Ahead Of The Chase With JONO HAWKEY And JACK VAN VILET From BLOOM

Interview by Kris PetersDepressive black metal outfit GHOST BATH have emerged from beyond the veil with their new album, Rose Thorn Necklace, set to be released on May 9 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band, in their 12th year of existence, are not in the business of softening the edges. Rather, the frontman (Nameless aka Dennis Mikula) is leaning more toward his antisocial traits, serrated like a rusty knife yet beautifully honed over years of toil.HEAVY caught up with Nameless this week to get the rundown on what to expect, and start by asking how he is feeling with the release date approaching."You know, I don't really like releasing just singles," he measured. "I just want the whole album out for people to check out. But it's coming up, so I am excited to get it out there and start touring on it."He raises a good point with the release of singles, because although snippets of an album work for the most part, for band's like Ghost Bath who create a more immersive musical experience, the effects can be just the opposite."I mean, I get why it's done," he answered, "it builds hype and people will hear the single then say oh, I want to hear the whole album now, so it makes sense, but personally, I don't like to listen to just one song by a band."We ask Nameless what he was going for musically with Rose Thorn Necklace, to which he replied."Musically, I was going for my own take on depressive black metal, but more in a vein where it's like… I don't know… a little bit dancy in parts but still dark. I always try to do a contrast between beauty but with the heaviness, and that usually comes from the more melodic, pretty guitar parts contrasted with the vocals either being high-pitched shrieks or low growls. I like to play with contrast a lot, and that's kind of what I was going for."In the full interview, Nameless further discussed Rose Thorn Necklace, emphasizing its representation of his personal interpretation of depressive black metal through a blend of melodic and heavy elements. He expressed a preference for listeners to engage with the entire album rather than individual singles, as each track plays a vital role in the overall emotional experience. Nameless also shared insights into his evolving songwriting process, noting a transition from collaborative efforts with the band to independent creation for this album and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Huhti 13min

Interview by Kris PetersHe may have been taken from us far too soon, but the legacy and memory of guitar great Randy Rhoads will live forever. Rhoads' name is revered in the music world, where, for a period from the late 1970s through to the early 1980s, his playing and presence left a shadow of brilliance that is as strong today as it was back then.The virtuoso guitarist, who co-founded Quiet Riot and propelled Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career with Blizzard of Ozz (1980) and Diary of a Madman (1981), remains one of heavy metal’s most important figures. Before his untimely death in 1982 at just 25, Rhoads redefined guitar-driven rock, blending classical influences with blistering metal to pioneer the neoclassical metal subgenre. His iconic riffs, featured in timeless songs such as Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, and innovative techniques, including two-handed tapping, vibrato bar dive bombs, and intricate scales, set a new standard for the 80s metal scene and inspired countless guitarists.Recognised with a 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Rhoads’ legacy endures as a cornerstone of heavy metal evolution, with his signature Jackson Rhoads guitar symbolizing his revolutionary impact. To most of this current generation and beyond, the life and music of Randy Rhoads will always be that of past reflection, unable to bear witness to the great man on stage with precious little preserved on camera or film.But this December, thanks to XMusic, fans can get as close to the glory days of guitar as possible when A TRIBUTE TO RANDY RHOADS - The Stories and Music Behind the Legend - hits this country for a performance that includes live renditions of Rhoads' finest moments as well as an in-depth Q&A session. This is more than just a tribute performance, with Rhoads' long-time friend, confidant and co-founder of Quiet Riot, Kelly Garni, heading the evening alongside Rhoads' first-ever guitar teacher, Scott Shelley.It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Randy Rhoads - a true guitar legend - whose influence still resonates in every power chord and soaring solo played today. HEAVY had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Garni ahead of the tour, and among the topics of conversation was the sheer magnitude of putting together and the need for a performance of this scale."I don't pursue these things," he stressed. "People come to me, and they ask me to do them. There's a very, very large fan base for Randy Rhoads, and pretty much I'm the last man standing (laughs). Of course, I don't have Kevin (Dubrow, vocalist), who I sure do miss. Although if you read my book, you wouldn't believe that in a million years, but boy do I miss him. He was a great, great guide for me, and I learned a real lot from Kevin. But anyway, I've been approached several times, and I've been all around the country over the last few years here in America, and now Japan twice. People want anything left of Randy, and I guess I'm what you get. It's an honour to represent my best friend. Of course, anybody would do that for their best friend, if they're any kind of a friend. And so, since people are so excited to hear that music again, I happily oblige and go and do these shows."Garni had many tales to tell, among them how Alice Cooper shaped much of what was to eventually become the sound of Quiet Riot, albeit without having ever met the two impressionable youths."When we saw Cooper, we said we're gonna be rock stars, whether anybody likes it or not," he smiled. "And you know, in my mind, Randy did, but I never really did. And I never really wanted to. And that's okay because things had changed over the years to where I didn't want to be in the music business any more, but because of my association with Randy, I find myself very heavily involved (laughs). And I gotta say, to see and meet all the fans who come to these shows is really, really something that makes you feel good in your heart and your soul."In the full interview, Kelly addressed the excitement among fans and the importance of celebrating Rhoads' legacy, highlighting the involvement of key figures from Randy's early career to enhance the authenticity of the tribute. He spoke about the rest of the band, including musicians from Snake Bite Whiskey and the Van Halen tribute band Van Hager, along with a Q&A session featuring Scott Shelley, Randy's first guitar teacher. We spoke about the Q&A session and the personal nature of the questions and how emotional it could get.Reflecting on his and Randy's musical journeys, Kelly shared insights into their early influences and the challenges they faced, including Randy's struggles with confidence and vocal abilities. He recounted the band's evolution, including a misguided image overhaul that led them to adopt a look that felt disconnected from their original sound. We also spoke about important moments of Randy's life and the impression he left on others, including Kelly, the ever-lasting legacy left behind by his untimely death and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Huhti 26min

