Whispers: Tied Down 2025

Whispers, one of many heavy hitters with releases on Flatspot Records, hails from Thailand and they’ve been making noise internationally for years. Originally forming in 2014, Whispers has been spending more than a decade becoming the arguably the biggest hardcore band in Southeast Asia. I first discovered them back in 2023 in Speed’s (now hidden/restricted) S.E. ASIA HARDCORE documentary, and their stage presence was top tier. Their crowds absolutely show out at every one of their shows and I expect the same to happen at Tied Down at the end of the month.

In 2024, Whispers dropped Yo-Ma-Lok on Flatspot Records (End It, Suburban Scum, Speed, Scowl). A 7-track record that doesn’t waste a second. Riding (my favorite) line of metalcore, deathcore, and in-your-face hardcore, Yo-Ma-Lok really out does every other Whispers release. The production value is incredible. Seriously, listen to that intro bass line on the closing track “Yo-Ma-Lok.” The vocals are crisp with the perfect amount of distortion, and the guitar riffs are creative and more than meet the standard for what would be considered a “heavy” release.

The way I would describe this band is The Acacia Strain meets Terror meets Scarab.

Whispers plays their first U.S. show literally today (May 12) accompanying Speed on their North America tour, with Tied Down being their final stop on June 1, day two of Tied Down. While touring is exhausting, and they’re going to be active for three straight weeks (excluding May 19 and May 26 days) before they make it to Tied Down, I fully expect them to play a set that will move the whole crowd.

Find them on Instagram.

Album I listened to: Yo-Ma-Lok
Favorite track: Retribution

No paid promotion. This series is not endorsed by any of the bands or festivals being written about. Doing this for the love of the game.