(EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CRYSTAL LAKE) “All tracks are like my own sons to me.”
Formed in 2002, Japanese band Crystal Lake have seen it all. Touring across the world and releasing a steady stream of new music. 2026 marks a fresh chapter for the band, bringing in a new side to their sound. Their upcoming album, The Weight of Sound, out on 23rd January, promises five unexpected collaborations and a loud, unashamedly proud journey. Joined by new frontman John Robert Centorrin, Crystal Lake are back and stronger than ever. Already a major name in Japan, the band has successfully crossed over to Western audiences. Reflecting on the contrast between the two fanbases, YD notes that “In Japan, perhaps due to our national character, people are often a bit shyer. There aren't many people who will let their emotions explode and show you how they feel unless everyone else around them is doing the same.
That energy is without a doubt going to be explosive as they kick off their European co-headline tour with Miss May I on January 24th in the Netherlands. We spoke with founding guitarist YD and vocalist John about their favourite track on the new album, the creative process, and their excitement for their mammoth tour this spring.
SpinVybe: Having been an established band since 2002. How would each of you say the music industry has changed over the years, and how have you adapted to those changes? Do you prefer to stick to what you know best, or do you try to balance your sound with trends and new experiences?
YD: Currently, I am focusing on doing what I love, based on everything I have experienced so far. While I always check out new music, I’ve reached a point where I can create without being confined by trends or specific genres. In other words, I’m prioritising my own identity and style.
It is true that Crystal Lake’s style has gradually evolved over time. Back in 2002, when we first started, we were heavily influenced by 90s New School Hardcore. As we continued as a band, our range of musical expression expanded. A major factor is that we stopped clinging solely to raw, primitive expressions and began freely reflecting influences from various forms of art.
That being said, I still deeply love hardcore, metal, and punk. I take immense pride in the music I create.
John: It seems more about going viral and gaining instant gratification these days. So I just roll with the punches and do what I know still works. The industry changes all the time.
SpinVybe: When did you first begin to see music as a potential career? Was it from writing your first song, performing love for the first time, or something else entirely?
YD: When I started Crystal Lake, I had absolutely no intention of making music my career. I simply wanted to create the music I believed in with extreme intensity. And that remains the same today. For the past 23 years, my goal for Crystal Lake has been to make my music my own "truth". I have always hoped that the music I imagine would resonate with many people, excite them, and become a part of their lives.
However, the moment I truly decided to make this my career was in 2017. When my best friends in the Japanese band FACT decided to disband, their words changed my life. We were "cut from the same cloth".
They told me, "We only live once, so let's truly, seriously enjoy music to the fullest.” I still remember those words vividly.
John: I'm not sure exactly. That moment where it goes from a dream into a job is a blur. I guess once the 2nd Last Ten Seconds of Life album dropped. I knew then this was it.
SpinVybe: Is there an album you always return to, one that helped define you either personally or professionally?
John:
- The Renovation by My Bitter End
- The Dead Walk by The Acacia Strain
- Anything by Foo Fighters
Anything by Frank Sinatra
SpinVybe: How would you describe the Japanese rock scene today? There are some strong bands like ONE OK ROCK and Coldrain who have become popular with western fans. Growing up, which artists shaped you into exploring music yourselves?
YD: Now that the internet has become so widespread, we can access everything at the same level regardless of where we are. Because of this, I feel that musicians today are dedicated to self-expression by cleverly incorporating past revivals or finding untapped gaps between genres. What makes Japan particularly interesting is how it creates unique new music by mixing in elements of pop culture. I believe this can also be said for the current metalcore scene.
As for the journey that shaped who I am today, if I were to name Japanese bands, there are truly too many to count. In terms of hardcore, bands like Nunchaku, Yamaarashi, State Craft, Numb, Division, and Hi-Standard, along with countless others, have been influences on me.
John: Growing up for me in Brooklyn was the hardcore scene and OG metalcore death core scenes. Too many bands to say. Things were more violent then. I miss being afraid at the show.
SpinVybe: You've got a big following outside Japan. What has been the most surprising difference between Western and Japanese audiences?
YD: I think the biggest difference is how people express their emotions. Even if it’s the first time they’re hearing our music, if they intuitively feel it’s good, Western audiences will convey that excitement directly to the band and the members.
In contrast, in Japan, perhaps due to our national character, people are often a bit shyer. There aren't many people who will let their emotions explode and show you how they feel unless everyone else around them is doing the same.