Interview by Kris PetersIn just ten short years Melbourne musical powerhouse Valhalore have entrenched themselves as a vital cog in the growing Australian music industry, their unique blending of melodic death metal with power and symphonic elements - infused with folk influences - has resonated with audiences both domestically and abroad.Over the years they have toured with the likes of Alestorm, Arch Enemy, Blind Guardian and HammerFall, winning over legions of fans along the way with their attitude and work ethic. With the release of their sophomore album Beyond The Stars on April 11, Valhalore look set to expand their presence even more with a sound capable of transcending genres and sweeping all in its path.HEAVY spoke with frontman Lachlan Neate and guitarist Anthony Willis to get more details. We start by asking how they are feeling about the album release."Absolutely thrilled," Neate beamed. "After waiting four years to release this music, it's pretty surreal that we're finally near the finish line."We ask the guys to dive deeper into Beyond The Stars musically."In terms of the themes of the album, it describes a person's journey from the beginning of their life to the end," Willis explained. "Each song deals with the different highs and lows, ups and downs, different emotions that one would experience throughout their life. And each song represents those different moments. Then at the end of the album, the final song really deals with what happens to you after we die, and can we become something greater than ourselves?So in that regard, the album is a bit of a concept album, and it's cyclic. Each of the songs that we have written pertains to this journey of someone's life experiences."In the full interview, Lachlan and Anthony further explained that Beyond The Stars is a concept piece that reflects the emotional journey of a person's life, shaped significantly by the band's experiences during the pandemic. Anthony emphasized the importance of the album's track listing for creating a cohesive listening experience, while Lachlan noted that the writing process involved contributions from all six band members and the producer, marking a shift from their previous solo work. This collaborative effort has allowed the band to develop a unique sound that integrates diverse influences, enhancing their musical identity.Valhalore plan to promote the album with a series of four theatrical shows in May, starting in Sydney and Melbourne, where they will perform most of the new material alongside older songs. Lachlan expressed excitement about the production-heavy nature of the performances, aiming to provide an engaging experience for fans and more.Get Beyond The Stars here: https://valhalore.rpm.link/beyondprBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

