Doomed Confessionary: Matt Fry (Lacertilia)
Lacertilia are a Cardiff, UK based quintet that forge psychedelia, space rock, stoner metal and proto-punk into a compelling heavy rock sound. The band’s monster riffs, trancey grooves and intense, primal energy evoke the sights and sounds of The Stooges, Hawkwind, The Doors and Monster Magnet.
Since their inception in 2013, Lacertilia have toured the UK and Europe extensively, sharing the stage with Karma To Burn, Hawklords, Orange Goblin, Elder, Honky and countless others. Their wild and energetic stage shows have established them as firm favourites on the underground rock scene, securing them performances at Hellfest, Freak Valley and Desertfest London.
Heavy psych torchbearers Lacertilia return after five years with their anticipated third studio album »Transcend«, due out on October 24th, 2025 through Swedish powerhouse Majestic Mountain Records. Their sonic evolution culminates in their forthcoming album sees the five-piece refining their explosive sound, merging the massive riffs and spacey explorations they are revered for with darker, more intricate textures of folk, prog and post-rock. The result is a heavier, more dynamic listen that charts a course through themes of profound personal growth and transformation, grappling with the nature of reality, existential dread, the breakdown of relationships, and the future of mankind.
Lacertilia are Matt Fry (acoustic guitar, vocals), Lucas Zalunski (electric guitar, acoustic guitar), Michael Young-Temple (electric guitar, djembe), Ed Hughes (bass) and Carl Richards (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Lacertilia are a psychedelic tinged heavy rock band from South Wales with a reputation built on their energetic stage shows and ability to pull the punk, stoner rock, heavy metal and hippy crowds together for an almighty party!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Keeping the band going after 3 of us had kids and most of us had career changes.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Ramming out The Globe in Cardiff to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.
What was your biggest regret?
Turning down playing the main stage at Freak Valley Festival 2019 after Slomatics couldn’t make it. Unfortunately our singer Matt wrecked his vocals by drinking too much free beer after playing the smaller stage the day before. Ah well.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
As mentioned earlier, our 10th anniversary show was amazing. We were supported by our good friends Made Of Teeth, Infinity Forms Of Yellow Remember and Suns Of Thunder (Go check those bands out!!). People travelled from far and wide for the gig. Lots of people we hadn’t seen for years showed their face, the atmosphere was electric and it was pure good vibes.
Photo credit: Konstantina Frasia Photography
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Seeing Green Lung blow up. We’ve played with those guys in small venues back in the day and they have just skyrocketed. We’ll done that band!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Blood Incantation, Igorrr, Five The Heirophant, Elephant Tree, Earthless.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Fuck the haters.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Who doesn’t love a bit of Russian Hardbass?
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Cardiff?
There’s some great bands emerging in Cardiff like Lung and Cemetery Dogs. We’ve got some decent venues like Clwb Ifor Bach, The Globe, Tiny Rebel and Fuel Rock Club. We are all missing our home though. The Moon Cardiff sadly shut down last year. That was like the hub for up and coming indie/psych/rock/alt/whatever bands. RIP The Moon.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
You can catch us at our album launch parties this weekend!
24/10 Clwb Ifor Bach with Trevor’s Head and Cemetery Dogs
25/10 The Gryphon Bristol with Trevor’s Head and Cougar Mingus
Then there’s:
5/12 The Patriot, Crumlin Supporting Viking Skull
6/12 The King Arthur, Glastonbury. Kozfest Xmas Party
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’d love to play some more big rock festivals, some more live dates, write a new album and get back in the studio again.
How can people best support your band?
Come and watch us live! Buy our merch! Share our posts on social media. Thanks.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
The time is now. Now is the time. What’s the time again? THE TIME IS NOW!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well