Making Up For Lost Time With BEAU BUECHELL From SAOSIN

Interview by Kris PetersWhen news trickled down that Unify 2023 was not going ahead in its usual format music lovers around the country were left shocked and empty.But that was tempered soon after when organisers revealed a bigger picture with plans to take Unify on the road under the monicker Unify Off The Record.The new format takes in more regional and out of the way areas and has a travelling ensemble of rotating bands to ensure the current cream of Australian talent has more of a chance to feature in the event.Hitting Mackay, Adelaide, Wollongong, Hobart and Frankston, Unify Off The Record 2023 features a diverse line up of Australia's premiere heavy acts including ARIA chart topping Northlane, Thy Art Is Murder, Thornhill, Make Them Suffer, Teenage Joans, In Hearts Wake, Alpha Wolf, Ocean Grove, Yours Truly, Void Of Vision, Redhook and more.With the tour kicking off in Mackay last weekend, HEAVY caught up with one of the major players in this weekends round of shows in Adelaide and Wolongong, Ocean Grove."This iteration of Unify I'm really excited about," enthused vocalist Dale Tanner, "because we've been lucky enough to play four Unify festivals as we know it so for this one to be a bit of a curveball to the normal style of Unify I think is going to be really special. Especially that every show is not only at a different city, but each city has a different lineup and different venue so I think that's where it's very unique compared to years gone by where it's everyone coming to the one spot to experience the one festival. I think each show and festival is going to have its own flavour and own thing that makes it unique to each city. As you said there's a great list of Australian bands and an international in Fit For An Autopsy as well but it's a heavily Australian billed lineup across the board and I think to represent heavy music in this format is a great privilage."In the full interview Dale talks more about the new format for Unify, the importance of having predominantly Australian music festivals, where Ocean Grove is playing, who he is most looking forward to playing with, what fans can expect from their set, the chance of them playing any new songs, how advanced the next album is, their limited edition Oddworld 3000 shoe range and how they sold, upcoming plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Touko 202314min

Interview by Kris PetersSince lighting up the Australian metalcore scene with their debut EP in 2019, Druid have taken a steady path to consolidation, releasing a string of singles rather than putting all of their eggs into one metaphorical basket by putting out a full length album.The decision has proved fruitful, with Druid sharing the stage with the likes of Void Of Vision, Alpha Wolf, The Beautiful Monument, Suspryia, Earthcaller, Lune, Diamond Construct and more on their as yet brief musical journey but you get the impression things are about to move even quicker following the release of their latest single Hang In There (It Gets Worse).A brutal, uncompromising track exploring mental issues and the troubles that stem from it, Hang In There (It Only Gets Worse) is the next logical step towards metal domination by a band who is ready to take that next step.Vocalists Chris Mecuri and Jordan Williams sat down with HEAVY to talk about the song and its early reception."Pretty good," enthused Mecuri. "I can't complain. A lot of people have come out to us and said thank you and how awesome it is. That's always awesome to feel, hear and see."We press the boys about the musical nature of the song."Lyrically we were trying to open ourselves up and venture into slightly darker topics," Williams replied. "I guess expressing ourselves and being a little more vulnerable. In the past we've... not steered away from it, but maybe not been as up front about it so this time we decided to try and make it a little more personal and go from there."In the full interview the boys talk more about the subject matter of Hang In There (It Gets Worse), how personal it is to the band, putting things like this out there for the world to hear, whether it is a stand alone track or part of a bigger picture, what direction future music might take, the reasons behind releasing a host of singles rather than an album, how the bands music has progressed since they started, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Touko 20239min

Interview by Kris PetersWhen it comes to walking your own path musically you won't find much more of a dominant presence than Sydney metal outfit Mountain Wizard Death Cult.Their music draws from a plethora of heavy metal genres without ever fully darting too deep into any one particular rabbit hole, making it impossible to pigeon hole their music - as if you would want to anyway.Their music is diverse and eclectic, shrouded with mystery and layers upon layers of sonic depth that only intensify in the live arena. But try and corral MWDC into a musical corner at your own peril.These Sydney-siders have a unique grasp on their capabilities and have an uncanny knack of drawing the listener deeper into their twisted and morose world with every release.And, just when you think you may have figured MWDC out on a sonic plane, the boys deliver their latest single Orbital, once more shifting through the gears and offering up yet another taste of the many musical facets inhabited by the band.Guitarist Chris Chaplin joined HEAVY to usher us further into the darkness."It was a bit of a left turn from some of our other material," he offered, "but people seem to be digging it."We press Chaplin to explain further what he means by a left turn."I would say it's more of a post-metal kind of track," he measured. "We've always had atmospherics through our stuff, but Orbital is a longer track - it's eight and a half minutes long - and a lot slower in tempo. Vocal wise there's a bit more cleans on there and some chanting vibes as well. Less chuggy and less in your face, but I think it's a pretty big sounding track and super atmospheric and hypnotising."MWDC have got a set sound that fans are finally starting to identify with, which begs the question why change things up now?"It's always been a part of our sound, it just hasn't been executed in that way," he replied. "The core of what we have always done or evolved over time has stayed the same. It's always been atmospheric and sludgey with that hardcore background and blackened elements, but this track especially came together super organically. It wasn't one that we had to demo and hammer out, it flowed really easy. The majority of it was recorded live in one session. It was like hit play, off we go, get the take and it was almost there (laughs). It was one of those tracks that you kind of didn't have a choice but to do. Also, it feels amazing to play every time. It just comes across the right way and is a great way to close the set."In the full interview Chris talks more about Orbital, the longer running time, the wicked film clip that comes with it, using Chris Elder and what he brought to the song, their upcoming debut album and what to expect, pushing the boundaries musically, their current tour and what to expect from the live show and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Touko 202312min

