When Two Worlds Collide Down Under With CHLOE TRUJILLO And SAM SPADE
This November, two U.S. heavyweights in BLVD Of Eyes and The Midnight Devils combine to bring their music to Australia for a run up the East Coast that promises to be a blast. Bands from opposing ends of the rock spectrum - with BLVD Of Eyes being on the lighter side of rock and The Midnight Devils leaning more to the extroverted side of glam rock - both have international touring experience, but never on the same line-up.While BLVD Of Eyes are just getting into the daily grind of a successful music career, The Midnight Devils celebrate 10 years of good times and partying in 2026. BLVD have just released the single Razor Eyes, which is taken from their upcoming EP We Are Humans. Fronted by Chloe Trujillo, BLVD Of Eyes also features Aussie bass player Mark Dalbeth (Bellusera), guitarist Kevin Hicklin and Chloe’s daughter, Lullah Trujillo on drums. With a long list of live shows under their belt since forming, Blvd Of Eyes have proven their ability to captivate audiences with their raw energy and are steadily building momentum.The Midnight Devils are no strangers to these shores, having completed two successful tours previously, the most recent of which was a national run with Bon But Not Forgotten last year. The boys - featuring Sam Spade (bass, vocals), Sniper (guitar) and Jimmy Mess (drums) released their third album So Hard It Hurts late in 2025 and are well known and loved everywhere they have ever taken to the stage.Together with Brisbane groove metal outfit Awaken The Hate, both bands hit the road in November, with The Midnight Devils starting at Melbourne's Cherry Bar on November 20 and BLVD Of Eyes kicking off at the same venue the following night. Once they hit Sydney, the two shows combine for what can only be described as a travelling rock and roll party.HEAVY sat down with Chloe and Sam for a chat ahead of the tour, introducing the two singers for the very first time."We're super excited to be supporting BLVD of Eyes with our brothers Awaken the Hate in Australia," Sam beamed. "It's our third tour of Australia in three years, and we can't wait! This is gonna be the party of all parties. Ten days of fun in the sun, and we're all signed up for it!"Seeing The Midnight Devils have been here twice before, and this will be the first for BLVD Of Eyes, we ask Sam if he has any tips or advice for Chloe."The best advice I can give you is the Australian people are maybe the craziest!" he laughed. "They're like a certain level of crazy. It's not American by any means; it's another level altogether. I tell myself every morning, make sure you eat your Wheaties because we're hanging out with crazy Australians and partying every night. Like, it's all day, all night, every single day. 24-7."In the full interview Chloe and Sam introduce us further to their respective bands, run us through what to expect from them live, which three songs to listen to in order to get a feel for what to expect, their upcoming releases and what direction they will take and, best of all, we find out their first impressions of each other and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
1 Okt 16min
Preparing For War With CHUCK BILLY From TESTAMENT
It is refreshing to hear old school metal bands still pushing their limits and exploring fresh sonic realms, even with a sound that is known and loved and has been for more than 40 years. It is understandable when some bands mutter the words 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', but that still shouldn't stop the creative juices from flowing, if only to challenge yourself.Which is exactly what happened with thrash metal legends Testament and their upcoming album, Para Bellum. While not detouring too far from the music for which they are universally loved and respected, Testament have found ways to reinvigorate their tried and true sound without risking the alienation of staunch, loyal fans.On this album, Testament have leaned more into the black metal side of their musical psyche, a side embraced by guitarist Eric Peterson, who tapped into the more modern aspects of metal with drummer Chris Dovas, who was working on his first album with the band. Noticeably younger than his bandmates, Dovas brought the taste of the present into Testament's creativity, with the results only solidifying the band's sound.Such is the all-encompassing sound Testament were going for with Para Bellum, the opening notes feature an old bridge thought lost from The Legacy era of the band, coming full circle in a way while still embracing change. Para Bellum is triumphant on so many levels, maybe none more so than the addition of the song Meant To Be, which is Testament's first album ballad for many years. It is exciting times for a band just about to release their 14th studio album, with frontman Chuck Billy joining HEAVY to bring us up to speed.We ask about the album title, Para Bellum - which is Latin for If You Want Peace, Prepare For War, and how it fits in with the content."First of all, it fit in with the artwork," Billy explained. "Originally we were gonna call it Infanticide AI, but that didn't really match the direction. We thought, AI, let's not go there, because maybe fans might start thinking, 'is that album cover AI? Did they use AI to write lyrics in all this?'So we said, you know what? Let's not open that door. And once me and Alex wrote Parra Bellum, and I told him what it meant, it made more sense with what he was working on with the artwork, because we knew we wanted a mushroom cloud there in the background. And I didn't know about the angel and the missile wings, but once they came up with it, it just made sense. It's subliminally war-driven a little bit, talking about silent weapons and things that are going on in our world."In the full interview, Chuck spoke more about the musical nature of Para Bellum and what they were going for this time around, the elements of black metal through most of the music and how it enhances the band's sound, the contributions of new drummer Chris Dovas in the writing and recording process and what ideas he brought to the table.We spoke about bringing a slightly modern edge to their existing sound of the importance of always trying to come up with fresh ideas, the album ballad and why now is the right time to write another one after so many years, the use of cello for that sound and how difficult it was to integrate it into their music, the meaning behind the album artwork and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
