Strident Escape
Written by; Eric LeClair 07-10-2026
Thrash, grindcore, metalcore, black, anti-govt, nu, viking, groove, electro, syn, fizzle, trash, emo, sacrifice, death and of course the O.G. Heavy metal. Yes there are lots of genres of heavy metal out there, and each has their own styles. Some are fast paced, with heavy guitars, grinding solos. They come in hard, fast, screaming their heads off like a banshee getting waxed. While others throw down with heavily tuned down guitars that sound like endless deafening echoes of bombs going off all around you. All while the singer growls into a 3 inch microphone trying their damndest to blow out the pawnshop speakers before the lead guitarist lays down another guttural riff trying to out pace the drummer’s double bass kick pedal. One such band mixes thrash, groove, metalcore, to give you a harsh and up tempo break down sound that is so loud and in your face the dictionary describes this adjective word as a strident. Something that is incredibly loud and expresses forcefulness. I love this description because it perfectly describes the band I wanna talk about. Their sound is not just overwhelmingly powerful but it's almost as if they take all of their pent up rage and let it all escape through their sound and let it seep and fester into your soul and they just wait until you can’t take it anymore. Before anyone knows what's happening you and some guy wearing a torn Metallica shirt too small to cover his beer gut is throwing haymakers and smashing into the other people who also felt the need to let their inner rage escape.
Of course I’m talking about Strident Escape.
Photos by; Eric LeClair
I had first found out about Strident Escape through a friend named Blake Brittian who plays bass for the band. He hired me to photograph their show, and let me tell you, it was a blast. When Strident took the stage I could immediately tell these guys weren’t playing for a record label, or for the glory. They would play in an empty room and have no regrets. These guys just wanted to play loud, fast, and go home feeling satisfied they played their own style of music no matter who listened to them. That’s the kind of band I love to watch perform. The fame and glory is tempting, but just getting your sound out has to be satisfying by itself all together.
So who is Strident Escape? How did they get started? Why hasn’t Hollywood made a decent original film? Why do music platforms keep most of the revenue made by the bands? All pressing issues, but for now lets stick with the origins of Strident Escape. I spoke to lead singer Nate Mathe and drummer Conor McCann, two of the original founders of the band and they told me all about their journey as musicians. To make sure they were up to snuff, I asked them one crucial question.
Who would win a fight, Lemmy or God?‘Trick question Lemmy is God!’
Safe to say these guys know their music.
It's the end of the 90s, Y2K is a global threat to all networks, ‘WASSUP!’ was finally shutting the you know what up and the world was about to enter a new millennium. During these turbulent times a very young man named Conor McCann, was drumming for a punk band called ‘The Vile’ with his good friend Ryan Nicholson and Mike Stull. It was from these mischievous wet behind the ears musicians where they would take their adolescent sound and start an entirely new band that would later become Strident Escape.
What started out small in Conor’s basement, friends Paul Reid, Ryan Nicholson, and Conor had an idea for a new heavy sound, a few prewritten songs, but no singer or guitarist to really match their heavy sound. Luckily they didn’t have to wait long. Enter guitarists Matt Monson, and lead singer Nate Mathe. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the stage ‘Phineas Gage’! A thrash, groove, metalcore band was formed and these boys were getting ready to take on that harsh music world with their new sound. Of course there was a slight problem. The band’s name did not really take off and it was later decided they would change their name to ‘Strident Escape’ thanks to the suggestion of Matt Monson. The members describe their sound as loud, aggressive, escaping life’s various stresses and traumas through their music. Which is exactly what they were trying to accomplish and be proud of the music they wrote at the same time. They know life is hard for everyone and they want their music to reach those who are struggling and frustrated to let them know they understand. Saying, it’s okay, you can mosh. We got you.
Nate Mathe
Inspired by Lamb of God, Machine Head, Sepultura, with notes of old school bands like Misfits, Mudvayne, Anthrax, Metallica and other punk thrash-metal bands. Strident Escapes members all work together to compose their unique sound. Matt brings a riff and the other members play with his inspired idea and mold the infant song. It's from there Nate puts pen to paper and gives that child a voice. From there the band shapes and develops the song even more until they are all satisfied with what they created. Or as Nate puts it, ‘Where the magic happens.’ Like any band they hope their sound stands out from the rest, but it's not their main goal. No, their goal is to write music they are proud and passionate about, songs that resonate with their fans. An ideal something every true artist should strive towards.
Sadly Strident Escape would soon disband just as fast they formed and it wouldn’t be another 20 years later before Conor, Nate, and Matt would decide to give it another go. Now in their 40’s and weathered down these middle aged men were ready to get back on stage and play to a pent up crowd ready to mosh once again. After disbanding, original founders Paul Reid and Ryan Nicholson had moved on from the heavy metal scene. Leaving the last 3 original members to seek out a new bass player, Blake Brittian and new lead guitarist, The Don. The recharged thrash groove metal band was once again ready to take the stage again.
With that said, a 20 year hiatus the dynamics and opinions of each member would obviously change. Correct? So I asked them.
What's changed since the band reunited?
