Rising Kentucky metalcore band Surfaced is set to release its most ambitious project yet, Where Angels Fear to Tread, on Aug. 15, blending raw aggression, emotional depth and an unfiltered approach to songwriting.
Formed in late 2021 in Louisville and Oldham County, Surfaced quickly carved a place in the regional heavy music scene with relentless energy and a sound influenced by Slipknot, Beartooth and hardcore roots. Vocalist JP Kaine and drummer Blake Smith say the band’s origins trace back to meeting at local shows and even at work, eventually finding a shared vision without genre boundaries.
The new EP channels deeply personal themes, with each track exploring emotions such as anger, anxiety, fear and vulnerability. “It’s sort of a concept record, but not fictional,” Kaine said. “It’s about my headspace — panic attacks, sadness, all of it. Each song is an emotion I’ve felt or am feeling.”
Two singles, chosen as the band’s personal favorites, were released earlier this summer, setting the tone for the record’s intensity. Working with 1126 Records and PR agency Atom Splitter, Surfaced took a more structured approach to this release, from physical pre-orders to music videos, a stark contrast to the DIY rollout of their 2023 debut.
Known for chaotic and high-energy live shows — often involving stage dives, backflips and crowd interaction — Surfaced has built a loyal fan base across Kentucky and the East Coast. Local Louisville shows are “pure chaos,” Kaine said, while out-of-town performances can range from wild mosh pits to more measured crowds.
Following the release, Surfaced will join Kaonashi and Fox Lake on tour from Sept. 26 to Oct. 8, with stops in Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Oklahoma City. They also plan to keep busy through the end of the year with yet-to-be-announced dates.
To celebrate the EP, Surfaced will headline a release show Aug. 23 at The Portal in Louisville, featuring a stacked lineup of friends and scene staples including MeanMugged, Mauled, Age of Panic, Anidonia and Nine Eyes.
With their fearless stage presence and growing national reach, Surfaced hopes Where Angels Fear to Tread will mark the next leap in their career. “At the end of the day, we just want everyone to like it,” Smith said. “Whatever happens, happens.”
