Why House of Protection are the most compact and exciting new hardcore band on the planet

In 2024, hardcore is evolving in a way that sees the genre more vibrant than ever. As new bands rise, the foundations of heavy music are slowly evolving. Working hard to reinvent the wheel is rising hardcore/electronica-fusion duo, House of Protection.

Made up of former Fever 333 band members, Stephen Harrison and Aric Importa, House of Protection are on a mission to bridge the gap between hardcore fans and their idols. Since debuting on Instagram back in April, the pair rapidly drew the attention of many with their unyielding energy, and the sense that they were cooking up something special.

Earlier this month, they made good on the hype, with a debut EP, GALORE coated in explosive breakdowns, gnarly riffage, melodic vocals and three-dimensional production.

"Knowing we're a two-piece and then hearing the songs, is a lot," says frontman and lead guitarist Stephen Harrison – who's also a veteran of hardcore heroes Cancer Bats and The Chariot – and he's not wrong. There's a seriously big sound coming from two musicians. And it's no accident – the duo made sure to learn on everything they've learned in past bands to create something that's truly massive.

"I love the idea of it just being a two-piece," says Harrison. "Making the biggest, roundest guitar tone I can without the help of anything else and filling in the gap where it's needed with digital or whatever. I've done five-[piece bands], four and three, and I really want to ride this two-piece out. We're not going to limit ourselves sonically because they're only two of us."

That they don't. Each song on the EP is packed with soaring guitars, kaleidoscopic production and beckoning drum solos. Debut single, It's Supposed To Hurt – created with ex- Bring Me the Horizon keyboardist and producer Jordan Fish – is a firecracker introduction to who House of Protection are.

Space Station

But away from the bombast, the core mission of House of Protection is about creating a safe space and unity with its fans. "As someone who has been performing for a long time, I understand how breaking down the barriers with the audience and performers makes a huge difference," says Harrison.

It's Supposed To Hurt typifies this, and was in fact the first song the band wrote during their inaugural studio session.

"It's such a symbolic song for us because that was the moment we discovered our voices," says Harrison. Although both band members have previously worked on BVs and adlibs for numerous projects, Harrison confesses that this was a new experience for him.

"I've done backups for bands, and guest vocals for artists, but never anything as serious as fronting a project vocally," he says. On GALORE the duo share a path to discovering their sound as newly coined vocalists. "Jordan also coached me in the studio with finding my register and how to hold notes," says Harrison.

Discovering how they want their sound to represent them hasn't been the quickest process while making the EP. "The journey has been so long that I forgot there's a destination," says Harrison. "It's been a learning experience, but a fun and rewarding one too. It's been great to step back and see that we're stronger singers through it. Once Jordan jumped in to help the process, it sparked a new level of excitement for us."

Working with Fish was also something Harrison had always envisioned. As best friends, the two had often spoken about collaborating. "He's a genius, that's not a word I throw around lightly," says Harrison. "Musically, he's on a level that most people aren't and it's effortless. When it comes to producing and composing – he has a brilliant mind, and it's an honour to work with him on something like this."

Valentine Card

As for their gear, Harrison's guitar of choice comes somewhat as a surprise to hardcore fans – a Music Man Valentine Chambered. Yes, he's using the semi-hollow signature model for James Valentine , guitarist of chart-topping pop-rockers Maroon 5. It's not exactly a usual guitar for a hardcore band, but Harrison swears by the instrument.

"It's one of my favourite guitars I've ever played live, or even, just owned," he says. "It's been through hell, but it's still a solid piece of work."

House Of Protection are still finding their feet as a live entity, and working out ways to convey the massive sound on record in a live environment.

"There are some things we're ironing out as far as how the show sounds,"he says cryptically. "We want the audience to get used to not knowing what to expect."

You'd expect them to have it all nailed down before their upcoming headline show in London's legendary Camden Underworld venue.

"I'm more excited about this than any show ever," Harrison enthuses. "I think that it's going to be a gift. I love UK crowds, I love playing London and UK tours. I've gotten so much love from the UK over the years, to be able to step back into that energy with something that is mine, I'm beyond excited. It's going to be one for the books."

As a seasoned musician, Harrison is enjoying this new chapter he's built with Importa. "Every band that I've been in – Cancer Bats, The Chariot, Fever – those fit and came at the exact right time," he says. "I don't think I would've effectively been able to do this band at any other point in my life. I think I needed to hit a level of maturity markers before being able to be a frontperson and all that entails. Where Eric and I are right now, House Of Protection is correct. Fever was cool for a time and when it wasn't we left. I think everyone is now where they need to be. Fever is doing great and so are we."