Interview by Kris PetersThere's something to be said when it comes to nostalgia and Aussie music.Perhaps more so than any other music listening country in the world, Australia genuinely loves and respects music from eras gone by, recognising not only the current state and crop of Australian artists, but also paying homage to the bands who paved the way for a prolonged period of success.It doesn't hurt when these bands continue to not only tour - but do so with the same youthful zest and energy they delivered in their heyday.And when a festival like Spring Loaded comes along on a now yearly basis further proof of the credentials and staying power of Aussie talent is laid bare on one stage over one day for all to see.This years first Spring Loaded, to be held at Bribie Island's Sandstone Point Hotel on June 3, showcases the best of the best of yesteryear, with Spiderbait headlining and being joined by Frenzal Rhomb, Shihad, Magic Dirt, Bodyjar, Eskimo Joe, Ratcat and Screamfeeder.The festival is living testament to the longevity of Australian bands and music and is all the more special for the fact it is made up only of bands from this part of the world.Shihad are the only New Zealand band on the line-up and are eager to get out there and play songs from their most recent album Old Gods, which hasn't yet received the attention it deserves due to recent world events.Frontman Jon Toogood joined HEAVY to chat about Spring Loaded and Shihad's place in the line-up."Any opportunity to get me in front of a crowd with that band I'm real happy about," he smiled. "I'm pretty excited."We bring up the quality of bands on the bill and the fact they are still drawing crowds decades after they first came out."It's almost like the nineties all over again," he laughed. "I like these festivals because it's not too uncomfortable backstage because I know everybody (laughs). It's a nice vibe backstage. Everyone is past that really hyper-competitive bollocks that we used to do when we were young, so everyone gets along a lot better. We're there to absolutely slay, but back in the day at the Big Day Out and stuff it was cut-throat."In the full interview Jon talks about the drawing power of older bands like these, why they still succeed, some of the bands on the line-up and his best touring memory of them, what we can expect from Shihad's set, learning to manage yourself and your body as your career progresses, new material and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Touko 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersIt's hard to believe that Californian power-violence outfit Despise You are only just making their way Down Under for the first time after well over two decades as a band and 16 years of rocking stages around the world.But here they are and ready to decimate all comers with their aggressive brand of music that has seen them labelled the "angriest band in the world".HEAVY caught up with one of Despise's You's vocalists Cynthia and found her anything but angry."I'm looking forward to travelling out," she smiled. "It's been a while since we travelled outside of the country."As mentioned, Despise You are touring this side of the world for the first time, so we press Cynthia on whether it's daunting in any way to be so far from home for the first time."Not really," she laughed. "It is what it is. It's one of those things where once you get the hang of whatever country you head out to you wanna do it again. I know I still wanna hit a lot of those Polynesian Islands so this will be the first time going down that way so I'm really excited about it."We ask Cynthia what Australian fans can expect from the shows."I would say we are just all going to have a good time," she shrugged. "That's all I can say with Despise You. We always have a good time doing shows and we're a good bunch. We look like trouble makers, but trouble comes to us (laughs)."In the full interview Cynthia talks more about what to expect from the shows, having Choof as main support for the whole run, being labelled the angriest band in the world, the power-violence scene they are linked to and why, how audiences in different parts of the world react to their live show, the focus on split EP's over albums, why the band didn't play their first live show until 2007 and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Touko 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersEmerging Northern NSW rock/grunge outfit Eyesite took the next natural step in their musical progression towards the end of last year when the four young members finally traded their school books in for more practice in a field that while maybe not being recognised on most high school education curriculum holds much more credence for those who bare their soul for rock.With a steady procession of singles and some local gigs scattered here and there in close proximity to home and schooling, Eyesite had already established themselves as a star on the rise while still restrained by the confines of a "proper" education.The boys had already set their sights on turning music into more than a hobby and suddenly, armed with a cavalcade of spare time to dedicate to their art, found themselves immersed in their youthful dream and competing with much older and established bands for a chance to open for The Smashing Pumpkins.While that wasn't to be - yet - in the space of less than six months Eyesite have managed to maximise their creative output and take their music to a wider audience, culminating in their latest single In Your Blood which will be released on May 20.A harder edged and rockier number that still has its genesis in the grunge tendencies Eyesite offer up as a template, In Your Blood is sonic proof that these four young boys have the skills to match their dedication which, coupled with a raw aggression and maturity beyond their years augers extremely well for the future.HEAVY caught up with drummer Flynn and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Harris to find out more."I think it's a lot of the same, but still a fresh direction again from what we've taken before," Harris offered in regards to In Your Blood. "Our last EP was very grunge inspired, but this song takes a step away from that a little bit for a fresh, new rock sound."In the full interview Harris and Flynn talk more about the shift in musical direction, the inspiration for the track, following up their last EP In My Head quickly, having the freedom to dedicate to music, what they have learnt about themselves and their music since finishing High School, the Battle of the Bands and what they took out of it, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

