By Alejandro Rojas

Ashes at Last, a metal/crabcore band hailing from the Inland Empire, began its story in 2022 when a group of musicians were united by their drive to push the boundaries of metalcore. Each member—Caesar (drums), Calvin (rhythm guitar), Niko (vocals), Jude (lead guitar), and Michael, also known as Guxxi (bass)—brings their unique talents and backgrounds to the table, creating a dynamic sound that blends a variety of influences.

Niko and Jude’s friendship dates back to their freshman year of high school in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where they first met in a biology class. At the time, Niko was leading a pop-punk cover band, which Jude joined, but the group soon dissolved. The two remained close, and when Niko started Ashes at Last, he knew Jude’s guitar skills would be essential to the band’s success. The project began as a solo endeavor for Niko, who was experimenting with music production and crafting the band’s first EP, "You Can’t Stop The Sunset." Inspired by the early 2010's metalcore, Niko envisioned a sound that would evolve beyond his initial solo efforts, and that is when the other members joined, completing the band’s lineup.

While Ashes at Last is focused on their music, the members also share a lighthearted hobby: playing "Minecraft" together. This bond outside of music strengthens their connection as a band, fueling their creative energy and friendship.

When asked about their musical inspirations, the band lights up with enthusiasm, as each member is quick to share the artists that influenced their sound. Niko credits Asking Alexandria as his gateway into metalcore, specifically their album "Stand Up and Scream", which shifted his perspective from pop-punk to a heavier, more complex style of music. Jude, on the other hand, was inspired by Bullet For My Valentine’s "The Poison", which made a lasting impact on his guitar playing. He attributes much of his technical skill, particularly his ability to sweep pick, to studying the work of lead guitarist Michael Paget. Caesar, Calvin, and Michael also share similar inspirations—Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon, and The Acacia Strain—which shaped their approach to creating heavy, emotive music.

In terms of songwriting, the band starts with the instrumentals, crafting riffs and building the structure of the songs before Niko adds the lyrics. They emphasize the importance of not overthinking the process, explaining that while their early drafts might not always hit the mark, the act of refining and experimenting eventually leads to the final product.

Niko’s lyrical process begins with rough, sometimes nonsensical ideas, which he gradually refines into meaningful, cohesive themes. The band notes that while some songs draw from personal trauma and life experiences, others are simply meant to evoke a mood or a feeling without a specific narrative. For Ashes at Last, songwriting is a blend of introspection and experimentation, with each member contributing to the band’s distinct sound.

As they discuss their greatest strengths, it becomes clear that Ashes at Last thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. Niko and Jude’s strong friendship is the foundation of the band’s creative synergy, with both musicians often starting the songwriting process together. The other members bring their own flair and ideas to the table, but the camaraderie and trust between Niko and Jude are what drive the band forward. “We’re like family,” they explain, noting that their arguments rarely escalate beyond playful banter or the occasional tickle fight. This sense of unity extends to their performances as well—Caesar even wears headphones during live shows to stay focused on his drumming, tuning out everything but the rhythm.

Recently, the band released two new singles, "Mustache Cashstache" and "The Invigorating Tale of Robert Francis Allen The Third," showcasing their evolving sound and collaborative process. The first, "Mustache Cashstache," takes its name from a humorous reference to the animated series "Regular Show," capturing the band’s playful spirit. The second track, "The Invigorating Tale of Robert Francis Allen The Third," was inspired by a close friend with the same name, whose unique moniker sparked the idea for the song’s title. Both tracks represent a new chapter for Ashes at Last, as they move from Niko’s early solo work into a fully collaborative effort where each member’s voice is heard.

The creative process for these singles was much the same as for their previous songs—starting with riffs and building layers of sound—but the band’s approach has matured. They have grown more confident in experimenting with different genres and techniques, blending their metalcore roots with influences from deathcore, thrash and even electronic music. Through years of playing together and fine-tuning their chemistry, they have learned to push boundaries while staying true to their core sound.

Looking ahead, Ashes at Last is gearing up to release an eight-track EP, a project that they say will showcase a variety of sounds and styles. Each song on the EP will offer something different, reflecting the band’s wide range of influences and their desire to keep progressing. Their live performances continue to be a crucial part of their journey as well, with the band focusing on creating a high-energy, inclusive atmosphere at every show. Mosh pits and metalcore anthems aside, they want their audiences to walk away feeling connected to the music and each other.

As they reflect on their journey so far, the members of Ashes at Last are most proud of the way they have come together as a unit. From their first EP to their latest singles, they have learned to trust each other’s instincts and embrace the creative process, no matter how messy it might get. Their message to aspiring musicians is simple: do not be afraid to start. Whether it is forming a band or writing your first song, the most important thing is to dive in, learn along the way and most of all, enjoy the ride.

With an EP on the horizon and a growing fan base, Ashes at Last is poised to make their mark on the metalcore scene. Their music is a testament to the power of collaboration, experimentation and the unbreakable bond of friendship that holds them together. As they continue to evolve, one thing is certain—Ashes at Last is just getting started.

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