‘Given where we left off twenty years or so ago, the band dynamic has greatly improved. We’ve all grown as individuals and are not the same highly emotional young adults we used to be when we started. We’re stronger and more unified now than we ever have been. We enjoy working together and consider ourselves lucky to be doing this with people that we all care about.’
Does the music you play have less anger on you as a person now because you’ve all grown up and matured as compared to when you were all younger and everything seemed so unfair?
Conor; I Can’t speak for Nate as he writes the lyrics and they are his interpretation of his/our shared life experience(s). What can be said is that the lyrics are a method for Nate’s catharsis and that he is strongly connected to them as evidenced by his stage performance.
This is a very true statement, from the short time I’ve gotten to know Nate, he speaks his mind openly and without reservations. He speaks volumes about his loved ones on facebook and to anyone who will listen. Especially about the love of his life, Kat. Matt is an advocate and volunteer for Woodstock Ill. Warp Corps a non profit organization that helps those who struggle to find a home and place in society. While also giving huge support to all local bands looking to have their sound heard by all. Matt and some other musicians are currently helping out the Trademarks venue in Woodstock Ill. by booking inspired local metal bands to play shows there. Blake, who I believe will go to any lengths to tell everyone about Strident Escape, has gone as far as to offer hot pockets on stage just to get a few new followers! Conor comes off as the type who puts his entire backbone into Strident and as a musician. He gives the impression where he has no qualms where the road takes him as long as he can continue to hit that snare. While The Don will most likely shred on his guitars even after the universe has said its final good byes.
Does the band have a goal in mind?
‘Yes, to lift those around us through our music while simultaneously helping ourselves and others to strengthen our community.’
Who’s playing inspires your style of playing the most?
Nate; ‘I have many lyrical influences myself, but you know mainly our band itself is a lot more Lamb of God, Kill switch engage, Machine head. They are usually our influence on how we write our music.’
Conor; I would say that John Bonham inspires me the most solely because my method of crafting drum parts is very similar. In a world full of insanely talented, lightning fast, crazy double bass playing metal drummers, it allows my playing to stand on its own while being recognized for its unique characteristics.’
Support and sacrifices, who’s been there and what have you all given up for your music?
‘Our fans, family, friends and community have been the MOST supportive. They give us so much already that we could not ask for anything more. They sacrifice their free time, their money, they share in our experiences and support us in what we do, they sacrifice time with us as partners and family members, and they allow for all of this to happen. This means nothing without them, this cannot happen without them, and without them Strident Escape would not exist as it does now.’
Matt Monson
The Don
Blake Brittian
Follow up, what have you all done to repay them back?
‘With our friends and family, we make sure that this band does not overshadow the needs that those relationships require. We make time for the people we care about and that they are the priority. They deserve the best version of us, and we make sure to keep that at the forefront of our thoughts and actions. For our fans and community, we give back by supporting the members that comprise them. We support our fellow local musicians by going to their shows, buying their merch and helping them promote while booking shows with them so we can all be heard. We support our community by organizing charity events that raise money to help those in need and will often give personal funds to said charities and local businesses. We also partner with local businesses for events to boost awareness and bring them new clientele. Additionally, and possibly most importantly, WE CARE. We care about our fans, friends, family, and community. We care about how they perceive us. In a world full of bad things, we are doing our best to carve out some good. For us, AND for them.’
(Who said heavy metal was all despair and self-depreciation?)
What sacrifices have any of you made to make this band happen in the first place?
‘All of us make sacrifices to make this band happen. Our time, effort, money, blood, sweat and stress go into Strident Escape. It is our passion. But it is also a job. Each of us in our own ways makes a tremendous effort to keep this train moving.’
Advice to those starting out? Advice to yourself?
‘We are constantly giving ourselves advice on how we can be better, do more, and progress as a band. That is an endless conversation. As for advice to those that are starting out… Pursue your passion if it is indeed your passion. Give yourself to it. Know that It WILL be DIFFICULT, but if you can persevere, the reward of self-actualization is worth it. Life’s too short to not experience doing what you love in whatever capacity it may be. DON’T GIVE UP.’
Last questions: I understand Conor you were in some punk bands before you officially joined Strident, so it's only fitting we use punk/alt punk rock for this final question! Now if you were asked to be a drummer for these bands who would you pick? NOFX (old), The Misfits, The Stooges?
‘That is correct. I have been in MANY punk bands lol. Without question, I would pick the Misfits (old or new). They still hold a special place in my heart back from my punk rock days and I listen to them regularly to this day.’
And finally Nate, who would you Tour with, Cover their songs, or butcher their song through Karaoke? John Denver, Aretha Franklin or The Bee Gees?
‘Definitely destroy the Bee Gees. (karaoke) Aretha has a great soul and voice to all music and John Denver, a folk legend. So let's go with John Denver for a tour and make a great metal cover song of Aretha Franklin’s music!’
Last question, What would you like to say to your fans?
‘You guys are all amazing. Thank you for the support. Thank you for everything you’ve done. We appreciate it all. We’ll see you from the stage!’ Nate Mathe
Check out Strident Escape wherever you get your music and maybe treat yourself to some of their merch while your at it! You can also see them play at the Cubby Bear in Chicago Il. on July 18th with Beheading the Icon and Void the light.
See you in the pits.
Eric LeClair/Rantingphotos
Conor McCann