The Australian blackened death group Complexant step into this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. After some singles and an EP, they are unleashing their full-length debut album Apex. Bassist Chris Tuckley introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Complexant.
Chris Tuckley: Brief history would be formation in 2017 under a different lineup and produced an early version of “Basilisk Venom” in 2018, just called “Venom” back then. The band was put on the shelf due to the previous vocalist joining a new band and Shannon’s family commitments. I was approached initially to play bass but was already in two bands. January 2022 I was approached by our previous vocalist and Shannon to play again, and despite me moving to the UK later that year I agreed. While I was living overseas the guys back home pushed forward writing, touring and building the band towards the sound we have today.
Describe the songwriting process for Apex.
The songwriting was primarily done by Shannon and Gavin who would write and record riffs which they shared between the band. Shannon would then build off those riffs and sculpt the songs that made it onto the album. I would get the tabs sent to me, learn them and embellish certain parts to bring a bit more to the table on the low end.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
I still remember that feeling of utter relief after Shannon and I had gotten the last bit of the recording done, we had allocated a day and a half to track my bass parts but managed to get it all done in one day.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
For me personally it was a lot of trial and error as to what and where I wanted to put in additional bass work. There were many ideas that I had to scrap because they just weren’t working or I’d decided on something different etc, and then working what I had decided on into the song was a separate challenge in itself.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Our sound is an eclectic stylistic mix of abyssal feeling and relentless aggression combined with dark melodies and savage velocity.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Our lyrical topics cover a wide variety of super family friendly topics (violence, overarching surveillance for example), some fiction, some based off life experiences and reality.
How were the video shoots for “Afterlife” and “No Angels Weep”?
Oh, mate those shoots! They were a lot of fun, but they were hot as hell I won’t lie. Particularly the video for “No Angels Weep,” it was already 35 degrees (95 degrees fahrenheit) outside in the sun, in that small warehouse there was nowhere for it to go, we were all looking like we’d taken a dip after barely a few takes! Both of the producers we worked with did an amazing job. Adam Jordan (“No Angels Weep”) and Adam Davis-Powel (“Afterlife”) both brought their own style and vision to the shoots and we could not be happier.
How did you come to sign with Bleeding Art Collective?
Our previous vocalist who ran a promotion and touring company at the time was in contact with Greg from Bleeding Art. The rest I’m a little unsure of really. I think we may have played one or two live shows where Greg was provided feedback of Complexant and along with the interest of the first few singles we released kept the interest there. I Just remember our previous vocalist being the point of contact for some time and communicating the interest both ways until a contract was presented to us.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
For this upcoming album I would hope for us to be playing quite a number of shows in support of it around the country. Maybe some future goals for us could involve international touring in support of it, but we’ll just have to see what happens when it comes out! Mostly we all would love for it to be heard and enjoyed by people all over the world.
What has been your most memorable Complexant live show?
There are so many memorable shows played with Complexant, but for me personally at this point I would say our show supporting Cryptopsy in December 2025 would be a solid choice. The energy in the crowd from the onset was on point and we absolutely nailed our set.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Currently we have four shows with The Absolution Sequence in support of the album next month on 14-15th August and 28-29th August, then we play our first ever international shows at Asia Metal Festival in Korea and Taiwan.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I like to keep myself pretty busy through strength training, competitive martial arts training lately focusing on wrestling. My YouTube channel (Chris Tuckley) is also a constant and trying to travel where I can and spending time with my missus.
Who are your top 5 favorite Australian bands (of any genre)?
The Butterfly Effect, Cog, Psycroptic, Virtues, Daysend
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We are touring the East Coast of Australia through August with The Absolution Sequence. Ticket links and info available via our Facebook page.
(interview published August 1, 2026)
Watch Complexant – “No Angels Weep” Video
