Alt Blk Era
British rock duo blending metal with electronic genres.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Alt Blk Era (written in all caps) are a rock duo from Nottingham, formed in 2020 by sisters Nyrobi and Chaya Beckett-Messam. Their debut EP, *Freak Show*, arrived in 2023, followed by their first album, *Rave Immortal*, in 2025—both released through Earache Records.
The sisters started the band during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, initially posting cover songs on YouTube as Nyrxbi & Chxy. They also took online courses with Inspire Youth Arts, including a songwriting program. Their first single, "Slowly Die: Solar," came out independently on 4 February 2022. The *Freak Show* EP followed on 1 September 2023, and later that year they appeared on Delilah Bon’s track "Witch." In 2024, Tom Morello picked them to open his sold-out show at London’s Electric Ballroom. That same year, they were nominated for Best UK Breakthrough Act at the Heavy Music Awards and Best Alternative Music Act at the MOBOs. They’ve played festivals including Download, Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury, 2000trees, and Boomtown.
Their debut album, *Rave Immortal*, dropped on 24 January 2025, preceded by the singles "My Drummer’s Girlfriend," "Straight To Heart," "Come On Outside," and "Hunt You Down." A later version of "My Drummer’s Girlfriend" featured Wheatus. The album hit number one on the Official UK Rock and Metal Albums Chart and number 82 on the Official UK Albums Chart. In 2025, they won the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act. Near the end of that year, they announced a second EP, *Our World*, due 22 May 2026, alongside a UK headline tour.
Musically, Alt Blk Era blend rock and metal with drum and bass, dance, trap, and pop. The core members are Nyrobi Beckett-Messam (vocals, songwriting, production) and Chaya Beckett-Messam (vocals, songwriting, production). Touring members include Alex Plant on guitar and Sam Brooks on drums.
- formed
- 2020
- origin
- Nottingham, England
- field
- Music
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- Mixing rock and metal with drum and bass, dance, trap, and pop; winning the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act in 2025
Lore & Background
The sisters started the band during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, initially uploading cover versions to YouTube under the name Nyrxbi & Chxy. They completed online courses in songwriting through the youth organization Inspire Youth Arts. Their debut single, 'Slowly Die: Solar', was released independently on 4 February 2022, followed by the EP *Freak Show* on 1 September 2023. Later that year, they featured on Delilah Bon’s single 'Witch'.
In 2024, Alt Blk Era were chosen by Tom Morello to open for him at a sold-out show at London's Electric Ballroom. That same year, they were nominated for Best UK Breakthrough Act at the Heavy Music Awards and Best Alternative Music Act at the MOBOs. They have performed at major festivals including Download Festival, Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury Festival, 2000trees, and Boomtown.
Their debut album, *Rave Immortal*, was released on 24 January 2025, preceded by the singles 'My Drummer’s Girlfriend', 'Straight To Heart', 'Come On Outside', and 'Hunt You Down'. A new version of 'My Drummer’s Girlfriend' featuring Wheatus was also released. The album charted at number 1 on the Official UK Rock and Metal Albums Chart and number 82 on the Official UK Albums Chart. In 2025, they won the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act. At the end of 2025, they announced their second EP *Our World*, set for release on 22 May 2026, alongside a UK headline tour.
Reader's Guide
Alt Blk Era emerged from Nottingham during the pandemic, quickly gaining attention for their genre-blending sound that fuses rock and metal with drum and bass, dance, trap, and pop. Their debut album *Rave Immortal* achieved commercial success, topping the UK Rock and Metal Albums Chart, and their MOBO win in 2025 marked a significant recognition for alternative music within the UK awards landscape. The duo's ability to secure high-profile support slots—such as opening for Tom Morello—and perform at major festivals underscores their rapid ascent. Their music, characterized by the sisters' shared vocal and production duties, reflects a contemporary approach to rock that incorporates electronic and dance elements, appealing to a broad audience. The announcement of a second EP and headline tour in 2026 indicates sustained momentum and growing influence in the British alternative scene.
Did You Know?
- Alt Blk Era were chosen by Tom Morello to open for him at a sold-out show at London's Electric Ballroom in 2024.
- They won the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act in 2025.
- Their debut album *Rave Immortal* reached number 1 on the Official UK Rock and Metal Albums Chart.
- The duo originally uploaded cover versions to YouTube under the name Nyrxbi & Chxy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alt Blk Era?
Alt Blk Era is a British rock duo from Nottingham, made up of sisters Nyrobi and Chaya Beckett-Messam. They formed the project in 2020 and have since built a following by fusing metal and rock with electronic and dance-influenced production.
What genres does Alt Blk Era blend together?
The sisters are known for layering rock and metal over drum and bass, dance, trap, and pop elements. This cross-genre approach is what most fans point to as the duo's signature sound.
How did Alt Blk Era get their start?
Nyrobi and Chaya began the project during the 2020 lockdowns by uploading cover songs to YouTube under the handles Nyrxbi & Chxy. They also studied songwriting through online courses with Inspire Youth Arts before releasing their first independent single, "Slowly Die: Solar," in February 2022.
What albums has Alt Blk Era released?
Their debut EP, *Freak Show*, arrived in 2023 on Earache Records, followed by their full-length album *Rave Immortal* in 2025 on the same label. Before both, they put out the standalone single "Slowly Die: Solar" independently in early 2022.
What major award has Alt Blk Era won?
In 2025 the duo took home the MOBO Award for Best Alternative Music Act. The win came around the release of their first album, *Rave Immortal*.
More in English rock music duos 1-24
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