Restoring Faith With NIKKI BRUMEN & YNGVE ANDERSEN From BLOOD COMMAND

By Kris PetersEsteemed American rock outfit He Is Legend recently announced their return visit to Australia this May for their first run of shows here since Soundwave 2015.And if that isn't enough to get your live mojo firing, He Is Legend have hand selected Aussie rock monsters Hammers to support the whole tour.Hammers are well known for their dynamic live performances and typical Australian sense of adventure not to mention their love of a good time. As such they look set to launch into the second half of 2023 on the back of another triumphant tour.Axeman Lucas Stone joined HEAVY soon after the announcement to share his excitement."It's an honour and a privelege," he smiled. "They are one of those special bands. We love that band. We've been a fan since they were wee burns. I think the biggest thing about that band that I've been most impressed with is they were essentially a scene band in the early 2000s and obviously with the release of I Am Hollywood and Suck Out The Poison they slotted right into that part of their world. Their general trajectory and growth where they started out as one thing and became something totally different and so much more mature... they're a special cult status band that has probably been a bigger influence on bands around the world than we know."In the full interview, Lucas talks about what fans can expect from Hammers on the shows, constructing set lists to showcase the bands natural ability, what defines an "Aussie twist" with music, how Hammers' sound has changed over their career, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Huhti 20238min

By Erin EddyNot too many of us would be fortunate enough to be able to claim to be more passionate about our job 15 years in, than we were at the very beginning, but Orpheus Omega frontman Chris Themelco says that’s precisely the case for him.“This far into the band, I actually feel more energised and motivated than any other point,” heexplains. “During lockdown there were definitely those moments where we had that chat of ‘what if we’re done?’ you know, but we very quickly realised that was definitely not the case.”Orpheus Omega is about to release a five track EP that approaches song writing from a different angle than the band ordinarily takes.Each of the five members has penned a song of their own, and the band has compiled these to create the Portraits EP.“Everyone wrote their own song with their own sort of take and it’s where everyone’s at at this point in time as a person,” says Chris, regarding this project.They have also put a lot of thought and effort into the way in which this EP will be released.“We’re doing it as a limited vinyl release through Antivinyl Vinyl Club and that’s specifically because the artwork and everything is really put together to be as a package,” says Chris, “It’ll be on Spotify and stuff, but the whole idea was centred around doing it as a vinyl, and that makes it kind of exciting as well.”Each song is being released as a single, with the fifth and final song, Exit To Observe, dropping on April 20, when the entire EP will be available. Currently four of the five songs have been released into the wild and can be found on streaming platforms, and music videos can be found on the band’s YouTube channel.To celebrate the release of Portraits, Orpheus Omega have scheduled a launch show on May 6 at The Evelyn in Melbourne.“We’ve got some pretty cool ideas in mind specifically for this show,” teases Chris, “so I would say if you haven’t seen us before, or even if you have and you want to see something a bit different from us, this is definitely the show to get to.”HEAVY got the chance to have an in depth conversation with Chris about the new EP, the launch gig and music festivals, including his take on the experience that was Knotfest.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Maalis 202356min

By Erin Eddy,The World Is A Vampire Festival is an amalgamation of music and wrestling, headlined by thelegendary Smashing Pumpkins.HEAVY had the privilege of speaking to the Pumpkins’ main man Billy Corgan in the lead up to this exciting event that will be happening across the country, commencing in Brisbane on April 15.The festival’s line up also includes veterans of alternative rock, Jane’s Addiction, as well as Aussie bands Amyl &The Sniffers, Redhook and Battlesnake, plus local acts opening each show.“For years we’ve talked about the idea of having our own kind of travelling festival and we finally made it happen,” Billy told HEAVY, “Everybody loves to headline and be the star of the show, but the best thing is when you can put together a line-up that everybody wants to see and there’s something for everybody.”“I feel really good about it on every level,” he continues, “and of course adding wrestling makes it that little bit sweeter.”Billy’s wrestling organisation, National Wrestling Alliance (or NWA) will be bringing wrestlers over to take on some of Australia’s pro’s of the Wrestling Alliance of Australia (WAOA).“We like our wrestling like the Aussie’s like their rock, we like our wrestling straight forward,” Billy explains, “so if you’re not a fan and you give us 10, 15 minutes and watch the show a little bit, hopefully you’ll be intrigued and interested by the way we present it and that’s the whole point of it, it’s supposed to be something for everybody.”Listen to the full interview to hear Billy speak more about the upcoming shows, The Smashing Pumpkins epic new 33 song project Atum: A Rock Opera In Three Acts, playing the hits versus playing new material and a proposal to add some jousting in the mix when they play Kryal Castle in Ballarat!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Maalis 202338min

