Swinging The Axe With BRIAN SLAGEL From METAL BLADE RECORDS

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish rock outfit Avatar would have to be one of the longest overnight success stories of modern music.Their rise as a musical force may have seemed to come from nowhere given the rapid upward trajectory their profile received in 2013 when they by happenstance scored the coveted touring opportunity to support Avenged Sevenfold and Five Finger Death Punch more or less landed in their laps after Disturbed were a late withdrawal due to vocalist David Draimen choosing to be present for the birth of his child.Things have exploded for Avatar since, to the point supply is continually losing to demand, which is one of the mitigating circumstances that sees their upcoming Australian tour, which kicks off in Melbourne on August 23, their first visit to these shores since their inception more than 20 years ago.In hype befitting the coming of the Messiah, Avatar are now widely regarded as possibly one of the greatest live bands in the world. Ever.Which, funnily enough, people that live in the land Down Under cannot say or expect with any certainly because they have never been in a position where they could.Not being ones to rely solely on the word of others, HEAVY yesterday tracked down enigmatic vocalist Johannes Eckstrom to test the waters ourselves."We're coming to see you," he directed at Australians everywhere. "We're coming to see you soon. It's our first time in Australia and you need to be there because I will."Not being ones to beat around the bush we pose the question of why Avatar have neglected their Australian fans."We never really liked you," he sighed with enough conviction that I almost believed him, before breaking into his infectious smile and continuing. "It's not always within our control," he explained. "The short answer is, the first time's always the hardest, the first time that you get to do something and get that foot through the door. I think in particular... we're a Swedish band, so we played for the first time in Germany for nobody so you keep going to Germany until you play for somebody and the travel costs are manageable. But it's hard for a band living where we are to go where you live to play for no-one. I think it's all about making enough of a name for yourself on your home turf so that you have a bit of momentum coming over, which clearly we have because this is - I don't know exactly how many tickets we sold - but combined it goes up to a couple of thousand at least which is incredible. It's all about that. Having enough momentum combined with working with the right people so you get the ability to travel that far to shows. That's really it. The first time is enough but I think we are going to make enough of a splash to make the second one easier. We've been a band for 20 years but it's not like we have been where we are right now for 20 years because we started young. There are examples of being the Metallica's of this world or whatever when pretty much the same bunch of kids stay together being in a band together growing to where we are at now where as opposed I think it's more normal that we had everybody starting out in shitty bands with friends, then we had two or three ambitious kids find the two or three ambitious kids from that other shitty band and cross over and that becomes their band. We were that shitty band but we were also those ambitios kids that went off to seek a better band but we found it in ourselves so we had that lifelong journey with each other."In the full interview, Johannes talks more about building momentum as a band, what he expects from fans Down Under, what we can expect from them, what are some of the essentials to remember when packing for a tour, their tag as one of the greatest live bands ever and living up to those expectations, the success of recent album Dance Devil Dance which elevated Avatar to another level, if he thinks this album is markedly better than previous ones, the story behind the song Train and how they moulded its shell into an Avatar song, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

16 Elo 202326min

Photo credit Marcos HermesInterview by Kris PetersLiving Colour and Extreme are two of the greatest rock bands to emerge from last century that are still standing.Individually they both hold aloft the rock flame but together they are an unstoppable force of musical nature that deliver their brand of music with an irresistable charm and swagger rarely seen over two bands on one stage.So it is with great excitement that we are now only a matter of weeks away from being able to witness the spectacle live in Australia with the co-headlining tour kicking off in Melbourne on September 4.Living Colour frontman Corey Glover joined HEAVY earlier this week to spread the word."We're already on the road," he relayed. "Us and Extreme are on the road in North America right now touring parts of the North East and heading West."Coming out to Australia is an arduous task for holidays, let alone as part of a tour, so we ask Glover how he prepares mentally and physically for a run of shows so far from home."You just have to know you're not going home," he laughed. "You have to be aware that you're gonna be away from home for a long time and you have to get your family situation right. You have to get your mind right and know that you're going to be out there sleeping on a bus (laughs)."It's been a couple of years since Living Colour last paid us a visit so we ask what has changed with the band in that time."Nothing really has changed," he measured. "It's all the same folks, all the same music. We have a good time when we come to Australia. We always have a good time there. We always have a good time on stage with each other, so you can expect to have a good time. Both bands are on point."In the full interview Corey talks more about what to expect, fitting all of their songs into a setlist, the possibility of new songs surfacing, what, if any, surprises the band has in store, why Living Colour and Extreme make good touring partners, his early days with the band, gelling with guitarist Vernon Reid, having a voice through music, their debut album Vivid and how it changed things forever, musical evolution, a new album and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

