THE QUARANTINED: Overriding The Algorithms Of Life And Music

As the saying goes, one person's loss is another person's gain.So while there were many disappointed when CKY pulled out of their Australian tour with Alien Ant Farm, there was also plenty more elated when their replacement was named in quick succession.It's not often a tour is strengthened by late adjustments, but from the moment Drowning Pool were named to fill the void, what was previously stifled enthusiasm quickly became cries of joy.After a prolonged absence from these shores, hard rock/metal monsters Drowning Pool will be returning next February, at the peak of their musical power and looking to decimate fans on this side of the world. Since reuniting with vocal powerhouse Ryan McCombs, Drowning Pool have gone from strength to strength, blowing away audiences at some of the world's premier festivals - Aftershock, Nu Metal Revolution, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple, Blue Ridge Rock many others.They are a band who has seen as many downs as they have ups, but throughout all have remained committed to their craft and each other, powering through each obstacle and emerging triumphant. And now it looks like another prominent chapter is about to be written.HEAVY sat down recently with guitarist CJ Pierce to fill in the blanks."For us, it's been all cool," he replied when I commended the band for stepping in at short notice. "There's no drama here with Drowning Pool. I'm not sure about the situation, but we've been friends with Alien Ant Farm since day one - 20 plus years- and we're just coming to rock out. We were already working on some shows in Australia anyway, which were gonna be later in the year, so we couldn't wait to get there. Right place, right time. We appreciate them for having us on. No disrespect to CKY fans. We probably could do a cover song of theirs but out of respect to them Drowning Pool's bringing a lot of metal to the show."In the full interview, CJ spoke more about what fans can expect from Drowning Pool live, their latest single Revolution (The Final Amen), welcoming Ryan back to the fold, any difficulties in another transition of vocalists, the importance of having the right band's together as part of a tour, new music including an album, the decision to go Independent and what it means for the band, keeping motivated and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Joulu 202415min

The Koala Tavern in Capalaba will host the inaugural Rock Is Not Dead Festival on February 1, 2025.Self-funded and put together by a group of Australian music lovers who aim to help nurture and promote the wealth of talent in our own backyard, Rock Is Not Dead will feature 8 of the hottest bands from around the country, each with their own unique flair and passion for music.Headliners Avalanche (the next big thing), Tailor Made Rejects (the unapologetic alt. rockers), Snake Bite Whisky (the kings of sleaze), Black Whiskey (pure Aussie rock), Stone Rising (underrated icons), Whiskey On The Rox (a crowd-pleasing 80s cover band), Goatzilla (legends of the live show), and Slythr (the up-and-coming rock prodigies) will assemble over one afternoon/night of live music unlike anything seen in the Bayside of Brisbane, over one stage with no clashes or scheduling conflicts.HEAVY spoke with Avalanche about the show and more.In the full interview, we discussed Rock Is Not Dead Festival, which features an eclectic line-up of bands. Avalanche shared their experience playing at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, describing it as their biggest show yet and one of their best performances. They also mentioned their interactions with other bands at the festival, including Thirsty Merc, Jebediah, and Rose Tattoo.We talked about their latest single, Dad, I Joined a Rock N Roll Band, which is part of an EP compilation of their singles from the past year. Avalanche mentioned that they are planning a return trip to Japan for a tour next year, following a successful tour earlier this year. They also hinted at a big tour early next year, aiming to hit as many Australian dates as possible. Avalanche recommended their songs Arm to the Teeth, Bottle of Sin, and their latest single for those unfamiliar with their music and plenty more.Pre-sale tickets are just $35 from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/ed6cd600-0002-4eb2-963c-ea6e6683140a Support Aussie music from the ground up!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Joulu 202418min

Western Australian black metal outfit Deadspace abide by the old school ethos that creating and releasing music is more of a personal journey to be shared with fans, rather than a commercial entity to appeal to the masses. They are a band who, you get the impression, truly make music for themselves first and foremost, enjoying the creative aspect of writing and recording music more so than the distribution.After laying low for a number of years, Deadspace returned late last year with the EP Unveiling The Palest Truth, further blurring the lines between black metal and the avant-garde before unleashing their latest full-length album The Dark Enlightenment on November 3. The album marks a shift in direction for the band, who have been increasingly experimenting with differing pastures over the course of their near decade long existence.HEAVY caught up with frontman Chris Gebauer to discuss the new album and the continued musical expansion of Deadspace."The Dark Enlightenment marks a long term change in direction that we've been orking at since 2019," he revealed, "but we've just upped the ante on the shift a little bit. If you're into heavier, more avant-garde death metal, black metal infused kind of stuff, more than the ever so popular atmospheric side of black metal at the moment, then you might be into the new record over what we've done in the past."In the full interview, we discussed The Dark Enlightenment in more depth, highlighting the shift towards philosophical themes rather than personal emotions. Chris noted that the album has received a positive but slow reception, typical for their genre, and serves as a continuation of their earlier EP, exploring the human condition and apocalyptic implications. He detailed the creative process, including the singles released and how they represent the band currently.He elaborated on Deadspace's approach to music and promotion, emphasizing their desire to prioritize passion over industry pressures and the importance of balance and sustainability in their careers. We discussed upcoming live shows and the immediate future of the band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Joulu 202428min

