The Spirit Of Metal With EXODUS RISING

Interview by Kris PetersIt's hard to believe that two of rocks biggest musical exports of the last quarter of a century have never toured Australia before. With a combined tenancy of 50 years, ORGY and COLD are loved and revered the world over for a succession of singles including Blue Monday, Stitches, Stupid Girl and Suffocate to scratch the surface, but it is the bands' respective albums Candyass and Year Of The Spider that have seen them both stand the test of time with their integrity intact and their heads still rocking.With ORGY celebrating 25 years of Candyass and COLD two decades of their breakthrough album, the two bands have joined forces for a twin assault on this country this October with select dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.HEAVY caught up with founding member and frontman from ORGY Jay Gordon and guitarist Carlton Bost to find out just we should expect."Your guess is as good as mine," Bost laughed when asked why the band has neglected us for so long. "I've been there with another band, and it was amazing, so I guess better late than never for ORGY to get there. We're totally excited and just finished a two-month run with COLD, and it's a really great package."In the full interview, we discuss Orgy's upcoming tour in Australia, including the tour dates, bands they will be performing with, and the energetic stage show and setlist. We also talked about the band's history and the challenges of relearning old songs for the tour, as well as their excitement about playing new material. Jay Gordon reflected on the band's origins and their impact on the industry, including their relationship with Jonathan Davies and his label.The conversation also touched on future music releases and tour plans, including a record deal with Golden Robot Records and a partnership with the band Cold. Despite uncertainty about their fan base in Australia, the group expressed gratitude and anticipation for the upcoming shows.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Heinä 202410min

Interview by Kris PetersOne look at any press release from Brisbane rock outfit Full Flower Moon Band and you know everything you need to know about their music in two words.Babyshakes Dillon.Just try and tell me that a band whose frontperson proudly wears that monicker is anything but the real deal. In all honesty when I first came across Full Flower Moon Band and was asked to speak with the band about their new release Megaflower I almost skipped on by, thinking the band name indicated strongly that Megaflower would comprise washed-up, whimsical love songs borne out of the hippy era designed to make me feel even less in touch with reality than I already am.Which provides another lesson here. Don't judge a book by its cover - or a band by its name in this case.Thankfully, I hit play on the link and instantly made a mental note to be less judgemental in the future when the sweet, blues-drenched sounds of Devil filled my ears as I rushed to press confirm on the interview request.Since releasing their 2021 EP Death Or Hell, the public has fallen in love more readily with Full Flower Moon Band, earning them the sought-after national support for The Black Crowes, allowing the band to spread their rock goodness over more of this country.2023 release Diesel Forever solidified Full Flower Moon Band's rapidly growing stature, with all indications pointing towards Megaflower - out July 19 - magnifying that acceleration even more. HEAVY sat down with Babyshakes herself to talk about the album and upcoming tour."I just came home from listening to the test pressings, and I'm feeling really good," she enthused. "I finished the record a few months ago but haven't had that break to listen to it with fresh ears until now. I had a full listen through and (laughs) for the first time can say I'm pretty proud of it."We ask Babyshakes to tell us more about the musical side of Megaflower."Our last album Diesel Forever was an album that gained us a larger audience," she offered, "and it was a heavy rock album. With this album, I really wanted to be as expansive and generous as I could in terms of it being a studio album and being genre-bending. I felt like I had two choices. I could double down on hard rock riffs and continue to… I guess play into the last record. Or I could be a little bit more adventurous and take a bigger risk. And I chose to do the latter."In the full interview, Babyshakes talks more about Megaflower and what to expect, the temptation to rehash the winning formula on Diesel Forever and how she pushed herself away from doing that, how Full Flower Moon Bands music has changed over their journey, the metamorphosis of the songs during the writing and recording process, experimenting more and trusting her instincts, the band's upcoming tour which will be their biggest yet and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Heinä 202417min

Interview by Kris PetersIn a world where the lines between light and shade are being constantly shifted, it is refreshing to come across a band who embrace life to its fullest while still enjoying the many and varied excesses a musical lifestyle offers.Described as a pure glam slam boogie woogie rock n roll outfit, Omaha's The Midnight Devils are a breath of fresh air on the global music scene, partying all over the world and taking ass and kicking names anywhere and everywhere they go.Frontman/bassist Sam Spade, guitarist Sniper and drummer Jimmy Mess have worked tireless for almost a decade, plying their trade and delivering their infectious brand of glam metal wherever possible over two previous albums Something Bigger and Never Beg For It, but it is their new album So Hard It Hurts - out July 5 - that has fans and critics alike salivating at the prospect that finally The Midnight Devils might just be rewarded for effort.With an Australian national support slot to Bon But Not Forgotten looming on the horizon, followed by the bands first ever tour of Japan, Sam Spade sat down with HEAVY to talk life, music and justice The Midnight Devils way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Heinä 202422min

