Scylla's Ruben says the Heart is What Creates the Music

Scylla delivers a wide range of style in their music, with a blend of technical prowess, hardcore drive, and sounds inspired by live performance. They are comprised of talented musicians with different tastes, and aim to bring a unique sound to the metal scene with melody, aggression, and heart. Founding member and guitarist Ruben Dangle discusses the band's past, present, and future.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Ruben: I was in a pop punk band for a couple years, writing and touring. In my downtime, I would write and record songs that would eventually create the foundation for Scylla. Upon departure from the pop group, I got a few friends in my local music scene together, and the rest just snowballed into place. With every lineup change, we've gotten better.

2. Why did you pick the name that you did for your band?

Ruben: There is a saying that talks about being caught between Scylla and Charybdis. In Greek mythology, sailors trying to avoid one monstrosity would be thrashed about by its counterpart. I like the idea of choosing a path with conviction and sticking to it. The modern day equivalent is like being between a rock and a hard place. Face whatever direction you're aiming for, and push forward. Plus, Scylla rolls off the tongue, if you can pronounce it correctly! (Sill-uh)

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Ruben: Scylla is based out of Mesa, and neighboring cities just outside of Phoenix. We have a diverse music scene here, with an immense variety displayed at the multiple venues in our area. You have a lot of great groups like Singularity, Animus Complex, Lifelink, Apparitions, etc.

4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?

Ruben: I would have to describe our style as a blend of pseudo-hardcore and melodic deathcore. Metal would be much simpler. I listen to a lot of George Strait, actually. But in my writing, there may be a few elements that are inspired a little from bands such as earlier Within The Ruins and After The Burial, Between The Buried And Me, All Shall Perish, and As Blood Runs Black.

5. What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media? Do you have any new music in the works?

Ruben: May 2014 saw the release of our debut EP titled In Difference. We have several videos up on our YouTube page. Generally great things are heard from people who listen to our music. We are currently writing new, more intricate material.

6. Do you play live as well? What do you have planned in terms of shows and touring, if any?

Ruben: In October 2014, we have a tour with Under Cities, a hardcore band from Nevada. After which we have a home show with Whitechapel, Glass Cloud, and Upon A Burning Body.

7. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Ruben: We are a hardworking DIY band. We would definitely grow much quicker with the help of a label or agency, and we'll hopefully get to that point shortly.

8. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?

Ruben: New music, new visuals, more touring.

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Ruben: Scyllamusic.com

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

Ruben: We're much better live, so come catch a show when we're in your town! :)