30 Sep 15min
Getting The Party Started With ALEX MOORE From THE LATHUMS
In the modern age of seriousness, it is refreshing to see a band doing the rounds that still values fun and a good time over politics and bickering. A band who performs with a smile on their face without deferring to any one side of whatever fence is currently being built or in the process of being torn down. And, of course, said band is British, the place where the love of a laugh and the desire to get on with it are part of the staple diet.Indie rock outfit The Lathums have been doing that now for the better part of seven years, plying their trade the world over and being invited to enjoy the facilities at festivals such as SXSW, Glastonbury, Leeds/Reading, Neighbourhood Weekender and plenty more.But if there's one thing you can strike a negative for with The Lathums, it's the fact they have not once brought their infectious band of music to Australian shores, a blight which is soon to be remedied with the four-piece touch down for a run of four shows starting in Fremantle on October 8. Having never heard of The Lathums before, HEAVY had to do a bit more research than usual before sitting down for a chat with frontman Alex Moore, and what we discovered looked like so much fun that we had already made up our mind to go to one of the shows before even speaking with him.After asking Moore how and why The Lathums have neglected Australia until now, we ask him what he is expecting from our audiences, pointing out that we have been known to get rowdy on occasions."Yeah, I was expecting that," he smiled. "I feel like we'd get a good crack out of a crowd in Australia (laughs). Sometimes the crowd feels like they shouldn't say or do anything and just let the band do whatever. But I feel like in Australia it'll be a bit more like engaging, so we'll see."We follow up by asking what we can expect from The Lathums live."We engage with the crowd, we make sure everybody's had a good time and a safe time as well," he promised. "But the makeup around it and the thrill is always different because you never really know what's gonna happen. I'm a bit mad and I can switch quite quickly, so you never know what to expect (laughs)."In the full interview, Alex highlighted the unique energy of The Lathums' live shows, recommending three songs for newcomers to prepare for the tour. He reflected on the musical climate in Wigan at the band's formation in 2018, noting a lack of local activity and their role in revitalising the area's music culture.He shared the band's journey, mentioning the success of their first two albums and emphasising that true success is measured by fan loyalty rather than chart positions. He also expressed eagerness to connect with Australian fans, what they are expecting and more.Tickets and tour info via: frontiertouring.com/thelathumsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
30 Sep 13min
Unravelling Reality With BRADY DEEPROSE From CONJURER
British metal outfit Conjurer have continued to defy expectations since the release of their debut album, Mire, in 2018. Essentially an experimental metal band, Conjurer has drawn on elements of sludge, death, doom and post metal, never once allowing themselves to be defined by any one sound or genre.While award nominations and accolades accumulated with each piece of new music, Conjurer retained their one simple mission: to make heavy music and have fun while doing so. Preferring to use their spotlight to showcase technicality and musicality rather than concentrating on politics or opinions, Conjurer have always lived in the moment and embraced everything that came their way.Their upcoming third album Unself (October 24, Nuclear Blast Records) sees Conjurer once more expanding their sonic palate, but this time the whole album is grounded by a common theme or thread that sees the band producing their most personal album to date. Unself is a more intense, more personal voyage of discovery unfurling for vocalist/guitarist Dani Nightingale, who was diagnosed with autism at age 31. With that prognosis, Conjurer's long-held view of self and perception of their place in the world began to unravel. Unself documents much of the piecing back together around the diagnosis, alongside the realisation that they were non-binary.With the release date looming large, HEAVY took the time to chat with guitarist/vocalist Brady Deeprose to dive deeper. We start by asking if the band are feeling confident about the reaction for the new album."I think it's funny because with all of our previous releases, we've not really cared about the reception," he smiled. "It has been a very specific point that we make this music for the four of us. We put it out there, and if people like it, that is wonderful. And if they don't, then that's also fine. We can't control that. However, on this album, I feel like we've put so much more of ourselves into it than ever before. It feels so much more personal and so much more emotionally vulnerable, that while, yes, if people don't like it, that's not something I can control, but I do really hope that people connect with it in the way that I have. I love this album, it really means a lot to me, and I hope that it kind of scratches that itch for at least some of the people that listen to it."In the full interview, Brady talks more about Unself, highlighting its departure from previous works and a focus on emotional vulnerability and personal investment. He described the recording process as collaborative and low-pressure, contrasting it with the challenges faced during their last album, Pathos. Brady explained how the band aims for a more organic sound on Unself, with tracks that defy traditional genre boundaries, reflecting their artistic evolution.We spoke about the opening tune, Unself, and why it was chosen as first cab off the rank, as well as the closing track, The World Is Not My Home, which is an adaptation of a century-old gospel song, and the thought process behind both. Last year's Australian tour was brought up, along with whispers about a return visit next year and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
