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

Interview by Kris PetersGrinding Eyes craft a uniquely dark sonic landscape, fusing psychedelic shoegaze, drone rock, and ambient garage punk. The Sydney band released their third studio album, Out of Focus, last Friday, further capitalizing on the momentum built through their 2018 self-titled album and 2021’s Taste the Monochrome.Known for their relentless touring, Grinding Eyes have shared stages with The Jesus and Mary Chain, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Swervedriver, Graveyard, Moon Duo, Dinosaur Jr., Monkey Wrench, Superchunk, New Candys and Mudhoney, as well as Australian bands, Amyl and the Sniffers, Cosmic Psychos, Spiderbait, The Drones, Straight Arrows, DMA’s, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, POND, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Tropical Fuck Storm.The band’s line up also boasts members from past and present bands The Mess Hall, Treatment, The Laurels, Bliss and Kimono Drag Queens, further cementing their deep roots in Australia’s underground music scene. But Grinding Eyes are more than just the sum of their past bands. They are a sonic extension into another realm of musical experimentation held back without boundaries or expectations.Vocalist Matt Wicks joined HEAVY to tell us more."With this album, I suppose we sort of concentrated a little bit more on the sounds where previously we've pretty much done everything live," he measured. "We would dive straight in, start recording, do a lot of long sessions and sort of see what comes out. On this one we tried to refine it a little bit more, do most of the songwriting and we actually played most of these songs live for a couple of months. So they became a life of their own. We wanted to really harness more of a tighter sound where we could mess with it more in the studio than just having the sort of raw organic rock and roll feel of it."In the full interview, HEAVY spoke with Matt about the release of Out Of Focus following a year of delays. Matt expressed his relief regarding the album's completion and highlighted the band's creative evolution, mentioning that they have already started writing new material. The album features a mix of musical styles, reflecting their organic songwriting process.During their forthcoming Australian tour, the band intends to perform a substantial portion of the new album alongside some older tracks. Furthermore, they will support Pig's Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs on their European tour later this year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Huhti 9min

Interview by Kris PetersTwo decades into any career and you would be forgiven for starting to grow stale or formulaic. Be it an office job, labouring, or even in the music industry, the old saying familiarity breeds contempt holds firm. But try telling that to Scottish metal outfit Bleed From Within who, after 20 years in the music scene, have reached their peak - their Zenith, if you will.The Glasgow firebrands are one of the hardest working acts in metal: playing shows globally with everyone from Megadeth to Slipknot, all while writing and regularly releasing monstrous, exhilarating songs. The upward journey reaches new heights on their seventh album, Zenith, which contains the band’s heaviest, catchiest and most intrepid music to date.The band's first two albums, Humanity (2009) and Empire (2010), made Bleed From Within cult figureheads in the deathcore scene, before Uprising (2013) broadened their palate with groove metal adrenaline and melodic death metal prowess. It also marked their major-label debut, catapulting them onto tours with heavy royalty.In 2018, the band returned with the ferocious Era. Then, follow-ups Fracture (2020) and Shrine (2022) proved their greatest triumphs to date, intertwining vocalist Scott Kennedy's snarls with Steven Jones' majestic singing. The millions of streams gathered by such singles as The End of All We Know, Into Nothing and Levitate proved Bleed had become the next big thing. Now, on Zenith – announced ahead of career-affirming tours with Slipknot, Trivium and Bullet for My Valentine – the quintet are primed to leap into superstardom.HEAVY spoke with frontman Scott Kennedy to go deeper into Zenith."It feels like we've been waiting so long to drop this album," he sighed. "So, I'm buzzing for it to finally get out. I think it's the best collection of songs we've ever done and I'm desperate for people to hear it."We ask Kennedy to talk us through what Bleed From Within were going for musically with Zenith."To be honest, with Bleed From Within there's never really any concepts or anything like that," he replied. "It's more just about - for me personally - the songs are always about what I'm going through at that point in my life. I always try to write from the heart and write songs that are really meaningful because I don't want to go on stage and sing a song that doesn't really mean anything to me. I don't just want to go on and sing any old shit to the crowd. With Bleeding From Within it's just always about writing the best collection of metal songs that we possibly can, and I truthfully believe that this is the best collection of metal songs we've ever written."In the full interview, Scott discussed Zenith further, expressing his excitement about what he considers their best work to date. He highlighted the opening track Violent Nature for its heavy and fast nature, and elaborated on the collaborative songwriting process among band members, emphasizing a natural evolution in their music.Scott also mentioned Bleed From Within's experimentation with various musical elements, including strings and guest vocalists, to achieve a distinctive sound. The discussion wrapped up with a mention of upcoming tour plans and festivals following the album's release.