Finding Your Musical Identity With RORY & SAM From ST SINNER

It's nothing new to see a fighter make the transition from the ring to the cinema, with people as far back as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Chuck Norris pioneering the way before a procession of fighters followed. From Van Damme to Ronda Rousey to Michael Jai White to Gina Carano, the list goes on, but while some of the attempts at acting have not been quite as impressive as the actual fighting career itself, there is always one thing in common. The fight scenes in their movies are always much more realistic and believable.Naturally, someone who has fought professionally would have a better idea of the practicalities of fighting, and, let's face it, there are numerous movies out there that depict fighting with no degree of accuracy whatsoever. But just the mere presence of a trained fighter in an action movie should instil more confidence in the final product. At least, it does for me.Which is why the upcoming action extravaganza The Workout - which premieres on Amazon on October 28 - was ahead of the game before the cameras even started rolling, when Ashlee Evans-Smith was cast in the role of Tank. Evans-Smith has previously fought in the UFC's bantamweight and flyweight divisions, giving her added advantage and knowledge when it comes to effectively knowing how to injure an opponent.The Workout is an intense found-footage action thriller about an army ranger whose plans to launch a workout video empire are shattered when a mob attack leaves his pregnant wife dead. The film stars Peter Jae (Darkness of Man), Josh Kelly (S.W.A.T.), UFC fighter Ashlee Evans-Smith, and Augie Duke (Yellowjackets), with co-writer David Lawrence bringing a sharp narrative edge. Director James Cullen Bressack has directed over twenty feature films known for bold storytelling and explosive action, including collaborations with Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, and Steven Seagal, all of which sounds like a damn good start!HEAVY recently sat down with Ashlee Evans-Smith to talk through the worlds of filmmaking and martial arts. We start by asking Ashlee about her role in the movie."Oh, I love the storyline," she replied. "It's basically two army rangers - former army rangers - and they have a gym together. Unfortunately, somebody gets caught up in some bad stuff, and the pregnant wife gets killed. Then you basically go on a revenge journey with these badass former Army Rangers who are now doing crazy stunts. I'm also a former Army Ranger, so I'm basically who I am in real life - a big old tomboy without the military training - and I come in and want to help these guys seek revenge, and we spend the whole movie kicking butt and taking names."We ask Ashlee if making the transition from the UFC cage to acting is a difficult process."You think it's either going to transfer really easily or be scary for a stunt partner, but a fun fact is it's both," she laughed. "There are times where it feels seamless and effortless, and then there are times where… to pull a punch is so taboo in my sport. You step all the way into the punch; you don't pull it. And to train something like that for years and years, it's now a natural reaction to go full on. So that was a little scary, because I want to be safe and professional first and foremost. I don't want to hurt anyone, and I don't want to hurt myself, obviously."In the full interview, Ashlee discussed her transition from UFC fighter to actress in The Workout in greater detail. She described her character, Tank, a former Army Ranger seeking revenge after a tragic event, and expressed excitement about the project despite her nerves regarding audience reactions and mixed reviews. Ashlee reflected on the challenges of adapting her fighting techniques for film stunts, sharing a humorous incident where she accidentally landed real punches during a fight scene. She also emphasised the importance of collaboration with the stunt coordinator, who helps balance choreography with the actors' input, and noted the difference between real martial arts and cinematic portrayals.Ashlee described The Workout as a blend of action and patriotism, drawing comparisons to John Wick, and highlighted the authenticity of the fight scenes due to her martial arts background. Additionally, Ashlee shared her feelings on this, her debut major acting role, the differences with filming a 'found footage' movie, the importance of not paying too much attention to reviews and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Okt 23min

