Shifting Transmission With JJ McCANN

Interview by Angela CroudaceNiclas Engelin, guitarist of Swedish melodic death metal band The Halo Effect, spoke to HEAVY about the band's journey and their new album March of the Unheard. Engelin shared insights into the album-making process, the band's evolution, and the importance of positive energy in their music.Regarding the new album, Engelin revealed that March of the Unheard consists entirely of fresh material. Niclas reflected on how the band initially overproduced some songs, but eventually honed the track list by focusing on the album's overall vision. "You need to stay focused and hold a torch," he explained, noting how the band ensured every song fit within the album's structure.The first single, Detonate, was chosen as the lead track because of its fast pace, intricate guitar work, and catchy melodies. "It represents the album quite a bit," said Engelin. "It's a little bit more of everything this time."The album's more confident and cohesive sound reflects the band's growth, partly thanks to the extensive live touring they did for their debut. Engelin believes their live experience allowed them to develop a stronger sense of identity as a band. "We sound more confident… doing 96 shows for the first album, that's a lot," he said.As for the band's creative process, Engelin highlighted the importance of collaboration and fun. The songwriting is formulated on positive energy and mutual respect. "We do a lot of hanging out, talking about old albums, enjoying each other's company," he explained. While Engelin may bring a "skeleton" of a song to the table, the process is always collaborative, with every band member contributing their unique ideas to shape the final product. It's all about creating music in an environment of joy, as he emphasised: "If it's not fun, we just drop it."When discussing the band's dynamics, Engelin revealed that despite their busy schedules, they maintain a close relationship. They keep in touch regularly through texts, emails, or phone calls. Though family, other projects, and tight touring schedules keep them occupied, a strong sense of camaraderie fuels their music.Looking ahead, The Halo Effect is eager to return to Australia on their next tour. Fans can expect a mix of new tracks and fan favourites from their previous albums. "Some songs need to grow on you," Engelin noted, reflecting on the band's evolving live experience.In closing, Engelin explained that the band's name, The Halo Effect, represents positivity and good4 energy. "It stands for something positive," he said, a sentiment heard in every note they play.March of the Unheard is set for release on January 10 through Nuclear Blast Records.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Joulu 202420min

Interview by Angela CroudaceFor over a decade Carbon Black have been steadily making their mark in the Australian groove metal scene. With a reputation for hard-hitting, groove-laden riffs and an undeniable stage presence, the Wollongong-based band has persevered through line-up changes, tough times, and the ever-evolving music industry.Lead vocalist Jon Hurley reflects on the band's journey, their upcoming re-release of the EP Principium 2.0, and recent collaborations with some of metal's heavyweights, including Tim 'Ripper' Owens of Judas Priest."We've been going for a little over 10 years now," Hurley says, a mix of disbelief and pride in his voice. "It's funny to look back and think about how we started, and everything we've done to get to this point."The band's latest release, Principium 2.0, is a refreshed and revitalised version of their original EP. Hurley and the band saw it as the perfect opportunity to revisit the early material that helped put them on the map. "When we first started, we didn't have many songs, and we definitely didn't have a stable line-up," he explains. "We rushed things out—wrote 40 minutes of material in a matter of weeks. And while we were proud of what we did, we knew that there was more we could bring to the table."The stable line-up that has been integral to the band's recent successes consists of Hurley (vocals), Rob Giles (bass), Damon Bishop (guitar), and Steve Giles (drums), who joined six years ago. This line-up shift, notably the addition of Steve, was a game-changer for the band. "It took us a while to find a stable drummer," Hurley admits. "But now, with Steve, we've been able to really inject some personality into our old tracks and make them something special."The refreshed Principium marks a musical evolution for Carbon Black and celebrates their perseverance as a band. "It's a celebration of 10 years of hard work," Hurley says. "We've been through a lot, and we're still standing strong. This is just the beginning for us."Alongside the re-release of Principium, Carbon Black has also gained recognition for its collaboration with Tim "Ripper" Owens. The band teamed up with the former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist for a guest feature on one of their tracks, Under Order, during the pandemic. "It was a stroke of luck," Hurley explains. "We were trying to figure out how to make a splash with our new album, and Rob came across the opportunity to work with Ripper. It felt like the perfect fit."Owens' contribution to the track added a new dynamic to the band's sound, blending their groove metal roots with his renowned vocal power. "He was incredibly professional," Hurley recalls. "He sent us three different takes, and we ended up picking the one that felt the most natural. It worked out perfectly."Looking back on the band's rise, Hurley notes that their growth has come with challenges. "In the Australian music scene, especially in heavy metal, there are thousands of bands fighting for attention," he says. "But we've managed to stay relevant because of our hard work, stage presence, and the connections we've made along the way. We're lucky, but we're also really driven."As the band prepares to hit the road once again, Hurley is excited to bring the new material to fans. "We're definitely planning to perform Principium in full on tour, along with some older tracks," he shares. "It's going to be a celebration of everything we've done, and we can't wait to see our fans again."For fans looking to get their hands on the physical release of Principium 2.0, Hurley recommends checking out their Bandcamp page. "We always have limited edition merch and hard copies available at shows," he says. "We've got everything from T-shirts to coasters, and even undies. It's all about giving our fans something special."Reflecting on Carbon Black's journey, Hurley sums it up with a mixture of gratitude and determination. "What does Carbon Black mean to me? It's everything. It's a way of life. It's a family, and it's the best thing I've ever been a part of. We've worked hard, and we're not stopping anytime soon."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Joulu 202419min

