Joe meets with San Antonio metal band Rival as they approach their two-year anniversary of playing live shows. Hear how founding members RJ and Izzy first connected, how Alex came into the fold, and what it took to bring their powerful EP Rage and Serenity to life. Plus, get the story behind their very first show and the challenges that shaped the band’s early days.
Founding members RJ and Izzy first crossed paths in a middle school guitar class, bonding over riffs and shared ambition. Years later, Alex joined the lineup, bringing new dynamics and helping shape the thunderous sound Rival is now known for.
The band opens up about the uphill battle of recording Rage and Serenity, including the unexpected villain of the process; The brutal Texas summer heat. After their Mac Mini kept overheating mid-session, they were forced to re-record multiple parts, turning what should’ve been a straightforward process into a test of patience and passion. Still, the struggle only deepened their commitment to the project, and to each other.
Of course, no Rival origin story would be complete without revisiting their chaotic first show. Picture this: a barely-functional venue often described as a "crack house," DIY lighting, and someone acting as a literal human mic stand. Despite it all, the band set the tone for their high-intensity performances and commitment to making it work, no matter the circumstances.
Now, with nearly two years of shows under their belt and new music in the works, Rival opens up about what comes next, how they’re evolving, and why they’re more locked in than ever.
Watch the full interview to get the full story behind Rival’s beginnings, the creative fire behind Rage and Serenity, and the moments that turned a group of friends into one of San Antonio’s most promising metal acts.