The latest release from the UK metalcore band Acres is The Host. Frontman Ben Lumber gives us the scoop on the album, touring and other topics.
Chad Bowar: How did the songwriting process for The Host compare to your first two albums?
Ben Lumber: Normally we have everything demoed out to the best we can get it, this was the first time we went to the studio with pretty much nothing. The whole point was to go into the unknown and just get as creative as we can!
How did you come to work with producer Landon Tewers (The Plot In You)?
Our label actually suggested Landon and then it happened we got on tours with The Plot In You.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
The whole thing was great to be honest. We’ve always wanted to record in America so just being there was great!
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
There was a lot of pressure throughout. We had one month to write over 10 songs and that’s pretty challenging, but it was a cool way to work and something we’d never done before.
How has your sound evolved from Burning Throne?
It’s evolved a bunch. We always said we never want to write the same record twice, so it’s always a goal to evolve and create something new.
What lyrical topics do you cover on this one?
The Host touches on a bunch of topics with the main theme of the entire album being addiction, negative cycles you can’t break or feel like you can’t live without and the hopeless feeling of being trapped in a cycle you want to break.
You filmed several videos for the album. Which was your favorite shoot?
“Bloodlust” was pretty fun! I had the initial ideas and seeing it come to life was very cool. Jamie and his team did such a good job with the set and bringing all our ideas together.
What were some of the highlights of your recent North American tour with The Plot In You?
The whole tour was pretty wild if I’m honest. Most shows sold out and every show was a good time! It was awesome to play The House of Blues in Anaheim as it’s such a prestigious venue and so many of our favorite bands have played there.
You’re currently on another North American tour with The Devil Wears Prada. What else is on your 2025 tour calendar?
We have the record coming out soon and a few others tours in the works!
What’s the most unusual venue you’ve played?
There’s a venue in Manchester that’s called Satans Hollow we’ve played a few times. It’s a horror themed nightclub and has huge statues of devils and boobies all over the wall.
What’s your favorite way to occupy your down time while traveling on tour?
I normally just watch Netflix or doom scroll TikTok. We’ve been working out on this tour for the first time ever, so also just trying to stay healthy and look after ourselves.
What’s the best thing you binge-watched recently?
I’ve just started watching Lucifer so I’m binging a whole bunch of that. Also new Black Mirror is very dope!
What’s currently in your musical heavy rotation?
We just toured with Boundries so I know a few of the guys are jamming them a lot. I try not to listen to to much heavy music on tour because I hear breakdowns every night from the other bands so it’s nice to listen to chill music!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Please spin our new record so we can continue being a band.
(interview published May 2, 2025)
Watch Acres – “Bloodlust” Video