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Huhti 9min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAs The Juliana Theory prepares to celebrate the anniversary of their seminal album Emotion is Dead with a special Australian tour, frontman Brett Detar shares his thoughts on the album's creation, its unexpected impact, and what fans can expect in the future.Looking back, Brett recalls the humble beginnings of the album, created when he was just 21. “We were five kids from a small town who recorded in a tiny converted garage studio,” he says. “We made the album for very little money, and to think that it has had such an enduring impact—people telling us they named their child after our band or got married to a song off the record—is humbling.” Reflecting on how time has passed, he adds, “It’s wild to think that more time has passed since Emotion is Dead was made than I had lived at that point.”When it comes to the rapid rise to success the band experienced, Brett admits it was a gradual process. “We played local shows for a while, and then suddenly, after our first album Understand This as a Dream, we noticed the crowd size was doubling at venues. It was a shocking but exciting moment, but we were so young, we didn’t quite grasp how special it was,” he recalls.The upcoming tour marks a full circle moment for The Juliana Theory, as they join forces with The Spill Canvas, another beloved band from their era. Brett recounts a unique experience from 2019 when the two bands toured together in an unexpected way. “We did a US tour, but we played as just an acoustic duo. That tour reignited our passion for making music together, and it led to new songs, new recordings, and ultimately, us signing to Equal Vision.”Discussing the creation of Emotion is Dead, Brett explains the shift in the band’s approach after their first record. “We wanted to expand beyond just making a fast, poppy emo record. We wanted to experiment with longer songs, heavier sounds, and even throw in some Pink Floyd-inspired moments.” The album’s title, Emotion is Dead, came about in a joking conversation during the van ride, with Brett and the band brainstorming what would later become an iconic, yet tongue-in-cheek, statement about the genre.Despite the album’s association with the “emo” label, Brett admits the band has never fully embraced the term. “At first, we thought it fit, but then it started feeling limiting. We’ve always tried to push boundaries and not just fit into one box.”Bret neatly wrapped up his feelings, saying; “It feels special to see how much Emotion is Dead still means to people, and it’s even more exciting to bring new music into the mix."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Huhti 21min

Interview by Kris PetersBands of renown all boast a number of great albums to their name. But within that body of work, there is always that one album. That magnum opus. That genre-defining, gravity-defying masterpiece that sets a standard by which not only their peers, but the band themselves are measured by forever more. For ATREYU, THE CURSE is that album.With their legacy as one of the originators and frontrunners of metalcore, and a reputation as one of its greatest live bands, ATREYU could have easily rested on their laurels with their notoriety assured for life. Instead, they have embraced growth and evolution, seamlessly morphing between styles but always ending up with killer results.July 2025 will see ATREYU return to Australia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Curse with a series of never to be repeated shows that will see them play the songs from the album as well as other fan favourites. Joining them will be Texan metalcore titans Memphis May Fire, who will be making their first trip to Australia in over a decade.HEAVY caught up with Atreyu guitarist Dan Jacobs to get a gauge on what to expect."Yeah, it's exciting," he enthused. "We've never been down that way with Memphis before, and they've been friends of ours for a long time. We've done several tours with them before, so it's always fun to tour with them. It made sense. Also, getting to come down and play The Curse in its entirety… It's gonna be a good time."We ask Dan what some of his memories are of making The Curse."Oh, man," he sighed. "I remember when we recorded it - or demoed it I should say - we had the whole album completely written and recorded in the order that you hear it on the album now. We just put the whole thing together and when we turned it in to the producer and asked if it was cool, he said yeah, let's record this. It's actually pretty interesting how much the demos and the recording… it's just all the same thing, as opposed to chopping songs up or moving things around or changing the order. But we demoed it the same way it is on the record, which is kind of fun. We recorded it up in Canada on this island. Half of it was done in the studio in Vancouver in Bryan Adams' studio. It's called The Warehouse. We did basically the pre-pro there and then some drums and when we came back when we were done for a week we did all the mixing. The majority of the two weeks of recording were all on this island where we were basically locked there to an extent. We didn't leave for two weeks. We didn't leave this dudes house. We just stayed at his house and recorded for two weeks. We didn't go to any bars or restaurants or anywhere. We just stayed at this dudes house in the woods in the middle of nowhere. It was kind of making us go crazy a little bit, and I think that all played into the vibe of the album a little bit."In the full interview, Dan talks more about making The Curse and what that album means to Atreyu, whether or not they knew they had struck gold when they wrote and recorded it, what to expect from Atreyu live, new music, the early days of the band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Huhti 11min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney punk/rock outfit Crash & The Crapenters have become well known since their 2016 debut for their