New Jersey might be unpredictable when it comes to weather, but one thing’s certain: Blud Red Roses is heating up the underground metal scene. We recently caught up with drummer Matthew Goida on MetalgodZradio, and he gave us the inside scoop on the band’s evolution, the struggles of the independent music world, and how pain fuels passion in their newest release, Fall to the Hate.
Roots Run Deep in the Garden State
Blud Red Roses hails from Central New Jersey—a place Goida has called home his entire life. It started with staying close to family, and now it's where his wife runs a business. “Everything's nearby—I'm an hour from Philly, 40 minutes from the city. It's just easy to get around,” he says. “That’s the comfort.”
But don’t let the calm life fool you. When the sticks are in his hands, Goida is all fire.
The Rise of Blud Red Roses
After a long run with his former heavy band Ashes of Your Enemy, Goida reconnected with old friends for what would eventually become Blud Red Roses. The band started as a three-piece but quickly evolved after adding a classically trained guitarist. “We were already sounding huge for a trio,” Goida recalls. “But once we added that second guitar, things really came together.”
The band’s first EP, The Darkness Descends (2018), had more of a rock feel. But with time, they’ve leaned into a much heavier sound. “This new album is what we’ve become. It’s more aggressive, more raw—closer to who we really are.”
Fueling the Fire: Fall to the Hate
Their full-length debut, Fall to the Hate, marks a massive leap forward. Drawing from a blend of metal and rock influences—from Metallica and Megadeth to Gojira and Parkway Drive—the record defies easy categorization.
“My singer sounds a bit like Billy Corgan, but we’re not Smashing Pumpkins,” Goida laughs. “It’s a weird mix, but it works.”
Themes on the album pull from real life: heartbreak, toxic relationships, societal decay, and inner battles. Songs like “Take You Down” capture the anger and grit without slipping into chaos. “It’s aggressive, but we’re not an angry band,” he says. “It’s therapy. That energy has to go somewhere, so it goes into the music.”
Pay to Play: The Harsh Reality of the Industry
For unsigned bands, the climb is steep—and expensive. Goida doesn’t sugarcoat it.
“You’ve gotta buy onto a lot of shows now. It used to be different. Now, you want to open for a national act? You’re dropping thousands of dollars for a 25-minute slot,” he says, citing venues like Starland Ballroom.
Still, there are bright spots. Cities like Delaware have welcomed them without a buy-on fee, and smaller fests and out-of-state shows have proven there’s still a scene for genuine musicians. “I book all our gigs myself. Facebook and Instagram are everything now. The days of putting flyers on car windows are over.”
Studio vs. Stage
Goida’s honesty about his experience recording the album adds a deeply human layer to the band’s story. “I was in a haze. I lost my dad during that time, and I honestly don’t remember recording most of it. I thought it was going to suck,” he shares. “But I listened back and realized—I did okay.”
Still, the stage is where he feels most alive. “I’m a visual drummer. If people aren’t watching me during a set, I’m not doing my job. That’s how I grew up—watching Lars, watching Tommy Lee. Big energy. Big performance.”
What’s Next for Blud Red Roses
2023 (and beyond) is already packed for the band. They’re set to open for Otep, and will hit festivals like Ironbound Fest in Newark and outdoor venues in Staten Island. New York, New Jersey, upstate—Goida is constantly booking and scouting for bigger shows.
And while some bands try to stick to bills with similar sounds, Blud Red Roses is open to diversity. “We’re playing with Puddle of Mudd soon, and that’s not our vibe at all—but I’m cool with that. Back in the day, Suicidal Tendencies toured with Queensrÿche. Anything goes now.”
No Ego, Just Brotherhood
At the end of the day, what stands out most about Blud Red Roses is their bond. “We’re like a family. No egos. No fights. We listen to each other. That’s rare,” Goida says. “We’re just trying to make something real—and heavy.”
Connect with Blud Red Roses
Blud Red Roses is all over the web—check out their Flowpage for streaming links, videos, and tour dates. You’ll also find live footage from their set at Blue Ridge Rock Festival, where they played to over 10,000 fans.
If you’re into aggressive, honest, no-BS metal, keep an eye on these guys. They’re only getting louder.
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