Bass-first, boundary-pushing, genre-defying – Jake Jones is rewriting metal’s rulebook from Camden’s underground…

Words & photos by Felix Bartlett  | Jan 29, 2026

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There’s something brewing beneath the bustling streets of Camden and it sounds nothing like you’d expect.

Jake Jones is flipping the metal formula on its head. In a genre where bass typically exists to support the guitar, Jones puts it front and centre, building bass-heavy, groove-rich tracks that draw as much from Atlanta trap and Afrobeat as they do from Metallica. On paper that sounds absurd, but one listen to recent single “SICK OF IT” proves otherwise.

A Camden native through and through, Jones cut his teeth on the iconic venue circuit that’s shaped countless careers before his. But after years of refining his production process and developing his sound, he’s returning home as a complete performer, one who’s ready to break every rule in the book.

We caught up with Jake to talk about his upcoming February single, why horror movies fuel his creativity, and how Atlanta’s hip-hop scene changed the way he writes metal. Oh, and that “rib-shattering bass tone” he keeps threatening audiences with.

Fresh on the scene and with your inaugural show this evening can you give me (and our readers) an idea of who Jake Jones is and what this project is your working on?

“Bass heavy, groove rich metal riddims. First and foremost I’m a bassplayer, it’s the centre of my creativity and the core of my music. The bass guitar typically exists within metal as a tool to colour and strengthen guitar, within my world it’s the reverse. That being said, the guitar playing on my tracks is phenomenal and has achieved its own stylistic voice. But it’s all about sonic presentation and the relationship between the two.”

We’ve just had a belter of a track drop (“SICK OF IT”) and there’s even more new music dropping soon – what have you been cooking up? What’s the story behind these new tracks?

“Last week my new single SICK OF IT dropped, its been a joy to put this one out there. I spent the better part of the last year refining my production process into a streamlined creative experience, both for myself and artists who I develop and work with. SICK OF IT was really the guinea pig of this process and symbolise that growth and creative maturity. 

Going forward I have another single dropping at the end of February, it’s dark but carries a positive message behind that shadow. Most of my work as a lyricist reflects this. Evil positivity. Or how about positively evil? This song will also see me entering a more cinematic world visually. It’s gory man. I love horror movies and take a huge influence from them.”

Camden is such a hallowed ground for so many of us in the scene and growing up here must have given you an insight like not many others. How’s that experience shaped this project?

“I grew up playing shows here, so it’s always been home. That core has always remained no matter how far I’ve travelled out in the world. Nowadays it’s brought me back in tune with myself and I return home as a complete performer, at least what that means for me. Not just kicking the fuck out of amps and hanging off lighting rigs. Still some of that though. Old habits die hard.”

Listening to SICK OF IT, it’s clearly influenced by the early metalcore scene in the best way possible. Are there any artists you specifically take inspiration from?

“Early influences as a bass player are Cliff Burton, Flea and Alex Webster. I picked a lot of the tapping stuff up from Evan Brewer as well. That guy was always crazy. Vocally it has to be Corey Taylor, David Gunn and Randy Blythe. Anthony Kedies as well cant lie. Grew up on Chilli Peppers. 

But my biggest sonic influence is Mick Gordon. Hands down.”

Community in the alternative scene has always been a priority for so many. How have you been connecting with your fans and creating those spaces?

“It’s felt like I’ve been deep underground for a minute. I like it here. Every chapter has beauty in it and every level is to be appreciated. That’s the concept anyway. Those ride or die fans who’ve been there in some of these darker levels, they really keep me going. You all know who you are.

We stand for inspiration around here, uplifting those around us and creating an eco system in which fear and doubt can be banished. That’s a lot of what the new single is about. We’re bloody sick of it mate.”

You’ve got your debut show coming up at the Dev this week. First off how does that feel? And of course what can we expect?

“Every song is unique in its own way. We will groove and destroy. We will break rules. Expect rib shattering bass. My tone man. It’s scary. Sometimes I start playing and freak myself out. 

All mysterious connotations aside, we will have a load of fun.”

The alt music scene in the UK is absolutely thriving right now. Where do you see yourself fitting into that landscape? What sets you apart?

“Facts, there’s so many great artists and sounds emerging. I’ve never really been one for fitting in. I think I have a unique creative perspective, and this year will show that. It’s been grown from my experience working closely with artists outside of the alt culture. Primarily Atlantan Trap, Drill and Afrobeat.”

You’ve talked about being influenced by the Atlanta trap, drill and Afrobeat scenes. How does that feed into your writing, and what’s your process when you’re mixing those two very different sounds?

“Well lyrically my whole writing style originates from Atlantan Trap artists. If you know you know. Those guys had a huge influence on me creatively and technically. 

I basically freestyle the whole song and write everything down after. There’s a quick punch in engineering style that matches it. We go bar for bar off the top. Mix that with the range and dynamic deliverance of a metal vocalist and you can get some amazing cadences and results.”

Kicking off the year with your debut show is no easy feat. how do you see 2026 shaping up for Jake Jones?

“Tour. Lets get the lads on the road. We are ready to go, anytime, anywhere.

Dream venues? Man, I just want to play The Unicorn again, bring it back! 

My dream collab is to be the first metal artist on Colours though. That’d be dope. That’s the kind of stuff that excites me. Let`s cover new ground.”

Finally, what’s the one thing you want Amped readers to know about Jake Jones before they dive in?

“Turn it up!”

Listen to SICK OF IT below:

Catch Jake Jones live at The Dev in London tonight (January 29).