Metallic hardcore isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cape Town. Yet, out of this coastal city, THE TALON comes with their uncompromising sound and DIY ethos. Their latest single, “Possessor,” delivers a sharp and unrelenting commentary on familial shadows and the struggles they leave behind.
Guitarist Marku Boshoff captured its intensity in a self-produced music video, raw and unpolished, mirroring the track’s themes.
THE TALON is Brett Allen-White (guitar), Marku Boshoff (guitar), CP van der Merwe (drums), Scott Miller (vocals), and Steven Ilbury (bass).
Brett and Scott’s history runs deep. They first shared a stage in PAST HAUNTS, a post-hardcore outfit, while Scott also fronted BOTTOM FEEDER, a powerviolence project. Steven came from LIFE BELOW, a hardcore band with a reputation for blistering live sets.
When Steven moved to Cape Town, the pieces clicked. Brett, already writing with Marku, pitched the idea of a band that could balance the weight of modern hardcore with the filthy rock ’n’ roll swagger of KVELERTAK and EVERY TIME I DIE.
Scott initially joined on drums but transitioned to vocals when CP entered the picture.
Cape Town Hardcore
Cape Town isn’t a place that churns out stars. The South African music scene is small, insular, and fiercely independent.
NoiseFix, a booking and promotion collective co-founded by Steven, has been a lifeline for bands like THE TALON. Since its inception over a decade ago, NoiseFix has brought acts such as GOD MOTHER (Sweden), FULCI (Italy), and MAGRUDERGRIND (USA) to South African stages.
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The scene here thrives in tight-knit spaces: pubs, clubs, and community halls.
THE TALON’s world is one where 250 people feel like an arena and every show is earned.
NoiseFix has handled over 150 events, and while most bands come from hardcore, grind, or death metal, the ethos remains constant — make the show happen, no matter the obstacles.
South Africa may be far off the usual tour circuits, but it punches above its weight. METAL4AFRICA’s WinterFest gave THE TALON the platform to prove their mettle. The audience has been dubbed as fierce and loyal, as per the band.
“Despite being geographically isolated, South Africa’s community punches well above its weight, producing amazing hardcore and metal bands with a distinct identity.” – says the band.
The country’s hardcore bands reflect its fractured beauty. Here are some active South African bands THE TALON think you should know:
Peasant
Metallic hardcore from Cape Town, IDIOTEQ featured.
Twenty One Children
Hardcore punk from Soweto.
Doomtrigger
Metalcore from Stellenbosch.
Sunken State
Metalcore from Joburg, recently played Wacken.
Ghast
Hardcore from Gqerberha.
Lower Hollow
Melodic hardcore from Joburg.
Among the next wave, some more bands are already making moves.
No Closure
Grift
The Dominion
Interested in bringing your band to South Africa? Reach out to NoiseFix on Instagram.
