In a recent candid interview with interviewer Kevin Powell, Chaney Crabb, the formidable vocalist of the progressive metal outfit ENTHEOS, articulated a core philosophy for emerging bands navigating the challenging landscape of the music industry. Her advice, distilled from years of experience and a deep-seated passion for her craft, centers on an unshakeable commitment to artistic integrity and self-belief. When prompted for guidance to those seeking to establish themselves in the competitive realm of metal music, Crabb emphasized a singular, potent message: "The only advice that I can really give is just don’t quit. Stay true to your vision."
This foundational principle, Crabb elaborated, is particularly crucial in the early stages of a band’s journey. "When you start a band especially, it’s hard to start making money doing this," she stated, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "It’s hard to make a living doing this. And none of us get into it for that." However, she acknowledged the pragmatic realities of a professional music career, noting that "there does come a point where it’s, like, in order for this to be a viable thing that I can do for the rest of my life, there does have to be some kind of money involved." The critical juncture, according to Crabb, lies in maintaining one’s artistic compass through these financial hurdles. "So the staying true to it through that part, it’s, like, you have to bridge the gap. You just have to believe in your vision and believe in yourself and keep pushing and not give a fuck what people try to tell you to do."
Crabb recounted personal experiences that underscore the importance of this resilience. "Because if I would’ve quit playing music when people told me that I was never gonna make it or that I needed a real job, quote-unquote, or any of that shit, man, I would’ve quit when I was 18 years old," she revealed. "It’s, like, no one sees things like this." This sentiment highlights a common disconnect between the aspirations of artists and the conventional expectations of society, where a career in the arts, particularly in a niche genre like metal, is often perceived as less stable or less legitimate than more traditional employment paths.
The Power of Self-Belief in a Skeptical World
Expanding on the theme of internal conviction, Crabb underscored the rarity of external validation for ambitious dreams. "If you have a dream, it’s very rare that people see it as a viable option for you in life," she observed. "And the most important thing is just fucking believing in yourself and moving past all of that because no one’s ever gonna believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. That’s it." This profound statement points to the inherent responsibility artists bear in championing their own artistic endeavors, especially when facing a chorus of doubt or indifference.
Crabb stressed that this unwavering self-belief must persist regardless of the level of success attained. "I mean, no matter how far you get, you have to stay true to your vision. You have to fully feel the power of what you have going on, and if there’s any part of you that doesn’t believe in yourself, people are gonna see that. People can see through you." This psychological insight suggests that an artist’s internal conviction is not only a personal motivator but also a palpable force that resonates with audiences and industry professionals alike. "So just stay true to yourself, believe in yourself. And that might be cliché, but it’s the fucking truth. It’s mind over matter."
Lessons from the Wilderness: The Mental Fortitude of Survival
To illustrate her point about mental resilience, Crabb drew a compelling parallel to the popular survival reality television show, "Alone." She described the show, particularly its seasons set in the Alaskan wilderness, as a profound exploration of human endurance. "It’s a show where individuals go out into the parts of the wilderness. So my favorite season is in the Alaskan wilderness, and they try to survive on their own," she explained. "And it’s like survival of the fittest. Whoever stays the longest wins the money at the end."
Crabb noted a common misconception regarding the contestants’ success. "You start to see the people who you think in the beginning they have all of the tools and they know how to hunt and how to do everything to get by, you think those are the ones who are gonna win," she said. However, she identified the true determinant of victory: "but at the end of the day, it’s the people who have control of their minds, who don’t let the emotional aspects of life or missing people or any of those things get to them." This observation translates directly to the artistic journey. The ability to compartmentalize doubt, fear, and external pressures is presented as the ultimate tool for long-term success. "The minute you let that shit in, you’re home. So it’s all about your mind. Surviving is all about your mind and how long you can stick with something. It’s all about your mind. It’s mind over matter, always."
ENTHEOS Gears Up for "Empty On The Inside" Release
Crabb’s reflections on perseverance and artistic integrity arrive as ENTHEOS prepares to release their highly anticipated new studio album, "Empty On The Inside," on October 23, 2026, via Metal Blade Records. This release marks a significant milestone for the band, with the album being described as their "most ambitious and fully realized" to date.
The album features the core ENTHEOS lineup, comprising Crabb on vocals and lyrics, and multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis, known for his previous work with Animals As Leaders and Animosity. They are joined by guitarists Scott Carstairs (Fallujah) and Michael Stancel (Allegaeon), a formidable ensemble whose collective talent has been a hallmark of the band’s evolving sound. The collaborative spirit within this lineup is credited with shaping "Empty On The Inside" into a cohesive and creatively unified work.
"Empty On The Inside" is poised to deliver the intricate musicianship and progressive intensity that have become synonymous with ENTHEOS, while also showcasing advancements in their songwriting. The band has embraced tighter structures, stronger melodic hooks, and a more pronounced melodic presence. This evolution aims to channel the raw, visceral energy of 1990s rock and metal into a sound that is both modern and distinctly ENTHEOS.
The production of "Empty On The Inside" was handled by Mark Lewis, a seasoned producer with credits for bands such as The Black Dahlia Murder, Fallujah, and Whitechapel. Mastering was completed by Justin Sturtz at Sterling Sound, a renowned facility for audio mastering. The album’s striking visual artwork was conceived by Zac Shiffer, an artist whose portfolio includes work for Nine Inch Nails, Behemoth, and Soundgarden, suggesting a high level of artistic intention across all facets of the release.
The album’s first single, "Golden Crown," has already been unveiled, accompanied by an official music video, offering fans a glimpse into the sonic and visual direction of the new material.
A Trajectory of Growth and Critical Acclaim
The upcoming album release follows a period of significant touring and increasing visibility for ENTHEOS. The band recently concluded their highest-profile run to date, supporting Jinjer on the North American "Duél" tour, alongside Crystal Lake. This extensive tour provided ENTHEOS with a substantial platform to connect with a wider audience.
Prior to the Jinjer tour, ENTHEOS embarked on their first-ever North American headlining tour in 2025, a significant undertaking that saw multiple sold-out shows and necessitated venue upgrades, indicating a growing and dedicated fanbase. The reception to their live performances has been consistently positive, with critical reviews highlighting the band’s prowess. All Music Magazine lauded Crabb’s vocal delivery, noting her "seamless blend of ferocious gutturals, piercing screams, and melodic textures" and emphasizing that "every intricate riff and rhythmic shift landed with precision." Metal Insider offered a concise but powerful endorsement, declaring: "ENTHEOS crushed it. A blast to see live." The Jinjer tour concluded on July 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving a trail of impressed audiences and reinforcing the band’s reputation as a dynamic live act.
The ENTHEOS Lineup: A Convergence of Talent
The current iteration of ENTHEOS represents a formidable collective of musicians:
- Chaney Crabb – Vocals, Lyrics: Her powerful vocal range and lyrical depth are central to the band’s identity. Crabb is also recognized for her work as a voice actress, notably portraying Jill Valentine in the popular video game "Dead By Daylight."
- Navene Koperweis – Drums, Guitar, Synth: A highly respected multi-instrumentalist, Koperweis brings a wealth of technical skill and creative vision to the band’s intricate arrangements.
- Michael Stancel – Guitar, Synth: Stancel contributes a vital layer of guitar work and synthesizers, further enriching the band’s complex sonic tapestry.
- Scott Carstairs – Guitar: As a guitarist for Fallujah, Carstairs brings a distinctive technical and melodic sensibility to ENTHEOS’s guitar-driven soundscapes.
The synergy between these artists, combined with Crabb’s unwavering philosophy, positions ENTHEOS for a significant impact with the release of "Empty On The Inside." Her advice to aspiring musicians—to remain steadfast in their vision, cultivate unwavering self-belief, and master the mental fortitude required for sustained effort—serves as a potent reminder of the core tenets necessary for navigating the arduous yet rewarding path of a career in music. The band’s continued trajectory, marked by critical acclaim and increasing commercial success, stands as a testament to the efficacy of this very philosophy.
