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KITTIE Roars Back: A Fire Reignited at Bloodstock

By Jason •
Mercedes Lander and Ivana 'Ivy' Jenkins reflect on the band's resurgence and evolving metal scene.

In a thunderous return to the UK’s Bloodstock Open Air festival, KITTIE’s powerhouse duo, drummer Mercedes Lander and bassist Ivana 'Ivy' Jenkins, sat down with Oran O'Beirne to discuss their much-anticipated comeback and the raw energy of their new album, 'Fire,' set to burn through speakers in 2024.

The conversation flowed like molten metal as they dissected their rejuvenated chemistry, sharing the exhilarating experience of writing and performing together once more. After a decade away from the limelight, the band has embarked on a new chapter, fueled by the fire of their recent North American headlining tour, the 'Legacy Of Fire Tour: 30 Years Of Kittie,' which celebrated three decades of their fierce legacy with unrelenting passion.

When asked about the current vibe of the mosh pits, Lander observed a notable shift in concert culture. “I feel like people are a little more self-aware... not as macho, like 'roid rage.' The pits today seem more inclusive, almost like they’ve become a community where if someone falls, they actually get picked back up,” she reflected. This evolution in audience behavior is a breath of fresh air, especially for a band that has witnessed the brutal side of metal crowds in their earlier years.

However, Ivy chimed in with a dose of reality, highlighting the pervasive distraction of smartphones at shows. “It’s a bummer when people are more focused on their screens than the music. We need to bring back the raw connection of being present in the moment,” she lamented, suggesting a potential ban on phones at their shows. “You miss out on the experience when you’re just staring behind your phone,” she added, emphasizing the need for fans to truly engage with the music.

This tour not only marked KITTIE's return to the stage but also came on the heels of their critically acclaimed album 'Fire,' which has already reached impressive chart positions, including No. 13 on the U.K. Rock & Metal Albums chart and No. 20 on Billboard's Top Album Sales. Their single 'We Are Shadows' has achieved a monumental milestone as their highest-charting song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart at No. 20, further solidifying their place in the metal pantheon.

With a Juno Award nomination for 'Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year' looming on the horizon, KITTIE is poised to reclaim their throne in the metal scene. As they continue to blaze their trail with support from bands like KINGDOM OF GIANTS and GORE, the future looks as fierce as their music. The fire is back, and it’s only just begun to burn.