They say music runs in the blood, and if ever there was a family to prove this theory, it's the Trujillo's. Dad, Rob, plays in Metallica, Mum, Chloe, is in BLVD Of Eyes, daughter Lullah is an accomplished drummer, while son Tye plays in Suicidal Tendencies and also OTTTO. Not a bad lot to hear jamming in the garage!While most people know, or at least have heard of, the above bands, there's one there that may not be as familiar. The band OTTTO, who have been Tye's band project since 2017. With a sound blending punk, alternative rock and grunge, OTTTO have been steadily building their careers, culminating in the release of the new EP Sweaty Pool, which will be released on December 5.But for the immediate future, Tye will be out here in Australia with Suicidal Tendencies as direct support for Metallica and Evanescence on the Aussie leg of the massive M72 Tour. What's more, it will be a family affair, with Rob obviously in Metallica and Chloe starting an Australian tour of her own with BLVD Of Eyes straight after Metallica's run finishes.What's the chances of a family stage reunion? Take a listen to HEAVY's chat with Tye to find out…"Oh man, I'm super, super happy to be back out in that part of the world," he smiled when we brought up the Metallica tour. "It's literally one of my favourite countries ever. It's going to be a lot of business (laughs), but when there's some open windows I'm definitely going to try to get out to the ocean, jump in the water and get some surfing."We ask what it's like being on the same tour as Rob and whether he stays in Dad mode or treats Tye like any other musician."He's got his routine, and they all have their routine, so we'll get some time in hanging out together," he replied, "but there will be times where they'll be in the next city and I will come in later to meet up with them for the show."In the full interview, Tye discusses the upcoming tour and how different the support shows will be to Suicidal Tendencies' own headlining run of side shows. We talk about the magnitude of playing with Metallica, how Metallica fans respond to Suicidals and whether he prefers to play the bigger outdoor shows or the smaller clubs.Tye opens up about joining Suicidal Tendencies after Rob left and what advice was passed on, learning his Dad's bass parts and if he would have done them any differently, growing up with talented musicians and how that shaped his own sound and who he has gelled most with from a writing perspective. We spoke about OTTTO's upcoming EP Sweaty Pool and what to expect, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

11 Okt 18min

Coming together via other notable bands such as Fire At Will, Swerve City, Coridian, and the Sun Gods, New Zealand's freshest face on the hard rock scene is Cry Wolf.Fresh from the success of their debut single Rainfall, Cry Wolf return with the follow-up Burn, upping the intensity and sonic outburst to showcase another side of their musical psyche. Essentially a track about embracing the unknown, Burn also acts as a sonic accompaniment to the trajectory thus far from Cry Wolf, a trajectory that the band hopes will continue to rise with each release.HEAVY caught up with singer/guitarist Kevin Ashby to find out more."It's always exciting to release new music," he smiled. "Because it's always a pretty long time between when you write the song and when you actually release it, so it's always good to get it out in the world and get people's opinion on it."We ask Kevin to dive deeper into the musical side of Burn."We were going for something pretty heavy, but still accessible," he measured. "I tend to write songs that are relatively simple. We don't want to make it too difficult for ourselves to play, so trying to keep it simple, but keep it catchy as well (laughs). We wanted it nice and heavy, but still retaining that melodic kind of element. That's kind of what we went for."In the full interview, Kevin contrasted Burn with their previous single Rainfall, explaining that Burn symbolizes a fresh start after their previous bands. We discussed the differences between the two songs and if they were representative of Cry Wolf's overall sound or if they were more an appetiser.We talked about whether the two songs were part of a bigger picture and when that might be, the thought processes that go into new material as a young band and future plans. Kevin shared the band's early vision of creating something fresh and bold in the music scene and how they plan to make that happen and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