Hailing from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Bloody Ripper are a rock’n’roll band with a punk edge. The band have established themselves over the last decade playing in Melbourne’s finest pubs and dive bars including The Tote, Cherry Bar and The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar.Following the wild video for the single Pints, Bloody Ripper are releasing their debut album I Hardly Know Her, out today. The album is a collection of songs spanning the last few years that explores the bands’ diverse musical range. From epic 6 minute guitar driven heavy rock belters to emotional heartfelt ballads and pub rock anthems, the album showcases Bloody Ripper's ever-evolving sonic identity.HEAVY caught up with drummer Thomas and guitarist Jackson to find out more.We spoke about their debut album, I Hardly Know Her, which was released today. The band characterized their music as a blend of influences, emphasizing a nostalgic punk vibe. They discussed their collaborative and spontaneous songwriting process, as well as the challenges they face in the modern music industry and the importance of sharing their music with listeners. The conversation also included details about their upcoming shows and how fans can access information regarding their performances and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Joulu 20248min

Combining rock and metal with country music is a brave move. Fans of each genre individually are parochial in their love of music and unlikely to take to any bastardisation with any other form of sonic entertainment. It takes a person with confidence and conviction to even attempt such a marriage, but when done right even the staunchest of purists can do nothing except sit back, listen, and enjoy. Such is the case with Cory Marks and his body of work. By integrating elements of each of the above genres with blatant disregard for convention or history, Marks has found his niche in a blurry world of music with a striking and engaging mixing of styles that reflects his own upbringing and eclectic tastes. His recent - and appropriately titled - album Sorry For Nothing accentuates his individuality, bringing together country, rock and metal in such a way that makes it impossible to resist. Collaborations with artists such as Sully Erna (Godsmack), Travis Tritt, Mick Mars and DL of Bad Wolves have helped bridge the divide between genres, but it is Marks' inate ability to transcend musical barriers that makes him stand out in a musical climate that is becoming increasingly predictable. HEAVY spent some time with Marks to find out his thoughts on music. "It's been a project I've been waiting to release and working on for the last four years," he smiled, "so to finally have it out… it's nice. Now it's up to the world to see how they acknowledge it, and hopefully they love it." We ask him to dive deeper into Sorry For Nothing musically. "I've always stayed true to who I am and what I believe in or what I enjoy doing," he said. "As you know I'm country, I'm rock, and I'm a little bit of metal and in this record you have songs that I've written about a year ago all the way to songs written seven or eight years ago. It's thirteen songs that I think represent me the best right now. What I've been through, where I've been and how far I've come and where I plan on to continue to go. Hence the album title, Sorry For Nothing." In the full interview, Cory discusses the blending of genres and how he makes them work, the potential risks of combining genres, the guest artists on the album and why they were chosen, finding the balance in music, the pressures of following his hugely successful single Outlaws & Outsiders, how his sound has changed over his career, what he has learnt about himself and his music on this journey and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Joulu 202419min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter 15 years in the game, Polar's frontman Adam "Woody" Woodford could have easily walked away when the band hit a rough patch. But instead of throwing in the towel, he rebuilt the band with a fresh line-up and a renewed sense of purpose. The result? Five Arrows is their boldest and most experimental album to date.Polar's journey has been anything but easy. After members left and relationships were tested, Woody was at a crossroads. But rather than giving up, he saw an opportunity for a fresh start. "When you lose everything, you gain everything," Woody explains, paraphrasing Fight Club. This approach laid the groundwork for the band's artistic rejuvenation. As a result, the new album exemplifies that philosophy: challenging, sincere, and unfiltered.Five Arrows represents a new era for the band, as they threw out the rulebook and embraced an experimental approach to their sound. "There was nothing left to lose," Woody reflects. The result is an album that pushes boundaries, blending aggression and melody in a way they hadn't explored before. "We threw the rulebook out," he adds, highlighting how the band has moved away from its established blueprint to create something more dynamic and challenging.The songwriting process for Five Arrows was a true collaboration. Guitarist Simon Richardson wrote a series of riffs that became the album's foundation, and the band worked together, refining and expanding on the ideas. But it wasn't just about the band, but also the outside influences that shaped the sound. Producer Jack Murphy played a crucial role, pushing the band out of their comfort zones and challenging them to explore new directions.For Woody, the album's emotional core is just as important as the sound. Five Arrows tackles the destructive power of change and the resilience needed to overcome it. Woody reflects on how embracing change has brought the band to a place of growth and renewal, no matter how difficult. "It's all about resilience," he says. "There's no dead end unless you make it one."Polar's future looks bright as the band prepares to tour and share Five Arrows with the world. What started as a passion project has become a symbol of strength, unity, and perseverance. For Woody and the band, Five Arrows is more than just an album - it's a physical incarnation of their ability to rise from the ashes and embrace whatever comes next.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Joulu 202415min

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

9 Joulu 202420min

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

9 Joulu 202419min