Guitars, Riffs, And A Little Bit Of Aussie Heat: RICK SCHNEIDER On Polaris And Knotfest

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish progressive power metal outfit Evergrey have had a long and distinguished career, chalking up 13 albums in their three-decade existence, in the process redefining the acceptable parameters for Swedish metal.Led since 1993 by guitarist/vocalist Tom S Englund, Evergrey have maintained their dark approach to a generally bright form of metal, spreading their musical wings further with each new release.Evergrey will release their 14th studio album Theories Of Emptiness on June 7, with keyboard player Rikard Zander spending time with HEAVY to discuss the new material. We start by asking if, after 13 previous album releases, the impending release of another is still a nerve-wracking process."Yeah, I've been there, done that," he shrugged, "but we still put so much effort into every album we do. We always try to do our best, and we always try to top the previous albums. So, of course, we are very anxious to see how it's going to be received. We're always a little bit nervous of course, because we've been in the process for such a long time so we really don't know… we don't have an objective side of it yet, so it feels good when you start to get some good reviews and hear people liking it (laughs).""We always try to find new angles for every release. I mean, we're not going to change completely. We still have a way, and we're going to put out great music, but we try to find a new way of writing, maybe just to try to keep it fresh. And I think the new angle on this album is mostly that Johan, our bass player, has written a lot of music, and he hasn't done that before."In the full interview, Rikard discussed Evergrey's new album Theories of Emptiness, highlighting the band's approach to creating fresh music and the influence of different band members on the album's sound. He also expressed surprise at early reviews calling it their best album ever, emphasizing the band's ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality music despite releasing numerous albums. He engaged in a detailed discussion about the album, covering various aspects such as the song titles, guest vocals, and the introduction of new elements, particularly the contribution of bass player Johan in songwriting. Rikard also provided insights into the band's upcoming world tour plans, including gigs in South America, European festivals, a Scandinavian tour, and a European tour in the fall.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Touko 202418min

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne instrumental outfit The Omnific are a band who have managed to traverse the boundaries normally separating instrumental music from that with vocals, blending a variety of techniques and impossible-to-resist musical precision that appeals to all lovers of music.Following the release of three groundbreaking EPs - Sonorous (2016), Kismet (2017), and The Minds Eye (2019) - The Omnific found themselves and their music reaching all corners of the globe, even attracting the attention of Clay Gober from Polyphia who featured on the single Antecedent from the band's debut 2021 album Escapades.In 2023, the group went from strength to strength; supporting Polyphia in Australia, and Ne Obliviscaris in Europe and North America, capping it off with a landmark 46-date world tour in support of single Phat Mackerel, including festivals Euroblast (DE), Reeperbahn (DE) and Bigsound (AU) before starting off 2024 supporting The Hu on home soil.A major feature of their success has been an amalgamation of styles and genres which dives through prog, metal, djent, funk, synth-driven soundscapes, and more.With their sophomore album The Law Of Augmenting Returns being unleashed yesterday, HEAVY caught up with one of two bass players, Matt Fack, to find out more. We start by asking about the album title, The Law Of Augmenting Returns."A lot of thought went into that," Fack nodded, "because the whole concept was like, well, the law of diminishing returns seems to be a pretty common concept, mainly, I guess, in the commerce world. But in life, when you think about it, I guess, the more you do something, the less return you get from that. So I was trying to think, what could we sort of, I guess, due to like, be like, what's the opposite? Like the more you do something, the more reward you get out of it.And augmenting also relates to music, like diminished to augmented. So that fits to music as well. I guess you can say it's got some cool meaning to it."We ask if there was any more pressure going into this album following the universal success of Escapades."I guess you can think about it like your own personal pressure," he measured. "Like, I want to outdo myself from the prior record. I guess when it comes to just being creative… I wouldn't say it's like pressuring myself to do something, because it all kind of flows naturally when you're feeling like in the moment. I'm just thrilled it sort of just came about as it did without putting pressure on ourselves."In the full interview, we discussed The Omnific's new album, The Law of Augmenting Returns, in greater detail. We talked about the concept behind the album title and the pressure associated with releasing a sophomore album. Matt also delved into the creative journey behind the album, discussing the process of incorporating live musicians and selecting singles, as well as the significance of their production team and the impact of guest spots on the album. He also provided insights into their upcoming European tour and plans for future performances, offering a comprehensive overview of their musical endeavours and creative aspirations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Touko 202422min

