The Sands Of Time With KYLE BRANDT And JEFF IRVINE From A LIGHT WITHIN

Rock stars in their homeland of Finland since their first album, Peep, went Gold when they were just 16 years old, The Rasmus have built a legacy that stretches across 11 albums. Their music and engaging approach to life have won them legions of fans the world over, but it was with last years chart topping release, Weirdo, that things came full circle for the band.Weirdo was a blast back to the roots of The Rasmus, tapping into the psyche of the underdog which has been the band's hallmark throughout. Underdogs, outcasts, and perceived weirdo's themselves, The Rasmus have stood up for the underdogs their whole career, even when the band became far from that themselves.The fact their have never set foot in Australia has not been lost on them or their fans. It is something that will be remedied later this month, as The Rasmus touch down in this country for three select shows. Frontman Lauri Ylönen joined HEAVY to talk more. We start by asking if he is packed and ready to go."No," he laughed. "I always pack like one hour before I leave, so I'm pretty used to doing that. But yeah, it's exciting. You know, the first time can always happen once. And now, after a couple of decades, we are coming over to play there, which is kind of sad that it didn't happen before. But, you know, it's happening now, and we're happy. We're going to play quite intimate shows in these rather small clubs, so I'm expecting that to be really good. We've been playing this tour with this album for three months now, and the band is in really good shap,e and we're having an incredible feeling within the band, and now hitting smaller clubs… it's gonna be really intense. And it's going to be really interesting to finally meet these fans that have been writing and contacting us on social media for years and years. It's going to be so emotional."In the full interview, Lauri spoke more about the tour and what to expect. Reflecting on the band's three-decade journey, he noted that themes of individuality and feeling like a "weirdo" remain central to their music. Lauri also mentioned the positive reception of their latest album, "Weirdo," and confirmed plans to enter the studio for new music after the tour, aiming to evolve while remaining true to their roots and more.Fri, Jan 30: The Triffid, BrisbaneSat, Jan 31: Manning Bar, SydneySun, Feb 1: Max Watts, MelbourneTix: https://thephoenix.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

16 Tammi 17min

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT has jumped headlong into 2026 with the January 16 release of their first-ever live album, LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY via Better Noise Music. To coincide with the album, the band is bringing the track Stay Weird to cinematic life as well.“‘Stay Weird’ has always been our love letter to the beautifully strange souls who’ve supported this band from day one,” declares frontman Lee Jennings. “Hearing The Coffin Crew scream it back at us in Atlanta during our Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting was unreal. That night captured everything we stand for—individuality, belonging, and the freedom to be exactly who you are. I’m beyond excited that this live album lets the world feel that energy.”On LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY, fans are invited to step inside the chaos and catharsis of THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s first-ever Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting, captured live from their sold-out hometown show at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA in 2025. The exclusive Blu-ray documents the band’s legendary performance in front of a packed house of diehard fans. It’s a thrilling night of raw emotion, high-energy theatrics, and fan-favourite anthems.Frontman Jennings joined HEAVY to tell us more. We start by asking why now is the right time to release a live album."I don't know…," he measured. "I think I just wanted something… I wanted something when we were ready, right? Because a lot of bands don't even do live records any more, and for me, growing up, that was such a big thing. I wanted that. I wanted to see a band live. And especially our band, we're very, very theatrical and over the top. So I wanted to bring that on stage and show it to everyone."In the full interview, Lee discussed the upcoming release of Live from Suffocate City in greater detail, highlighting the challenges of producing a live record that authentically captures the atmosphere of their performances, including audience interactions and background sounds. He expressed a desire to evolve the set list by focusing on songs that resonate with his current emotions, despite potential backlash from fans regarding the removal of older tracks.The conversation also covered plans for an upcoming concert where they will perform the album in its entirety, accompanied by a Blu-ray release featuring dynamic footage filmed with 12 cameras. Lee shared insights on the band's success following the release of Greetings from Suffocate City in September 2024, mentioning plans for a potential tour in Australia and the challenges of touring while emphasizing their commitment to engaging with fans and expanding their international presence and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

15 Tammi 12min

Melbourne-based rockers Sisters Doll have always been a band who value their support base. From driving 30 hours to play a handful of shows in Far North Queensland to playing on the open waters of America as part of the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, Sisters Doll have never lost sight of who they are and where they come from.Which is why it came as a bit of a surprise to hear the band have not toured here in their own backyard on a larger scale for a couple of years, but that is about to be rectified when Sisters Doll hit the road for the Good Day To Be Alive 2026 Tour, starting in Melbourne on January 31. It is being touted as their biggest Australian headline tour to date, and promises to reinvigorate the Doll Army, who have been waiting patiently for a fresh dose of one of the finest rock acts currently touring this country.With the tour only a matter of weeks away, HEAVY spoke with frontman Brennan Mileto to find out more."We haven't done an Australian tour for so long," he almost apologised. "We've been overseas a lot of times. We've been to America. We had our first UK tour last year. Obviously, we've gone up to Sydney occasionally and done the odd Sydney show, but we haven't actually gone to all of the other states since 2023. So we kind of thought it's time, you know, we probably should have done it last year when the album dropped, but obviously logistically it just didn't happen."In the full interview, we discussed the upcoming Australian tour, which begins in Melbourne on January 31, emphasising the band's excitement to reconnect with fans after an unusually long hiatus. Brennan highlighted the positive reception of their re-released song Good Day To Be Alive and the success of their last album, Scars, while hinting at a heavier sound for their next project.The conversation also touched on fan dedication, with Brennan sharing stories about fans getting tattoos of their favourite artists and his own memorable experience performing with his idol, Ace Frehley. We talked about Sisters Doll's live show and what to expect, how it has changed over the years, the 16th anniversary of the band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

