Kent metallers Spreading The Disease are On The Radar with their brand new EP Purgatory Carnival, four hard-hitting tracks that build momentum from the opening riff to the final crash. Fresh from signing to AMG/Universal and a Scotland tour that taught them more about licensing laws than they ever wanted to know (never try to buy Honey J north of the border after 10pm), the band sat down with us to talk ten years of gigging, the state of the Kent venue scene, and why ‘Fissure’ is the perfect introduction to their sound.
As for the new EP, the first track, ‘Addicted’, opens proceedings with a natural crescendo, weaving melodic moments through a satisfyingly fast pace. ‘Fissure’, ‘Warblade’ and the title track ‘Purgatory Carnival’ continue in a similar vein, delivering the kind of unrelenting energy the band have become known for. It is a solid release that showcases a band who have spent a decade refining their craft and know exactly what they want to sound like.
Who are you and where are you from?
We are Spreading The Disease, based in Kent, UK. Band members are Steve Saunders on bass and backing vocals, Jon Paul Jeffries (Jonny P) on vocals, Donal McGee (The Doc) on drums and percussion, and Dan Stevenson on guitars.
How did the band form?
The band was formed by Steve Saunders, who had been in various bands, including Hair of the Dog, Bleached, and prior to this was in a band called The Self Titled for a good ten years. Steve decided to leave to form Spreading The Disease due to musical differences in 2014. After a few ads, the band began to form, and by early 2015 had already recorded their debut album Viral, which was very well received by the national press and launched the band onto the road non-stop.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you?
I know everyone says similar, but we do have quite a particular sound that brings in many influences, creating our own brand of metal music. Having had many fine reviews over the years, it has been said we have influences from Black Sabbath to Metallica, Slipknot to Discharge, Rammstein to Lamb of God and many others, creating a unique brand that can’t quite be pigeonholed. We have gigged with thrash bands, metal bands, rock bands, death metal and hardcore bands and seem to fit pretty well with all of them.
What bands have shaped what you do?
Each band member brings their own influences, which helps create our music. To name a few, I would say Pantera, Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Rammstein, Metallica, Five Finger Death Punch, Tool, Rob Zombie and many others.
What’s the one song of yours people should hear first?
One of the songs that first defined the band was ‘Bulldozer’ from our debut EP Viral. However, the band has developed and crafted its style as we move through now four albums and a variation of lineups through the past ten years, so I would recommend the track ‘Fissure’ as a good guide to who we are currently and a fine introduction to the rest of our recent material.
Tell us a story about your band?
This could be a bit long but I will try and keep it short.
We toured Scotland in late 2024 along with our US manager, James Shaffer, who flew over to see our sound. After our first gig we wanted to buy a bottle or two of Honey J to chill and have a bit of fun. It was past 11pm and we pulled into a service station to buy some, but we were told that after 10pm no alcohol is allowed to be sold anywhere in shops. I looked at the manager and said, “I’m astonished. I thought the Scots had a rep for drinking. I want to go back to England now!”
The second night, we finally managed to buy a couple of bottles, so we took them back to the hotel to drink together in the main area. Again, we were told no can do as it is a public space. I then said, “That’s it, I am done touring Scotland. Take me back to England now please!” to our manager, who looked at me and laughed.
I also finally found a shop in Edinburgh who said she had Honey J and would go fetch it. When she came down she said, “Here you are!” and held out a miniature bottle. Needless to say I left the shop somewhat abruptly.
What’s been your best gig so far?
The band has been playing right across the UK and into the EU for ten years now, playing hundreds and hundreds of shows. Some that come to mind: Nijmegen, Holland in the Backstage Bar was a killer gig. Supporting Sylosis at the Devolution birthday bash some time ago along with Anticlone and others was a great night too. The O2 with Vicious Nature in Birmingham, only our third show, and we tore the roof off the place.
What’s the music scene like where you’re based?
Kent does not have many venues lately, but the ones that have stayed the course are great and well worth a visit. The Lady Luck in Canterbury is one. Sadly just closed was the Star Inn in Ashford; the guys did a great job and created something pretty cool. There are more and I give a thumbs up to them all, but it is tough out there for them. We also have some great bands down in Kent. Chemical Storm and Ritual Heresy are two brilliant up and coming bands, and there are more who deserve the breaks and are very worthy.
What’s next for you?
Well, we recently signed to AMG/Universal Canada/Worldwide via our manager James Shaffer and are currently in the process of releasing our brand new EP Purgatory Carnival early this year. We will be of course promoting that. We also have another EP in the works which we will be releasing singles and videos from through 2026, and a new full album is in the making too.
We are currently working on finding a professional booking agency willing to work with us creating tours and so on. We do have a select few shows booked and we will I am sure book more tours and shows as time moves forward.
Where can people find you?
We are on most social media platforms, but I would recommend visiting www.spreadingthediseaseband.com, our Facebook page and for music and merch https://spreadingthedisease.bandcamp.com.
Anything else you want people to know?
I would like to thank everyone from press and radio, venues, promoters, bands and specially the fans for their help, support and great work, and to wish everyone a very happy new year and to thank you guys for your support too. It is very much appreciated. We hope to see you all this year somewhere, some place, somehow.
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