Emerging Artist Reviews

Cemetery Lane Talks New Single "Why Aren't You Dead Yet"

by The Metalverse

Updated August 25, 2025

Cemetery Lane release new single "Why Aren't You Dead Yet" Plus Interview | The Metalverse.net

Cemetery Lane is a horror-inspired punk band that just released their debut single Why Aren't You Dead Yet on August 21st. The new punk act is made up of duo John Gilespie, previously of My Epiphany) and Marshall Willard (previously of Welles).

The band's debut track blasts into action with upbeat electric guitar leads that soar through the mix while dynamic rhythm guitars pan from ear to ear. With a runtime of just over 2 minutes, Cemetery Lane keeps things energetic, fast-paced, and melodic throughout the track. Emphasised lead vocals take a hard-rock sound with powerful singing vocals taking the forefront as harmonic instruments create a racing punk soundscape that blends speed and melody. With a modern and well-produced mix, Cemetery Lane creates a sound that is polished but that still comes across as authentic and not overproduced.

Fans of hard rock, punk, and horror-themed music will certainly enjoy Cemetery Lane. You can stream the band's single Why Aren't You Dead Yet out everywhere now!

You can watch the official music video on YouTube below:

Exclusive Interview with Cemetery Lane

How would you describe your music?

It's straight forward OG punk at the end of the day, but it's inspired by cheesy 80's horror. Like the stuff that not quite scary but has the most ridiculous premises. MST3K level, VHS filmed amateur schlock. That's the best stuff.

What are Cemetery Lane's biggest influences?

Ramones, Misfits, Bad Religion, Black Flag, even some Talking Heads, you know. If they played CBGB's in the early days, we're pretty inspired by it.

What is the concept of "Why Aren't You Dead"?

It has a lot of 80's slasher inspiration, but it's also about resiliency of Final Girls, really. I just love that trope. At a certain point, I think Michael Myers is probably like, "Why won't this gal just die already? I doing all my best moves, but Jamie Lee Curtis keeps popping back up and wrecking me! (Seinfeld Voice) What is the DEAL with Jamie Lee Curtis?!" As much as I love cheering on the villains of those movies, I'm always rooting for the Final Girls to wreck 'em. I think this song is just Act One of that cycle.

How did the band form and when?

We've been making music in a bunch of different genres for years, but there is something so cathartic and liberating about classic punk so we threw our hat in. I mean, the most fun way to break out of a tired old rut is to say both "fuck it" and "fuck you", right? It sorta feel like everything is so stuffy and self-important these days, and for me the only antidote is punk, metal, and like the grittiest rap on earth.

What is the story behind the name "Cemetery Lane"?

0001 Cemetery Lane is the Addams Family's address. I love them so much. Just watch (or re-watch) the original 1968 Addams Family TV show, and think about the cultural temperature of that era, it's really mind-blowing how subversive and successful it was. Gomez and Morticia were passionately in love, a huge contrast to the "2 beds in the bedroom" passionless relationships of TV couples of that time. They supported their children 100% and totally encouraged their individuality. They were, in essence, the perfect family unit. This was the show’s subtle anti-authoritarian message: the established rules for happiness are bullshit.

What does the band enjoy doing outside of music?

Music is part of everything we love and do. If it doesn't have music involved, I think we're just tolerating it, really.

What is one artist you would love to collab with?

Let's get some Re-Animator juice, pump that into Lemmy, and shove him into the Presidential limousine. That's a collab I could really get behind. Other than that, maybe doing some off the wall shit with Kneecap? We all love balaclavas over here, bruv.