Interview by Kris PetersThey say good things come to those who wait, and if that's the case, Gold Coast melodic technical death metal outfit Snake Mountain have some damn fine times ahead of them.Rather than trying to force themselves onto the international support rollercoaster from the outset, Snake Mountain have preferred to bide their time, practising, waiting, and networking until they felt their product was of high enough standard to put out there.It has been a long and sometimes painful path to the open market, but one gets the impression it will bear the fruits of progress much sooner rather than later.In recent months, Snake Mountain have opened for international heavyweights Fleshgod Apocalypse and Wolfheart, as well as teaming up with Australian royalty in Black Rheno and Witchgrinder, in the process proving their suitability and diversity on any metal lineup as long as it's loud.Following the release of two crushingly brutal singles - Everliving and Extinction Through Fire - Snake Mountain are in the final stages of the long-awaited release of their debut EP Villainous 1: Reverence on July 5. Not content to give the fans new music, the boys have also announced a string of shows along the East Coast over June, July and August so they can share their musical triumphant far and wide.HEAVY cornered Snake Mountain frontman Neville Pearce to find out more."I'm pretty excited about it," he measured when asked about the looming release date. "And I am nervous for people to hear it because I guess it represents where we've been. It's part of a bigger picture that we're trying to paint. We put a lot into it - it's only four tracks - but it shows the different mini-era's of the band and the different members influences that have weaved in and out throughout that time. And I'm really proud of that. That's exactly what the title is in reference to is paying those respects."We ask Pearce to dive deeper into the music side of the EP."It's - as we said before - each song represents, not only the members, but I guess the year they were written," he explained. "The first track, Extinction Through Fire, which we recently released digitally, goes right back to the beginning with Dan Maynard. Then we've got Hunted which was with Dan Maynard, and we have that one with Jamie and Dario then it goes on to All Of Eternia which was Dario and Jamie, and it progresses from there onto the last track Everliving, which was the last single we released. You can sort of tell within those styles how the band has changed and where we've come to now. Which doesn't really represent who we are now with our technical stuff, but it's definitely part of the journey." In the full interview, Neville discusses the length of time it took Snake Mountain to release their debut EP and why, the timeline of each song and what part of the band's history it represents, scoring support slots and what it means to the band, the guest artists on the EP and what they brought to the sound, his transformation from one of the good guys off-stage to a raging demon on, their upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Kesä 202424min

No matter the existing strength, quality or back catalogue of a band - and regardless of their past successess - there is ALWAYS a defining moment in their career that makes what may or may not have come before seem trivial and insignificant. While that moment may come in a number of different forms, it is generally a groundbreaking performance or an album so good it defies even internal expectations.That moment is here and now for US metal tyrants Nothing More, who celebrate the release of their latest - and quite possibly greatest - album yet with Carnal thIs Friday, June 28.It is an album featuring not only a musical underbelly that highlights all the strengths and none of the weaknesses of Nothing More, but also features guest performances from a veritable who's who of metal royalty including David Draiman (Disturbed) and Eric V (I Prevail) and a production team that have overseen bands such as Motionless In White, A Day To Remember, Limp Bizkit and Bring Me The Horizon.Carnal is and will be that defining moment for Nothing More, with frontman Jonny Hawkins recently sitting down with HEAVY to tell us more, discussing the musicality of Carnal, the guest artists and why they were chosen, the temptation to rehash the winning formula of their previous album, collaborating with David Draiman, how Carnal came together, diversifying their music without separating themselves from their fanbase, the musical growth of the band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Kesä 202424min