15 Elo 20239min

Interview by Kris PetersWhile many bands of the rock to metal nature often collaborate with rap artists on individual songs or across whole albums, it is generally a one way street in that direction.Seldom does the music world come across a rap artist who integrates rock and metal through their music as par for the course but try telling Houstin innovator Hyro The Hero that and chances are he will greet that comment much the same way as he does everything else in life.With a warm smile and infectious laughter.Hyro has faced all kinds of doubts, knockers and ignorance since releasing his debut mixtape Gangsta Rock on Christmas Eve in 2007.But even then the future seeds of amalgamation were gathering momentum, manifesting themselves to great effect on his 2011 debut album Birth, School, Work, Death which included tracks produced by Ross Robinson featuring Paul Hinojos (At the Drive-in, the Mars Volta, Sparta) on bass, Daniel Anderson (Idiot Pilot, Glowbug) on guitar, and the Blood Brothers alumni Cody Votolato also on guitar, and Mark Gajadhar on drums.Fast forward just over a decade and Hyro The Hero is about to release his latest album Bound For Glory on September 15 which outlines his long journey to achieving success and some of the many obstacles he has endured.Including guest appearances from David Draiman (Disturbed), Brandon Saller (Atreyu), Spencer Charnas and Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills), Chad Gray (Hellyeah), AJ Channer (Fire From The Gods), REDDSTAR and Markus Videsäter (Solence), Bound For Glory is much more than another rap/metal crossover attempt at unification or target audiences.It is a statement of intent from a man who knows only those musical barriers he sets for himself.HEAVY sat down for an interesting chat with Hyro The Hero earlier this week."I'm excited man," he beamed. "I can't wait to put it out there to the world and have everybody take it in and put their thoughts in. I love it man. It's a great feeling making some music and having it put out to the world."We follow up by asking Hyro to explain in more detail what he was going for musically with the album."Basically it's my career, my life on the road," he quipped. "That's why I say Bound For Glory because you know, you take those steps and you know and you feel it in your heart I'm bound to get to this successful spot that I feel in my head. I'm gonna take those steps and work hard and get there. I just want the listener to come in and let them know I'm on the same path as you, let's just go up this road together to get somewhere we wanna be."In the full interview, Hyro speaks more about what drove him to make Bound For Glory, the guest artists and what they brought to the table, getting to record with some of his peers, covering Busta Rhymes and why that was so important to him, mixing rap and metal and why it works, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Elo 202313min

Interview by Kyra-Jade Coombs Newcastle band Vilify have recently released their newest single From the Inside and HEAVY took the chance to have a chat with frontwoman Amy McIntosh to see what’s been happening and what’s on the cards for the band.If you haven’t had a listen already, From the Inside addresses dealing with sexuality and how it’s dealt with on the inside-out.When I asked how the track has been received Amy said, “People have come back saying they don’t really relate to this one… and I think that’s probably why I had to write it”. Which is an interesting point to address in today’s day and age.We have found ourselves in a climate made up of generations trying to navigate a space where humans can express themselves and truly be who they are, and some people just don’t know how to act in such situations. Vilify released their EP Clarity in 2020, right in the shit storm that was Covid and really had everything thrown at them that would typically deter a band, but they managed to push through all cancelled shows, uncertainties, and adversities to make it to where they are today and honestly, that’s fucking hard. Opportunities that were once there for them didn’t come to fruition or come back again at all in some cases. It’s so cool to see a band withstand the bullshit and turn it into something amazing.One thing I’ve noticed about Amy is her openness and transparency with mental health and I wanted to shine a spotlight on that. I think it’s important to have people in our music community who will be the voice for people who aren’t necessarily strong enough at the time to speak and have that person say it’s okay, and we all have our struggles.Especially someone who has a platform to reach people and uses it as a tool to share their struggles, even at times when they aren’t 100% in the right headspace either. It’s always nice to know that you aren’t alone in your struggles, so I commend people who can do this. Furthermore, we touched on stepping away from playing bass in Vilify and being up the front of the band, allowing and trusting your bandmates to step up and grow together, showing up to gigs in a badass ‘uniforms’ and being a family unit together.There’s nothing set in stone, but if you ask me it sounds like these legends have an EP in the works that will hopefully be blessing our ear holes sooner than later! Keep an eye on this space. Don’t forget to check out From the Inside in the meantime.Enjoy folks!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Elo 202321min

Sam Bean & Matt Wilcock from Werewolves take some time out of their Sunday evening to have fireside chat with Metal V talking about their absolute passion in being as brutal, upfront, honest and artistically violent as society allows.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Elo 202356min