19 Touko 20236min

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne metalcore outfit Windwaker are preparing to hit the road for their Love In The Dark Tour this July, celebrating the release of their latest album Love Language while at the same time ushering in the first headlining tour for newer (and returning) members Connor Robbins (synth and samples) and Liam Guinane (vocals).Love Language set the tone for a future onslaught by Windwaker with a crushing sound that resonated with fans both old and new. For this tour the band are planning to perform tracks from that album for the first time.Bass player Indey Salvestro joined HEAVY to discuss the shows."We're super excited," he beamed when asked about the tour. "We just started rehearsals but we're playing a lot of songs that we haven't played live before, especially off the album. I'm still wrapping my head around some of the parts (laughs), because I haven't played them since two years ago - it would have been a while."While the nightly time on stage is always worth its weight in Gold, we ask Indey if the pre-tour practice and scrubbing up is worth the pain."I love it," he smiled. "It's kind of methodical. I just sit down and play on my bass and learn the songs again. You know how you have little memories pop up with certain sounds? I get that with songs too. So I'm relearning this song Trenches -that's probably the hardest song on bass on the album - and it's giving me flashbacks to when we record it. It's so funny. When we actually recorded that song I spent a good month learning it and it's so hard. It's written by our guitarist Jesse who is an absolute shredlord, and I have to basically follow this riff on bass as well and it's a ridiculously fast riff. I learnt it for a month and went into the recording studio with Chris and Jesse and Jesse changed the riff on me on the day! (laughs). I already had it muscle memoried into my fingers and was ready to go and he changed the whole thing. It just ruined me."In the full interview, Indey runs through some of the new songs Windwaker will be playing, preparing for tour, the reception for Love Language, bringing Caskets out from the UK for their first Australian tour, welcoming Liam back to the band and why he was the standout choice, what Connor brings to the sound and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Touko 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney hard rock outfit Battlesnake are riding the wave of a tornado at present.Fresh from recently completing The World Is A Vampire Festival alongside The Smashing Pumpkins and Jane's Addiction, Battlesnake have successfully taken their unique brand of music to a wider audience and not only made them listen, but also forced them to appreciate the events laid out before them.With a refreshing zest for life glazed over by an extremely talented and committed core group of members seldom has a band unknown by so many been appreciated by so many more.Their music alone is infectiously invigorating, blending the physchedic rock sensibilities of Black Sabbath with a harder edge bordering on metal - all the while awash with a blazoning of pink and sporting instruments such as the keytar that would normally be banished from sight and sound.To say Battlesnake are blissfully unaware of their surroundings would be selling the band short, but their confidence and self belief also act as ally's, buffering them against the inevitable views of scepticism that generally accompany things the average person finds difficult to comprehend.Put simply they are already a musical enigma and a welcome addition to the Australian musical landscape that has been craving a suitable distraction to the growing monotony that is gradually creeping in.Battlesnake last week released their self-titled debut album which has made a significant impact on the scene already, with HEAVY tracking down bass player Elliott Hitchcock to find out more about the band that will soon be on everyone's lips."To be totally transparent I, personally, initially set out for the album to be kind of lighter, in a way," he revealed. "And that kind of didn't happen (laughs). It is a heavy album but musically the inspirations are so broad and varied. Obviously you would have heard the Spanish guitars in there, and there's some big orchestras and then there's your classic heavy metal and your thrash. There's so much going on. We really enjoyed making the album because we feel like this kind of music is the kind of music that we've always wanted to make."The musical disparity inherent in Battlesnake's music is a melting pot of genres that shouldn't work but somehow do, coming together and lacing up the embers into a chaotically beautiful assortment of rock that seems to follow no rhyme nor reason. It's as though the band threw literally everything at their disposal into a melting pot of sin and forced themselves to work with the overlapping entrails."That's where you can sometimes come unstuck," Elliott measured, "when you're trying to do that. I don't even know that we did that consciously, but that's just what happens with our music. That's the tricky part; that fine line where you need to walk. You can't be too... you have to be really meticulous about it sounding cohesive, because if there's so many influences in there more often than not it starts to sound confused and can be difficult to listen to sometimes. It has to be a melting pot for us, like melting iron or gold and creating this perfect set of circumstances that turn all of these inspirations and ideas into a cohesive song."In the full interview, Elliott goes into the album in greater detail, details the recent rise of Battlesnake while deferring to a lengthy apprenticeship, the themes running through the album, their live show, where the costumes came from and what they represent, working as a collective, being bit by the touring bug, blending humour and theatrics through their music, an upcoming tour and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Touko 202322min