Formed in 2013, VCTMS has a knack for pummeling listeners with emotionally charged metalcore rooted in mental health and angst, branded by chaotic, energetic performances. Over the course of the band's 6-album career and on the road touring with 156/Silence, Cane Hill, Paleface Swiss, Veil of Maya, and many more, the group has become a staple in discussions of modern metal and the future's potential. Following their latest album release, 2024's acclaimed "pain processing," the Illinois-based group has been rolling out numerous singles amongst the populace that have been giving way to the next chapter of the band—most recently "devil's/speak" featuring Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake and "burning/bones" featuring Ben Hoagland of Extortionist. In the wake of the releases, we were also welcomed with the band officially announcing this next chapter and album, "Pain Processing II," releasing on May 1st, on their social media.
As fate would have it, and in light of Women's History Month, the 'Bad Luck Crew' gave us an opening to sit down and speak with Meredith Henderson, drummer and the brains behind VCTMS. Interviewer Melanie Williamson, photographer and founder of Music Scene Media (MSM), got to touch base with Henderson on the band's past, present singles, and future album; the analysis of women in the music scene; becoming an empowered musician against the struggling odds of physical and mental health issues; and her favorite tracks to play live. Winter has ended, and a new feeling is in the air: it is now Bad Luck Season.
Catch VCTMS this May-June playing a section of shows supporting Jiluka, as well as headlining shows alongside TSS, MirrorCell, Waste, and CatsClaw here:
