Blackpool trio Apriori are heading into a busy period. New single Love Tonight arrives on 9 October, offering the first taste of forthcoming album Bad To The Bone, due in early summer 2027. The band describe the record as a reflection of exactly where they are right now, with each song given its own identity rather than being forced into a particular box.
Behind the drums is Mouse Lang, a man determined, relentless and creative, although apparently partial to a good face mask. His journey with Apriori has taken him from a gig featuring a stage cut out of the back of a van, Christmas lights masquerading as a lighting rig and a mysteriously absent hog roast, to the considerably bigger stage and crowd of Maid Of Stone Festival.
Along the way, he has learned the importance of staying humble, remembering your roots and never giving up. Mouse Lang steps into The MetalTalk Lowdown.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Woke up in a random farmer’s field outside the show grounds at 5:30 am when I was at a festival.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
When we first started out, we were told the venue had a big stage, full PA system, lighting rig, hog roast outside and would be a full beer garden. When we turned up, it was the cut-out of the back of a van, the PA system went off after the second song and kept cutting out, the lighting rig was Christmas lights, and there was no Hog Roast. Just one man sat outside watching.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Probably Maid of Stone Festival 2025. Big stage, Big crowd and a great atmosphere.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
Platinum Record. It has the potential to make your name live forever.
What’s your greatest fear?
Losing my Family.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Getting Stressed.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Not staying humble.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, Relentless, Creative.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A good face mask.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
As a drummer, I couldn’t tell you. But I’ve seen when Tony [Lang] has written a great riff and you know he knows what he’s done. That smirk.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
I don’t think a True fan has ever said anything bad to me.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
That we didn’t deserve the position on a bill that we 100% earned.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Maybe a tattooist or an actor.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Now That’s What I Call Christmas
When did you last cry, and why?
Not long ago, actually. Family reasons.
What keeps you awake at night?
Too much to do and not enough time.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Royalties. Unfortunately, in today’s world, you could write the greatest riff of all time, and it wouldn’t mean anything. The only way to get valuable recognition these days is a big pot of gold to invest in several different people to get you to that next level.
How do you want to be remembered?
For never giving up.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
To stay humble and remember your roots.
What happens when the music stops?
It doesn’t stop!
