Metal Anarchy

Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to artists that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have a Q&A with Famous Strangers.

METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little bit about your band:

FAMOUS STRANGERS: We’re Famous Strangers, four long-time musicians from different bands across Alberta. Between us, we’ve played in projects like Into Eternity, The Order of Chaos, Pugnacious, This Is War, and Compromise. It started chill, just playing covers and messing around, and before we knew it, FS was born. We didn’t plan for it to turn into something serious, but the chemistry was undeniable. Now we’re a full-on, all-in band putting everything we have into the music, the art, and the journey. We’re from Sherwood Park, Alberta, and we’re building something that feels like a family both on stage and off.

METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?

FAMOUS STRANGERS: Jeff: My main influences would have to be Judas Priest, Devin Townsend, In Flames, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles. Pretty much any good classic rock or heavy metal band that has stood the test of time.

Beej: Definitely Devin Townsend, that one’s huge for me. Also bands like Tool and Pink Floyd, I’ve always been drawn to that deeper, more atmospheric side of metal. I’d throw in In Flames too. I like stuff that’s melodic but still hits hard, and anything that blends emotion with heaviness. I’m into all the old school rock and rollers.

Amanda: Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Beatles. I love the layers and the experimentation Vocally I’m all over the map, so I take inspiration from soul singers, metal vocalists, blues, punk, even hip hop. If it’s raw and real, I’m in.

METAL ANARCHY: What is the latest release and why should readers on this site check it out?

FAMOUS STRANGERS: Our latest release is “LSC.” It’s heavy, haunting, and hits hard. It was recorded by us and Phil Anderson at Rockhouse and The Audio Department, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum. This one’s special because it was the first time we wrote something completely from scratch together. It’s all us.

The lyrics are moody and intense, pulling you in and building tension like you’re being stalked. That’s the vibe, because the song is actually about how certain bugs mate, like praying mantises and black widows. The female lures the male in, mates with him, then kills him. That’s what inspired the lyrical theme, but it’s written from a more human, emotional angle.

It’s dark, hypnotic, and melodic. A little dangerous, but undeniably catchy. We made it cinematic and visceral, and the video captures that perfectly. It’s up on YouTube and streaming everywhere. If you’re into music that tells a story and doesn’t stick to one lane, LSC is your track.

METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?

FAMOUS STRANGERS: Honestly. We don’t even know what to expect sometimes. Each show is its own beast. But what you’re gonna get is a ride. We give everything on stage. It’s emotional, it’s unpredictable, and it’s always full of heart.

We try to create an experience where people feel good, feel seen, and feel free to be themselves. It’s not just about playing songs. It’s about connection.

We can go from serious and moody to silly and wild. One moment we’re locked in a heavy groove, the next we’re laughing mid-set. That’s us. It’s all real, and it’s always evolving. No show is the same twice.

METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in five years?

FAMOUS STRANGERS: I see us fully touring, with at least a couple records out, a solid fanbase, and enough momentum to take this worldwide.

We want to spread love, truth, and some gnarly music while we’re at it. We want FS to be a movement, not just a band.

We’ve already played some killer Canadian fests like Loud As Hell and Armstrong MetalFest. Five years from now, we want to be headlining stages, building a global community of people who believe in what we’re doing.

We’re not just in this to jam. We’re here to take over. Like Bon Jovi said, we wanna see a million faces and rock them all.