There is something quietly powerful about a band that understands exactly why it exists from the very beginning. For UK metalcore newcomers Past Damnation, that purpose is baked into the name itself, forged long before a full lineup ever shared a room, and rooted in lived experience rather than trend chasing.
Formed in 2023 and emerging from the Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire area, Past Damnation are already making their presence felt with a sound that balances weight and vulnerability. Crushing riffs sit alongside clean vocal hooks. Relentless grooves push forward, but never at the expense of emotional honesty. Their debut release Edge Of Reason is not just an introduction, it is a statement of intent.
When I caught up with vocalist Phoenix John Conneely and drummer Danny Young, it was clear this band’s story has been building for years, long before the first rehearsal or recording session.
A name that refused to let go
The name Past Damnation traces back over a decade to Phoenix’s time in college. During a brainstorming session, he landed on a phrase that stayed with him.
“Live in the past, and the damned will rise.”
What began as an exercise became something far more permanent. Past Damnation stuck because it reflected something real. A reminder of trauma, struggle, and the danger of letting old wounds define your future. Even after college ended, the name remained. Phoenix carried it forward through ideas, riffs, unfinished demos, and eventually had the original logo tattooed on himself. At that point, walking away was no longer an option.
By the end of 2022, after moving through multiple bands and projects, Phoenix made a decision to finally commit fully to Past Damnation as his own creative outlet. What started as a solo project quickly grew once the right people entered the picture.
Building the lineup the hard way
Bassist Jamie Trahearn was one of the first to come onboard. Having known Phoenix from college and already proven himself as a high energy live presence, Jamie brought both musicianship and personality. The kind of bassist who does not stay planted on stage, but carries the energy into the room with him.
From there, the band began searching for the remaining pieces. Drummer Danny Young entered the picture after responding to an audition post. By the time Phoenix received Danny’s audition video, playing along to an early demo of Edge Of Reason, the decision was nearly made. Phoenix had seen Danny perform years earlier and knew his reputation as a solid and reliable player.
A few rehearsals later, the chemistry was undeniable.
The early lineup was not without challenges. An original guitarist eventually stepped away, leaving the band as a tight three piece unit for close to a year. Rather than rush replacements, they focused on refining their songs, rehearsing relentlessly, and understanding what Past Damnation needed to be before stepping onto a stage.
Eventually, lead guitarist Tristan Mackinder and rhythm guitarist James Lamport completed the lineup, bringing the layered guitar sound to life in a way that fully translated from studio to stage.
Finding balance between weight and melody
Past Damnation’s sound sits comfortably within modern metalcore, but it is their sense of balance that stands out. The heaviness never feels forced. The melody never feels like compromise.
Clean vocals play a crucial role, offering contrast rather than softening the impact. The grooves hit hard, driven by Danny’s precise but aggressive drumming, while the guitars lock into a rhythm that feels deliberate and grounded.
Their songwriting process is collaborative, with all members contributing ideas and shaping arrangements together. That shared ownership is especially evident in Edge Of Reason, which was co written by the full band.
Edge Of Reason and reclaiming control
Lyrically, Edge Of Reason tackles the feeling of being trapped by circumstances that feel impossible to escape. It speaks to stagnation, frustration, and the mental weight of feeling stuck, while still holding onto the belief that control can be reclaimed.
There is light within the darkness of the track, not in a forced or artificial way, but in the sense of pushing forward even when the path is unclear.
The release of the lyric video helped bring those themes into sharper focus, allowing listeners to sit with the words and connect with the message on a deeper level. For a debut release, the response has been strong, resonating with listeners who recognise themselves in the song’s message.
First shows and forward momentum
Past Damnation’s early live shows confirmed what the rehearsals hinted at. This band works in a room. Confidence grew quickly once they stepped on stage, and the response reinforced that they were on the right path.
Recording Edge Of Reason at Pilot Studios with Neil proved to be another defining moment. The studio experience helped sharpen their sound and set a benchmark for future releases.
Looking ahead, the band is focused on writing, recording, and building momentum through shows, with eyes firmly on opportunities like Metal to the Masses and the Bloodstock pathway. They are not rushing the process, but they are committed to growth.
For a band with just one track released, Past Damnation already feel fully formed in their intent. They know where they came from, they understand what they are trying to say, and they are willing to do the work required to earn their place within the UK heavy scene.
If Edge Of Reason is the first chapter, it is one written with conviction.
Band Members
- Vocals: Phoenix John Conneely
- Bass: Jamie Trahearn
- Lead Guitar: Tristan Mackinder
- Rhythm Guitar: James Lamport
- Drums: Danny Young
