Welcome to Artist Spotlight, our new series where we introduce you to fresh and exciting artists you need to hear now! This week we chat with Chicago-based metalcore outfit VCTMS who are hot on the heels of the release of their pummeling yet emotionally vulnerable new EP, Pain Processing II. Possessing equal parts dynamic, beatdown hardcore bravado coupled with intricate deathcore-inspired riffs and a touch of nu-metal flare, VCTMS, who consist of vocalist John Matalone, drummer/songwriter Meredith Henderson and guitarist Mike Clampitt are leaving an indelible mark on the state of heavy music today with Pain Processing II.
Featuring a stacked cast of guest vocalists from acts such as Fox Lake, Extortionist, ten56, among others, Pain Processing II expands upon the core sound of their 2025 breakout release Pain Processing I but dials things up to eleven. The result is something that feels like a communal act of aggression and freeing catharsis, capturing their frenetic live energy seamlessly. Based on the strength of the Pain Processing EPs, it’s safe to say that the hype is sure to reach a boiling point when the band eventually releases their long-awaited next full-length album and further converts more new fans to join their all-inclusive community they affectionately dub as the “Bad Luck Crew.”
In an interview with Haus Of Cult, we caught up with VCTMS guitarist Mike Clampitt to unpack the cathartic process of writing Pain Processing II, collaborating with scene heavy hitters, the Chicago hardcore scene, fashion and so much more.
Stream/Purchase Pain Processing II
Your new EP Pain Processing II just dropped. You mention that this new batch of material goes even deeper in terms of emotions and brutality than its predecessor. What was your headspace like in the writing and recording process for this EP? Any new sonic approaches you strived to take this time around?
Mike Clampitt: It’s a lot more angry; there’s a more primal aggression to the approach, from everything from the riffs to the lyrics. We were all collectively dealing with our own forms of grief while we were writing and recording these songs, and I think it just came out in a way where we didn’t want to sugarcoat what we were feeling and to just be as honest as we could be with the listeners and ourselves.
While the roots of your music are linked to heavy subgenres like metalcore and hardcore, you also incorporate a lot of outside elements. What did you find yourself gravitating towards in terms of influences during the writing process for the EP?
Mike Clampitt: I was listening to stuff like Citizen, Bouquet, Movements, and Hozier a lot, but also heavier bands like Thrown, Weeping Wound, Stay Lost, and Wiltwither. All bands/artists that excel at making you feel something when you listen to them.
Your single “burning/bones”is definitely a standout track and features Ben Hoagland of Extortionist. Walk us through the meaning behind this track and what your experience was like collaborating together?
Mike Clampitt: To me, this song is the cornerstone of the EP. It sums up the overall vibe of all the songs, both lyrically and tonally. It’s the feeling of being at one of the darkest places in your life; you look around to see everybody you thought was there for you is gone, maybe even the person you never thought would ever do that, and the inner turmoil and reflection that ensues from that becoming your reality. Finally getting Ben on a song was amazing. He’s been a friend to the band for over a decade and has done a ton of merch designs for us over the years, so it felt very natural to have him on this song. We all met up and shot the video in Florida together, and it came out great.
Speaking of collaborators, Pain Processing II features five different guest vocalists. What was the intention of stacking the EP with so many features, and what do you feel each person brought to the table? Additionally, are there any other dream vocalists or musicians you would love to collaborate with on future releases?
Mike Clampitt: We’ve always been a “feature band,” where we like having friends of ours hop on songs if we think they’ll fit the vibe. It adds a whole different layer to the music and makes it more exciting for us. While Pain Processing I only had one feature, Zelli from the band Paleface Swiss, who we love endlessly, we thought, “Why not go the complete opposite this time and have someone on almost every song?” So we did just that. Everyone we have on the EP has their own style and personality as vocalists; they brought each song somewhere completely new that we couldn’t have done without them being a part of it. As far as dream vocalist collaborations go, personally it’s a toss-up between Hayley Williams and Matt Heafy from Trivium, no doubt.
What song from Pain Processing II holds the most personal significance to you, and why?
Mike Clampitt: I would say “clip my wings.” It sums up a lot of emotions and hardships I myself went through last year and almost feels like a goodbye letter to an important chapter in my life. I definitely owe having as positive of an outlook as I do now to that song coming to fruition and Meredith’s lyrics.
Being a Chicago-area-based band, your neck of the woods has been a major exporter of incredible heavy music. How do you feel your environment has shaped your music, and what do you make of the current state of the scene there?
Mike Clampitt: There were a lot of staple bands in the Chicago scene when I was in middle and high school. Arguably, the Midwest in general holds some of the best bands of all genres, so we were really spoiled. I love our scene and always have. Without bands like Kingmaker, Prospects, Barrier, Veil of Maya, or Villains, our band probably doesn’t exist. The current state is a lot different than it used to be, but shows are still fun, especially the DIY hardcore scene, which is still fairly strong here.
VCTMS are obviously a very fan-focused band and definitely seem to be creating a strong community with the “Bad Luck Crew.” What do you ultimately want to provide to your fans when they listen to your music or come to a show, and how do you hope to continue to evolve this fan experience?
Mike Clampitt: I want people to enjoy themselves and feel included or seen when they come to a VCTMS show. I also hope that people let loose; we encourage movement, crowd surfing, pitting, and knowing the words. Just be yourself.
As a media outlet associated with a fashion brand, we always like to ask what inspires your personal style. Are there any specific brands or fashion icons that particularly resonate with you and how you like to express yourself?
Mike Clampitt: I love sports. A lot of my personal style incorporates sports teams or colors, then getting that to match with the rest of the fit, so to speak. Sports colors or themes are a big inspiration for our merchandising. As for other brands, I really like Supreme, Welcome, Pleasures, Affliction, Essentials, and other streetwear brands.
In terms of your own band merch, what do you want to portray through your designs, and do you have any bucket list merch item goals?
Mike Clampitt: That we print way more than just black T-shirts. As for bucket list merch items, I really want to do Lego sets, beer, playmats, and more custom jackets, for a short list.
If VCTMS music could score any film, TV show, or video game, what would it be and why?
Mike Clampitt: Well, I wouldn’t want to score anything that’s already out because I am obsessed with scores, and most of them are perfect, as is. But if they did a remake of Freddy vs. Jason, I would 100% want to be on that soundtrack. That, or something like Madden NFL.
Obviously, the new EP Pain Processing II just dropped. What else can fans be on the lookout for this year in terms of upcoming tours, more new music, and anything else you want to shout out?
Mike Clampitt: We hit the road starting May 8th with Jiluka and The Sunday Sadness, but another tour is getting announced in late May, and then we have something else special in the works for next year. I’m excited for it all to come together. Shout out to everyone who listens to us and gives the band a chance. It means the absolute world.
Stream/Purchase Pain Processing II
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