Breaking into the scene, I expected challenges, but it’s one thing to face the typical nerves of showcasing your work and trying to network—it’s another to constantly be treated like you don’t belong. Dealing with condescending comments and people being ‘shocked’ to see a woman on stage added a whole new level of isolation. You start feeling like you have to prove yourself over and over to people who’ve never even touched a microphone.
I remember when I first began experimenting with heavy vocals while forming a band with a group of guys. They were beginners too, but instead of supporting me as I transitioned from just singing to screaming, they offered nothing but ridicule. The drummer would laugh and mock me at every rehearsal, and none of them seemed interested in putting in the hard work of actually building a band. It was beyond frustrating—it made me feel like a joke, like I was back in high school. And since then, the ‘You can scream… for a chick!’ comments have become something I hear all too often.
I wish it stopped there but it didn’t. I’ve been sent unsolicited photos from men in higher up bands, some of which had women fronting their bands! PREACHING for equality in the scene but offering me nothing but disrespect. I’ve been harassed on social media, and had to fend off sleazy comments from older men. I’ve worked with bands I admired, only to have married members make inappropriate passes at me, physically grab me and make me feel like an object. One time, I was told straight to my face, ‘You only got that opportunity because they want to f*** you.’ It wears you down over time. I started developing imposter syndrome, constantly feeling like I had to prove myself to male vocalists. I even stopped talking to other bands at shows out of fear that simply starting a conversation would be misinterpreted as flirting. So, I stuck to managing logistics and quietly getting on and off stage.
Then, when we released our single ‘Palace Of Lies,’ someone anonymously sent it to two American guys on YouTube for review. I was so excited to hear their feedback, but they confirmed all of my worst fears: ‘Cliché,’ ‘She’s just screaming for the sake of it,’ and the final insult, ‘Who gave somebody’s girlfriend the microphone?’ That one stung. I laughed, cried, and then laughed again—but I knew I had to channel that anger. That’s when I decided it was time to hit the studio and create a track that was a direct ‘f*** you’ to all of it. And that’s how ‘Vile’ was born.
– Vocalist Ava Sukkar
The use of a sexist comment clip in “Vile” is powerful. Can you talk about how you decided to incorporate that and what message you’re hoping to send with it?
I’ll admit, it might feel a little petty—but it’s incredibly satisfying to channel that frustration into something creative and powerful. It’s about taking all the negativity and turning it into fuel. Every time men laugh at us, trust me, my bandmates and I are laughing even harder. It’s easy to hide behind a screen or make sexist remarks from the sidelines, but it’s not easy to build a band, teach yourself to scream, and step onstage. That’s the message we’re sending with this track—we’re here, and we’re not backing down.
– Vocalist Ava Sukkar
What keeps us going is knowing that not everyone in the scene behaves that way. We’ve been lucky to meet incredible people who genuinely support us. Our friends in ‘Elara,’ a local Sydney band, have been nothing but amazing. They’re down-to-earth and truly supportive, which is rare in the local heavy scene. They’ve invited me to jump on stage with them for guest vocals, offered us a headline slot at their ‘Your Locals’ All Ages event, filled in on drums when needed, and supported us without expecting anything in return. That kind of support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the friendship we’ve built with them.
On the other hand, there’s a Facebook group called ‘Silly Goose Club,’ meant for the alternative scene in Australia, where people from other local bands preach about equality for women and how they’re ‘taking a stand.’ But some of those same people are the ones who’ve made me feel isolated, thrown out sexist comments, and built up a boys’ club. It’s hard to watch, and I’ve often wanted to speak up. These are not the people driving real change. The real progress comes from women who continue to perform and push forward, despite the judgment we face. Bands like Reliqa, The Last Martyr, Volatile Ways, Terminal Sleep, Vilify, Krave, Wicked Envy, Torizon, and Identity Error are leading the way in creating a more positive and inclusive community.
I don’t want people to be fooled by a few Facebook posts from guys pretending to be allies. It’s just for show—they’re playing a game and building a following under false pretenses. True change comes from action, and it’s the women in the scene who are making that difference by pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
– Vocalist Ava Sukkar
I’ve always admired bands like The Used, especially how Bert McCracken can convey so much raw emotion just through his voice. For me, it’s essential to channel that same level of feeling, making sure that listeners feel seen and heard through the music. That’s the balance we aim for in a track like ‘Vile’—delivering a powerful message without sacrificing the musicality that drives it.
– Vocalist Ava Sukkar
What role does resilience and empowerment play in your songwriting process, especially when confronting social issues like sexism?
As the only woman in the band, my bandmates are always supportive of making sure my voice is heard in exactly the way I want. Once we agree on a theme, everyone contributes ideas, and with ‘Vile,’ we were all aligned in wanting to deliver something powerful. The entire process was about channeling resilience and empowerment, and we’re all proud of how the track turned out.
How has the local scene responded to your message of defiance and empowerment, particularly with the release of “Vile”?
What can fans expect from Bridge Left to Burn in the near future? Are there more tracks addressing similar themes or different directions you’re excited to explore?
Fans can expect Bridge Left to Burn to continue exploring a variety of themes and directions in our music. We love experimenting and drawing inspiration from many artists and bands we admire, which keeps our sound fresh and engaging. Crafting a track we’re proud of takes time, and we’re committed to refining our music until it’s something both we and our fans can truly embrace.
We owe a huge thanks to Clayton Segelov & Angie Watson at The Brain Studios for helping us elevate our sound during recordings. Their guidance has pushed us to raise the bar in our songwriting as a group. We’re excited to see where our musical journey takes us next, and we can’t wait to share more with our listeners!
– Guitarist Julian Nicutescu
As a band standing up against sexism, what advice would you give to young women trying to break into the heavy music scene?
As a band standing up against sexism, my advice to young women breaking into the heavy music scene is to never let anyone make you feel incapable. Don’t stay silent in the face of sexist remarks; stand up for yourself in whatever way you can. I know how daunting it can be to establish a band, perform your first show, and navigate the scene. But once you start, keep pushing forward—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Keep your head held high, and remember that my inbox is always open if you need someone to confide in. I’m committed to fostering a supportive community for women in this scene because we need to have each other’s backs. Together, we can create a healthier and more empowering environment for everyone.
– Vocalist Ava Sukkar
Beyond the message of “Vile,” Bridge Left to Burn aims to make a meaningful impact on the metalcore scene by promoting inclusivity and inspiring individuals from all backgrounds to get involved. We truly value the friendships and unforgettable moments we’ve created with other bands, and we believe that a more diverse array of voices will enrich the scene.
Our goal is to encourage more artists to take the leap and share their music, as each new band contributes to a more vibrant and dynamic industry. We envision the metalcore scene as a welcoming space where everyone feels empowered to express themselves.
Ultimately, we want our band to be recognized for our dedication and creativity. By fostering an environment of authenticity and resilience, we hope to inspire future generations of musicians to pursue their passions with confidence, knowing their voices matter and can create positive change in the scene.
– Guitarist Orion Henning
