To a reality TV writer, Essex is better known as a haven for bimbonic twats rather than face-pounding metal bands. But today we’re going to change your perception of Essex by introducing you to Never Means Maybe, a fivesome who are churning out some loud, intense, distinctly screamy sounds.

If you want to put a label to it, the band describe themselves as pop-post-hardcore. Or if you want it in sexual terms, “Story of the Year getting it on with Glassjaw, while Funeral for a Friend are at war with Refused”. One listen to Inhale The Chaos should let you know what this band are all about: frenetic riffing, astounding drum work from Drew Steane, all building in its intensity to a satisfyingly throat-ripping climax.

Tell me more…

The five members of Never Means Maybe hail from Chelmsford in Essex. We’re not sure when the band got together, though their MySpace profile has been around since 2005. They’re building their profile in the UK with appearances at high-profile festivals like Sonisphere and Download, and their videos are getting airtime on rock channels Scuzz and Kerrang. The band’s line-up is:

• Renz Byrne – Vocals
• Drew Steane – Drums
• Bert Forster – Bass
• Tom McCarthy – Guitar
• Matt Steane – Guitar

Follow Never Means Maybe

Want more from Never Means Maybe? Stop off on their Facebook and Twitter pages for a start. For the full multimedia experience, watch their vids on YouTube. You can also catch a couple of different tracks on their MySpace page.

Finally, we’ll play you out with Ziva Killed Houdini: