Black Coast (band)
English nu metal band from Stoke-on-Trent, formed in 2016.
PA3 Barry Lane · Public domain
Black Coast are a nu metal band from Stoke-on-Trent, England. They came together in January 2016 after two other bands—Bet It All and Dead City Souls—broke up. Scott Pinnington first suggested the idea to guitarist Joe Mayer, who then brought in bassist Jack Beardsall and drummer Matty Clark; vocalist Charlie Hewitt joined after a few practices. The band’s name was originally thought up by an ex-member of a different group and never used, but Mayer brought it back when the new band needed one.
Their debut EP led to a tour with Stray from the Path, followed by shows in Japan and support slots for Silent Screams and In Hearts Wake. The EP *Ill Minds Vol. 1* came out on 9 November 2018. In 2021, they released the single “Paradise” on 7 April, ahead of their album *Outworld*. Recording that album was difficult—some songs didn’t work as planned, and members struggled with writer’s block, which they got past by covering “A Place for My Head.” The COVID-19 pandemic gave them extra time to finish it, and the album was complete by the time “Paradise” dropped. A second single, “Strangers Skin,” arrived on 3 August. *Outworld* was originally set for 27 August but was pushed back to 19 November.
In January 2023, the band announced a self-titled EP, with the lead single “Mercy.” It came out on 28 April 2023, and they toured the UK to promote it. A second full-length album is reportedly planned for spring 2026.
Black Coast are often labeled nu metal, metalcore, or nu metalcore, but they call themselves melodic hardcore. They say their sound is “all about the groove,” and Hewitt has pointed to influences like Alice in Chains, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Deftones, and Ocean Grove. Other cited influences include Korn, Loathe, The Neighbourhood, Staind, Stray from the Path, Architects, Stick to Your Guns, While She Sleeps, Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, A Perfect Circle, and Landscapes.
The band’s discography includes one studio album, *Outworld* (2021), and several EPs: *Crows of the North* (2016), *Ill Minds Vol. 1* (2018), *Ill Minds Vol. 2* (2019), *The Isolation Tapes* (2020), and *Black Coast* (2023). Current members are Charlie Hewitt (vocals), Scott Pinnington (guitar), Alex Huzar (guitar, joined 2025), Jack Beardsall (bass), and Matty Clark (drums). Joe Mayer played guitar from 2016 to 2025.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Stoke-on-Trent, England
- Genre
- Nu metalcore, nu metal, metalcore
- Years Active
- 2016–present
- Current Members
- Charlie Hewitt / Scott Pinnington / Joe Mayer / Jack Beardsall / Matty Clark
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Black Coast was formed in January 2016 after the folding of the bands Bet It All and Dead City Souls. The idea was pitched by Scott Pinnington to Joe Mayer, who then invited bassist Jack Beardsall and drummer Matty Clark, with vocalist Charlie Hewitt joining after a few practice sessions. The name 'Black Coast' was created by an ex-member of a different band and was never used; Mayer later reiterated it when the newly-formed band needed a name. Their debut EP led to a tour with Stray from the Path, and they later toured Japan and supported Silent Screams and In Hearts Wake. The EP Ill Minds Vol. 1 was released on 9 November 2018.
The band released the single 'Paradise' on 7 April 2021 as the lead single from their album Outworld. The recording process was problematic, with songs not working out and members facing writer's block, which they remedied by covering the song 'A Place for My Head'. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the band extra time to work on the album, which was complete upon the release of 'Paradise'. The second single 'Strangers Skin' was released on 3 August, and Outworld was postponed from 27 August to a 19 November release. A self-titled EP was announced in January 2023 with the lead single 'Mercy', released on 28 April 2023, followed by a UK-wide tour. A second full-length album is planned for Spring 2026.
Musically, Black Coast has been described as nu metal, metalcore, and nu metalcore, though they self-identify as melodic hardcore. Their influences are 'all about the groove', with specific mentions of Alice in Chains, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Deftones, and Ocean Grove, as well as Korn, Loathe, The Neighbourhood, Staind, Stray from the Path, Architects, Stick to Your Guns, While She Sleeps, Pantera, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, A Perfect Circle, and Landscapes.
Reader's Guide
Black Coast's significance lies in their emergence from the Stoke-on-Trent music scene and their persistence through lineup and creative challenges. Their debut album Outworld (2021) was delayed due to writer's block and problematic recording sessions, but the band used the COVID-19 pandemic to complete it. The album was preceded by the singles 'Paradise' and 'Strangers Skin'. Their self-titled EP (2023) continued their output, supported by a UK tour. The band's musical style blends nu metal, metalcore, and nu metalcore, drawing from a wide range of influences including grunge, nu metal pioneers, and contemporary revivalists. Their planned second album for Spring 2026 indicates ongoing activity. The band's history includes a tour with Stray from the Path and performances in Japan, reflecting international reach. Their discography includes multiple EPs and one studio album, with a consistent lineup from 2016 to 2025, when guitarist Joe Mayer departed and Alex Huzar joined.
Did You Know?
- The band's name was originally created by an ex-member of a different band and was never used before being reiterated by guitarist Joe Mayer.
- Black Coast covered the song 'A Place for My Head' to overcome writer's block during the recording of Outworld.
- The band's debut EP led to a tour with Stray from the Path and later a tour of Japan.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Black Coast (band)?
Black Coast is a nu metal and metalcore group out of Stoke-on-Trent, England, known for pairing heavy, drop-tuned guitar work with aggressive vocal delivery. They have been active since 2016 and have cultivated a following both in the UK and on the international metal circuit.
How was Black Coast formed?
The band took shape in January 2016 when Scott Pinnington pitched the concept to guitarist Joe Mayer, who then recruited bassist Jack Beardsall and drummer Matty Clark. Vocalist Charlie Hewitt rounded out the original five-piece after a handful of rehearsal sessions.
What albums has Black Coast released?
Black Coast's only full-length studio record to date is Outworld, which came out in 2021. Before that, they issued a debut EP that served as their calling card and helped them land their first significant touring dates.
Who are the current members of Black Coast?
The present lineup features Charlie Hewitt on vocals, Scott Pinnington and Alex Huzar handling guitars, Jack Beardsall on bass, and Matty Clark behind the drums. Founding guitarist Joe Mayer left the band in 2025, making Huzar the newer addition to the guitar spot.
What notable tours has Black Coast been part of?
After their debut EP, Black Coast shared the bill with Stray from the Path and subsequently played shows in Japan, marking their first major international exposure. They have also filled support slots for other acts, steadily expanding their reach beyond the UK metal scene.
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