North Carolina heavy hitters FILTH have spent the last few years carving out a lane of their own in modern deathcore. Blending crushing breakdowns with groove, raw emotion and an unwavering sense of identity, the band has built more than just a fanbase—they’ve created a community. At the centre of it all is Shell Town, a tribute to their hometown of Shelby, North Carolina, and the Gutter Gang, a family of supporters united by resilience, loyalty and embracing their underdog roots.
With their latest album Welcome to Shell Town continuing to expand that world and their long-awaited first Australian tour finally on the horizon, we caught up with FILTH to talk about hometown pride, building a community beyond the music, what Australian fans can expect from their live show, and what’s next after they hit our shores.
For those discovering FILTH for the first time, how would you introduce the band?
I’d say no matter how serious the subject matter can be, our music is meant for people to just vibe to and have fun.
FILTH has built a strong identity around “Shell Town” and the Gutter Gang. Where did that world come from?
Well Shell Town is a nickname for our city Shelby, NC it can be rough at times but is home. Gutter gang is our friends and family and anyone who supports us, the underdogs, people who come from nothing.
You’ve created a community around FILTH that feels bigger than just the music. What does the Gutter Gang mean to you?
Gutter Gang started off as just our close friend group. We all have the coffin noose which is FILTH’s crest. Just our day ones, but anyone who supports us is Gutter Gang.
Your latest release Welcome to Shell Town is out now. How has the response been so far?
Its been great, we’ve expanded on what we did with Southern Hostility and the fans have been really receptive.
The idea of “Shell Town” has become such a big part of FILTH’s story. How much does your hometown and where you’re from influence the music you create?
It’s everything, from our early music dealing with things we’ve dealt with in life. Initially we wanted an outlet to express the darker side of life which can be visceral and emotional and gritty. To our friends and family supporting us every step of the way. We wouldn’t exist without it.
Is there a song from Welcome to Shell Town you’re especially excited for fans to experience live?
Well the title track Shell-Town, is a good look into the record and its really fun live.
FILTH has built a reputation for intense live shows. What do you think makes a great FILTH show?
As long as we bring the energy and leave everything on stage. All doubts, issues in life, etc. That’s our time to let it out and I think people see us having a good time and they start to follow suite. We just try to play hard and try to give our fans a great experience and an outlet to let out aggression.
FILTH is finally making it to Australia for the first time. What took so long, and what are you most excited to experience while you’re here?
We’ve always heard that Australia’s scene is awesome so mainly that and also koalas lol. Just the expenses really but we’ve been blessed with a great team of people that believe in us and helped us get here.
You’re bringing Kanine, Liar and Iocaste along for your first Australian tour. What makes this lineup special?
We’ve previously shared the stage with Kanine, Liar and Iocaste are all awesome bands and have been great to be out with. They all play super hard too, which adds to the entirety of the show and gives fans a really sick experience.
What can Australian fans expect when FILTH hits the stage?
Experience the stank face when our breakdowns hit haha. Just a really good time.
After this tour, what’s next for FILTH?
After this tour, the package heads to Europe and 2 weeks after that we will be with our good friends Opal in sky in Canada for their album release tour. And of course we have more music in the works.
TOUR INFORMATION
23rd July – Brisbane, Tomcat
24th July – Newcastle, King St Warehouse
25th July – Sydney, Marys Underground
26th July – Wollongong, La La La’s
29th July – Canberra, Fun Time Pony
31st July – Adelaide, Ed Castle
1st August – Melbourne, Leadbeaters
Presented by Obsolete Music
Tickets available here