Interview by Kris PetersFifty years of service to any industry is a remarkable effort, but when that industry happens to be the cut-throat one of music, then that achievement takes on ever greater credence.The Angels have long been an institution on the Australian music scene, with their high-energy brand of rock transcending generations of music lovers across this country and beyond. The band have literally been there and done that in a landscape not designed for longevity, bouncing back from tragedy, critical upheaval and anything else the world of music and life has thrown their way.Better known with Doc Neeson out the front, The Angels also welcomed The Screaming Jets' Dave Gleeson to the family for an extended stay, but now, as they enter their second half-century as a band, the baton has been passed on to former drummer, now focal point, Nick Norton.To celebrate this wonderful milestone, The Angels are releasing their 14th studio album - and first in over a decade - on June 28. Simply titled Ninety Nine, the album marks Norton's first release as vocalist but promises all of the hard-edged rock and roll swagger made famous by The Angels over so many years.The band has also announced their 50 Not Out national tour, starting in June as well, with Norton putting some time aside recently to tell HEAVY about all of the new adventures in store for The Angels."We're stoked about the album," he beamed. "I actually haven't been this excited about a new album since I was… at least ten-plus years. It's always good to be on recordings, and it's an exciting thing, but this one I have repeatedly said to the band and I think I keep surprising the guys about how excited I am about it (laughs). I'm satisfied with the way the tracks have gone down, the way we made sure that everything has been done to a T and exactly how we wanted it. Even from a vocal perspective, this is the most time I have ever taken to really nail parts and layer up all of these interesting harmonies and got it exactly as I was hearing it. Some of these tracks we recorded the rhythm section stuff for four years ago, and we've been laying guitars over since. It was not long before Christmas last year we went on this whole kind of extra thing to get the album finished, and we did a couple of big sessions down in Melbourne at Light Hill Studios to get the album all finished up for the 50th year. Suddenly it's gone from 'we'll get around to finishing the album' to we actually have something here, let's do this."In the full interview, Nick talks more about Ninety Nine and how it sounds, what they were going for with the overall sound and how The Angels' DNA is spread throughout it, lead single Ninety Nine and why it was chosen to represent the album, delivering what is expected of you while still coming up with something fresh, taking over from Dave Gleeson, fan reaction to his role as frontman, his history with the angels, writing with the Brewster Brothers, their upcoming tour and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Kesä 202419min

Interview by Kris PetersTwenty years in any position is worthy of long service reward, but when you manage to do that in the cut-throat and often thankless place called the music industry, then long service leave just doesn't cut the mustard.It is an industry that taxes the majority and rewards the few, but it is also one of the few things in the world that could loosely come under the term job that by and large brings satisfaction, relief, and extreme pleasure to all of those fortunate enough to embrace it.Sydney hard rock/metal outfit Temtris have recently earned their place in the 20 years and counting music club and are celebrating by doing the one thing they do best.Releasing music and touring. But that's two things, I hear you scream.Not when you are in a working band, my friends. Writing, recording and touring go hand in hand. You can't succeed in one without embracing the other, which is one of the major reasons why Temtris have emerged triumphant from the minefield that engulfed the world just a few short years ago. Not only have they come out the other side still as a band with an itch to scratch, but Temtris have come out with renewed zest and vigour, taking their music to an international audience while still satisfying those closer to home.And what's the best way to celebrate such milestones with the people who helped perpetuate your longevity?By releasing a Best Of album that captures your band and music every step of the way, from your tentative first steps to your current day sprint. Because at the end of the day music is as much about your fans as it is yourself, otherwise you would be left singing into the empty shampoo bottle in the shower while mentally standing in front of an adoring crowd.On June 28 this year, Temtris unveil their gift to the fans in the form of Rewinding Time, a comprehensive recounting of the band's music from debut album Threshold in 2003 up to last year's dynamic Khaos Divine. It is a compilation of musical highlights as originally recorded that not only highlights the growth and strengths of Temtris, but also their frailties and humanity.Guitarist Fox and vocalist Genevieve joined HEAVY to chat more about the album and the band's upcoming European return.One of the questions we ask them is how the experience of putting together a Best Of album felt."Over a 20-year career, it was interesting going back to the early stuff and re-listening to things," Fox replied. "You have that feel of gee, it was a bit rough back then (laughs). You can hear the improvement over the years, as you would hope, as both the technology and our own skills in production has improved. You'd go back and listen to the early songs, and it was still difficult thinking which songs we would include. You think things like the production may not be the most amazing compared to modern standards, but the music itself still stands up quite well."Larger bands like Slipknot, Metallica etc would find assembling a Best Of album an easy task. Just start at the pile of number ones and work your way backwards. But for bands not on the same platform it would be more of a personal experience, listening to their old music and recalling which ones resonated with not only themselves, but with their fans and audiences over the years. We ask the band if that's how they came up with the chosen few, or if there was a more delicate method."I literally went online and asked the fans what they wanted," Genevieve answered. "I had some interesting responses. It was hard for us… we put The Lies Become The Truth off the last album, even though it wasn't a major single with a major film clip, just because that song, literally every time we play live, goes off. It was like, this is one of the most loved tracks off that album, so we put it on. That's how we did that with a lot of the tracks we chose.""There's definitely an element of connection to it," Fox continued. "All the songs that are on this best of compilation we've had a strong connection with live. They are songs the fans have responded to and requested again and again and again and still come to shows now and say when are you putting this song back in the set? That speaks to us and builds our connection with those particular songs as well. All of the songs that have gone onto the album have that connection. There's songs where we feel we have connected very strongly with the fanbase through this music and this song."In the full interview, we ask Fox and Genevieve how connected they still felt as they were going through the older tracks, how they could hear their own musical progression from the early songs to more recent, the album artwork and how it reflects 20 years of Temtris, releasing Rewinding Time in physical form and the importance of maintaining actual CD's as opposed to going full digital, the new line of merch to coincide with Rewinding Time, last year's European tour and how overseas fans related to their music, their upcoming return visit throughout Europe, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Kesä 202420min

