By Staff | April 10, 2026

Valefor is a metal band from Long Island that blends the technical intricacy of progressive metal with the raw energy of hardcore. Since original members Sean and Cole began playing together in 2014, the addition of Cody has invigorated their songwriting process, resulting in a sound characterized by both mosh-ready rhythms and complex structures. Deeply committed to the DIY ethos, the trio funds their own recordings at Westfall Studios and remains dedicated to building an inclusive community by partnering with local booking collectives and independent zines. Their music often explores themes of self-reflection and transparency, aiming to provide a safe space for expression while they prepare to expand their heavy and atmospheric sound on their upcoming EP.

Cole and Sean, you two have been playing together since 2014. How has your shared musical bond evolved over the last decade, and how did Cody’s arrival change the chemistry of your songwriting?

Sean Dullaghan: When Cole and I first started playing together we were both pretty new to playing metal. Now that both of us are 26 we’ve developed much more varied music tastes which has lead to our music drawing from a broader range of influences. Since Cody’s joined the band, this has expanded even further. We definitely need to compromise on ideas at times to keep things cohesive but it helps us write songs that sound dynamic.

Cole Fowler: Sean and I have a very collaborative chemistry. I really appreciate Sean’s ability to actively listen and critically think about his place in the music. Cody’s arrival stimulated the band in a way we had been missing. The energy Cody brings to the band is unmatched by anyone else I’ve played with.

Your most recent EP leans into some heavy, heady themes. Musically, how did you balance the prog side of your influences with the more visceral hardcore energy during the writing process?

Sean: We tried to keep a balance between high energy songs that people can mosh to, and unique song structures with unexpected patterns that keep people on their toes. We played all of the material live to get an idea of how people felt before heading to the studio as well.

You’re heading back to Westfall Studios to work with Anthony Lopardo and Ray Marte. What is it about their production style or that environment that helps capture the Valefor sound?

Sean: Anthony and Ray have decades of experience recording and mixing music and their studio has everything we could possibly need. They’re also incredibly easy to work with as they have tons of knowledge in the styles of metal we play making it even easier to convey to them how we want things to sound. We look forward to working with them again in the near future.

You’ve mentioned that the LI scene provides a safe space for expression that isn't always found elsewhere on the Island. How does that sense of community find its way into your lyrics or the atmosphere of your live shows?

Sean: We work with booking collectives and promoters that make sure anybody and everybody is welcome at Valefor shows. Our lyrics often contain themes of self reflection and we hope that transparency encourages others to express themselves freely as well.

There are a lot of great prog metal bands out there - who would you sell your souls (metaphorically) to open for? Maybe a hometown show with Dream Theater?

Sean: Would love to open for Primus or Dillinger Escape Plan one day.

In an era where the everything about music feels increasingly digital and corporate, what does DIY mean in practical terms for Valefor today?

Cole: So many bands now a days get watered down once they make “make it big”. There’s a certain honesty and rawness that comes from DIY shows, and if the band isn't up to snuff, there's no hiding it. We try our best to keep it tight and raw, something about that people seem to acknowledge.

Sean: We have no manager or label, organize every show ourselves and have funded our recording entirely out of pocket and from money we made playing shows. Of course we get help from others in the community like our friend Adam Schnepp who designs our merch and Anthony and Ray from Westfall Recordings but we take pride in doing it independently and choosing who to work with and support.

You’ve been vocal about supporting Tiny Raccoon Books and Wrong Island Zine. Why is it important for a metal band to bridge the gap between heavy music and local independent literature and activism?

Sean: With censorship and propaganda rampant in social media and news nowadays, it’s important for people to get properly informed and think for themselves. It doesn’t take much to put out a table with some zines to inform people and we thank Tiny Raccoon and Wrong Island Zine for helping us make that happen.

You’ve hit LI, NYC, Upstate, NJ, and PA. Is there a specific venue or city that feels like a second home for the band, or maybe a show that fundamentally changed how you view your own performance?

Sean: The Meatlocker in Montclair is a dope DIY spot in New Jersey centered around heavy and alt music that’s very reminiscent of venues around NY like Lucky 13s and the late Cave in Medford. The energy there was great.

This summer you’re looking to hit states you haven't played yet. What are the dream cities or venues on your radar?

Sean: Would love to play New Haven CT, Boston MA and get out to the west coast some time in the coming years.

Without giving too much away (unless you want to drop any announcements), how does the material for the upcoming EP differ from Cognitive Distortion? Are you pushing further into technical areas or focusing on a more atmospheric approach?

Sean: Without straying too far from what we’ve done before, we’re diving a little bit deeper into both the heavy side and the proggy side of our sound.

Cole: Well, one of the songs we’ve been playing live for a few months now, and the others are just starting to make their way to the stage while we put the finishing touches and work out any kinks in the material. We’ve got some heavy stuff coming down the pike, of course with a sprinkle of weird progressive stuff we like to throw in there.

When people look back at the Long Island heavy music scene of the mid-2020s, what would you like Valefor’s contribution to be remembered as?

Cole: If I could touch one person with the music we create, that would mean the world to me!

Sean: We’d like to be remembered as artists who put their performance and music before anything else.

Anyone you'd like to thank?

Sean: Would like to give a shoutout to Point Blank NYHC @pointblanknyhc for letting us know about knifekwister records, Adam Schnepp @thegravyboi for designing our art and logos, and Jimmy Busch @jimmybusch for is photography work.

Cole: Anyone and everyone who came to a show, bought merch or listened to us in any capacity.

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