Max Raptor

Max Raptor, a four-piece punk rock group, took their name from Maximón, the Guatemalan deity linked to smoking and drinking. Every member grew up in the Midlands village of Burton-on-Trent and first crossed paths as schoolmates in the same local institution. The lineup came together in 2006, with Wil Ray handling vocals, Matt Stevenson on bass, JB Wilcox on guitar, and Tom Garrett behind the drums. Their blend of accessible punk rock and socially aware lyrics helped build a devoted following, which led to a 2009 support tour with Billy Talent and a 2010 opening slot for the Stranglers. Their first release arrived in 2011 as the mini-album Portraits, yet Wilcox soon departed after becoming a father and Garrett exited to explore other styles of music.

Ahead of the 2013 full-length debut Mothers Ruin, Ben Winnington joined on drums and Pete Reisner on guitar. The group signed with the independent punk label Hassle Records in 2015 and marked the occasion by issuing the Damage Appreciation EP, which preceded their self-titled album in 2016.