Nora Ghobril | The Chronicle
A five-song setlist and sharing a bill with musicians 30 years older than them. These are not the usual markers of a veteran band, but the weekly reality for Oxymoron, a melodic metalcore band made up of three Mason High School sophomores: vocalist Brandon Skidmore, guitarist Brayden Boles and bassist Gael Ortiz-Martinez.
Oxymoron was born in a Physical Science classroom. As freshmen, Skidmore and Boles bonded over their love of heavy metal, particularly melodic metalcore, a subgenre combining hardcore punk with harmonized guitar leads. For Skidmore, starting a band was the next step.
“Me and my best friend [Boles], we both love heavy metal, [especially] the specific subgenre melodic metalcore,” Skidmore said. “So we decided [to] start a band, [just] for kicks and giggles.”
As Oxymoron developed, Ortiz-Martinez joined as its bassist after watching the band perform live. He said seeing the group motivated him to pursue the opportunity and develop his skills.
“Originally I was supposed to join, but I didn’t have the skill set to do it,” Ortiz-Martinez said. “Then I saw them play live, and I was like, ‘I want to do that eventually.’ It was an inspiration. So when the opportunity came, I took it.”
Oxymoron vocalist Brandon Skidmore and guitarist Brayden Boles
Photo by Nora Ghobril
Graphic by Medha Sindhe
The band’s performances have introduced its members to Ohio’s local music scene, where they share bills with older performers. Skidmore said working alongside experienced musicians has taught him the importance of mutual respect regardless of age.
“Most of the people we play [with] are older gentlemen, old enough to be my dad,” Skidmore said. “Everyone [is] respectful to you because you’re not some kid who randomly wishy-washed your way onto the bill. You have to work to get your way on the bill.”
Beyond performing, the members said music provides an outlet outside the band. Boles said playing guitar helps him manage his attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“I have ADHD, [and playing] guitar helps me cope,” Boles said. “With ADHD, your brain is always going. There are so many different things talking at the same time, so [playing guitar] just shuts them all up.”
For Skidmore, performing is an opportunity to set aside his worries and focus on the music. He said the experience creates a mental shift where self-doubt vanishes and confidence emerges.
“You feel like a rockstar on the stage, even if you’re just in a small club with only a few people,” Skidmore said. “It’s an exhilarating feeling; all your worries and woes [are taken] away, and you enter a flow state.”
For new listeners, heavy metal can sound chaotic. However, Oxymoron blends screaming vocals with gentle guitar leads, challenging common misconceptions about the genre. Boles said metalcore incorporates a range of vocal techniques.
“Metalcore is a very broad term,” Boles said. “There are a few other genres that branch out from that. People who don’t listen to metal probably just call it screamo music, but it’s a mix of screaming — safe screaming — and clean singing.”
The members also push back against stereotypes portraying heavy metal listeners as aggressive or antisocial. Boles said the music provides an outlet for frustration rather than encouraging negative behavior.
“The stereotype for metalcore is that it’s all depressing and sad, and people just assume everybody’s so bland and emotional, but in reality it’s nothing like that,” Boles said. “The music pushes all the anger out, so people who listen to metal are the kindest people you’ll ever meet.”
