Pittsburgh’s Broken Remains formed in the aftermath of Hammer to Nail's breakup, with Eric (bass), Nick (guitar), and Dylan (guitar) looking to start something new after that chapter closed. Eric reached out to vocalist Cameron, who then brought in drummer Luke, and the lineup came together quickly. “What really brought us together is honestly just our shared love of heavy shit,” the band tells No Echo.
That foundation is clear in their sound. Broken Remains pull from both sides of the Atlantic, blending Pittsburgh hardcore with a strong dose of UK influence. “We’re just a bunch of yinzers that wanted to blend No Retreat and UKHC,” they say. The result is a style rooted in metallic hardcore, driven by riffs and breakdowns that nod to bands like Fifty Caliber, Raiden, Built Upon Frustration, Shattered Realm, and Enemy Mind, while also drawing on heavier influences like Skinless and Slayer. “We really just wanted to combine the stuff we love listening to.”
Their debut EP, Demons Die With Me, arrived in February via Yetzer Hara Records and serves as a strong introduction to that vision. The record was handled by Jake Yencik (Hazing Over, Bloodmenace), who recorded, mixed, co-produced, and mastered the EP, with Andrew Hull assisting on drum recording and additional mixing. The process stretched from mid-November through late January, with the band tracking drums first before layering guitars, bass, and vocals.
Lyrically, the EP reflects a particularly heavy period. Cameron’s writing focuses on personal struggles and depression, channeling a mindset the band describes bluntly: “Quite literally, he hated everyone and everything.” That intensity carries through the entire release, giving Demons Die With Me a raw, unfiltered edge.
Broken Remains are coming up in a Pittsburgh scene that continues to push forward despite its challenges. “There are ups and downs,” they admit, noting that while strong shows still happen, the city is sometimes skipped by touring bands and has lost venues since COVID. Even so, the local community remains tight, with bands like By My Blood, Contemptment, Savage Primal Impulse, Lake Verity, Pain Clinic, Madman, Through My Vengeance, and Our Love Lies Buried helping keep things active.
The band is also quick to show appreciation for the people around them—especially Yetzer Hara Records, which helped bring their debut to life. “Huge shoutout to CT for believing in us and putting us on,” they say. With the label set to shut down, Broken Remains are already looking ahead, planning to align with a like-minded home for future releases.
Next up is a three-track summer promo that the band describes as a continuation—and evolution—of what they’ve already started. If Demons Die With Me is any indication, Broken Remains aren’t interested in easing into anything.
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Broken Remains on social media: Instagram
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