signature immature but experienced psychedelic rock that touches on themes of mental health, addiction, and burnout, and their latest EP Species Du Faeces is a showcase of their sound.This four-track journey - which is out now - is packed with homages to their musical influences, the first of which is the album name, a reference toSpecies Deceases, the 1985 Midnight Oil EP.HEAVY caught up with singer/songwriter Chris Carpenter to go more in-depth."We honestly feel, at this point in time, creatively it's a turning point for us," Carpenter voiced. "We're already looking forward to what we do next. The working title for our next album which is in pre-production at the moment is Surpass, and we'd like to think that we're going to be able to surpass everything that we've done before with what we do. When you look back at Midnight Oil's career, they pretty much were able to do that and achieve their greatest creativity and their greatest successes after having used Species Deceases as that sort of bridging that gap between Red Sails and Diesel and Dust."In the full interview, Chris provided an overview of his band, Crash & The Crapenters, and their new EP, Species Du Faeces, which features four thematically linked tracks addressing drug abuse and its consequences. The title pays homage to Midnight Oil's Species Deceases, reflecting the band's influences.We explored individual tracks, including All Geared Up, which narrates personal experiences with drugs and party culture, and Depression, (Smells Like Middle-Aged Spirit), which delves into mental health struggles, plans for the rest of 2025 moving forward plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Huhti 20min

Interview by Kris PetersIt's been a long six years between drinks for Adelaide chaotic hardcore outfit Life Pilot, with their last new music coming in the form of a stand-alone single back in 2019. After giving fans a taste of their sonic force with a 2013 Compass split record with Statues (WA), their debut EP High Noon in 2014 and second EP Too Hot For Killing in 2017 Life Pilot would release just two more singles in the ensuing eight years but have more than made up for their absence with the recent release of their self-titled debut album.The album speaks on numerous themes; fear, doubt, frustration, self-reflection, compulsions, night terrors, societal expectations and how these all play into personal connections and our interaction with the world around us. It is a deeply personal record for the band members and lyrically it is predominantly introspective with a focus on close relationships. With the benefit of age and maturity, Life Pilot felt now was the right time to open up through their music, resulting in a more dynamic and vulnerable side of their musical psyche to come to the fore.HEAVY caught up with drummer Eli Green to talk more."It's a pretty hectic 12 tracks of chaotic, angular metalcore," he surmised on the album's musical direction, "but it's got some beautiful moments tucked within it. We self-recorded and produced the whole thing, which is pretty cool."We ask what expectations - if any - the band had considering it was their first full-length album."We really weren't sure because we've taken a long time to put this together," Green measured. "This whole thing started before COVID and then obviously that wiped everything out for a while, and we had band members having kids and all sorts of stuff throughout that period. So we weren't in any rush to churn out a record. The time to capitalise and keep momentum had long gone in the pandemic. We then just wanted to make something that we were really proud of. I guess what we expected as far as a response was anything from crickets to what we got, which was in the first couple of days we ended up at the top of the iTunes charts, which was a first for our band. That was really quite amazing. We just thought, wow, after all this time, it seems like there's some people who care about this as much as we do and want to support it."In the full interview, Eli introduced Life Pilot's new album in greater detail, emphasizing its blend of chaotic hardcore and metalcore which reflects the band's personal growth and significant life events. HEAVY inquired about the expectations for the album's release and the selection of singles, to which Green responded that while they did not extensively analyse their past work, they aimed to connect with their earlier style while exploring new musical elements. The emotional depth of the lyrics, especially in the final track, was noted as a significant shift from previous themes.Eli also described the unpredictable nature of Life Pilot's live performances, comparing them to Southern metalcore shows, and expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming interstate tour, highlighting the energy of all-ages shows and the memorable experiences they create and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Huhti 20min

Interview by Angela CroudaceCollin Walsh from Grayscale sat down to chat about the band’s long-awaited Australian debut, musical evolution, and behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped their career. With their first-ever tour Down Under just around the corner, Grayscale is eager to experience the country’s culture and share their music with fans who’ve been waiting for years.Collin revealed, “We’ve never been to Australia before. It’s a first for us. I’ve done long flights to places like Indonesia and South Africa, but travelling as a band is a whole different beast. We have 20 pieces of equipment, eight people, and always a few hiccups at the counter. It’s slow and tricky, but we’re thrilled for the opportunity.”The band’s anticipation is also fuelled by their fans in Australia, who have been loyal and patient. “We’ve been trying to come for years, but the pandemic messed up our plans. Finally, we’re here and can’t wait to give our Aussie fans everything they’ve been waiting