Interview by Erin EddyYou can’t make a list of influential bands of 90s grunge without including L7.Formed in the late 80s, L7 were a crucial cog in the machine that was the grunge movement, pushing hair and glam metal aside to create a new branch on the tree of alternative music.The fact that they were an all-female band was only one of the things that made L7 stand out and be noticed. The energy and feistiness of their live shows was another. Their outspoken and unapologetic punk rock attitude, laced with sarcastic humour and wit, also caught people’s attention. And of course, some of their memorable incidents on stage will be cemented in rock and roll history forever.Probably the most notable of the L7 stunts was a tampon-throwing incident at Reading Festival in 1992.“I needed to make lemonade out of lemons,” frontwoman Donita explains, of the time she retaliated to being pelted with mud by punters during L7’s set. “That involved a live ammo tampon straight out of my body. That’s what I did.”HEAVY was conscious of the fact that this incident, which happened 30-odd years ago now, may be one Donita is sick of discussing, but in fact, it was quite the opposite. The musician conveyed the story freely with a laugh and said, “Those incidents remain pretty funny and shocking and rad, and people check us out because of that stuff.”L7’s relationship with the music industry was relatively turbulent, and labels lost interest with them when grunge ran its course. But L7 left a mark, and a devoted fan base was well and truly established, seeing the band remaining relevant throughout the years and continuing to produce music.Bricks Are Heavy was L7’s third album, and the one that exposed them to audiences outside the US.Heading to Australia and New Zealand this December, L7 will be performing this landmark album front to back, as well as diving into their catalogue of other fan favourites.“Aussie fans really love rock and roll, they’re really into good rock,” Donita states enthusiastically, “That (is what) we’re looking forward to.”To gauge what to expect when L7 return to Australia, listen to the interview in its enBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Elo 202328min

Interview by Erin EddyIf you’re some kind of sonic Marie Kondo and like tucking bands away into clearly labelled musical genre boxes, you’re going to have a hard time with Movements.The Californian four-piece glides between musical genres in a way that could potentially lead you to dismiss them on first listen, that is of course, if your first listen hits on a style that may not exactly be your glass of whiskey.“I do think that we are, in my opinion, a ‘live’ band,” Movements vocalist Patrick Miranda toldHEAVY, “and I think in many cases, maybe if you don’t like the band, once you see it live you’re like ‘ohhh, okay, I get it’, you know? I think Movements is definitely that sort of band for a lot of people.”Movements sway between indie rock, post-hardcore, emo, pop rock and their mission is to not box themselves in to any one style.“I love the fluidity that we have as a band, and I hope that continues to grow because I think there’s something on this album for everybody. If there’s one community of music listeners who enjoy even one song we make, then that’s a win for me,” Patrick states. “We just want the music to reach as many people as possible. All we don’t want is to be put into a box.”Movements are geared up for the release of their third studio album, Ruckus, which will be available on August 18.“The energy and overall feeling of this record is so fun and youthful and exciting, and it makes me so happy that I know that when it comes to playing these songs live it’s just going to feel even better,” Patrick gleams.HEAVY spent time talking with Patrick about being in Movements and the ins and outs of their new album, Ruckus, so check out the full interview now!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Elo 202320min

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne melodic death metal outfit Orpheus Omega have built a solid name based on their energetic and frenetic live performances.Which is why not playing for long periods of time due to recent world events put a massive strain on the band. So much so that Orpheus Omega spent their time looking inwards and re-evaluating their growing footprint on the musical landscape.The band also used their downtime to good creative effect, laying the platform for what would become their latest EP Portraits.A freshly unique take on things whereby each of the five band members contributed one song each to the EP, Portraits is a deeply personal and liberating album for Orpheus Omega that has resonated with music lovers everywhere.After having played only one show earlier this year to celebrate the EP's release, Orpheus Omega are about to set off on the Riff N Tour with rockers Triple Kill, starting on August 25 and winding its way around the length and breadth of this country before finishing up in late September.Bass player Leon Monaco joined HEAVY to talk more about music and touring."Oh man, I am so excited," he gushed. "We have only played one show all year for 2023, but that's because we have been putting all of our eggs into this tour basket. We cannot wait to get out there and have this awesome month long adventure."We ask Monaco how he prepares himself mentally and physically for a tour of this magnitude."I guess step one is make sure you have enough work leave," he laughed. "Musically, I just did Dry July, so I have worked on myself and a couple of the other band members have been hitting up the gym and bulking up a little, just to try and get healthier and fitter so we can move around and jump around on stage without our old man backs complaining. As soon as the tour begins we always do our best to eat well during the days, even if we're having a couple of beers or whatever happens at night, during the day we realise we still need to be adults. We're not 12 any more (laughs), we're not 21 any more, we can't do this to ourselves so we look after each other and look after ourselves."The tour is spread out over more than a month, with Monaco having good justification for playing mainly on weekends."I find if we have an international band come in anyone will come out on a weeknight to see the international band," he mused, "because they're here, you have to see them. Whereas capitalising on those weekends is definitely an easier way to do it when you're an Australian band and you're up against all the other Australian bands. Weekends are definitely where it's at. We don't mind travelling mid week, we kinda like it. I think one of our shows in Gold Coast is on a Thursday and then there's a Sydney one on a Sunday. We're always happy to play the off Friday and Saturday night shows, we just need the punters to come out and meet us half way too."In the full interview, Leon talks more about the tour and what to expect, touring with Triple Kill and why they are the perfect touring partners, their latest EP Portraits and each member writing a song each, each of those songs analysed individually, what's next for Orpheus Omega and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

11 Elo 202316min