29 Sep 26min
Finding Beauty In Ugliness With MATT WILCOCK From WEREWOLVES
When Australian extreme metal outfit Werewolves proclaimed to the world that they intended to release 10 albums in 10 years, the collective sighs of here we go again hung loudly in the air. Bands have promised such things or similar immeasurable times in the past, with few managing to reach the lofty heights for which they had set themselves. Not to mention the discontent from fans who then started to doubt the honesty or integrity of anything that came out of their mouths from that moment forth.But with a pedigree of members from well-respected Australian bands such as Psycroptic, The Berzerker, and The Antichrist Imperium, more than a few people backed Werewolves in.That promise was made six years ago now, and lo and behold Werewolves have just released album number six, The Ugliest Of All. Described as a "devastating album with little let up or mercy", The Ugliest Of All is pure, face-melting extreme metal of the highest calibre, proving that even just over halfway through their quest, Werewolves are yet to start scraping the bottom of the creativity well.With the recent listen to the album still infecting our ears, HEAVY sat down to chat with guitarist Matt Wilcock to find out more. We start by asking how the early reception for the album has been."It's been good," he enthused. "It's album six. We've been around for six years or seven years, and we're up to album six. And to be honest, it's funny because for us, it's just another album, but we're happy with it and people seem to dig it. We're always excited to release another ridiculously brutal and stupid album."With such a regular release cycle, we wonder aloud if Matt even gives thought to what people think of their albums and if negative feedback could ever derail the process."Oh, there'll be another one," he grinned defiantly. "I mean, it's a bit of both. We do it because we love it, and it's kind of cool to see what people think. But if no one likes this one, then fuck them. We're going to do another one next year. And it's going to be even worse (laughs)."In the full interview, Matt provided an overview of The Ugliest Of All, highlighting its relentless intensity and the absence of slow songs, with the first half featuring catchier tracks and the second half increasing in aggression. He noted the band's growth in songwriting and the fact that their music is made for themselves first and foremost.We discussed the now compulsory dis song on each album, along with the cover art by Mitchell Nolte, which reflects the album's themes. We spoke about the back and forth when creating artwork for each album cover and how they develop from a simple sketch to a graphic piece. The 10 albums in 10 years promise came up, with HEAVY asking if it was becoming difficult to come up with quality material given the short amount of time between albums, as did their run of shows early next year with Abbath Doom Occulta and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
26 Sep 18min
Dissecting Serial Killers With MICK BARR From MONOLIYTH
Melbourne old school death metal machine Monoliyth have been steadily going about their craft for just over 25 years, grinding away on the circuit with a mission to do no more than offer a sonic distraction to the world around them.It is an often thankless task - faced by all bands - but Monoliyth have found their niche, originally starting life as more of a thrash metal band before finding their home in the nastier side of metal.Their recent release, He Who Kills, is a typical blast of aggression for Monoliyth, but this time there is a storyline to go with the carnage. A storyline that could very well be the visual accompaniment to Monoliyth's musical psyche. Each song on the album tells a tale of death and destruction through the eyes of a serial killer, with each tune showcasing a different protagonist and the evil that lurks within. It is a different, engaging, and highly confronting deviation from the norm, and one HEAVY wants to explore further when we speak to guitarist and founding member Mick Barr."Well, it wasn't anything serious," Barr replied when we asked where the idea came from. "Everything on YouTube or the old horror movies and stuff is always based on serial killers. And we thought maybe we can do something, looking through the eyes of the actual serial killers themselves and how they might perceive their surroundings or their ideology on why they do what they do. It's to do with the whole concept of how they might operate collectively. Am I a fan of serial killers? Absolutely not. I've seen plenty of docos on these people, and you can't make it up. You can't believe half the stuff they talk about."In the full interview, Mick discussed the album's musical direction, blending old school death metal with modern techniques, and highlighted the singles The Killing Floor, He Who Kills, and Excised Unborn as representations of their diverse sound. The album's concept, influenced by horror movies and online content, explores the perspective of a serial killer with a tongue-in-cheek tone, although Mick emphasised that the graphic material is not meant to be taken seriously.He reflected on the challenges of standing out in the competitive Australian music scene, while expressing satisfaction with the band's international reception, particularly in Europe. Upcoming performances include an album launch and participation in Brute Fest, with the album available for streaming and on vinyl, alongside plans for new material and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
