It’s exciting times for Runcorn-based progressive/power metal band The Spectre Beneath. With new album The Devil’s Whisper set to be released on 17th July 2026, along with the whirlwind of promotion that entails, the group look certain to build upon the buzz generated by their past albums. Currently featuring L.L. (vocals), Pete Worrall (guitar/bass/b. Vocals), Consta Taylor (drums) and Katy Lennon (additional vocals), it feels as if The Spectre Beneath are on the cusp of greatness, so we decided it was high time we caught up with the band:
Can you tell us about the band’s origins. Where did you meet etc.
In January 2019 Pete the guitarist had finished an album with his other band, ‘Plague and the Decay’, in which Consta plays. When writing song for the next album, he noticed the style was more melodic and accessible but quite bombastic at the same time. It was a shift in tone and he felt adding a female voice would bring out the melodic side even more. He brought on board long-time collaborator, Katy Lennon, to add extra nuance to the melodies and ensure the top lines and backing vocals were suitable for a female voice. He knew Consta had the drumming chops for the faster and more intricate material and he agreed to come on board. Pete then found vocalist L.L from an online demo. She was a perfect fit for the hard hitting but melodic approach Pete had in mind. Thanks to L.L’s diverse range of influences, she was not restrained by Metal’s rubber stamp approach and brought a unique flavour to the band’s sound. So, in September 2019 our debut album, The Downfall of Judith King, was released to amazing feedback.
What are the musical influences of each band member and how do you forge them into a cohesive whole?
Consta’s influences are definitely more modern, most things from the Nu-Metal days to modern day really, Slipknot, Arch Enemy, that type of thing. Whereas Katy’s is more pop and rock. She used to be a session singer and so had to appreciate all types of music which I think rubs off on the band’s melodies. Pete, on the other hand, loves everything from 70s rock, to death, thrash, prog, trad, power and so on. Although, he always says his holy trinity of bands are Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Savatage. L.L, has a very eclectic palette from rock to EDM.
Pete writes most of the music so his influences tend to be the dominate ones but he encourages any alternative ideas anyone else might have. I think you can hear this in the melodies and the quirks which are often sprinkled across the music.
Can you tell us about your local music scene. Is it supportive? Are there many places to play?
The Spectre Beneath is based out of the North-West of England, however, vocalist L.L lives abroad. We have to be honest, there isn’t much of a scene in our area. However, living so close to Manchester we spend a lot of time going there to live shows where the live music scene is very healthy as Manchester is a frequent stop off point for bands doing tours of the UK. The Rebellion bar, in particular, is one of our favourite places to go.
What’s the best and worst thing about your local scene?
There are some superb talent which doesn’t get the exposure it should. We watched Manchester’s 40,000 leagues support Harwich’s Fellowship last week. Great gig, some superb talent on show but it’s a shame it’s only in front of 300 people.
Can you tell us about the band’s discography (demos, singles, albums).
We’re releasing our 4th album, The Devil’s Whisper on July 17th 2026 and we’re incredibly excited for it as it’s our first release for 3 years, it’s been far too long.
Our first album, The Downfall of Judith King, came out in 2019, and it’s a semi-concept album with half of it dedicated to the Judith King story.
Our 2nd album, The New Identity of Sidney Stone, again, is a semi-concept album and was recorded when lockdown hit. It was heralded as a masterpiece by some and we were signed to WormHoleDeath records who re-released it on their label in 2021. Sadly, L.L had to step away due to health reasons but we managed to find the soulful Nicole Garza for our 3rd album, 2023’s The Ashen Child. Nicole could not commit long term but, earlier this year, L.L returned to us fit and healthy and ready to record a new album.
How do you feel you’ve evolved musically throughout your career?
Pete is the driving force behind the band and he often says his style of writing has gone from writing simple, basic three-minute rock tunes to proggy goodness to complex thrash and finally combing all three into The Spectre Beneath. The first single from our new album, Plague (The Black Caress), is a great example of this. Thrashy, fairly technical, proggy in places, lots of shredding all topped off with an infectious sing-a-long chorus. It’s not a song he would’ve written ten years ago.
Can you tell us about tours you’ve completed. Any war stories you’d like to share?
Two memorable shows stand out. It was a small place in North of England and we’d played there a couple of months prior and went down really well and the place was full. The second time we went to play it was only a third full. It turns out, while we were playing a huge fight had broken out round the back of the venue and someone had their nose bitten off. We didn’t hang around because the atmosphere was quite spikey after that plus they wouldn’t play us the agreed amount. Another one was when the band was booked to play a pub. We’d brought along a contingent of fans and the place was rocking. However, half way through, the owner of the pub got a message to us stating she didn’t realise we were a metal band and wanted us to stop. Our bass player got on the mic and asked if the audience wanted us to stop to a resounding NO, so we chocked out another half an hour before the owner called the Police
Will we see you on the road anytime soon?
The Spectre Beneath is concentrating on recording at the moment.
What’s next for the band? How do you plan to reach the next level?
We lost a lot of momentum after L.L left back in 2021 and again when Nicole departed in 2024. The new album feels like we’re back on track and we’re eager to record some more new music which we have in the works. We have seven tracks written and almost finished the final three which we’re hoping to start recording later this year.
Finally, what’s the one question (and answer) interviewers never ask but you wish they would?
Apart from where can we buy your CD’s? Only kidding, probably, is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
There are many things but the cost of live music both in ticket prices and the cost to put on a gig is our biggest gripe. It’s outrageous sometimes with a couple of companies in particular, monopolising the industry.
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