seamless.

Pushing Boundaries: Bryce’s Guitar Innovations

Q: Bryce, you were named one of the Best Guitarists of 2022. What new techniques or effects are you exploring to evolve Brotality’s sound?

Bryce Maopolski: I’m prototyping a custom effects module with a college professor that’s producing some wild, unexpected sounds. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m excited to refine it on tour. Technique-wise, I’m drawing from jazz and fusion, experimenting with stepping out of key to create jarring, expressive moments that add a unique edge to our music.

What’s Next for Brotality

Q: After this tour, what’s on the horizon for Brotality?

Brotality: We’ll continue performing across the Northeast throughout 2024, with new music in the works to follow It Feeds. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates, live footage, and exclusive content to stay in the loop.

Advice for Aspiring Metal Musicians

Q: For young musicians learning power chords and discovering their voice in heavy metal, what advice would you share?

Reece Maopolski: Ask yourself why you’re making music. If it’s just for fame or big stages, you might face constant disappointment. For us, it’s about more than music—it’s about connection. During shows, we pause to remind fans they are loved, there’s hope beyond struggles, and they’re not alone. Find a purpose bigger than the songs themselves, and you’ll find fulfillment no matter the venue or crowd size.

Catch Brotality Live

Don’t miss Brotality’s It Feeds EP on Spotify, and experience their electrifying performance at Lincoln’s 1867 Bar on July 18, 2025. Get your tickets here.