for,” said Collin.The band's latest album, The Heart, released earlier this year, marks a refined version of their sound. “It feels like a culmination of everything we’ve done before, but it's more cohesive. It’s us finding our sound,” Collin shared. The album blends rock, punk, and alt influences, but Collin hints at future possibilities for Grayscale’s sound, saying, “I can see us leaning into more straight-up rock in the future. We don’t plan things ahead of time, but we let the music naturally evolve.”In terms of success, the band is more focused on the live experience than any individual track. Their hit Forever Yours, which recently surpassed 20 million streams, is a fan favourite, but Collin remains humble. “I don’t think of success that way. I love playing the music live, interacting with fans—that’s what it’s all about.”When asked about their influences, Collin points to a mix of '90s alt rock and classic rock. “Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, Fuel, and Wallflowers were huge for me growing up. And of course, Zeppelin and AC/DC.”As for future collaborations, Collin’s dream partner would be Led Zeppelin, his all-time favourite band. “I just want to pick their brains. They’re the best rock band ever, in my opinion.”The band’s longevity is also built on their strong friendship. Having known each other since their teenage years, they’re still as close as ever. “We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve stayed best friends since we were kids,”.Looking ahead, Collin is excited to keep creating and evolving. “We just want to keep making music that resonates, connecting with our fans through honest and emotional lyrics. And Australia, we’re coming for you!”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Huhti 23min

Interview by Angela CroudaceBuster Bloodvessel, the iconic frontman of the legendary ska band Bad Manners, is about to bring the party to Australia with the band's greatest hits. As they prepare to perform for eager fans down under, Buster reflects on the band's incredible journey through the music scene and the ever-changing world of touring. From the early days of Bad Manners to their upcoming shows in Australia, Buster's enthusiasm for keeping the energy high on stage has never wavered.The band is known for its high-octane performances, and their Aussie tour will be no different. When asked what fans can expect from the show, Buster says it’s going to be “the best of Bad Manners,” packed with all the classics. “We’re not going to run away from any songs. We’re playing the hits that everyone loves,” he shares. The European crowds have already been loving it, and Buster’s looking forward to the fun-loving Aussies who, as he notes, have a similar energy to European audiences.Bad Manners has been part of the ska scene for decades, a genre that has seen many changes along the way. So, what’s the biggest difference Buster has seen? “The internet,” he says. “It’s changed a lot about the music business. People can find music so much easier now, and it’s been great to see our audience grow, especially younger fans.” Despite the many changes, Buster remains proud to be at the forefront of the ska movement. “I didn’t think we’d last this long,” he laughs, “but here we are, still doing it.”While Buster acknowledges that getting older has made the rigours of touring a little more challenging, he still finds the energy he needs. “Once you’re on stage, and you feel that crowd, the adrenaline kicks in,” he says. "You forget about how tired you are."Looking back at the early days, Buster recounts how Bad Manners formed with a simple idea in mind: “We all went to school together, and I thought, why not form a band instead of just going to reunions? It’s been 50 years, and I’m honored we’re still doing this.” It’s clear that his passion for music—and for performing—is as strong as ever.One of Buster’s most memorable moments on stage came when the band played a massive festival to 110,000 people. “The crowd was going crazy, and the earth was actually moving,” he remembers. “You could see the trees swaying to the beat. It was absolutely mind-blowing.”But it's not all about the music for Buster. When he’s not on tour, he enjoys unwinding with some DIY projects and relaxing on his houseboat. He also has properties in Bulgaria, which he works on when he's not touring. “I haven’t had a proper holiday in years, but I feel lucky,” Buster says with a laugh. “Being in a band that travels so much, I get to experience so many places, so it’s like a holiday in itself.”With an impressive catalogue of hits, it’s no surprise that Sally Brown is one of Buster’s favourite songs to perform. "It’s a classic,” he says. "Every time we play it, the crowd just goes wild.” And while the band has faced its fair share of controversy, like getting banned from Top of the Pops for Buster's infamous red-painted head, he takes it all in stride. “I didn’t realise that the red paint messed with the cameras. They told me it made it look like I didn’t have a head, but hey, it’s all part of the fun!”Buster’s connection with his fans has been strong since the very beginning, especially when he shares stories of his past interactions. My dad was lucky enough to meet the band back in the day and was spot on about Buster being an all-round down to earth, friendly chap with a wicked sense of humour. “It’s always great to hear that people remember us fondly, not just for the music, but for who we are as people.”With the band still rocking after all these years, it’s evident that Bad Manners isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As Buster prepares to bring the fun to Australia, fans can expect nothing less than an unforgettable show filled with energy, nostalgia, and of course, all the best Bad Manners hits.Get ready, Australia—Bad Manners is bringing the party, and Buster Bloodvessel’s still got it!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Huhti 12min