Fatal Switch is a hybrid nu-metal band from Montreal blending rapcore, metal, and post-hardcore energy into anthems for the misunderstood. Their new single “Apex” (produced by Kevin Jardine – Korn, Papa Roach) is a ruthless anthem built for the wrestling arena and beyond. It kicks off the upcoming Black Sky Anthem: Dusk/Dawn EPs — twin releases that bring the emotional chaos full circle.
1. Introduce us to the band!
We’re Fatal Switch, a hybrid nu-metal band born in Montreal. We mix rapcore venom, metal chaos, and post-hardcore catharsis into something unapologetically raw.
The current lineup:
- Steve Tobin – vocals
- Max Rope – guitar
- David Vigliotti – bass
- Ralph A. Samah – drums
Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope) is our producer and co-writer, and we’ve had help from Florencio Saint-Thomas(synths) and Ryann Paqueo, who contributed to songwriting.
2. How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
Fatal Switch started over a decade ago when I (Steve) dropped the first album with session players like Peter Tzaferis and Mike Gerbasi. But building the real band took time. Craigslist ads, online musician groups, trial and error. David was a guitarist I converted to bass. Max had the right tone. Ralph had the fire. We built this lineup from the ground up.
3. Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Not one… three. Sometimes we jam. Sometimes I bring in a hook and we build around it. Other times, it’s surgical. “Apex” was basically engineered from a blueprint. Whatever it takes to make it hit.
4. How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
“Loud.” “Heavy.” “Complex.” “Intense.” Also probably: “Steve’s therapy session.”
5. What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
Music’s never embarrassing. I bump Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez sometimes. Why? Because they’re damn goodat what they do. If you wanna write hits, study the hits.
6. Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We keep it loose. Our friend Claudio Capri, a stand-up comic, usually hangs out backstage with us. Helps us laugh before we unleash.
7. Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
I’ve been speaking with Scott Storch, which is unreal. Also, when we played with Crazy Town, vibing with Seth Binzerwas surreal. Real recognizes real.
8. What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
The press, the TV play, the streams, those are huge. But honestly? It’s the band not falling apart. Still pushing, still hungry, still aligned after all this time. That’s rare. That’s the win.
9. What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
Hooks. Emotion. Relatability. Depth. Vulnerability. You wanna hit people in the gut, not just their ears.
10. When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
When Kevin looks up and says, “That’s it.” Otherwise, I’ll keep tweaking it forever.
PS: songs are never done lol.
11. What song of yours are you most proud of?
“Apex.” Built specifically for the wrestling world. I created a whole “wrestling alphabet” just to get the bars right. Researched, refined, rebuilt until it was a monster.
12. Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
Absolutely not. On the road, it’s war. You eat what’s there and thank the vending machine gods for mercy.
13. Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
Haven’t had a long enough stretch on the road yet, but when that happens, we’ll adapt. Writing is survival. Doesn’t matter where.
14. What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
Our last show had this killer cinematic intro. Lights. Vibe. Tension. Then… David goes to hit the first bass note and… his bass isn’t plugged in. Total buzzkill. The crowd still loved it though.
15. What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
Push “Apex.” Tell people who love wrestling, nu-metal, real sh*t, this is their anthem. We’ll support you right back.
16. How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get
albums/merch?
Instagram: @fatal.switch
TikTok/X: @fatalswitch
Website: fatalswitch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatalswitch/
