Black Water Redemption premiered their new single Stand For Something with MetalTalk earlier this year, introducing new singer Adam Chambers and opening the next chapter for the Bournemouth band. Their self-titled debut album arrives on 2 October 2026, pushing their sound into heavier, more refined territory.
Following last night’s album launch show at The Bear Cave in Bournemouth, the band will be back on the road in October. Before then, guitarist Tyler Hains steps into The MetalTalk Lowdown, with memories of playing to his dad, a waitress and a sound guy, opening for Black Star Riders and discovering exactly what he wanted to do with his life.
There’s also Nickelback with absolutely no guilt attached, but beneath it all is someone determined to enjoy the ride, stay humble and never look back, wishing he had given it just that little bit more.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Probably breaking a guy’s nose for throwing rocks at my cat outside my house. He learnt the hard way.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
In the early days, there were some awful gigs. Luckily, there hasn’t been one for a long while. I remember getting booked to play an 800-cap venue and playing in front of my dad, sound guy and the waitress. Our bass player left halfway through the set to go for a slash. But we are talking years and years ago.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
Best show was probably opening up for Black Star Riders at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth. Why? Because that was the night I walked off stage and said to myself, this is what I want/need/have to do with my life.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
One perfect legendary show. Recorded, so it goes platinum after. [Laughs]. Both are things we aspire to create.
What’s your greatest fear?
Without getting too deep and personal, but looking back and wishing I had just given something that little bit more to achieve it.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My level of blind optimism definitely does me no favours sometimes. [Laughs]
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Ego. All of us on the ladder are not Steven Tyler or Angus Young. Let’s just stay humble, play a good show and enjoy that. But no need to get above ourselves.
Describe yourself in three words.
Dedicated, determined, self-sacrificing
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures. Especially Nickelback.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
It feels like when you first start playing guitar, and you play your first favourite riff from your favourite band. You can’t get enough of it. There’s a moment of innocence and excitement that unfortunately gets lost sometimes in the bullshit that is the music industry.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
Don’t wear white T-shirts as it shows your beer belly.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
I don’t really think we’ve had anything negative written about us, and if we did, then I ain’t read it.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Oh, we all have jobs [Laughs]. I run my own landscaping business. When I’m not playing guitar, I’m digging holes and pushing wheelbarrows. Maybe one day I’ll get to put down the shovel.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
No secret again, I love Pink. She’s got an amazing blues voice.
When did you last cry, and why?
The other week, and none of ya business. 😉
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing. Once my head is down, I’m out for the count.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Riffs every day. Great riffs leave a legacy. Money comes and goes. Recognition feeds insecurity.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a loving dad, as a loving partner, as a loving friend and hopefully as someone who wrote some music that people enjoy way after I’m gone.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
How to be professional on and off stage. How to enjoy the ride. How to not complain about the small things. When you are not on the road, all the small things are what you want back.
What happens when the music stops?
I go back to being dad, and to being my partner’s 50%. I go back to laying patios, and laying beers down at the local brewery with my buddies. I love music, but you will find no joy in making it your only peace. Music is best enjoyed with people you love.
You can find out more about Black Water Redemption at linktr.ee/blackwaterredemption.
