Exuvia is the sophomore album from the UK hardcore band Cage Fight. We caught up with guitarist James Monteith (Tesseract), who fills us in on the new record, a lineup change, tour plans and other topics.
Chad Bowar: How did bassist Will Horsman come to join the band?
From the beginning of Cage Fight I’ve struggled to play to all live shows due to my other commitments, and on the first album cycle Will was my guitar dep. He performed our biggest show at the time, which was at Bloodstock 2022. When Jon left the band, he was the first choice of replacement, as he knew the songs, was into the vibe and we all got along brilliantly.
How did the songwriting process for Exuvia compared to your debut?
With the first record we went into the studio before playing a show. With Exuvia we had not only had a lot of experience playing together, we’d gotten to know each other as people, our interests, and what we can bring to the table musically. Exuvia was a much more collaborative record – some songs started with drum parts, others were born from jamming in a room. We were also more adventurous and tried to not be limited by sub genres. Rachel (Aspe) also took lead on the concepts and lyrics on this record.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
We recorded at Lower Lane studio in Stoke on Trent, and we discovered a local delicacy – Staffordshire Oat Cakes. What a delight! Also I think the final vocal sessions will always be a strong memory, as that was when we started to hear the songs come together in their final form.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
For me, time. I recorded the guitars in my home studio around my life, and it was down to the wire. I recorded the last few songs in the Air B&B by the studio while vocals were being tracked.
What lyrical topics do you cover on this one?
Rachel took lead on lyrics for this record, and as a result they tackle lots of personal stories. The first lyrics she wrote were for “IHYG,f” following a traumatic experience that inspired her to put pen to paper. This started her flow and then she penned songs like “Un Bon Souvenir,” about her experience in a previous band and “Pig,” which is about men sending unsolicited explicit images and sexual messages online. The title track explores her grandmother’s battle with cancer, and she also appears on the track.
How has your sound evolved from Cage Fight?
The first record was just a vibe. We had ideas and we ran with them, with the record being the result. When writing Exuvia we had a clearer vision of where we wanted to go. We were able to explore sounds, structures and approaches that were more diverse, creating a sound that reflects who we are now.
How did Julien Truchan’s guest appearance on “Pick Your Fighter” come about?
Julien is an old friend of Rachel’s from the French metal scene. So when we were thinking about a guest he was at the top of the list!
What has been your most memorable Cage Fight live show?
Probably opening the mainstage of Bloodstock 2025. It was our biggest show to date, and opening for Machine Head (who headlined the festival that day) had always been on my bucket list since I was a teenager!
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
On 1 May we have an album launch show in London, followed by a summer of European festivals. We’re also looking at touring options for the end of the year, and 2027. Getting to the U.S. is high on our wish list, so watch this space!
What have you learned from being in a successful band like Tesseract that you can apply to Cage Fight when it comes to building a fan base?
In terms of building a fan base, the world is very different place to when Tesseract was at this stage, so it’s hard to compare. However, maintaining a fan base is the same principles – be authentic and make sure to make the fans feel valued, as without them, there is no band.
What is the status of the next Tesseract album?
We’re currently in the writing and recording process. There will be new music soon!
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Cycling, walking, being a father, craft beer, trying every food on the planet!
What’s the best thing you binge watched lately?
A spy thriller called The Capture about deep fakes and AI manipulation. Scary stuff as it’s probably closer to reality now than when this was made a few years ago.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thanks for reading this far, please check out our new album Exuvia, and keep an eye for live dates. We hope to be playing a venue near you soon!
(interview published April 30, 2026)
Watch Cage Fight – “Pick Your Fighter” Video
