Fading Gray began in Johannesburg in 2020, but the band spent almost three years writing before playing their first show. That period produced their ten-track debut album, Stray, and gave the members time to establish how they wanted the band to sound and work together.
The current line-up features Sam Mackintosh on vocals, Justin Rae and Jason Menzies on guitars, Matt Oliver on bass and Nathan Reyneke on drums. Their more recent material has moved towards heavier riffs, larger guitar arrangements and songs centred on resilience, struggle and hope. That development also shaped their return to Wacken Metal Battle Africa. Fading Gray reached the national final in 2024, then won the Johannesburg heat in 2026 and advanced to the final again. Their new video, “Our Journey: Wacken Metal Battle Africa | 2026”, follows the band through that campaign, including the performances, preparation and people they met along the way.
The video features sound by Ash Gaisford, with photography and videography by Christelle Duvenage Photography and Totem Photos. Both the Johannesburg heat and national final were held at Sognage.
Bassist Matt Oliver spoke to AFRICA.ROCKS about the band’s early years, the songs written with its current members and what changed between the two Wacken campaigns.
“Fading Gray has developed an identity of its own. In many ways, the band has become the sixth member.”
Fading Gray formed in 2020 but did not enter the live circuit until early 2023. What happened during those first three years, and how did that preparation shape the band audiences eventually saw onstage?
Initially, Justin, Nate, our original vocalist and I came together at the beginning of 2020 with the shared goal of writing original music. Over the next few years, we focused almost entirely on songwriting, getting to know one another musically and personally, and refining the sound we wanted Fading Gray to have. During that time, we wrote our ten-track debut album, Stray. Those sessions became much more than songwriting. They laid the foundation for the band’s identity, chemistry and creative direction. By the time we stepped onto a stage in early 2023, we had a clear vision, a catalogue of music we believed in and a strong connection that audiences could feel during our performances.
“Moving Parts” followed “Skinz”, “Homecoming” and “Lunatic”. What was happening inside the band when you wrote it, and what does the song reveal about where Fading Gray’s music is heading?
Those songs marked a turning point for us. They were the first tracks we wrote with Sam after she joined the band, and the songwriting naturally began to evolve alongside her voice and style. Our debut album, Stray, leaned more towards a commercial hard rock sound. With “Skinz”, “Homecoming”, “Lunatic” and, ultimately, “Moving Parts”, we made a conscious decision to take the music in a heavier direction. It suited Sam’s vocal style and reflected where we wanted to go creatively. Those songs represent the beginning of the Fading Gray people know today. “Moving Parts”, in particular, reflects our commitment to writing more emotionally driven music that balances strong melodies with honest storytelling. It established a direction we are still developing.
Fading Gray describe their music through melody, aggression and cinematic atmosphere. Which song best represents the balance you are trying to achieve, and what did that track teach you about the band’s identity?
Our latest track, “Dead Wait”, best represents where Fading Gray are today. It was the first song we wrote with Jason as a member, making it the first track created by this line-up from the ground up. It captures the balance we are always looking for: heavy, aggressive riffs, memorable melodies and an atmospheric, cinematic feel, all while telling a meaningful story. Writing “Dead Wait” also reinforced something we have come to realise over the years: Fading Gray has developed an identity of its own. In many ways, the band has become the sixth member. Each musician brings different influences and ideas, so the sound continues to evolve, but the heart of Fading Gray remains the same. That balance between growth and staying true to who we are defines our music today.
“It is not every day that you see a metal vocalist six months pregnant onstage, shouting her lungs out.”
Fading Gray reached the Wacken Metal Battle Africa final in 2024 and returned to win the Johannesburg heat in 2026. What did you change between those two campaigns, and what did the earlier experience teach you about preparing for the competition?
Between the 2024 and 2026 campaigns, we made a conscious effort to improve every aspect of the band. Jason joining as a second guitarist gave our sound more depth, dynamics and atmosphere, while changing our tuning allowed us to achieve a heavier sound that better reflected where Fading Gray were heading musically. We also refined our approach to performing. Wacken Metal Battle is about playing well and creating a memorable live experience. One of the biggest lessons we took from 2024 was that hard work and attention to detail make a difference. We wanted people to remember us, so we looked for ways to stand out while remaining ourselves. That included simple but effective choices, such as wearing white T-shirts in a crowd of black band shirts. Every part of the performance had to support the band’s identity. It is also not every day that you see a metal vocalist six months pregnant onstage, shouting her lungs out.
You have organised your own events, toured KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town, and appeared on larger Johannesburg bills. What have you learned about building an audience across different South African cities, and what are you working towards next?
One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that nothing replaces playing in front of a live audience. Whether it is a show we have organised ourselves or an event arranged by someone else, every performance gives us an opportunity to connect with people. Even when only one person leaves having genuinely enjoyed the set, that is one new listener we have reached. Over time, those connections add up. We have also realised that building a band involves becoming part of the wider South African metal community. Touring different cities has allowed us to form lasting relationships with other bands, promoters, venues, photographers and organisers. Those relationships have created opportunities and helped us understand how the scene works beyond Johannesburg. With Sam beginning her maternity leave, we are using the time to write new material, spend time together as a band and celebrate this chapter by throwing her a baby shower. When we return to the stage, we want to bring new music and a stronger live set that reflects what we have been working on during the break.
Watch Fading Gray’s latest videos on YouTube.
