Chained Saint kick off Spiral Stage at Sick New World, chat with SWOMP backstage

Chained Saint wasted no time making an impression at Sick New World, opening the Spiral Stage with an early 11:35 a.m. set. The teen metal band brought sharp energy from the outset, quickly sparking a circle pit as early-arriving fans packed in. SWOMP spoke with the band backstage following the set, as the group continues to build momentum well beyond its South Florida roots. Formed in 2022, Chained Saint - Ethan Kahn, Sebastian De Avila, Cameron Cottrell and Sean Sterling - has quickly earned attention across the metal world. The band has been praised by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford and featured in The New York Times as part of a profile on Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine. Their debut album Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, leans into a stripped-down approach - recorded to analog tape with no digital shortcuts - capturing a raw, thrash-driven sound. Offstage, the band has been gaining traction through a series of high-profile moments, including a run of Los Angeles shows with clothing brand Affliction, a limited-edition merch collaboration, and the release of a Live at the Whisky a Go Go EP. They’ve also begun breaking into larger festival circuits, appearing at events like Welcome to Rockville and Rocklahoma. After a weather-cancelled set at Louder Than Life, the band still found its moment when Slaughter to Prevail invited Sterling onstage - a connection that has since led to tour opportunities. Follow the band at https://www.chainedsaint.com/. Photo credit: Jack Lue