Botch release their first new song in 20 years

Unexpected yet exciting news are always welcome – the mathcore and metalcore group Botch have just released their first song in twenty years! Formed in 1993 by bassist Brian Cook, guitarist David Knudson, drummer Tim Latona, and vocalist Dave Verellen, Botch became one of the most ground-breaking and influential bands during a pivotal shift in heavy music. With a final show played in June 15th, 2002, the same day as the release of their final EP, An Anthology of Dead Ends, its members would go on to play in These Arms Are Snakes, Minus the Bear and Russian Circles, among others, with acclaim for the band coming mostly post-breakup and We Are the Romans going on to become one of the most influential records for the genre.

And that seemed to be it for Botch if not for the fact that, not too long ago, the band signed a deal with Sargent House to reissue their back catalog. Rumours and speculation spurred on what this signing really meant for the group and today, Botch unveil “One Twenty Two”, a brand-new song that will be included in the reissue of the aforementioned We Are the Romans, set for release on November 4th. You can watch the Dimitri Luedemann-directed video for this new song below this article.

There was never any intention for the band to release anything else but when guitarist David Knudson went to write his debut solo record, it made sense. He explains: “During Covid, I was writing my debut solo LP, and mentally, I was sick of everything in quarantine. Lots of frustration had set in at home, and I figured the best way to deal with it was to write something heavy. I had no intention of writing anything for Botch, but when I was thinking of a singer to collaborate with, I thought, “Hey, I know the best hardcore singer ever to do it,” so I hit up Dave V. He was super excited and so it just kind of snowballed from there. There was never any intent or conversation about getting back together or writing. It just happened so naturally and was a great release for all of us to make it happen without any of the traditional pressure an “active” band faces.”

The reissue of We Are the Romans will be released on November 4th via Sargent House. Physical and digital pre-orders are now available here.

Photo credit: Dimitri Luedemann