Arilade: Music that we currently equate with freedom

On the Slovak underground scene, bands are emerging that do not simply try to fit into existing genres, but instead naturally create their own space. One of them is Arilade — a band that has been part of the Slovak rock and metal scene for quite some time now. To be more precise, they have been with us for over ten years, and as many already know (or perhaps don't yet), their mission is to combine the emotional side of metalcore with occasional deathcore heaviness into a sound that feels both raw and carefully crafted.

The band consists of guitarist Stano, originally from Stupné and now based in Žilina, bassist Mišo, who comes from Nové Zámky and currently lives in Martin, and drummer Paťo, originally from Košice, where he still resides today. Although they come from different parts of Slovakia, they are united by a shared vision and the desire to keep pushing their music forward.

The sound of Arilade is built on blending different influences. Its foundation lies in modern hardcore, complemented by the emotional elements of metalcore and occasional heavier deathcore passages. The result is music that refuses to stay trapped in a single box and instead evolves naturally according to the members' current musical tastes and artistic growth.

"Right now, we would compare our music to freedom. We've gone through lineup changes, and those experiences brought us to where we are now — both musically and personally," say the members of Arilade.

Freedom is the word that currently defines them best. After several lineup changes, the band discovered a new dynamic and direction — not only musically, but also on a personal level. This internal cohesion is reflected in their songwriting, which today feels more natural, confident, and fearless.

Musically, they are heavily influenced by modern bands, especially because of their focus on production, samples, sound design, and riffing. Among the artists all members agree on are LANDMVRKS and Polaris. Both bands inspire them not only musically, but also through their approach to live shows and the overall functioning of a band.

The creative process in Arilade has no strict rules. Usually, someone brings in a basic idea, which is then developed either through collective jamming during rehearsals or during home recording sessions. It is a combination of spontaneity and gradual shaping of songs, without unnecessarily restricting creativity.

The band also hints that their most defining track is still yet to come. According to them, there is already a song that currently represents them best, but fans have not heard it yet because it has not been released.

One of their strongest concert experiences recently took place at the legendary Collosseum Club during the Meet Me In The Moshpit mini tour, where they were invited by their friends from Sawdust and Mold. Performing on the main stage felt like a personal milestone, and they described the audience energy as one of the most intense they had ever experienced. Another unforgettable moment was last year's album release show.

For Arilade, performing live is primarily about release. Before a show comes stress, tension, and anticipation — but all of it disappears the moment the first note hits. That is when the connection between the band and the audience begins, an exchange of energy that reminds them why they stand on stage in the first place.

The band is currently working on new material, although they prefer not to reveal too much yet. What is clear, however, is that Arilade have entered a new chapter. They see the album MEMORIES as a symbolic farewell to their old era and are now fully focused on a new sound and a shift toward more modern styles.

They leave the future open, but they are not hiding their ambitions. Bigger stages, festivals, and moving to the next level are natural goals for them. As they say themselves, they want to show that Slovakia also has a scene with something meaningful to offer.

Today, Arilade represent a band built not only on heavy sound, but also on authenticity, freedom, and the willingness to constantly evolve. Not as an escape from the past, but as a conscious step toward something new.