Beyond The Abyss With LEE JENNINGS From THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT

Interview by Kris PetersNewcastle metalcore outfit Vilify are one of the new "covid babies" when it comes to music.Formed in around the global pandemic, Vilify have endured the same trials and tribulations as the rest of the world, except unlike many, the constant setbacks provided an impetus which has given the band more drive and focus.Unable to play live for almost two years after their formation, Vilify instead channeled their energies into making music, the fruits of which can be heard in their latest track Take The Pill which is out now.HEAVY had the pleasure of sitting down with the whole band to find out more about these promising upstarts.We start by asking how the feedback has been for Take The Pill."Everyone has been really nice so far," vocalist Amy McIntosh smiled. "So far the feedback has said it is probably our best song to date. I keep using the word polarising... it's got some of our hookiest bits, some of our heaviest bits so I wouldn't disagree. I think it's the most true version of us so far.""We're probably gonna use that as a basis for future things that we release too," guitarist Deni Hourihan added. "Not to say certain parts won't be a bit more techy or heavy or whatever but we all really liked how the song came out and felt that it's our vibe, or our sound."In the full interview the band tells us more about Take The Pill musically, the massive guitar riff that introduces the song, the lyrical content, more new music, forming during lockdown and the challenges that posed, their upcoming show with Gravemind at Stay Gold, other shows coming up and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

15 Maalis 202318min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney based hard rock/metal outfit Temtris are finally beginning to see reward for effort.Over six previous albums the band has built a strong fan base off the back of a relentless touring schedule and never-say-die attitude. They have always stayed in touch with their fans and pillaged the best parts of the metal genres to create a sonic landscape drawing from thrash, hard rock, power metal and rock. With a twin pronged guitar drenched sound atop the majestically soaring vocal range of Genevieve Rodda, Temtris have redefined the way metal bands approach their craft in this country.Now, after more than two decades honing their sound, Temtris are preparing to release their most ambitious and dangerous album yet.Khaos Divine breaks convention by being a completely conceptually based collection of songs, telling the story of struggle and oppression in a dystopian society possibly closely shadowing our own future.With an overseas tour scheduled for later this year and a massive album launch run of their home country to coincide with the album release, Temtris are certainly capitalising on the momentum already afforded Khaos Divine, which seems certain to intensify once the album is released on March 17.Rodda sat down with HEAVY to reveal more about their 7th and most complete album."We wanted to modernise our sound a little bit," she began. "We wanted it to be a bit fresh, and I think we've done that, even in the mix. It's quite clear and fresh for what we've done on previous albums. We've always had a bit of a grittier sound with our other albums but even the reviewers are saying the vocals are crystal clear and they are liking that. I think we've reached what we wanted to portray. It's still got our traditional Temtris sound, but there's something different about it and I think it's that little modern tweak that we've done with the songwriting. It's really helped to get the story across and it matches the concept."As is usual with Temtris, the band has combined elements of a large number of metal genres from thrash to power metal and everything in between to encapsulate the sound on Khaos Divine, with Rodda admitting that versatility is something she considers the core aspect of their music."We call ourselves heavy metal, but on every album we've got one thrash song on there," she smiled. "We have always done that. We use whatever genre we need to convey the emotion of the music, so we don't box ourselves in and I think that helps us write new music sounds fresh and new each time with each album. We don't just go, we're a power metal band and we have to do this. We don't restrict ourselves in that sense when it comes to songwriting. On this album Ground Zero is the thrash song, and that's what we do. We set out to write a thrash track, but then you've got Eternal Death Machine which has a black metal picking intro. That just came together because the song needed something and I went how about you boys try this, and it worked. It's not always locked in, but sometimes we do go for that defined this is a thrash track and this is what we want. I would say with the previous album Ritual Warfare we had a desire to write a fast album, so the songs are a lot faster in that sense but with this album the music had to match the story and the emotion we were conveying. We definitely didn't box ourselves in, but that final track Ground Zero was set to be a thrash song because it was about everything exploding (laughs)."In the full interview, Genevieve discusses the concept in greater detail, learning how to use her voice for power and effect, why they chose to write a concept album, the opening track The Grand Design and why it introduces Khaos Divine, playing the album live and the benefits and disadvantages of writing in a concept style, their Australian tour and what to expect, their first overseas tour later this year, capturing the perfect sound and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