If the rebellious youth of society had a queen back in the mid to late 80's you can bet your life that queen would have been a seemingly shy young lady from Violet Town called Ella Hooper. Coupling her struggles of being brought up in a small country town with the almost overwhelming burdens that life as a teenager can throw at you, Hooper and brother Jesse formed a band called Killing Heidi and instantly struck a chord with a new generation of fans for which music was their only salvation.Killing Heidi are still mesmerising audiences decades after sharing their life and struggles via music. Their enduring popularity and renewed zest saw the band rewarded with a slot at GOOD THINGS 2024.HEAVY caught up with guitarist Jesse Hooper to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Joulu 202412min

American rock outfit L7 are just as relevant today as they were when they formed back in 1985. Never ones to shy away from confrontation or back down from their beliefs, L7 have survived hiatuses, member changes and the changing tide of opinion to emerge even stronger than before. Despite the constant state of turmoil that has managed to afflict daily life, L7 have endured, harnessing that anger and resentment into an undeniable force of music that presently sees the band back in Australia once more.HEAVY caught up with frontwoman Donita Sparks ahead of L7's first show of GOOD THINGS 2024 to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Joulu 202414min

US rock outfit Sleeping With Sirens have made their career on a combination of honesty, music and humour.The band rose to fame early on with their song If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn, the lead single from their debut album With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear, which was released in 2010. Their second album, Let's Cheers to This, was released in 2011 and became a breakout for the band, thanks to the popular single If You Can't Hang, which was quickly certified Gold.But as consistently good as their music has been, Sleeping With Sirens have never been ones to take themselves too seriously. In an age where many are afraid to sneeze for fear of offending someone, Sleeping With Sirens have stayed true to their convictions and whimsical nature, delivering a succession of well received albums that have played a part in the position we currently find the band.Back in Australia for their second Good Things appearance at a festival that is only three years old. HEAVY first met the rockers at Good Things 2022, facing the daunting proposition of a virtual baptism of fire when we drew them first cab off the rank for what was our first ever backstage festival round of interviews.As it was again last Friday when the Metal Gods dished up Sleeping With Sirens for us to open the day with once more. But this time we were ready...Good Things 2024 tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Joulu 202410min

While safety first is becoming an increasingly mundane and almost conformist part of the global music scene, there are bands out there who refuse to yield, preferring to allow their natural creativity dictate the terms of music rather than cater to the whims of the masses.Sydney music machine Reliqa are one of the bands.Despite their relative youth in the cogs of the unforgiving music scene, Reliqa continue to push the boundaries of the acceptable parameters of modern music. Their May debut album Secrets Of The Future was a breath of fresh air - delivered with the subtlety of a sledgehammer - laying the platform for a sustained assault on the music world based on self belief and conviction rather than expectation.The band are content to ride a steady wave to success, paying their dues through headlining tours of their own, as well as a multitude of high profile international support to help build a solid fan base. That eye on the future continues this weekend as Reliqa rub shoulders with bands such as Korn, Mastodon, Kerry King and Billy Corgan as part of Good Things 2024.HEAVY caught up with vocalist Monique Pym ahead of Reliqa's first show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Joulu 202413min

When thrash legends Slayer called it a day last year, it left a gaping hole in guitarist Kerry King's musical psyche that was impossible to fill.After conquering the world of metal for four decades as part of the legendary outfit, King suddenly found himself cut off from the world he knew and helped create. It was to become a pivotal moment in King's career, who knew with every fibre of his being that he was not done with music.Nor it with him.King buried himself in the major constant in his life, working on, and ultimately releasing his debut album From Hell I Rise. Featuring a new-look band, King released an album as expected, echoing ghosts of future musical pasts but also creating a definitive body of work that emphatically revealed just how much of his own DNA was embedded in Slayer's music.Now, King is in Australia for the first time with his new band, ripping it up as part of Good Things 2024. HEAVY had the pleasure of chatting with the great man before the first show in Melbourne.Good Things Festival hits Sydney on December 7 before moving to Brisbane for the final show on December 8.Tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Joulu 20248min

The Living End are one of the few bands ever to successfully negotiate the chasm between punk rock sensibilities and mainstream success without losing their integrity.Their 1997 EP Prisoner Of Society/Second Solution quickly became the barometer for musical uprising amongst the youth of the world, catapulting the band into the spotlight, from which they have never strayed far.Last year saw The Living End celebrate the 25th anniversary of that breakthrough EP, with the band having all but separated themselves from that chaotic side to their nature without ever losing the trust and respect of their fans.2024 has seen the band perform at a selection of different festivals, all with vastly different demographics yet united by one cause.Music.After wowing crowds at the Mundi Mundi Bash recently, The Living End next set their sights on the open sea as part of Rock The Boat 2024 and now find themselves closing out the year as part of Good Things 2024. It is a fitting reward for effort for the hard rocking trio, with frontman Chris Cheney understandably content when HEAVY caught up with him ahead of the first show.Good Things Festival hits Sydney on December 7 before moving to Brisbane for the final show on December 8.Tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Joulu 202412min