When Continents first stormed the music scene in 2012, they quickly became synonymous with explosive live performances and a relentless energy that captivated
audiences across the UK, Europe, and Japan. Sharing stages with heavyweights like
The Ghost Inside, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Skindred, the band seemed unstoppable—until 2018, when they unexpectedly announced a hiatus. For fans, the
silence that followed was deafening. But in 2022, Continents shattered that silence
with a comeback that’s not just powerful—it’s deeply personal.
I caught up with lead singer Phil Cross mid-tour, right after the band’s recent gig at
Rebellion in Manchester. The setlist was a powerful mix of hard-hitting classics like
“Pegasus, Pegasus” and current anthems like “Hurricane” and “Lifeline,” showcasing
the band’s evolution and their readiness to achieve something truly special. The
Manchester show came hot on the heels of gritty, crowd-pulling performances in
Birmingham and Liverpool, with Derby and Hull lined up immediately after.
For Phil, the decision to step away from the band four years ago wasn’t easy, but it
was necessary. “I originally stepped away from the band for the sake of my mental
health,” Phil shares with striking honesty. “It wasn’t always the healthiest environment
for me personally. I was struggling and I just needed to hit pause.” The pressures of
touring and the demands of being in the industry took a toll on Phil’s well-being,
leading him to a crossroads where stepping back was the only option.
Yet, as time passed, Phil found himself missing the very things that made being in
Continents so special. “I missed it,” he admits. “I missed having that creative outlet, I
missed the lads. One of them suggested that I start writing about my own
experiences—it’s a form of therapy in a way.” This suggestion sparked a
transformation in Phil’s approach to music, leading him to explore themes that were
more introspective and raw than anything he had tackled before.
Initially, Phil wasn’t sure if bringing the band back under the name Continents was the
right move. “I wanted to bring the band back under another name,” he reveals. “I wasn’t
sure what reception we would receive, returning as Continents. But we decided to give
it a go and dip our toe in the water, so to speak, and very quickly started gaining
traction.” The response from fans was nothing short of extraordinary. “We have been
incredibly lucky that our fans have been really receptive to the new material and
supported us wholeheartedly. We have been humbled by the warmth we have
received.”
This new material marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound and lyrical content.
The songs on their latest release, the LIFELINE EP, delve into the complexities of
mental fragility, manipulation, regrets, and the consequences of speaking without
thinking. “It is vulnerable,” Phil confesses. “I am quite a private person, so to share so
much of myself hasn’t been the most comfortable experience for me. I am an
overthinker and always worry that what we put out won’t go down well with the crowd.
But there is beauty in pain, and I have found that I deliver these songs differently. I
feel every word when I’m singing. It feels more authentic, more raw, deeply personal.”
The LIFELINE EP isn’t just another collection of songs—it’s a deeply emotional
journey, both for the band and for listeners. The EP’s artwork, featuring a ghost figure
with six distinct meanings, is a visual representation of the mental health struggles that
inspired the music. “We wanted to create something that was not over-complicated
but still stood out when delivering the message,” Phil explains. The ghost, with its
haunting presence and symbolic lantern, speaks to the themes of trauma, social
anxiety, and the hidden pain behind a fake smile.
Continents’ return to the stage has been nothing short of triumphant. Their secret set
at the ‘That’s What You Get Festival’ was met with an electric response, with the room
overflowing with fans eager to witness their comeback. Their headline show at Clwb
Ifor Bach in Cardiff, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their album Idle Hands, was
an emotional homecoming, proving that the band’s connection with their audience is
as strong as ever.
Since their return, the band has seen their new singles—‘Bad Blood’, ‘Clarity’,
‘LIFELINE’, and ‘HURRICANE’—dominate the airwaves, earning spots on Radio One,
Spotify’s METAL UK playlist, and features in Metal Hammer and Kerrang. Their
performance at Burn it Down Festival was packed to the rafters, with a palpable energy
that signalled the band’s unstoppable drive.
Looking ahead, Continents show no signs of slowing down. With more shows, tours,
and festival appearances on the horizon, the band is set to continue their meteoric
rise. But beneath the excitement of their return lies a deeper mission: to use their
platform to speak honestly about the challenges they’ve faced and to connect with
fans on a more personal level than ever before.
Phil’s journey from stepping away for his mental health to finding healing through
music is a testament to the power of creative expression. Continents’ music has
always been fierce, but now it’s also filled with heart. “This is a band reborn,” Phil says
with conviction. “And we’re bringing with us a message of resilience, honesty, and
unrelenting energy.”
So, if you thought you knew Continents, think again. This is a band that has returned
not just to reclaim their place on the stage, but to make a lasting impact—both in the
world of music and in the lives of those who listen. They’re just getting started, and the
best is yet to come.
NEW EP ‘LIFELINE’ AVAILABLE NOW!
Streaming, Show Tickets and Merch in link:
linktr.ee/continentsband
Instagram CONTINENTS (@continentsband) •
🎥: @tomdamsel