15 Maalis 202323min

Interview by Kris PetersContrary to what their name initially suggests, Pop Evil are about as far removed from pop as The Wiggles should be the ARIAS.Since debuting with Lipstick In The Mirror in 2008, Pop Evil have released a succession of albums more on the hard rock scale, with War Of Angels, Up and their self titled albums all spawning a litany of hit singles, in the process stamping their name amongst the greatest rock bands of the last two decades.The band return with their latest album Skeletons on March 17, an album which vocalist Leigh Kakaty has said "is about us as a band stripping everything down to the bones. It’s more uptempo, it’s got bigger riffs, and we’re trying to capture the energy of our live show."HEAVY sat down with Kakaty earlier this week to discuss the album."We're excited, man," he beamed. "It always feels like forever for you to get the album finally out there once it's done, so it's exciting times. It's our 7th album, so it's a very big deal. I can't wait to get it out and get out there playing it."While always maintaining a strong rock presence in their music, it seems that, especially of late, the band has gotten progressively heavier with each release."It's the evolution of where this band is going," he replied. "And I think when you look at your growth - and this is our 7th album - I feel like it's our best Pop Evil album, and I'll tell you why. It's basically cliche, you talk to the singer and he will tell you it's the best album (laughs), but I really feel like the albums leading up to this have allowed this to be that. We were really driven about shaping our sound and making sure we have a consistency there that is different from the previous albums. Let's go back two albums, we had a producer Kato who is one of our close friends and mentor. He ended up passing away tragically in a motorcycle accident and it really shook us. I mean, when you lose your mentor you lose your rock. A producer's everything, man. He helps you with your sound. He basically takes the band and helps us tie the loose ends together and make everything go around. We spent an album trying to search for producers and find that right person, and we found him with Drew Fulk. Drew had written Waking Lions with us and he's done a couple of songs previously but it always felt like we needed more time with him. Finally we had an opportunity with this album and he obviously saw our vision and what we were doing and once he got on board this album all started to come together." In the full interview, Leigh talks more about Skeletons musically, stripping down to the bones and capturing the energy of a live show in the studio, bringing out the best in the band and himself, working with Heart Support, their upcoming run of shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

15 Maalis 202316min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter a long hibernation during which time the future of the band was uncertain, Northern Irish rock outfit The Answer are back, and, as the saying goes, are back with a vengeance.But this time that phrase isn't just bandied about as an expression. It is a welcome fact.After stepping back from all things to do with The Answer last decade, the members were finally coaxed back into music after being contacted by Golden Robert Records founder Mark Alexander-Erber who is a massive fan of the band and talked them into making their seventh studio album.When the band convened at Middlefarm Studios last year it was the first time they had been together in a studio since 2015. It was a milestone that could have gone either way but thankfully for the music world at large it fell the way of creativity and thus the seeds of Sundowners were sewn.Guitarist Paul Mahon joined HEAVY on the eve of Sundowners' March 17 release to fill in the blanks. We start by mentioning that after a seven year lay off the impending release of Sundowners must almost feel like the band's debut album all over again."It does a bit," he nodded. "It definitely reminds us of back in 2005 with our first record Rise. I think having that much of a break everyone was re-energised and really excited to get going again and we couldn't have had any more fun in the studio doing it."Sundowners is a beast of a rock album, harking back to the glory days of the genre, but we press Mahon on the musical make-up of the music and what The Answer was going for on the album."We made six albums before that and then having that break we kind of had a chance to be very objective and remove ourselves from the band completely for a while," he said. "When we stopped I wasn't sure if we were gonna come back and make another record so I was kind of in the mindset that I was no longer in The Answer and it gave me a fresh perspective on what we've done before and what I really liked about it and what I wanted to do for the chance again. There's some back to basics rock and roll which got us excited in the first place. We used that as the template to get going again. We wrote it in a much different way than usual, because we started with not seeing each other for a few years so it was quite different to get going again. I think we had maybe two or three sessions writing and demoing together before COVID hit us and then that put a spanner in the works. I wasn't sure when we were gonna finish it or when we could get in the studio and we would just write once a week on zoom where we would exchange ideas then go off and work on them individually. In the Summer of 2020 we got together and demoed the stuff we'd been working on and then we didn't see each other for another year and did the same thing and then went in the studio. I think it made the songs more focussed; a bit simpler in some aspects where we might have overcomplicated things before."In the full interview, Paul talks more about the time away from the band, what changed to make them try again, releasing Sundowners on Saint Patricks Day, how it felt coming together in the studio after so long, their first gig back at last years Planet Rockstock, their upcoming shows and what to expect and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Maalis 202319min