By Erin EddyAd Infinitum are a Swiss/German symphonic metal outfit that, in 2018, was born from the vision of vocalist Melissa Bonny and took root as her solo project. It very quickly manifested into a full band though, when the combination of Niklas Müller, Adrian Theẞenvitz and Korbinian Benedict proved to be a formula that really worked.Three, soon to be four, albums later and the band is powering forward, captivating fans the world over with their intense energy and emotive songs.Their impending release is Chapter III: Downfall, and the central theme to this record is Cleopatra and ancient Egyptian mythology.HEAVY got the chance to speak with drummer, Niklas, to delve into the world of Ad Infinitum and learn about what to expect from this new record.“It might get a little bit darker,” Nik explains, with comparison to previous releases. “It’s verydiverse, more diverse than Chapter II.”Nik says that while the album has a specific theme, it’s not a concept record, and more a collection of stories.“It’s like a theme we follow, most importantly regarding the lyrics, but lyrics is Melissa’s department so I’m not the expert here!” he laughs.Chapter III: Downfall is available as of March 31. The most recent single From The Ashes is out now and has a music video well worth checking out!You can hear Nik speaking about the making of that music video, the album and more by checking out our interview below.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Maalis 202325min

Interview by Kris PetersAustralian alternative rock outfit The Angel Affair recently released the first chapter in an epic Renaissance EP series.Titled Def-Eye: The Renaissance Part 1, this is the first of four bodies of music telling the musical tale of a dysfunctioning dystopian society.HEAVY sat down with mastermind Luke Melton to find out more."I'm from a heavy background," he explained. "I started off in a heavy band playing drums and developed my skillset from there. I really wanted to develop this story line I thought of about a dystopian future where people had had augmented implants in their brains which made a cybernetic race. Outside the walls of the city there are the people who developed psychically. Instead of using technology to develop their minds they used the psychic and spiritual essence. It's about a clash between these two races."In the full interview, Luke talks more about the concept and how it arcs over four EP's, the musical composition of the release, creating a visual landscape with music, each track and its part in the story, performing all musical parts himself, separating himself from the music to be objective in his roles of mixing and mastering, the release schedule for the remaining three EP's and more.Check out HEAVY's review of Def-Eye: The Renaissance Part 1 here: https://heavymag.com.au/the-angel-affair-def-eye-the-renaissance-part-1/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Maalis 202313min

Interview by Kris PetersIconic Brisbane venue The Paddington Tavern - or The Paddo - is opening its prestigious doors to live music of a heavier nature for Infectious Rogues' album launch on April 23.The event will be staged in the unique confines of the downstairs area, with a massive metal dungeon that has to be seen to be appreciated declared the stomping grounds for an afternoon of music that also features Dreamkillers, PistonFist, Palladone and Roach Toasters.HEAVY caught up with Mick from Palladone earlier this week to find out more."We've been looking forward to it," he enthused. "We're all mates in my band and have been mates with a couple of guys from Infectious Rogues for over 20 years, so we've known each other a long time (laughs). A couple of members from both bands have played together in other bands over the last 20 years as well."The Paddo is best known for their State Of Origin post parties, but comes alive on April 23 in an area normally occupied by the comedy club."The venue is great," Mick agreed. "I'm not sure how many bands have been in that venue, but I went in there originally when the idea came about for this gig and there's just a really cool vibe in the room. I think on a Sunday avo it suits the vibe of the place too. It should just be a good time for everyone."In the full interview, Mick introduces us to Palladone and their music, gives a brief history on the band, talks about the benefits of a Sunday afternoon show, their next gig at a tattoo shop, plans for a digital release later this year and more.Infectious Rogues album launch with special guests Dreamkillers, PistonFist, Palladone and Roach Toaster will be held on April 23 at The Paddo. Doors open at 2pm with the first band at 3.00pm.Tickets available from www.thepaddo.com.au/whatsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Maalis 20239min

Interview by Kris PetersAustralian extreme progressive outfit Ne Obliviscaris have endured a nightmare run of misfortunes in the lead up to their new opus Exul, which is out now.Drum tracking for the album was laid down in March 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee, but, unlike many who made it home before the world shut down, Ne Obliviscaris' guitarist Benjamin Baret and bass player Martino Garattoni weren't so lucky.Originally due to fly home straight after tracking, the pair were instead forced to remain in America indefinitely until things cleared enough for their safe passage home.What should have been a swift follow up to the critically acclaimed 2017 album Urn instead dragged on for more than two more years and saw members of the band all deal with personal loss, relationship problems and other life events that, when coupled with the frustrations of constant delays with the album, almost cast an untenable wedge within the band that threatened to possibly force a premature end to proceedings.Thankfully, as they say, time heals all wounds and with Exul finally ready for mass consumption vocalist XEN sat down for a chat with HEAVY to go through a tumultuous last couple of years."It will be a great relief (when the album comes out)," he sighed. "The last few years have been quite difficult - as everyone else has been through. There was a couple of times throughout the last few years where we didn't know whether or not the album would make it. There was a lot of pauses, a lot of frustrations and I think it's been a great relief to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long time coming and I think people will be able to tell the amount of effort and patience and frustrations that were channelled into this album and hopefully people will be able to appreciate it. It will be a cathartic moment for everyone to be able to listen to this for us."In the full interview, XEN talks about Exul musically, the contrasting emotions throughout and how the band measured the scale of that, the darker core to Exul and where it comes from, writing the opposing vocal lines between himself and Tim Charles, how close the band came to breaking up, the almost theatrical nature to the music and how difficult that is to create, how this album differs to Urn, the band's 20 year anniversary and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Maalis 202323min