8 Tammi 18min

Archspire vocalist Oliver “Oli” Alleron is clearly excited about returning to Australia, with the band set to tour in January. From his love of Australian crowds to his unexpected obsession with The Block, Oliver speaks warmly about the country, its food, and its famously outgoing fans. He recalls being blown away by the sheer number of shoeys happening on stage during their last visit, and hints they may make a return. With a new drummer joining the line-up and a freshly self-produced album funded largely by fans, Archspire are entering an exciting new chapter. Oliver admits perfection isn’t the goal live; having fun, staying relaxed, and connecting with the crowd matters most. Check out everything he had to say in the full interview.Archspire - Return To Prison Island Australian Tour  with Aborted and OrganectomyJan 24 - Froth & Fury PerthJan 27 - The Croxton, MelbourneJan 28 - The Triffid, BrisbaneJan 29 at The Baso, CanberraJan 30 - Liberty Hall, SydneyJan 31 - Froth & Fury Adelaidehttps://swdpresents.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

8 Tammi 19min

With the worldwide excitement around the recently completed European tour, GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater have announced their 40th Anniversary Tour 2026 leg for Australia. The tour will be An Evening With Dream Theater and will be the first tour of Australia since drummer Mike Portnoy’s return to the lineup, joining vocalist James LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess.Simultaneously, these five old friends enter a bold new era fuelled by some of the most focused, formidable, and fiery music of their career. They’re harnessing the memories of the past and the promise of the future in order to make the most of the present. Ultimately, the group’s sixteenth full-length album, Parasomnia [Inside Out Music/Sony Music], represents both where they came from and where they’re going as not only bandmates, but as brothers. HEAVY spent some time with Rudess to find out more.In the interview, we spoke about the band's upcoming Australian tour in February 2026, marking their first tour with Mike Portnoy on drums in 15 years. Jordan highlighted Portnoy's significant contributions to the band's sound and described how his return has enhanced their live performances with his unique skills as a drummer and creative director. The tour will kick off in Adelaide on February 10 and conclude in Brisbane on February 15th, following a year-long world tour.Jordan discussed joining Dream Theater after playing with John and Mike in Liquid Tension Experiment, initially declining the offer before later accepting it. He described the transition as a significant life change, noting the differences between Liquid Tension's open creative style and Dream Theater's structured approach, as well as the band's international fan base and media presence. He discussed the challenges of joining Dream Theater, a band known for its distinct sound and brand identity. He acknowledged that while the band is not strictly limited to three-chord rock, there is an expectation to remain true to the established style that fans appreciate. Jordan noted that while the band has evolved over time, there is a balance between innovation and respecting the band's heritage.Jordan explained that Dream Theater's appeal lies in their ability to combine technical virtuosity with emotional depth, creating music that appeals both to serious musicians and general audiences. He noted that the band's shows often feature accessible melodies that engage fans, as demonstrated by their experiences performing in Italy where audiences sing along and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Tammi 14min

