Exclusive Interview: Vanitas talk cover songs, shows and Warlock A.D.!

As their critically acclaimed sophomore EP “Chaos Theory” moves towards its first anniversary this summer, vocalist Jade and guitarist Mitch from Cinematic DJent pioneers Vanitas took a moment out of their busy schedule to chat to us about their past year. Maintaining perpetual forward motion, March saw them unveil powerful new single “Your Demise“, the music video for which has surpassed 23.5k YouTube streams. The conversation went something like this…

2024 was a HUGE year in the book of Vanitas! Let’s start with your UK tour with Warlock A.D. that saw you take “Chaos Theory” across the country and ask what are your fondest memories of the run?

Jade: “To be able to experience our first ever tour as a band with such close friends (Warlock A.D.) Was amazing! A fond memory for me was definitely being able to get on stage with Warlock for my feature in “As One We Stand””

Mitch: “-and of course Jackson’s fake birthdays every gig, the way he died inside each time was hilarious. Thank you Warlock for starting that.”

You took on Elena Siegman and Kevin Sherwood’s “115” from the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 soundtrack for Halloween; what is it that has inspired you to take on a few left field covers to make your own?

Jade: “I got quite a few comments previously asking us to cover the song, that and the new COD game dropping around halloween it was a no brainier! It was a lot of fun to make”

Mitch: “I got my sonic cover, have to let the rest of the band get their covers in! [Fellow rifflord] Elijah loves COD Zombies, so it seemed like a perfect fit”

What was it like making a guest vocal appearance on “As One, We Stand” on “Book II: The Valley of Vagene” by Warlock A.D.? How did that come about? Are there any other bands you fancy making appearances with and potentially reprising that role live?

Jade: “Me and Cal [Whittaker aka Whiteacre Hexblade of Vâgené and vocalist] from Warlock are really good friends so when he asked me to feature on the album I had to say yes! I was lucky enough to perform my role live several times on our tour too, I love singing and writing in any capacity so I’d love to be a part of more features in the future”

What made you decide to release “Wait And See” as a stand alone single this year rather than hold onto it for a third EP or debut full length? How did the concept for the horse come about for the music video?

Jade: “The idea for the horse came about as our good friend Rose is a professional riding instructor and trick rider. We’re always looking for ways to make our music videos more spectacular and the idea of the horse was a great metaphor for the idea of “trusting the process” that’s embedded in the lyrical theme of the song so it was a no brainer!”

What does the rest of 2025 have in store for you?

Jade: “Pushing Vanitas even further, new music, bigger shows and much more!”

Metal Noise: “That’s the understatement of the year! You’ve got a May weekender with Earthbound and 40,000 Leagues coming up that will have each band headlining one city, you at our Spiritual home on The Flapper in Birmingham! After that it’s Slammer Fest in Manchester with Waterlines and Recall The Remains!”

09/05 – Manchester, The Peer Hat
10/05 – Whitehaven, Twisted Tongue
11/05 – Birmingham, The Flapper
19/10 – Manchester, Slammer Fest