Interview by Kris PetersNew Zealand indie rock outfit Park Rd have released their debut album, The Novel, which came out last Friday, May 24. The Novel stands as a testament to PARK RD's evolution as musicians and individuals and offers listeners an intimate glimpse into their heads and hearts.Having already announced themselves on the scene with two previous EPs and a host of singles, Park Rd have had a stellar last 12 months, performing at festivals such as SXSW Sydney, Rhythm & Vines, Soundsplash and Le Currents, as well as supporting The Band CAMINO, Milky Chance, Spacey Jane, and Summer Thieves.HEAVY sat down with members Carlos Martin (bass) and Tom Chamberlain (vocals) to find out more. We discussed their debut album, The Novel, and their excitement and anxiety surrounding its release. They shared insights into their songwriting process, emphasizing the organic and fluid nature of their creative approach, and revealed that the album features a mix of rock, pop, and more intimate, stripped-back compositions. The band also discussed their recent tour of Australia and their plans for upcoming shows, expressing their eagerness to connect with Aussie crowds and their hopes for a successful tour.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Touko 202413min

Interview by Kris PetersPreparing for a debut album - for any band - is an arduous task. Once you make that firm decision and commit to laying down your tracks for others to digest, it seems like, in many respects, everything is violently taken from your control and placed at the mercy of others.As such, it would be easy - and almost forgivable - to take the easier path, whatever that may be. Safe songs, safe structure, proven methods and carefully mapped out schedules, but at what cost?You only get one chance to release a debut album, and in many ways that one album can define the rest of your musical career.Which is why a large number of bands take the safe passage. Or at least their version of it, which invariably leads to a more polished and socially acceptable offering of music from the lyrics all the way down to presentation.But every once in a while you come across a band who throw caution to the wind and leave themselves and their music exposed as they let their fledgling work of art loose on the world. A band who are unashamed to leave large chunks of their own DNA splattered throughout the release, thus laying bare their innermost emotions and thoughts.It is a brave and increasingly fading approach, but has also become so much more noticeable in what is fast becoming a saturated market where different often equates to good.So it is with Melbourne-based post-punk, Midwest emo outfit Gypsy Road who have laid their souls on open display with their debut album Letters To A Friend, From Interstate which is released on May 24. An exhaustive and confronting collection of eight songs highlighting the emotional struggles confronted by the band throughout the entire process, Letters To A Friend, From Interstate captures a band unafraid to admit not having the answers and honest enough to concede defeat.It is an eclectic and refreshing journey through a myriad of genres that are woven together in a sonic tapestry that drips with vulnerability yet exudes an air of confidence that suggests a strong future.HEAVY caught up with frontman Alex Centofanti to find out more, asking if he is nervous, excited, anxious or all three together as Friday's release date approaches."All of the above," he laughed. "For so many multiple reasons. The last three singles we have released - which actually have been our first ever singles because before that we released three EP's - has been a new experience for me and pretty nerve-wracking. Those songs have actually done the best for any releases we have done. That's why it's also anxious, nervous and excited. I'm hoping that it translates to the album. It's one of those things where you get worried that when you release a couple of songs people aren't going to listen to the full album, so I'm hoping they make it through the whole thing because I think it's pretty good (laughs)."We press Alex on the musical side of the album and what Gypsy Road were going for sonically."I was going for quite a few things," he measured. "I was going for a heavier sound than I've ever done before. I was going for a lot more… I wouldn't say a darker sound, but I was definitely going for that melancholy vibe. I was really just trying to make it sound how I felt at the time."In the full interview, Alex talks more about the musicality on Letters To A Friend, From Interstate, what sorts of things they did as a band in preparation for their debut offering, how they will gauge the success of the album, the emotional side of the music and committing that to paper, some of the themes and lyrical content covered, future planning in terms of musical growth, upcoming gigs and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Touko 202413min

