High Parasite: From Chance Collaboration to “Death Pop” Domination

Photo: Stagebound Photography

An inside look at how High Parasite formed, their rapid rise through the metal scene, and the creative force behind their evolving gothic “Death Pop” sound.

“Tombs is loud, confident and ready to give 100% every show.”

How did High Parasite form? 

I had written a few songs which I thought needed some death metal vocals on ( something I can’t do ) so I got in touch with Aaron ( we have been friends for years and I used to be the guitar tech for My Dying Bride ) and asked him if he would record some. He did and we both thought the outcome sounded brilliant so we did another, then another and before we knew it we had some really really good material so decided to form a band to make it “real”. I found the guys through the local scene and some blind luck and then we had a band.

What’s life been like since the birth of High Parasite?

Its been an interesting experience so far, the excitement of landing a major record deal, the eagerness to make the debut record, the realities of touring all over Europe in support of the record, its certainly been a rollercoaster.

I hear you guys are currently writing new material to release early next year—how’s the writing process going, and can we expect any surprises?

The writing process had been the same as the first record, I have written the songs and delivered them to the band, we are working with Greg from Paradise Lost again to produce the second record so he and I have been working on the pre production and getting the tracks studio ready and then its a case of getting into the studio and putting everything down. There will hopefully be a surprise or two on the new record, an evolution of the sound of the band now we really have a sound and identity.

For anyone who hasn’t heard High Parasite yet, how would you describe your sound—and which track best represents what you’re about?

We are a gothic metal band with pop sensibilities. We call our brand of metal “Death Pop”. The tracks “Parasite” and “Wasn’t Human” both represent us pretty well I think.

Can you give us a rundown on the gear you use to handle the low end in the mighty High Parasite?

My main bass is a white Spector Euro X ( which are a fairly rare beast ) It’s named “Sil" after Silvo Dante from Sopranos as it’s my right hand man. My spare is a red Spector Euro X named Moira ( after Moira Rose ) but as it’s the wrong colour I only use her in an emergency. My pedalboard is a bi amp setup splitting the signal for independent clean and dirty tones with 2 separate di signals going to FoH. For backline amp I use a Gallien Kreuger 1001rb head and 410 cab.

I love the black and white theme of High Parasite—white guitars, black clothing, bar Aaron Stainthorpe in all white. How did that striking contrast come about?

It came about somewhat by accident, I didn’t have that as a grand plan from the start, I just think white instruments look cooler on stage and black clothing is the best contrast, then with the black and white “Tombs” makeup it just all fell into place

How did it work getting all your instruments in white—was that by luck, or did a brand help make that happen?

It was a little of both, I already had my white bass and Sam had a custom built Dunable baritone guitar made in white. Jonny had bought a white ESP EII guitar and all of a sudden we all had white instruments! Since then Jonny has got a white ESP LTD Phoenix in white and Sam has had some great support from Dunable guitars in the USA who have built him a 2nd custom baritone guitar also in white.

What does your live setup look like these days—are you running in-ear monitors and playing to a click, or do you prefer a more traditional stage monitoring approach?

4 of us use in ear monitors and play with a click, Aaron however does not and prefers the old school stage monitors

How long does it take to transform into Tombs before a show?

I start to get changed 1 hour before showtime, change my clothes and shoes and start to get into the zone, then I start to put on the makeup about 45 mins before showtime. It generally takes me about 15-20 mins to apply the makeup then the mask is the last part to go on. Im generally ready to go 15 mins before stage.

If you had to describe Tombs as a character, how would you describe him—and how does he differ from you personally?

Tombs is the flag bearer for High Parasite, loud, confident and ready to give 100% every show. I didn’t create the character to hide my identity as such, more to separate the public and private as off stage I am a very private person and prefer to work hard in the background than be in the limelight.

Can you describe what it feels like to have a High Parasite crowd singing back at you—and do you have a message for the fans?

Its an indescribable feeling having people sing back at you the songs you have written, I don’t care who you are, that feeling will get anybody. As the band grows and more people get to know us and our music, the more we get people singing along which is truly amazing and makes all the hard work worth it. And my message to the fans would simply be “thank you for liking what we do and thank you for sticking with us”.

When can we expect to see High Parasite back in the UK on tour?

All being well we will be back on tour in the UK in early 2027 with a new album under our belts.