Interview by Kris PetersGrunge fans rejoice as the raw energy of Nirvana returns to Australia!Direct from the UK, the world’s number one tribute to the Seattle legends, Nirvana Tribute, are making their way back to Aussie shores for their fourth visit, and for the first time will be hitting New Zealand as well to pay homage to, and celebrate the life of Kurt Cobain.Tribute bands are a dime-a-dozen these days, and quality versions are rarer than hens teeth, especially in the case of Nirvana tribute acts. It seems every country has more than a handful of bands claiming to pay homage to the original artist and their music, but in reality turn out to be nothing more than semi-adequate wanna-be's who are just in it for the quick buck.Sound harsh? Well I should know, having worked with one of the best and most popular tribute bands ever, ACCADACCA.There's only one other band that I have ever seen manage to capture the raw intensity and musical brilliance of the band they are paying tribute to, and that is Nirvana Tribute. Especially frontman Jon O'Conner, who is that similar in looks, presence and voice to Kurt Cobain himself that you could close your eyes at their gig at the local pub and easily be transported back to The Duchess Of York Hotel in Leeds back in 1989, standing in front of the actual Nirvana in a smoke-stained, overcrowded and sweaty club.Nirvana Tribute has been hailed as worthy successors the world over, with countless tours and new territory conquered on a yearly basis and even more that unfortunately miss out.HEAVY caught up with frontman Jon O'Conner recently to talk more about Nirvana Tribute plus the man and legacy honoured each and every time the band gets on stage."The people seem to like us there," he shrugged when we mention the band must be doing something right to be invited back for a fourth tour of Australia, "so we'll always go back. We love it as well. I think on my first visit to Australia, I was completely blown away. Just the hospitality and the people there… you can't beat it."We point out the fact that Australians are known for their honest nature in general, but even more so when it comes to music, so if Nirvana Tribute have managed to win us over things are looking pretty good."I think we would have known if they weren't happy," he laughed. "They made us feel right at home on that very first trip, so I'm sure the fourth one will be just the same."As mentioned earlier, there are an uncomfortably large number of tribute bands doing the rounds, with Nirvana being right up there as the most popular band to attempt. We ask O'Conner how he feels about such bands who ultimately only serve to denigrate the efforts of others like Nirvana Tribute who actually take pride in their work."At the moment there is an almost oversaturation of the market," he agreed. "There's some substandard Nirvana tribute bands, but this is the one to come and see. If you wanna see a genuine Nirvana performance and go home feeling like you'd been at a Nirvana show, this is the one that you need to see. Plus we bring a little bit of chaos with us as well (laughs)."In the full interview, Jon talks more about what fans can expect from the show, headlining the Louder Than Love run of shows while here, the resurgence of grunge music and how far he thinks it will go, recreating the magic of Nirvana and what things Nirvana Tribute do to make that happen, separating himself from the stigma that comes with portraying Kurt Cobain, his thoughts on the enduring legacy of the great man, what attracts him to Nirvana's music, what people find so special about it, living up to fan expectation and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Kesä 202414min