JAKE TAYLOR Of IN HEARTS WAKE Talks Tarot, Incarnation, And The Power Of The Underworld

Interview by Angela Croudace
In our interview with Jake Taylor, the powerhouse vocalist of
Australian metal band In Hearts Wake, we dug into the band’s latest
album Incarnation, their connection to tarot, and the unique
creative journey behind their latest work.
The concept for Incarnation is deeply rooted in the band’s early
fascination with tarot, something that’s been in Taylor’s life
since childhood. “My mum was a tarot reader, so I grew up around
people coming to her for readings,” Jake shared, “On this album,
every song aligns with a major arcana card, but we’ve flipped them
upside down,” he explained. This inversion of meanings reflects the
darker, shadowy themes explored on the record. Incarnation delves
deep into the underworld, musically and spiritually, creating a
sonic experience that’s intense, raw, and unrelenting.
Jake also revealed that tarot is more than just a lyrical motif for
the band—it’s a tool for personal reflection. “We’ve turned to
tarot during pivotal moments, like when we were figuring out the
exit of a band member, just to see if things were aligned,” he
said. This insight goes beyond mere fortune-telling, instead
helping the band navigate life’s challenging decisions.
Aside from the mystical, Jake also spoke about the band’s growth
and experiences. Touring internationally, including a huge
milestone tour with Slipknot and Lamb of God, has cemented In
Hearts Wake’s reputation as a force in the heavy music scene.
In 2025, In Hearts Wake will bring their dark, powerful sound to
Australia’s Knotfest for the first time. The band is eager to take
their place alongside metal heavyweights like Slipknot and Polaris.
“It’s a nice recognition,”
Jake reflected, “Australia gets it—it gets the heavy music, the
humour, and the wild places. We can’t wait to share that connection
on home soil.” It promises to be an unmissable moment for
fans.
When it comes to advice for aspiring Aussie musicians, Jake
stressed the importance of staying grounded. “It’s got to be about
the music and the people first,” he advised. “Don’t chase the
numbers game. Find the roots that keep you connected to what you
love.”
With Incarnation now out, In Hearts Wake continues to push
boundaries, blending their passion for music with a spiritual depth
that’s unique in the metal world.


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