A Promise to Burn are a post-hardcore band from Southern Illinois.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

 Jake Combs - Vocals 

Mike Miller - Guitar

Chad Welker - Guitar

Heather Miner - Bass

Zach Allard - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to A Promise To Burn? How long has the band been around?

I believe that Mike, Chad and I are the only ones that had serious projects before A Promise To Burn. Chad and Mike were in a band together called Our Affliction, and I had numerous different projects ever since I started playing when I turned 13. Chad and Mike very recently joined the band, but A Promise To Burn started in January 2012, and has been going strong ever since. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Well originally, we had a huge amount of different possible band names in mind, but they all were incredibly generic, or just flat out stupid as shit. Jake was flipping though his lyric book one day and found a song he had written titled "A Promise To Burn" and I suppose it kind of just stuck from there. 

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

All of us have a part in writing the music, whether it is a very small part, or a huge part. Jake writes his own lyrics, Mike writes most of the guitars, and I write all of my drum parts. Usually one person will come up with an idea or layout for the full song, and the rest of us will incorporate our ideas to it, which ends up finishing the song. As for lyric content, I don't think any combination of our songs have the same meaning or topic. We have songs ranging from talking about being in love with your significant other, to never giving up, to absolutely despising someone to no end. It's really unpredictable what Jake will end up writing about. 

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Well our style has changed quite a bit over the years, but if I had to give a few bands to generalize our new sound, I'd say it would be a mix between Asking Alexandria, August Burns Red, Miss May I, and Secrets. Combine all of those bands, and you have the newest A Promise To Burn material. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

When I was young, I was just so inspired by all musicians honestly. I believe my main inspiration when I looked to start a band, though, would have to be Slipknot. Those guys are some of the most inspirational metal musicians to ever step foot in the industry. I aspire to someday be half the musician that those guys are. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Well, being a drummer obviously requires a bit of workout before a show. Personally, I like to have someone grab my hands, and literally flail my arms up and down for a few seconds to get really loosened up. I also do the stereotypical drummer things, like paradiddles, foot exercises, and leg stretches. 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

We have had alot of badass stuff go on recently, but I believe our biggest highlight so far would have to be opening for The Word Alive. We were so close to selling out the venue that we played and it was really a night that we will never forget. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

The choice is pretty easy for me. It would have to be Slipknot, Attila, August Burns Red, or I See Stars. All of these bands have been favorites of mine for a long time and nothing would make me happier than to tour with my favorite musicians. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

 A Promise To Burn has alot of badass stuff coming up soon, and we really don't want anyone to miss out on it! Everyone should be looking out for big news from us starting early this Fall!