11 Huhti 19min

Interview by Kris PetersA band relentlessly poised on the cutting edge of heavy music, THE PLOT IN YOU have cultivated ongoing critical acclaim and fan adoration since first forming 15 years ago. Hailing from Ohio, the group announced themselves to the scene via their 2011 debut album, First Born, paving the way for their soon-to-be-signature balanced and innovative take on metalcore tropes. Whether weaving elements of alternative, electronica, pop, R&B and beyond into their raw yet thunderous sound, one thing is always certain when it comes to THE PLOT IN YOU: expect the unexpected and hang on for an exhilarating ride.No strangers to Australian audiences, THE PLOT IN YOU previously ticked off an entirely sold-out headline run down under in 2023, before once again wowing Aussie crowds at Good Things Festival in 2023 off the back of their crushing single Forgotten. And as anyone who has previously experienced THE PLOT IN YOU in a live setting will attest, this is an act not to be slept on.In 2026, prepare for the return of THE PLOT IN YOU to Australian shores, with the band announcing a national headline run next January, joined by special guests FIT FOR A KING (USA), BOUNDARIES (USA) and BANKS ARCADE. Kicking off on Wednesday 21 January in Fremantle, THE PLOT IN YOU will visit Adelaide, Chelsea Heights, Melbourne and Sydney, before closing out this mammoth visit on Friday 30 January in Brisbane.HEAVY caught up with vocalist Landon Tewers not long after the tour announcement. Last time they were out here The Plot In You had to put up full house signs everywhere they played, and we remind Landon of this and point out that the band must be dearly loved on this side of the world."Honestly, I think it's collectively all our favourite market to play," he replied. "Even from back when we were way, way smaller coming over, it was always an amazing experience. People seem to really appreciate heavy music in a different way over there. It's always a privilege and an absolute blast coming over there."We ask what has changed with the band since their last visit."Oh man, so much," he returned. "The EPs that we put out seemed to really transcend and connect with a lot of people, which is cool. It will be fun to come over there and play a lot more new stuff. In that time I feel like we have toured so much, and we've gone to so many new places too. We did Japan for the first time. We did South America for the first time. It's cool seeing how things are translating all over the world. It's a pretty unique and bizarre thing to experience, and we're really grateful."In the full interview, Landon spoke more about The Plot In You's live show and why it is warmly regarded as one of the best going around, tailoring set lists depending on what country they are playing in, where Aussie crowds sit on a global scale of rowdiness, bringing Fit For A King and Boundaries along for the tour and why. Banks Arcade who are representing Australia on the run of shows, the three all-ages shows and the joys of influencing the ears of the next generation of music lovers, finding the balance of sounds and genres in a live setting and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Huhti 12min

Interview by Kris PetersIt's that time of the year again where Australia's finest musical talents assemble to reward their achievements over the last 12 months and beyond.The APRA Music Awards celebrate excellence in contemporary music, honouring songwriters and publishers who have achieved artistic excellence and outstanding success in their fields. To be held in Melbourne on April 30 this year, the APRA Music Awards have, for the second year in a row, acknowledged the growing presence of harder edged and heavy music by presenting the Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal category - won in its inaugural year by Parkway Drive.More than just a token nod in the direction of change, APRA has fully embraced music of these genres, recognizing and paying due respect to a style of music that has grown to such levels it is now impossible to ignore.The nominees for Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal in 2025 are Make Them Suffer, Polaris, Windwaker, Speed and Northlane, with HEAVY jumping at the chance to speak with Northlane frontman Marcus Bridge to find out how confident the band is going into the awards."It's exciting stuff, and it's with a bunch of other great bands," he smiled. "It's cool to be with so many bands that we've all grown up with and built our careers with at the same time and see the new generation taking that spot."We ask Marcus how important recognition such as this is for the future of Australian hard rock/heavy music."I think it just shows over the last five to ten years how heavy music has grown worldwide," he mused, "and especially the Australian bands. Whenever we're touring overseas, I feel like Australian heavy bands are the talk of the town, especially in the US and Europe. Just because there are so many awesome bands working so hard to get over there. And I think in the end, it's kind of putting Australian music on the map in a different way around the world. So it's really, really cool to see that it's being recognized in that way. I'm just hoping that it keeps on growing and keeps on getting bigger."In the full interview, Marcus discussed Northlane's nomination for the 2025 APRA Awards, expressing excitement about the recognition alongside other Australian bands and the support from APRA. Marcus reflected on the growing international attention for Australian heavy music and the importance of regional tours, emphasizing the unique energy of smaller venue audiences compared to city crowds. He also addressed the band's musical evolution, with Marcus outlining their approach for the next album, which will build on the last EP's while allowing for experimentation with various styles.We took a look at the lighter side of the APRA Awards, including the potentially crippling effect Frenzal Rhomb had on such bands being invited to perform live and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Huhti 17min