Interview by Kris PetersOne can question the existence of tribute bands on the musical landscape, but there is no denying the impact they have had on music in general over the last five years in particular.They provide an affordable option for fans to hear the music of their favourite bands - and often at places and venues that the actual band cannot or will not visit.Once the whole stigma of a band playing someone else's music can be cast aside the equation becomes much simpler, but love them or hate them, tribute bands are a growing outlet for live events.And one of the best currently doing the rounds is Chop Suey, the worlds biggest System Of A Down Tribute, also known as the UK All Star Tribute To System Of A Down.Featuring the undeniable talents of Martin Jackson (vocals, Confyde), Sam Totman (bass, Dragonforce), Tommy Hunt (guitar, Anti-Nowhere League) and Andre Joyzi (drums, Breed 77), Chop Suey certainly has the pedigree for success, but, more importantly, they have the attitude and drive to elevate the band from one of a large number of tribute acts to one of the best.After completing a successful run of shows last year, Chop Suey have ramped things up in 2023, already announcing two large scale tours with another set to be announced n the coming weeks. The shows will see Chop Suey play everywhere from larger cities and venues to more out of the way areas, with the focus on not only sharing their love of the music from System Of A Down, but doing so in a way that allows more of their own personalities and abilities shine through than most tribute acts allow.HEAVY caught up with all four band members to find out the ins and outs of being in a tribute band, starting with what to expect from a Chop Suey performance."Just a real high energy show," Jackson promised. "A proper party basically. Just full bore, making sure everyone's having a good time, interacting with the crowd, doing all the cool stuff like opening up the wall of death and getting people to bounce and sing along. It's meant to be one great big party and a real ebb and flow of all the different music that System Of A Down does."The majority of tribute bands go to great lengths to emulate the band they are representing, dressing to play the part and studying various band members movements and mannerisms, but according to Chop Suey they operate in almost opposite fashion."I think it's mostly our own show to be honest" Joyzi measured. "I remember seeing System Of A Down when I was young and they were young - around 2004 - and it was an incredible show. The energy they had matched the songs and it was just a full energy show. It was amazing. Sadly, I don't think System Of A Down deliver the same energy any more for whatever reason but it seems that the energy side of it seems to have been neglected by the real band itself. We're younger (laughs), and we like the music and we like playing live. We have fun and people can see that and feel that on stage. Obviously, I work with Dragonforce as does Sam, and from that we have bigger ideas for production for a proper, entertaining show. That's why when Sam came in he helped a lot. It's nothing to do with a real System Of A Down show. We really do our own thing. We play the songs our own way. Martin is an incredible singer and he stays loyal as much as possible to System Of A Down but what we do, is do it our own way, which is a bit more metal to be honest."In the full interview we talk more about the live show, putting their own spin on things and how it works, breaking the stigma attached to tribute bands, choosing the set list, both upcoming tours and the yet to be announced one, their vision for Chop Suey, what the members get out of playing in a tribute band they might not in their original outfits, the formation of Chop Suey and why, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Maalis 202334min

