Meet Linz-based punk outfit HYPERDOG with their high-energy performance and DIY spirit. With their latest EP Tales From The Mountain out now, we catch up with Mario (vocals, guitar), Johnny (bass) and Evren (drums) to learn about their journey, influences and what’s next for the band.

HYPERDOG’s roots run deep. Mario and Johnny’s friendship dates back to 2014, when Johnny joined Mario’s old band, Spirit Desire, as a drummer. Since then, the two have played in multiple projects together, clocking in over 40,000 km on the road. Evren, on the other hand, entered the picture more recently. “I met Evren in 2022 at a show in Linz”, Mario recalls. “He saw my Basement hoodie, started talking to me about it, and we hit it off instantly.”

All three members call Linz, Austria, home. Mario and Johnny hail from small towns on the outskirts, while Evren, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, moved to Linz 12 years ago to study … and never left.

HYPERDOG’s members have been active in the underground scene for years. Mario and Johnny previously played together in the emo/shoegaze band Spirit Desire and currently share another project, Johnny & The Rotten. Johnny also drums for the punk band LEBER, while Mario plays guitar in the hardcore punk outfit Ritualize. Evren’s drumming background goes back to high school bands in the U.S.

The band’s name comes from Mario’s dog, Diego. “When he was a puppy, he had insane energy and was constantly bouncing off the walls”, Mario laughs. “Now he’s calmed down, so I might need to start thinking about a new name.”

Most of HYPERDOG’s music starts with Mario writing at home using a drum machine. The songs then evolve in the rehearsal room, taking on new energy when played together as a band. “I love seeing how they transform — it feels like they become completely new songs,” he says.

The latest EP follows their LP Frog Mountain and features tracks re-recorded by Johnny at Support Nothing Studios in Linz. “Johnny added a killer guitar solo on Knife,” Mario adds. The video for Sugar Rush was shot by their friend Stefan (@immernurvielleicht) during their last show of 2024 at Posthof in Linz. “I’m super happy with how it turned out!”

HYPERDOG blends the intensity of 80s hardcore punk — think Minor Threat and Black Flag — with the melodic edge of bands like Title Fight and Basement. “It’s pretty simple stuff, but I like it,” Mario says.

A major milestone for the band was their Australian tour in October. “It had been in the works for months, and when we finally got there, it felt like a dream come true,” Mario recalls. “Arden and Jed were amazing hosts and tour managers — I can’t wait to see them in May when they come to Europe!”

HYPERDOG is already gearing up for a busy 2025, with tours planned across Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and more. “For me, this whole thing is about exploring new places and meeting new people,” Mario says. “So far, it’s been working out great, and we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing.”

According to the band, Linz has a strong and supportive underground scene. “There are a lot of cool bands and people motivated to make music. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented friends.”

If you’re looking for fresh music from the area, HYPERDOG recommends checking out Spiritual Law, Trauma Glow, LEBER, Hase, Tonal Shift, and Compete.

“Thanks for the interview, and thanks to everyone who cares about this project,” Mario says. “I never imagined I’d be playing these songs I wrote in my living room in places like Sydney, London, or Paris. It still feels surreal, and I’m appreciating every minute of it!”

Catch HYPERDOG live in 2025 and stay tuned for more releases from the band.