26 Sep 15min
Adding The Cherry On Top With HOLLY And JOE From ARABELLA AND THE HEIST
Since their formation in 2019, Melbourne rock/punk outfit Anabella And The Heist have steadily gone about building their profile, mostly via word of mouth on the back of their entertaining live shows that are said to often "teeter on the edge of madness".As the band ramps things up for a brighter future, they have delivered two previous singles - both launched to sold-out venues - in Electric and 1769, songs that have showcased differing sides to Anabella And The Heist's musical psyche.On September 12 the band released a third single, Maraschino, via sonic release only, hoping to initially draw people in to the band with their unique sound before pummelling them into submission with a follow-up music video, which was released this Friday just gone. HEAVY caught up with frontwoman Holly Arabella and guitarist Joe Humphries to find out more.“The music video, like the song, came from a place of wanting to play with the idea of tension and release,” Holly shared. “We chose an unconventionally claustrophobic space to set it within, set up a camera and filmed it ourselves. This allowed us the ability to play with the space in a way that portrays the pressure of the song.”We ask how the initial reaction has been to the audio release of Maraschino."It's been really great, actually," Holly smiled. "I've been really excited to see other people have been excited about it too, because it's one thing to be in the studio and be like oh we're making this fusion punk dance thing, and you're really excited about it, and then when it actually comes out and other people are excited about it, it's like, okay we went in some weird cryptic manic episode that worked (laughs)."We ask how Maraschino differs musically from Electric and 1769."I would think that we leaned into it," Holly mused, "especially with the samples and the synths and everything. I think we've found our niche in that kind of dance thing, and I think that's just come from playing songs like Electric and 1769 live and seeing the energy and emotion in the dance floor. We've been wanting to just harness that more, and I think with those two previous songs we went into it, going how are we going to play these songs live, so they're very much just guitars, bass, drum, and vocal, whereas this newer stuff we're more going that doesn't matter, we can figure that out."In the full interview, Joe and Holly described Maraschino's chaotic, dance punk style, achieved by merging electronic sounds with traditional instruments. They emphasised their aim to move beyond generic punk rock and explore innovative musical directions.The discussion included details about their upcoming single launch at The Old Bar in Fitzroy and their aspirations for future music and performances. Without confirming anything, Joe and Holly insinuated an album is in the works, with potential shifts in musical direction discussed and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
26 Sep 14min
The Subtle Art Of Simplicity With DANKO JONES
Canada's greatest export ever, Danko Jones, have been flying the flag for rock and roll music ever since they combined to wreak havoc on the world in 1996. The band have almost single-handedly revived rock and roll from the untimely death many have predicted or wished upon the genre, churning out hit after hit with consummate ease. Armed with a swag of rock gospel albums, including We Sweat Blood [2003], Sleep Is The Enemy [2006], A Rock Supreme [2019], Power Trio [2021] and Electric Sounds [2023] and a relentless touring schedule, Danko Jones not only live and breathes rock and roll. They OWN it.A band that very much lets their music do the talking, Danko Jones are set to release their latest album, Leo Rising, on November 21, further solidifying their place in the annals of rock history. HEAVY caught up with Danko Jones himself to find out more. One of the things we discuss is the relative simplicity inherent in Danko Jones' music, with the band allowing the songs to dictate terms rather than try to change things up just for the sake of it."I don't really think there's a need to reinvent the wheel of rock in 2025," he offered. "But at the same time, there's still room for making it sound fresh. So that's kind of our goal. We're not trying to create a new genre of rock music, but we're just trying to make it sound fresh."We ask Jones to dive deeper into the musical side of Leo Rising."It doesn't change," he shrugged. "Every album is the same, as the next one will be the same, which is just try to write a whole bunch of tunes that I like - or that we like. I write to please myself first and foremost. If I don't like it, I can't back it. That's not to say that there were songs on our previous albums that I don't really like, but you're striving for perfection."In the full interview, Danko emphasised the importance of creating songs that resonate with him rather than conforming to current trends. We discussed the collaboration with guitarist Marty Friedman on the song Diamond in the Rough, highlighting the significance of timing and ensuring the song suited Friedman's style, which resulted in a standout guitar solo.The conversation delved into the complexities of naming the album, with Danko noting the challenge of selecting from nearly 200 song titles. The title Leo Rising was chosen to connect with their first album, Born a Lion, symbolizing thematic continuity as they look ahead to their 13th album.Danko also discussed the challenge of maintaining musical integrity amidst industry changes, asserting his commitment to their sound and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
25 Sep 20min