Interview by Kris PetersAt the turn of the last century - around the same time the world was supposed to succumb to the flash in the pan that was the Y2K bug - a group of four Sydney punk reprobates called Frenzal Rhomb were plotting their own assault on the world.But instead of technology, this was a stealth attack by music.After previously making their name as carefree, wreckless, uncompromising punk rockers through albums Coughing Up A Storm, Not So Tough Now and Meet The Family, Frenzal Rhomb elected to go a little more mainstream on their fourth album, A Man's Not A Camel. So much so that the album contained a bona fide ballad - I Miss My Lung, and another on the cusp of being a ballad with You Are Not My Friend.Granted, A Man's Not A Camel provided some staple Frenzal moments with songs like It's Up To You, Do You Wanna Fight Me and the irresistible I Know Why Dinosaurs Became Extinct, and it also contained more than enough lashings of Frenzal humour, but it was also far enough on the right side of the musical ledger to have the song Never Had So Much Fun nominated for an ARIA Award in the Best Pop Release category.I shit you not. Thankfully a singing budgie by the name of Kylie Minogue pipped them at the post, otherwise who knows how far down the rabbit hole Frenzal Rhomb would have gone?And now, 26 years after it first came out, Frenzal Rhomb are celebrating the 25th (ish) Birthday of A Man's Not A Camel with an extensive Australian tour that will see the band travelling to places some of you might not even know exist.HEAVY tracked down Frenzal frontman Jason Whalley to take a trip down memory lane."That record seemed to resonate with people," Whalley nodded, stroking his chin. "It had all those songs on it like Never Had So Much Fun and You Are Not My Friend and I Miss My Lung and all that jazz. There's a lot of songs on there that, let's be honest, weren't very good. But it had a few songs on there that seemed to resonate with people. We are doing this tour where we're celebrating this record, but to be honest, we play all the good songs off that record every time we play anyway. We are pulling out some deep cuts too. I've had to relearn a lot of lyrics. I actually looked up the lyrics on the internet to try and figure out what they were, to try and relearn them."We ask if that means the whole of A Man's Not A Camel album will be played in full on tour."100% not," he countered. "We wouldn't do that to our audience. There's a few songs on there that just have not stood the test of time. I mean, even a week after it was released, we weren't playing them. When you see bands doing their whole album, I'm always like, come on, mate, they weren't all bangers."In the full interview, Jay discussed Frenzal Rhomb's upcoming shows in more detail, revealing the tour will include 25 shows in various locations that were missed during their last tour, allowing the band to reconnect with fans. He expressed enthusiasm for the tour and reflected on the band's evolution in songwriting on A Man's Not A Camel, noting a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound while emphasizing the importance of song quality over tempo.The conversation also covered Frenzal's experiences with the album's reception and their nomination at the ARIA's, where he recalled a memorable performance in hospital attire due to his broken arm. We discussed the album's release in the US under Fat Mike's Fat Wreck Chords, highlighting changes made to the tracklist and the unnecessary suggestion of a name change for the American market, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Huhti 17min

