Perth hardcore heroes The Chain have never been a band in a rush. Since first making noise with their Bitter Pill EP back in 2019, the group has favored short, sharp releases that captured their raw, brutish energy without overstaying their welcome. That approach made their long-awaited debut LP, Blind the World, feel less like an obligation and more like a deliberate statement—one built on patience, confidence, and hard-earned clarity.
“It was a multitude of things,” bassist Jacob Taylor explains when asked by No Echo why it took so long to finally commit to a full-length. “Originally, I don’t think we really wanted to do an LP and felt that the 7” format suited us best, which is why we put the self-titled one out in 2021.” Once the decision was made, the band treated the album as something that needed to justify its own existence. “We just wanted to make sure it was our strongest material, that it flowed well, and there was no wasted time on it.”
That mindset shows across Blind the World’s 10 tracks. While the record still hits with the same ferocity The Chain are known for, it allows more room to breathe, stretch, and shift gears without losing momentum. Though the album was tracked back in April 2024, Jacob notes that the release itself took time to fully lineup. “It just took a while to get everything together for the release. We’re all pretty stoked with how it came out and the reception since.”
Visually, Blind the World matches the intensity of the music. Its striking cover art didn’t come together through a grand plan so much as an everyday moment that sparked inspiration. “It took a while for a concept to come together—we already had the master back before we’d even fleshed out an idea,” Jacob recalls. “In the end we got some charcoal chicken at a Lebanese restaurant together and just started spitballing some ideas & references. Once that was out of the way Tom just did his thing and it exceeded all of our expectations.”
Lyrically, the album doesn’t attempt to soften its edges or over-explain itself. When pressed about themes, Jacob keeps it blunt and on-brand: “You’d have to ask Tom, but from what I can make out it’s just shit that makes him angry.”
The Chain’s resurgence also mirrors a broader upswing within Australian hardcore. From Jacob’s perspective, the difference now is generational. “Australian hardcore is in a really good place right now,” the bassist says. “I’ve been going to shows for 20 years and there’s been a lot of ebbs and flows.” One of the biggest shifts has been the return of all-ages shows. “Leading up to COVID there was no all-ages shows, which means there was no young kids getting into the scene. This year we’ve played more AA shows than ever and there’s so many young kids starting awesome bands and attending shows—it’s really cool to see.”
That renewed energy is also being amplified beyond Australia’s borders. “Australian bands seem to be getting more recognition internationally,” Jacob adds, pointing to promoters and labels like Last Ride Records, Beastmode, Blow Blood, and Burning Hammer for helping bring international bands down under and strengthen global connections.
Looking ahead, The Chain aren’t slowing down. In 2026, they’ll be returning to Thailand to play Concrete Jungle Fest alongside bands they genuinely admire. “We’re heading back in April to play alongside some of our favourite bands in Criminal Instinct and Fury,” Jacob says, also noting appearances from fellow Australian acts Half Man and Forewarned. Beyond that, the plan is simple and familiar: “Probably more shows and more music.”
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Blind the World is available now on vinyl via Last Ride Records and Triple B Records.
The Chain on social media: Instagram
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