Interview by Kris PetersOne of the most powerful and humbling things about being a part of the global metal family is the bonds that are forged through music.Not only the out and out friendships and life changing moments, but also the subtle nuances that often go unnoticed by all except the parties directly involved.It can be a smile, a glance, a guttural scream to the face, even a wayward elbow in the mosh pit but no matter the genesis of the act the outcome is always the same.We are one, we are many, and we are united in music as in life.While every band starts out this way to an extent the trivialities and triumphs of everyday life can often skew these ideals but while physical connections may fade no one can ever take the one thing away that matters to the core.The music.Which is why many people are often left shattered and disillusioned when their favourite bands retires or makes it to the inevitable next level that elevates them beyond the reach of early fans. Music is life and life is music.Not just for metalheads, but for every person who has been touched in some way by any form of music.That may explain moments of mass hysteria when one of The Beatles appeared at a window, or when Ozzy Osbourne peered over the top of his microphone and lovingly told everyone within earshot to fuck off.Perhaps one of the more magjical components of music is its universal acceptance and maniacal obsession.Many will still remember where they were when Lemmy died or the day Cliff Williams left this realm while others around him suffered barely a scratch. It's like you have lost one of your own and unfortunately that feeling never gets easier to bear.On a less global - but still highly relevant - scale, the Brisbane, Queensland and Australian music community will mourn as one when Brisbane masters of groove and metal Massic play their last show together at The Zoo in Brisbane on Friday, March 24. The fact the band are still active to plan their exit is testament to the courage and strength of vocalist Simon Russell-White whose well publicised heart failure a mere 18 months ago almost brought a premature ending to everything. The fact he got to reunite with his Massic brothers on stage and continue to play and record is a blessing from the Metal Gods themselves and now Massic get the chance to go out on their terms.At their choosing.At their own triumphant farewell.People unfamiliar with the band might be wondering what I am waffling on about, but if you have ever heard, seen, or been welcomed into the all encompassing arms which all five band members extend willingly then you know the score.HEAVY had the honour of sitting down with Simon and bass player Rashid for what could well be Massic's final interview and despite the sense of sorrow hanging in the air we still managed to throw together a decent yarn befitting of the indelible mark the Brisbane outfit has made on the music scene.Massic has also hand picked a stellar supporting cast for their farewell, with Flaming Wreckage, The Black Swamp and From Crisis To Collapse granted the priviilege of sharing the stage with them for the final time, with Simon admitting the process of asking which band to play on the night was difficult to say the least."We were really lucky in the fact that when we got together and decided we were going to do this, which bands did we want to play with us," Simon measured. "There was a fairly decent list in our heads at least, and, like I have said previously, there was no real order. We just had three bands that we wanted to ask first and they all said yes (laughs)."As long as the list of bands was in their heads, the actual number who would have gladly offered their services to play the show was probably double."There was a weighing up there of bands we had played with recently," Rashid offered. "We kind of wanted to reach back over the entire career of Massic and bands that we have played really memorable shows with and maybe haven't had a chance to play with over the last few months to a year.""The Black Swamp we actually did our first album launch with," Simon continued, "so they were a special mention. Flaming Wreckage we met in Sydney for our first - and ultimately only - East Coast tour. We played a couple of shows with them and those boys in general are incredible. From Crisis To Collapse, they're our guys. We played 36 Crazyfists with them and a lockdown show and formed bonds with too. There's other bands that I made a point of not mentioning because they know who they are, but were obvious choices but half of those guys are coming to the show anyway. We were lucky. The first three we wanted to ask, in no particular order, said yes otherwise it was going to be a case of let's go down the line. As Rashid said, some bands that we played recently with a lot we decided let's just catalogue out.""Like Si says, they will probably be in the crowd anyway,"Rashid took over, "which also means they will probably be on stage with us as well anyway (laughs)."In the full interview, Simon and Rashid run us through the plans for Friday's show, hint at some special surprises, talk about the bond they share with their fans and the power of music, recall some of their memorable moments with the band, discuss both albums Redshift and Cognisant and which they feel is better, the main reasons behind the decision to call it a day, regrets, joys, guest performers on the night, the emotions involved and how they plan to deal with them, unfinished business and more.On behalf of everyone who loves metal boys, thanks for enriching our lives musically and personally.It's been an honour, and a pleasure.There are surprisingly still a few tickets left for Friday nights show so if you haven't booked yourself in yet, grab your tickets now from www.oztix.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

21 Maalis 202339min