Interview by Kris PetersIf work ethic and dedication to your craft were the only parameters of success in the music industry, then Brisbane hard rock outfit Krave would already be nestled comfortably somewhere towards the upper regions of the proverbial tree. The trio have spent most of their short existence playing anywhere and everywhere they could, offsetting that essential drive with a steady succession of powerful and catchy singles that have provided a strong platform from which to launch their assault.After spending the past 18 months focussing more on the live aspect of their tenure - which included support slots for Suicidal Tendencies and Avatar - Krave have now turned their sonic gaze back to writing and recording, with a stronger sense of self-belief and trust in their ability that only time on the road can bring.Today, May 23, sees Krave release their first new music since December 2022 in the form of the single Charade, a song that highlights the band's growth and belief and reflects a harder edge that has laid simmering gently beneath the surface in previous years.HEAVY caught up with vocalist/bassist Siana Davis to find out more."It is such an epic one," she explained of Charade. "It's a new kind of sound for Krave and explores lots of deep topics within the music itself, and we are amazed with the production of the song. We've hit a whole new level as a band."After a prolonged absence from releasing music, we ask Siana if she feels any extra pressure stepping back into the limelight again."It's quite nervous getting back out there," she laughed. "We've been playing so many shows last year and we have been so busy. We've been saying we have to release new music soon and everyone has been 'when's it coming?' (laughs)."In the full interview, Siana tells us more about Charade from a musical point of view, the deep lyrics and Krave's consistency when it comes to writing engaging and substantial music, how their sound has changed to reflect the band's recent growth, if Charade is a stand-alone track or part of a bigger picture, what direction new music will take, reaping the benefits of sustained touring, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Touko 202414min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter an absence of five years, Canadian hardcore punk outfit Cancer Bats are finally returning to our shores next month for an eight-date run of shows in a belated celebration of the band's most recent 2022 album Psychic Jailbreak.That album marked a changing of the guard for Cancer Bats, with founding guitarist Scott Middleton leaving before the album was recorded, forcing the remaining three members into an uncomfortable writing and recording process that ultimately brought out the best in each of them.The album was a resounding success but is yet to be performed live in this country, a blight that shall be rectified in just over three weeks, with frontman Liam Cormier making no effort to hide his enthusiasm when he spoke with HEAVY only hours ago."I'm still on this tour," he replied when asked if he was packed and ready for Australia yet, "so I have a bag of dirty laundry (laughs). I'm ready to go. I'll just put this in the wash, then repack my bags. I feel like this last bunch of touring we've been really busy, so it's almost like having a bag packed and ready to rip. That's how I've been living (laughs)."We ask Liam what has changed with Cancer Bats since their last visit down under."Last time we played, we had Wade MacNeil from Alexisonfire playing guitar with us," he offered. "Since then, we've had a couple of other folks on guitar duties, but now our homie Jackson (Landry) is gonna be shredding for both the Cancer Bats and Bat Sabbath shows. Australia will get to meet our new favourite… he calls us his Uncles because he's younger. He's like a 27-year-old little ripper."In the full interview, Liam talks more about Jackson and how he has slotted into the band, the response to Psychic Jailbreak from fans, the internal pressures the band put on themselves to improve on each album, keeping things fresh after seven albums and counting, taking Fangz as national support and the part Cancer Bats played in getting the band together, having local bands open in each city, the two Bat Sabbath shows and what to expect, what craziness Cancer Bats plan to bring and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Touko 202411min

Interview by Kris PetersQuinceañera - the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood; the term is also used for the celebrant herself.Sounds like cause to celebrate and an even greater cause to party, which is exactly what Me First And The Gimme Gimmes did when they ‘crashed’ the coming-of-age ceremony of a young lady by the name of Madison.Not that anyone should be surprised seeing twenty years earlier the band had done the same thing at Johnny’s Bar Mitzvah but as they say, why let somebody else's inhibition spoil what could be a great party for yourself?Not only did the band perform to an unwelcoming audience at said ceremony, they also recorded the set and invite one and all to share the special occasion when they release BLOW IT…AT MADISON’S QUINCEAÑERA! on June 14.HEAVY sat down earlier today with frontman Spike Slawson to find out more details in all of their punk drenched glory. We start by asking if he still gets nervous about impending album releases."Absolutely," he nodded. "It was our first Quinceañera party, and it's intended to be awkward and comic and tragic all at once, and so if it is a success it's likely going to be excruciating and in the moment, if that makes sense. It's very nerve-wracking. We vetted the contestants that won the dubious prize of having us play their Quinceañera party, and we wanted to make sure there were no natural allies in attendance. Nobody that knew who we were or was going to be inclined to liking us or our performance. That was very important to us, and it was the right decision. But when I was about to go out and actually face the crowd, it was… difficult. It was a challenge. But, we had a good time. The crowd eventually turned around. I think we finally played a song from this Millennium and that made a big difference I think."In the full interview, Spike explains what a Quinceañera actually is, opening with Black Sabbath and if, in hindsight, he would have chosen a different song, the in between song banter and keeping the recording authentic, how Madison liked the show, using a horn section for the first time, how he would describe Me First & The Gimme Gimmes to someone who had never heard them before and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Touko 202418min

Interview by Kris PetersNewcastle progressive rock outfit Age Of Emergence are currently about halfway through a run of shows around Australia in support of their new EP The All Seeing Eye Part 1.In a world where the core genres are starting to become more popular by the week, it is refreshing to see a band staying true to their core, unafraid of defying conventions by peddling their brand of rock.Age Of Emergence have been plying their trade since forming in Newcastle back in 2013, releasing their first EP Plea For A Dying World four years later before following that up with The War Within Ourselves in 2020. Then, as happened the world over, the pandemic struck and halted the momentum AGE had been steadily building, but rather than succumb to the general bleakness engulfing the world, the band decided to turn their feelings into music with the result being The All Seeing Eye.The EP also sees AGE welcome in new drummer Adam Clayton, with Adam joining vocals/bass Dean Holmes and guitarist Matt Neilson for a chat with HEAVY earlier today, starting with the early response to the new EP."No one has said anything so far," Holmes laughed. "So, so far it's been pretty positive. I guess most people seem to think it's better or just as good as the stuff we've done previously.""People like the video clip we've done as well," Clayton added. "It's good to know that the effort is being appreciated.""The sound is an improvement from what we were chasing," Neilson chimed in."We used more of the current modern recording methods with this," Holmes continued. "All the plug-ins and things like that and I can see why bands are using it now.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Touko 202427min