LISTEN: Bridges Ablaze Share New Single “Numb”
An exclusive chat with guitarist Brien Allen of the Austin, TX alt-metal duo with Ruben Zamora
Bridges Ablaze from Austin, TX, is comprised of two highly talented guitarists – Brien Allen and Ruben Zamora – who have been shaping their own brand of alternative metal for the third decade of the 21st century.
But whereas this pair might have initially made a name for themselves with a spirited cover of the 30 Seconds To Mars 2005 single “The Kill,” it’s the original material crafted by this duo that truly reveals their promise as two of the fresh faces of loudness in American rock that fans of Deftones and Incubus can appreciate.
Working alongside established hard rock producer Robby Joyner (Fire From The Gods), the pair have been steadily releasing a stream of powerful singles since 2020, each one bringing a new level of education and experience that only makes their passion for songwriting and collaboration stronger with every new tune.
On the heels of the group’s latest and greatest single “Numb” (which can be checked out below), Mr. Allen sat down with Rock & Roll Globe to speak with us about what makes the creative relationship between himself and Zamora so dynamic, and what’s in store for 2024.
As Brien aptly puts it, “Everything up to this point, be it the highs or the lows, has been an incredible learning experience. We’re committed to an ongoing journey of learning and growth, drawing wisdom from every encounter and using it to fuel our continuous evolution.”
The band’s dedication to continually improving upon their style without wavering is a true signal that Bridges Ablaze is a band all heavy rock fans should keep an eye on.
How did you meet?
Hilariously and serendipitously, we actually met at a Guitar Center in Austin, TX in 2014. What started as a guitar battle between two random strangers across the aisle ended with us exchanging phone numbers and beginning a friendship. We stayed in contact over the years, and in 2019, we decided to form Bridges Ablaze.
Are there other band members or is this a duo? Will you tour with a band?
There will be other band members, yes. But, the core of the songwriting/business ownership is a duo. The other band members would technically be employees of the LLC. We will absolutely tour with a band, too. We are in talks with a few amazing musicians across North America, as well as in our hometown of Austin.
How do the two of you put together your songs?
The songwriting process is highly variable. Sometimes one of us will write a nearly-completed demo, and sometimes the demo process itself is very collaborative between the two of us. Usually, we will write from the guitars upward, but sometimes we will write starting with vocals, a beat, or something else. From there, we take our demos into the studio. Sometimes our producer will give the song a facelift, and other times, he won’t. It really just depends on the song. Sometimes we have rewritten entire parts in the studio, and other times, 95% percent of the composition remained unchanged. No song is the same, that’s for sure!
Since you are both guitarists, how do your playing styles differ?
Well, we both have a palate of similar influences, that’s for sure! It’s very easy to write songs because of this. So many of our influences really are the same. I think my style is more shred-oriented and Ruben’s is more feel-oriented at the end of the day, however. Otherwise, there really isn’t much difference. We take lessons from the same guitar teachers as well, so that’s helped us both grow even more similar in style over the years. We’ve learned to harmonize in many guitar solos, and it’s easier to think like each other because of it.
How do you divide vocal duties?
Usually it’s pretty 50/50! Sometimes it changes, and the song will necessitate one member more than another, but that’s just how our songs vary. Originally, I’d write a song and Ruben would write a song, and we’d contribute accordingly but whoever wrote the song took lead vocals. You see this in “Never Too Late” and “Heartbroken Angel” (songs Ruben wrote the core idea to) versus songs like “Forever Fallen” and “Hellbent” (songs I wrote the core idea to). Recently, however, our newer songs have been more 50/50 in terms of vocals. Lately, me and Ruben have been splitting verses and choruses entirely, so it really is very close to 50/50 for these newer songs.
What inspired you to write “Numb”?
“Numb” was inspired by a very painful experience in a very close personal relationship. A very painful breakup, more or less.
What is coming up for you in the future?
We plan to release a lot more songs, some music videos as well, and lastly, we intend to start playing live shows! Eventually, we aim to even tour! Until then, we’ll always be releasing more songs. Stay tuned for all kinds of left turns and crazy songs. No song sounds the same with us. We simply play what we feel. This year especially, we’ve really tried to step up our songwriting process. So, be ready for anything! The things we can promise though are shows and songs!
VIDEO: Bridges Ablaze “Numb”
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