False Reality are one of the most exciting new bands in the UK hardcore scene.

Their debut album Faded Intentions is a ferocious statement that more than delivers on the buzz, proudly waving the flag for hardcore while pulling in a whirlwind of other influences. In the midst of hardcore’s renaissance, with young stars like Turnstile and Knocked Loose appearing on major festival bills, False Reality are leading the charge in Britain’s underground, with deep roots in the scene’s trenches.

Formed in 2023, the quartet’s pedigree stretches back much further. Vocalist Rachel Rigby had already spent years as a gig promoter in Essex and London, even organising DIY festivals, eventually deciding to step up to the mic herself and form a band with a furious, sweat-drenched roar. Guitarist Dave Connolly is a true veteran of London hardcore, playing in Ironed Out with drummer Louis Dale long before False Reality. Along with bassist Joe Cornwell, the four of them hit the ground running with the Path of Self Destruct EP recorded with Gallows producer Steve Sears Jr., featuring Jem Siow of Australian hardcore band Speed on the lead single Opposites React. A collaboration born from genuine camaraderie after False Reality played one of their very first shows supporting Speed, their groove-driven and empowering sound was riotously received in the UK hardcore community.

The band spent 2025 relentlessly touring clubs and DIY venues around the country and Europe to build their name, entering the studio with momentum and a clear vision, taking the foundation of hardcore and running wild with it. Across 12 pummelling tracks, Faded Intentions hits hard with Dave’s taste for thrash-metal heroics, blistering solos and squealing leads that evoke early Slayer, injecting an old-school metal spirit into the hardcore framework. False Reality refuse to be pigeonholed, with elements of ‘90s grunge and alternative rock, classic punk, and chugging hardcore in a thrilling grab-bag of influences, delivering hard-hitting music that connects with a crowd deliberately crafted for maximum pit impact. Gut churning mosh fuel, adrenaline-rush guitar work and themes of betrayal, empowerment, revenge and struggle drawn from real experiences, this is heavy music driven by emotion and defiance.

False Reality came together through the London hardcore community and remain deeply connected to it, valuing the authenticity and inclusivity that the familial hardcore underground cultivates. Hardcore unity is a guiding principle for the band, with Rachel as a prominent female voice in a male-dominated scene, they’re just as likely to be found two-stepping at a local gig as they are commanding the stage with a loyal following rooted in DIY spirit.

We spoke to the band to find out more: