Crystal Lake On Tour With Of Mice & Men…

Not long now until Crystal Lake tour Australia with Of Mice & Men and Australia is in for a special treat as PK frontman of Japanese/Korean juggernauts PROMPTS will join the band for the tour. Known for high‑energy, aggressive vocal delivery that blends metalcore grit with melodic phrasing. PK brings a cross‑cultural identity and personality that will add a unique new sound and message to CRYSTAL LAKE.

In the six years of absence from Australia, Crystal Lake’s reputation has only grown more colossal as they have become a global force in heavy music. Fusing hardcore and metalcore with soaring melodies and crushing intensity; and with their relentless and electrifying stage presence, the band has built a worldwide following that transcends international borders. Founding member Yudai “YD” Miyamoto answers a few questions about the tour.

Australia has been a loyal stomping ground for Crystal Lake. What’s the real reason you think the connection here runs deeper than in most places?
First of all, it honestly means a lot to hear you say that. Thank you! The biggest reason is that, as a musician, I’ve been influenced by so many Australian bands over the years. When I first started playing in a band, we even toured Japan with Day of Contempt and songs like Cubes, The Sign, and True North were produced by Pat Fox. For us, Australia, both the place and the people, has always been something we look up to. So being able to play shows and tour there, and to meet so many people through music, is something we truly value and feel incredibly grateful for.

What is it about touring Australia that you look forward to the most?
I think, above all, it’s simply being able to share our music with people there through live shows. Also, bass player Mitsuru’s older brother works as a tattoo artist at the Gold Coast, so getting to see him is definitely something I’m really looking forward to as well!

Touring with PK from Prompts, what do you think he brings to the band dynamic that you might not have had before?
He’s an incredible guy. I mean, even if we ask him to step in for a live show the day before, he still manages to pull off seven songs. That’s definitely not normal. The fact that he approaches Crystal Lake with such passion really boosts our motivation and because he fully embodies the kind of passion and chaos we value on stage, it also gives us a chance to reflect on our own mindset and what we stand for as a band.

Are you looking at doing new music with him in future?
At the moment, he’s performing with us as a support member, so we haven’t really been thinking about writing music together. But if there comes a time in the future where we get to create music together in any form, I think that would be something really special.

Are you focusing on a particular album on this tour?
We’re not really focusing on any specific album. Since it’s been a while since we last played in Australia, we’re putting together a set that both long-time fans can enjoy, as well as people who discovered Crystal Lake through the latest album, The Weight of Sound.

What Australian bands and singles are on high rotation on your own Spotify?
Shakes in Your Mouth (I Killed The Prom Queen) – I used to listen to this a lot when I was younger. The flow into the breakdown and the riffing really influenced me back then.

Carrion (Parkway Drive) – A classic that needs no explanation. The melodies and song structure still feel timeless. I’ve definitely been influenced a lot by the melodic side of Parkway Drive.

Survival (In Hearts Wake) – They’ve also been a huge inspiration for me. Their melodies and song structures are just as beautiful as those of the other bands.

It might sound a bit cliché, but through these songs, and many other bands, I learned a lot about melody and emotional expression.

Were you pleased with the reaction to The Weight Of Sound?
To be honest, I don’t really check reviews or feedback on social media or the Internet.
But I do get a lot of great comments from friends and people around me, which I really appreciate. For me, music is art. Rather than worrying about what others think, what matters most is whether it truly reflects my own core feelings. I’ve never tried to make music that everyone in the world would like, and that’s impossible anyway. Everyone has their own tastes, right? Some people prefer the older Crystal Lake, while others connect more with what we’re doing now. It’s different for everyone. Regardless of any kind of evaluation, I’m always just really happy and grateful that people are listening to the music we put our heart and soul into.

Are there any songs from it that have surprised you with the audience reaction?
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t really know how the reactions are online, but from what I’ve felt through the live shows, it seems like Everblack has been getting a really strong response. Also, I’m really looking forward to the day when everyone sings along to The Weight of Sound together.

Were the people you chose to collaborate with obvious choices?
We came up with the ideas after we started working on the album and most of, everyone we worked with are friends.

Is there anyone else you want to collaborate with in future?
Jonathan Vigil from The Ghost Inside! His expression and his voice are incredible.

Interview By Rob Lyon

Catch Crystal Lake on tour with Of Mice & Men on the following dates, tickets from The Phoenix…