Kris PetersWith so much music in the modern age basically a re-imaging of genres gone by, it is refreshing to hear a band unafraid to think outside of the acceptable parameters and instead use their own creativity and experimentation as their musical vehicle.High octane Sydney outfit Pyramid Mission do that and more.Much more.By using elements of rock, metal and punk but underscoring that with samples, visuals and infectious hooks Pyramid Mission have ultimately crafted a sound uniquely their own, forged in their own image and beliefs without the unwanted distractions of adhering to set formulas or demands.In doing so they have created an artform that truly expresses their unique viewpoints on music, life and the universe as a whole.On the surface Pyramid Mission are simply a musical project that utilises sounds and samples to varying degrees, but if you take the time to join them in their personal journey down a myriad of rabbit holes then you face the very real possibility of opening your palate to a greater world within a world.Gio Lambos (composer/vocals), Yiani Baratsas (production) and Quentin Romot-Smith (production/drums) sat down with HEAVY earlier this week to talk about their new single Hex and life outside the bubble.Even the genesis of Hex has an intriguing nature to it's birth, as Lambos explains."That was nuts," he smiled. "It was just one of those moments where I was having this dream where I was lost in a train station. So, I'm in the dream and walking around the station and I meet this woman who's got this witch-like presence to her, and she's an interesting character. She's kind of guiding me to where I have to go, saying 'get on this train and go there', but at the same time she's also trying to keep me stuck in the train station. I got this crazy, conflicted energy from her, where it's like woah, she's trying to help me get places but also trying to keep me here forever. I woke up in somewhere in the middle of things. You know how dreams are always kind of hazy. And I was in this state where I was half excited, half terrified, but totally inspired. I wrote all of the lyrics for Hex in a few hours right after that. I guess the idea behind it is... I'm really into ancient mythology and a myth character you see a lot is the idea of these super natural feminine seductress figures. You've got sirens from ancient Greece - that's probably one of the most common ones - they sing these beautiful songs that lead sailors to their doom, and these characters, that's how they are always presented. They are these alluring, but dangerous women that are drawing men to their doom. After I woke up from this dream I had this feeling that it was a nuance kind of thing, you know. I was seeing that these interperations of these characters are just projections of the fear of the unknown that we have. Like I said, I was writing the lyrics straight away and it was... ultimately, it was reimagining them as instead of these scary characters, it's a call for myself and others who listen to the song to see the beauty and potential for growth when you experience that kind of stuff. And it's a call to understand that these witch like characters have a deeper nature. They're spiritual guides, yeah they draw us into the darkness, but that's only so they can guide us through it and we've just gotta be brave enough to see that value that's beyond our fear."In the full interview, the boys run through the musical nature of Hex, the trippy film clip that comes with it, the single artwork and how it ties into things, their upcoming debut album and what to expect, the early days of the band and the unusual nature of how they came to be, their mixing of sounds and where it comes from, pushing the musical envelope, their dynamic stage show, future gigs and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Maalis 202314min

Interview by Kris PetersAmyl & The Sniffers are fast becoming a festival band - for better or for worse.Whether it is their shock appeal, intense and unpredicatable stage show, or general apathy towards authority, one thing you can always guarantee from the infectious rock/punk outfit is that they will inevitably deliver the goods.After performing at most of the countries major home grown festivals it is only fitting that Amyl & The Sniffers join the line-up for a major international showcase. Not only have they earnt the right to represent on the big stage, they have also demanded recognition through sheer volume of performances and quality of material.This April Amyl & The Sniffers trek around Australia on The World Is A Vampire Tour, headlined by the Smashing Pumpkins and Jane's Addiction. They are seemingly an odd choice to support two heavyweights of a more rock inspired line-up, but going by past efforts will undoubtedly steal the show at some stage of the tour.HEAVY caught up with guitarist Dec Martens to discover more."It should be good," he enthused. "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to playing some of those places out of the city."We bring up the fact that Amyl & The Sniffers have little in common with the two headliners, but in his typical laconic fashion Martens shrugs off the fact that their music might be a little on the heavier side for some of the fans there to see the two internationals."I think it should be good," he shrugged. "We're at least in our home territory, so there will be - even though we're different - we'll probably be a little bit familiar to people compared to when we did the Hella Mega Tour through Europe last year with Green Day, Fallout Boy and Weezer and I think a lot of that European crowd didn't know what to expect from us so we kind of just alienated the whole lot. Because we're at least a bit more accessible here in Australia hopefully we won't make the whole crowd feel weird (laughs)."In the full interview, Dec talks more about the run of shows, the strong Australian representation with RedHook, Battlesnake and local supports, the wrestling side show, potentially jumping in the ring, recent happenings in Amyl & The Sniffers, new music, losing out to The Wiggles at the ARIA's, getting their revenge, what to expect from their shows and a special challenge throwndown by HEAVY and accepted!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Maalis 20239min

Interview by Kris PetersEmerging Sydney hybrid outfit Tiger recently released their second single of the year, Incredible.Combining core elements of rock and roll and dance music, Tiger have created a sound uniquely their own and one which refuses to be bound by conventional restraints.For a young band the boys are highly ambitious, with, among other things, a personal mission for the immediate future to release one song each month of this calendar year.HEAVY caught up with frontman Silvas to find out more."It's hard hitting, it's fast and energetic. It's probably one of our best numbers live," he enthused of the new track.We press him on the musical direction of Incredible and what they were going for with the song."I guess it's the same with a lot of Tiger's songs," he measured. "Our aim is to blend rock and roll music with dance music. And when I say dance music, that just means EDM, disco, new wave and combining it with the hard hittingness you hear in heavy metal and punk rock and hybriding it together."In the full interview, Silvas talks more about Incredible, their plan to release one song per month, mixing releases up to showcase different musical personalities of Tiger, putting together an EP, their blending of genres and how it came about, combining them on stage, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Maalis 202314min