Interview by Ali WilliamsIf there were a Frequent Flyer program for alternative rock bands visiting Australia, Anberlin would have Platinum for life. In this sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud podcast throwdown, HEAVY's Ali Williams checks in with Anberlin’s resident rhythm wizard, Nate Young—straight from muggy Florida to the Gold Coast—about their upcoming Aussie invasion, a band that keeps dodging retirement like it’s a game of whack-a-mole, and why their passports deserve a spot in the ARIA Hall of Fame. Anberlin are rolling in with a brand-new frontman, a rebooted classic album, and a fan base that’s as loyal (and occasionally unhinged) as a Queensland summer. With headline shows locked in, for An Emo Extravaganza presented by Destroy All Lines, Anberlin aren’t just making another comeback—they’re turning it into an art form. It’s official: Anberlin is heading back to Oz in February 2026, and if anyone knows how to party like it’s 2005, it’s these guys. After racking up at least a dozen prior Australian jaunts, “I keep throwing around 12 or 13,” Nate confesses, they’re still genuinely excited—borderline addicted—to our beaches, weather, and, let’s be honest, fans who go harder than the humidity in a long hot Oz summer. On this tour, Anberlin will be hitting Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, with a power-packed line-up including Cartel, This Wild Life, and Hot Chelle Rae. Yes, they’re headlining, and yes, it’s going to be loud. Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also landing at the Froth and Fury Festival, so get ready for an emotional, sweaty sing-along with thousands of other kids who still pretend they’re 22 at heart. What’s a reunion tour without a twist? This time, Anberlin’s dusting off their classic album Never Take Friendship Personal—but giving it a fresh coat of paint thanks to new frontman Matty Mullins. After re-recording the album with Matty's pipes - “just to give fans a way to hear what these songs are going to sound like with him singing” - Nate admits the switch wasn’t exactly easy street—“switching out a singer is not easy and usually just doesn’t work… but we’re thankful fans seem to be cool with it.” And if any hardcore purists complain? Well, that’s just part of being a band with a pulse. Mullins isn’t just a newbie, either—he grew up a genuine Anberlin fan. Nate grins, “He’s an absolutely ripping singer and just a good frontman, really positive energy for us.” The new era isn’t just a reboot—it’s evolution, and for Anberlin it’s proof you can keep relevant by daring to change (instead of fading into permanent hiatus, or, worse, nostalgia-bloated obscurity). The pair get real about age, confidence, and what it means to be an “alternative rock” band in a post-genre world. For Nate, growing up in the spotlight since he was 14 means he’s learned not to sweat the small stuff (or the labels). “Time is a construct,” he deadpans, “so none of it matters.” Emo, alt-rock, post-hardcore—whatever you call it, Anberlin’s brand of high-octane anthems and gratitude-fuelled stage presence hasn’t aged a day. From message boards to TikTok, Nate reflects on the perks (and weirdness) of being able to actually connect with fans now—sometimes for better, sometimes for audacity that’s usually… for sure, or respectfully if you will. Still, he wouldn’t trade the chaos of social media for the pre-Internet “mystique” of old: “It’s given us a connection with our fans that’s really special.” Anberlin are back in Australia in February 2026, headlining shows in the main capitals, a big set at Froth and Fury Festival, and an all-new take on Never Take Friendship Personal that’ll remind you why this band has lasted the distance. And in true Anberlin fashion, they’re not slowing down or growing up quietly—just growing better, louder, and a hell of a lot wiser. Tickets and event info at official outlets—don’t snooze, or you’ll be stuck watching old clips on TikTok, wondering why you missed the reunion of the year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Joulu 202514min

Interview by Ali WilliamsIf you think the wildest part of touring is the fans, you’ve clearly never tried to drive a truck through an American winter. HEAVY caught up with Matty Mullins—frontman, ice-road survivor, and Memphis May Fire’s resident optimist—while he was holed up in Salt Lake City after some “eventful” /white-knuckle drives that would’ve had most people praying to whatever rock gods they believe in. Turns out, touring with Memphis May Fire is less “luxury tour bus” and more ‘Frostpunk on wheels’. Memphis May Fire will be returning Down Under with BLESSTHEFALL in April 2026. Matty’s racking up more frequent flyer miles than your average travel vlogger, but in his words, “we owed our Australian fans a proper return after too long away". As a regular coming to Australia so often, he might as well apply for citizenship and start calling Vegemite “delicious” with a straight face. Whilst he assured me there will be no pyrotechnic awesomeness or indoor fireworks this time—(insurance companies everywhere just collectively sighed in relief), the band’s packing a new setlist, bigger production, and some mates from Blessthefall. The only thing going up in flames will be the crowd’s energy and maybe a box of your possessions you left at an unhinged ex’s place. Matty laughs off the chaos, proving he’s either a genuinely chill dude or just totally numb to tour madness at this point. “I never, ever know what day it is,” he laughs. Touring sounds glamorous, right up until you’re living out of a suitcase and arguing with the GPS about which patch of ice to die on next. For Matty, it’s been night after night of long, snowy drives and just enough adrenaline to keep things interesting. What keeps Memphis May Fire alive after years of this chaos? Stubbornness, a refusal to quit, and the knowledge that some maniac on the internet will have a hot take on whatever you do anyway. Matty’s refreshingly honest about the ups, the downs, and the sheer weirdness that comes with being in a band in 2025. There’s no pretending it’s all sunshine and sold-out shows—but there’s a hell of a lot of laughter along the way. Every touring band has wild stories, but Matty’s “unhinged moment” takes the cake (and probably an earlobe). He tells of a band trip to a South African wildlife preserve, one overly friendly baby leopard, and a bass player who learns the hard way what “bite force” means. The aftermath? Paper towels, disinfectant spray, and a new story to explain at airport security. Scar stories: not just for mosh pits. He gives a few hints about what’s in the pipeline for Memphis May Fire—new music, surprise setlists. He doesn’t spill everything, but has promised that they're bringing something new and exciting the second time around, and those who saw them recently won't be disappointed because it's not going to be just a repeat of their last shows, so watch this space! Memphis May Fire are still out there, still grinding, still finding new ways to laugh at the madness. Get to a show, bring the good vibes, and maybe offer to drive the van if it snows. Tickets for Memphis May Fire’s next Australian tour are going fast—for all the details and your backstage pass, head to https://thephoenix.au/memphis-may-fire-2026/, and maybe, just maybe, send Matty a warm pair of socks. Catch you in the pit, or over at the bar.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Joulu 202515min