Photo credit: Jesse Kojima
That’s why the way Western fans communicate their feelings is so straightforward and clear, and as an artist, it honestly feels great to receive that kind of energy.
John: The culture of personal space and respect (laughs). Also, the further west you go, the energy becomes more of a popularity contest and less about the show itself.
SpinVybe: Your music has been described in many ways, from metalcore to nu-metal. Do you think that nowadays the need for genre labels is still necessary today, or do they box artists in?
John: No. I think people just need a title to feel xyz about abc.
SpinVybe: 2026 is shaping up to be a big one for you, with the highly anticipated seventh studio album, The Weight of Sound, set for release on January 23rd. How would you describe the album's sound to fans who are eagerly awaiting it?
John: Emotional.
SpinVybe: Five tracks on the album see you partner with some heavy metal giants such as Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage) and Kar Schubach (Misery Signals). How did these collaborations come about, and what was the recording process like?
John: So, 99% of the features are really good friends of mine. Besides that, the Legacy musicians are huge influences on not only myself but also the band. There were a lot of people that we kept thinking about, but ultimately it just came down to time and availability.
SpinVybe: Out of the 11 tracks, which is your favourite, and which one do you think is going to resonate with the fans?
YD: All of the tracks are like my own sons to me, so it's pretty hard to pick just one (laughs). As for The Weight Of Sound, I wrote it with the conviction that it would be a song everyone would love.
John: My favourites are probably “Everblack” and “Coma Wave”.
SpinVybe: The visualisers for your recent singles are incredibly creative. How do you go about deciding what makes for a good, strong, eye-catching visual, especially with something as striking as in the "Crossing Nails" video?
YD: For the visualisers this time, I drew a lot of inspiration from the video productions seen at EDM shows. Personally, I’m a fan of EDM, and I’ve been heavily influenced by their staging, which aims to create an overwhelming visual experience that matches the excitement of the music itself.
SpinVybe: You've described the record from your perspective, as it captures the emotions and experiences from your career, not just the past but the future. What does the songwriting process look like for themes such as those? Do you sit and journal or simply sit and reflect?
YD: Like many other musicians, I hum melodies or write riffs while imagining how they would feel during a live performance. Other times, I’m at my DAW, exploring sounds randomly. Recently, I’ve been trying to have a clear structural concept for each song, almost like designing a blueprint or a flowchart before I dive in.
As for journaling, I haven’t done it lately, but there was a period when I made it a habit to write down five things every day, such as things I learnt or experiences I enjoyed.
SpinVybe: And John, as the new vocalist, your journey is a bit different. After joining a band with such a long legacy, what was it like stepping into a band that's been around this long? Did you feel a sense of responsibility to carry that legacy forward or pressure to prove yourself?
John: I mean, the amount of time the band has been around didn't really become a factor for me. I just like to make sure I do my job well. So the responsibility comes from me.
SpinVybe: 2026 sees you teaming up with American metalcore band Miss May I for a co-headline tour across Europe and the UK in early spring 2026? For new fans, what can they expect from your live shows? Do you have a trademark song that you feel defines who you are as artists when performing live?
John: It's a wild night, and all the songs have something different for everyone.
SpinVybe: With over 21 stops, it's set to be a tour to remember. What do you love most about touring, and do you have any rituals you've stuck to over the years that make touring easier or more comfortable?
John: Eating (laughs), and trying to keep the same morning routine at home on tour
SpinVybe: Having such a big catalogue, how do you choose what to include in the setlist? Is there a particular song you enjoy performing the most?
YD: I like songs that are easy to play!(laughs). Though to be honest, Crystal Lake songs are all pretty easy anyway (laughs).
I try to create a concept that fits the specific event or tour. Depending on our set time, I always keep in mind to build a setlist with a clear narrative. A beginning, middle, and end that highlights our strengths. I aim to find the perfect balance between the songs we want to play and the classics that everyone expects to hear.
John: Spotify plays for me (laughs).
SpinVybe: 2026 looks set to be jam-packed. How do you switch off from all the noise, and how do you like to relax?
John: Time at home in between is key. I desperately need it to stay positive with how crazy our schedule is. I love cooking and spending time with my daughter, pets, and family. Watch movies. I'm a really simple guy.
SpinVybe: And finally, out of all the above, what are you most excited for the new year?
John: The completion of it and on to the next. I want to keep stacking.
YD: It has to be the album release date. Since it’s our first album in seven years, I feel like that day will finally be the true starting point for the new Crystal Lake. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone out on the road!
Written and Interviewed by Kirsty Bright
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