Interview by Angela CroudaceFor fans of death metal, Benediction needs no introduction. With a history that spans decades, the band has continually pushed boundaries, proving that their music is not only timeless but still relevant today. As the band gears up for the release of their highly anticipated album Ravage of Empires, we sat down with Daz Brookes, one of the founding members, to chat about their enduring success, the return of Dave Ingram, and what’s next for the legendary group.It’s been over 30 years since Benediction first made its mark on the death metal scene, but for Daz, it still feels like the dream is alive. "I’m living the dream, man. That’s what I wanted to do when I was a kid, and I’m still doing it at 56 years old," he says. "I still get the same buzz I did when I was younger. I’m still excited about gigs and new releases. I’ve got no intention of giving up yet."Perhaps one of the most significant moments in Benediction's recent history was the return of Dave Ingram to the fold for Scriptures. After a 21-year hiatus, the reunion marked a new chapter for the band. Daz recalls, "It was almost like he'd never left. It felt natural, like nothing had changed, despite all the time apart. We’d had some awkward years after he left, but time heals all, right?"Their reunion was not just about the past, but about reinvigorating the band for the future. "When it came down to writing the album, Dave put his vocals exactly where we’d expect him to," Daz explains. "It felt like he’d never been gone."On the new album, Benediction continues to evolve musically. "We don’t do album fillers," Daz insists. "We want every track to be strong, and that’s what we’ve been doing for years now." Despite the challenges of distance - Daz and guitarist Peter Rewinsky live in the UK, while Ingram resides in Denmark and Gio in Italy - the band’s writing process remains a collaborative one. "We send riffs back and forth, and when we all come together, it’s like a well-oiled machine."When asked about the current state of death metal, Daz doesn’t mince words. "It’s become a competition for speed and extremity," he says. "Everybody’s trying to outdo the last band, and it’s kind of losing its essence. When we perform, whether it’s in front of 70,000 people or 500, it’s the same feeling. People are singing our songs, and that’s what it’s all about."Benediction’s music remains grounded in simplicity. "We don’t need to reinvent the wheel," Daz adds. "We just do what we do, and people respond to that. Simple is good."As the band heads into their EuropBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Huhti 17min

Interview by Kris PetersIn an age where people and their personalities are becoming increasingly sanitized it is refreshing to come across an artist still unafraid to say things as they are without self-censorship or undue thought to repercussions. A singer/songwriter who adheres to the old school ethos of respect and honesty rather than rainbows and butterflies, and who isn't afraid to get her hands - or her music - dirty.Melbourne based rock dynamo Envy Marshall is all of that and more. A fiercely independent artist with an unapologetic attitude, Marshall openly confronts her own independence and themes of equality and the smashing of gender stereotypes. And all of that within just one song.Marshall recently released the track Like A Man, showcasing her powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp lyrics, and undeniable charisma. With its infectious chorus, gritty guitars, and a hypnotic mid-tempo groove, Like A Man is a rallying cry for authenticity and empowerment. Envy’s lyrics cut through the noise with glaring honesty, blending cheeky wit with raw honesty, as she chastises at one point 'stop telling me to act like a woman when you know that I f**k like a man.'But one look through her resume, and it's obvious Marshall isn't just here to make up the numbers. She is here to make a difference, and that's one thing few people can claim to truly aspire to. HEAVY caught up with Marshall between L.A showcase gigs, where she is aiming to strike next."The words and the lyrics have a bit of shock value to it," Envy began when asked about the positive reception afforded Like A Man, "but I also think it's because people are really wanting music like this now. I didn't write it to be popular. I didn't write it because I wanted anyone to react to it. I wrote it because I just really freaking needed to say it. And the response has been really good."HEAVY mentions the confronting nature of the song but also emphasizes the point that if you get through that initial moment of being taken aback, there is a much deeper underlying message."You can see some women who first of all go, ooh, and then come up to you later and go, I love you," Envy smiled. "You know what I mean? It's nice because I really care about women. I love men and I love women and whatever you want to be called, I love you. But to have a woman come up to me and give me a hug and say, thanks, that was awesome. That means a lot. Especially when there's not a lot of female fronted rock bands writing songs for women."In the full interview, the discussion focused on Envy Marshall's experiences and upcoming projects in the music industry. Envy shared her journey from Adelaide to Melbourne in 2017, highlighting her collaboration with Paul Woseen from The Screaming Jets, who played a significant role in her artistic development. She emphasized the importance of rebellion in rock music and her recent promotional tour in Los Angeles, which has opened up new opportunities for her career. Envy also discussed her song Like a Man, which has garnered significant attention and aims to challenge societal norms while empowering individuals. Envy also provided insights into her upcoming video release for Like A Man and her current album project, which promises a blend of rock with influences from other genres plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Huhti 16min