Interviews About Albums: Make Them Suffer - Make Them Suffer (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Australian Metalcore band Make Them Suffer to ask questions about their self-titled upcoming album.

1. Your upcoming self-titled album is described as stepping into new creative waters while building on your foundational sound. Could you elaborate on what specific creative risks or experiments you took with this record?

Nick McLernon: The record is self-produced, with most of the material written and samples sourced at home, without a producer’s input. The main challenge was translating those early song arrangements into the vision of mixing engineer Jeff Dunne. On our previous record, we worked with Drew Fulk, so surpassing HTSAF would be a big achievement. However, self-producing allowed us to integrate the skills and perspectives we gained from working with Drew, while writing music that feels closer and more true to who we are. In simple terms, this is what people often mean when they say a record sounds more “raw.”

2. You've released four singles—"Oscillator," "Doomswitch," "Epitaph," and "Ghost of Me." How do these songs represent the overarching themes or sound of the album?

Nick McLernon: The songs carry both surface-level themes and deeper, more personal meanings for Sean, who writes the lyrics. On the surface, they reflect contemporary issues of this decade—challenges of the digital and information age, our reliance on devices, the social dynamics of small-town life, and the looming threat of global conflict. Musically, as a self-titled record, it blends elements from Neverbloom with a more evolved approach to the instrumental layers, including the intricate tertiary parts performed by Alex.

3. This album is self-produced alongside Jeff Dunne. How did that dynamic work for you in the studio, and what were the advantages of producing it yourselves?

Nick McLernon: Jeff Dunne has been connected to Make Them Suffer since the Neverbloom days when he helped source and organize drum samples for the album. We crossed paths again while recording HTSAF with Drew in LA, where Jeff, as Drew’s assistant, helped us track guitars. Since then, we've maintained a close connection with Jeff, and it felt natural for him to take on the role of mixer and engineer for this self-titled record. As mentioned, self-producing brings the music closer to the band, offering a more genuine reflection of our musical abilities. From our perspective, this record might lean away from a commercial sound, but at this point, creating music that’s honest and true to us is what matters most, especially for a self-titled album.

4. Symphonic, progressive, and blackened textures have always been part of your music. How did these elements evolve in your latest album compared to your previous work?

Nick McLernon: As the band has evolved over the years, our samples have continually expanded on the Neverbloom sound, whether listeners realize it or not. Technically, we've increased the use of string and synth samples, which are now modified to create more textured, contemporary, and even "futuristic" sounds as we move forward. The latest record leans heavily on synth samples performed by Alex, complementing our new instrument—known colloquially as the "keytar."

5. You mentioned that this album is the result of years of material accumulation, experimentation, and growth. How has your sound evolved over the years, and what factors have contributed to this growth?

Nick McLernon: Neverbloom was written with a clear intent: to create a thematic, blackened symphonic deathcore album. Over time, we've moved beyond the constraints of strict genres, allowing us to write more expressively and showcase different facets of the band's musical range. Changing our approach and methods has been a constant with each new record. We don’t set a specific “direction” to aim for; instead, every time we write, we uncover a new “shade” of the band’s sound.

6. 2024 has been a big year for Make Them Suffer with nearly sold-out tours and festival appearances. How have these experiences on stage influenced your music and performance style?

Nick McLernon: The writing process was interwoven with constant touring from 2022 to 2024. Final arrangements were completed, and recordings took place in 2023, with performance always in mind. We often say that listening to music through car speakers or headphones creates a three-dimensional auditory experience, but seeing a band perform live elevates it to a fourth dimension—you can truly feel the “spirit” of the band and the music in those performances, both visually and sonically.

7. You've toured with some major bands like Parkway Drive, While She Sleeps, and Bring Me The Horizon. How have these collaborations and tours shaped your musical journey?

Nick McLernon: It’s just an opinion, but it seems that bands at this level truly embrace that fourth-dimensional aspect in their writing. The songs are crafted for live performance, creating a direct, immersive connection between the band’s music, energy, and the audience.

8. With millions of streams and a strong fanbase, how do you balance maintaining your signature sound with evolving creatively to meet fan expectations?

Nick McLernon: We don’t overthink trying to achieve a specific sound, but we do put some focus on maintaining a song structure that connects with a broader audience. It’s a bit like jotting down random thoughts and words on a page, then arranging them into a format that’s accessible and readable to everyone.

9. The anticipation for the new album is high, especially after such a successful 2024. How do you handle the pressure of living up to fan expectations with each new release?

Nick McLernon: Honestly, this is the first time we've truly been able to relax and step back from thinking about music since we started writing and touring again in 2022. It feels refreshing to have a bit of distance after being so immersed in the process. Of course, I expect those nerves will kick in again once the record drops, and we start seeing reactions and comments all over the internet. Until then, we’re enjoying the calm before the release—a rare breather in what’s been a nonstop few years.

10. As the band prepares to bring this new album to life on stage, what can fans expect from your live performances in the coming tours?

Nick McLernon: With the final missing piece in place, the cobwebs cleared, and the gears well-oiled, we're pouring 150% of our energy into these performances—the kind of intensity we’re known for. Every ounce of our focus and passion is going into making these shows unforgettable. It’s about delivering not just the music, but an experience that’s raw, powerful, and fully charged for the audience. Watching a band perform live elevates the music from a three-dimensional auditory experience into a dynamic, fourth-dimensional journey. Beyond the combined impact of sound and visuals, live performance brings the band's spirit to life—allowing audiences to feel the raw energy, passion, and connection that go far beyond what can be captured in a recording. It's an immersive experience where the music, visuals, and atmosphere blend to express the heart and essence of the band, creating an almost tangible link between the performers and the audience.