October File

October File are a UK hardcore and post-hardcore group active from 2004 to 2016. The band forms in the United Kingdom and is built around bassist Steve Beatty, with guitarist Matt Lerwill, vocalist Ben Hollyer and drummer John Watt completing the lineup mentioned in the band's history.

Style and background

The group develops a sound rooted in post-punk hardcore, industrial metal and related heavy styles, drawing on influences including Killing Joke, Amebix, Godflesh and Gang Of Four, as well as wider rock, punk, industrial and underground metal. Their songs are known for riffs, rhythms and politically charged lyrics, and they build a reputation for intensity across the rock and metal underground.

Releases and label history

October File debut with the album A Long Walk On A Short Pier and the EP How To Lose Friends And Alienate People in 2004, both issued on Golf Records. They follow with the EPs Monuments in 2005 and Hallowed Be Thy Army in 2006, which coincide with a move to Candlelight Records. Their second album, Holy Armour From The Jaws Of God, appears in 2007 and features guest vocals from Jaz Coleman of Killing Joke. Their third album, Our Souls To You, comes out in 2010, with Justin Broadrick associated with one of two versions of the release. The band later issues the concept album The Application of Loneliness, Ignorance, Misery, Love and Despair - An Introspective of the Human Condition and the limited edition live CD and DVD set Renditions in Juxtaposition – Live At Bloodstock through Candlelight.

Live work and wider activity

October File tour heavily and play numerous festivals in the UK and Europe. They tour with Killing Joke, Prong, Ministry and Fear Factory, and they attract attention from the UK rock and metal press. The band also appears in the zombie film Zombie Driftwood, contributing the songs Falter and Isolation to its soundtrack and appearing in the film itself.

Reception and collaborators

Over the course of their career, October File gather a large following across the rock, punk and metal scenes and receive strong coverage in rock and metal media. Their recordings are also marked by the artwork of Victor Safonkin on both Holy Armour From The Jaws Of God and Our Souls To You, adding a distinctive visual identity to the band's catalogue.