11 Okt 11min

After initially starting life as a one-man vehicle for Howard Von Noise (Howsie) in 2012, Coffin Carousel slowly morphed into something much more sinister. Taking band formation in 2015, Coffin Carousel are your haunted chainsaw ride formed within the roots of horror punk and sludge metal, bastardised by DNA strands from throughout the metal gene pool to create a sound that continues to defy convention.While the band's earlier material was more rooted in the horror/punk style of metal, Coffin Carousel have honed their craft and allowed their metaphorical wings to spread over four full-length albums, maintaining the lifeblood that defines their music while also crossing over into darker, heavier territory. With their most recent album Quantum Chainsaw Part: Three Six Nine, Coffin Carousel have infused elements of Swedish death metal riffs with HM2 chainsaw guitar tones, dark drone feedback moments and throat-savaging vocal layers, fortifying their continued musical evolution and providing a sonic playground for the macabre and sinister.HEAVY sat down earlier this week to chat with frontman Howsie about the progression of Coffin Carousel and their current plight to dominate our nightmares."I'm definitely excited for this one," he enthused, "because I'm back in my roots and back with the metal cap on. I had a lot of fun making it. I've had a lot of friends reach out and say I'm loving the new sound. The feedback I'm getting personally is that people are enjoying the heavier direction, which has always been progressing that way. The first album was in the horror punk world, but every album since has got heavier and heavier, and this one, I felt it was time to go full metal retard and just have some fun."In the full interview, Howsie introduced the album in greater detail, highlighting its heavier sound as a return to his death metal roots. He discussed the creative process behind the music, including the use of specific guitar effects to achieve a distinctive tone and the metamorphoses of Coffin Carousel's sound over the journey.He spoke about the album launch show scheduled for October 24 at the Revolver Band Room in Melbourne, emphasising the venue's historical significance in the Melbourne metal scene, speaking of plans to enhance the live performance with additional visuals while maintaining a focus on the band's music without guest performances or dancers. We talked about historical significance within the horror/punk genre and the use of older techniques such as VHS quality graphics in music videos, as well as integrating cinematic soundscapes and layers through their music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Okt 17min

Words and interview by Ali WilliamsSydney-based metalcore band Bloom have just finished up the first headliner tour here at home and are about to set off to Europe for their next leg of their tour. Frontman Jono Hawkey and drummer Jack Van Vilet caught up with HEAVY recently for a chat about new releases, tours, and future plans for the band.The band’s journey so far has seen these young lads hit the ground running with almost instant success. Bloom formed in 2017 and has grown from playing small venues to international tours. They started with young dreams, and their music career evolved, allowing them to travel the world and perform music they love. The big breakthrough for these guys was the release of their first EP in 2018, and their single Cold unexpectedly gained traction on platforms like Spotify, which influenced their approach to creating their next EP, incorporating more strategic efforts. These guys have been able to successfully navigate the music industry essentially by acknowledging the role of online algorithms and how critical that is to succeeding in today’s market. They also emphasise their focus on the storytelling aspect of music rather than just aiming to go viral. Bloom have toured extensively, enjoying the ability to connect with fans worldwide. Their recent Australian tour was significant as it showcased their growth, with more engaged audiences. Hawkey and Van Vilet note that their fan base overseas is much stronger than at home, and go on to discuss in more detail their differences in music culture in different regions of the globe and why genres like metalcore are more popular in areas like Europe and Japan, where fans show intense dedication and appreciation for the music. Bloom's musical influences come from a wide style that blends heavier metalcore with more melodic elements, drawing influence from alternative and surf rock. They aim for a versatile sound and appreciate not being confined to a single genre. High priority is made on experimenting with their sound and occasionally swapping of instruments, which not only adds to Bloom's fun and dynamic cohesion as a group, but also expands their creative exploration. Looking ahead, Bloom are preparing for a busy schedule, including tours in Europe, the UK, and America. Back home just in time for Christmas, the band will be looking forward to some much-needed downtime to rest and revive before continuing on their successful journey, but first Bloom drop their new album The Light We Chase on October 31.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Okt 21min

Heathenspawn return with their latest slab of blackened melodic death metal, The Ravenous Earth, a crushing track that dives into dark themes and envisions a world where humanity has brought about its own extinction. Obsessed with conflict and distracted by trivialities, mankind clings to the illusion of permanence. But when the end comes, it will come for us all, and the Earth will bury our legacy beneath roots, soil, and stone, as it has done with every empire before us.To capture this vision, Heathenspawn teamed up once again with long-time producer Matt Clarke (To The Grave), with mastering handled by none other than Dan Swanö (Edge of Sanity, Bloodbath). The track also features a guest performance from a friend of the band, Kevin Smits, whose ferocious vocals amplify the track's dark themes and intent.The artwork for The Ravenous Earth was created by legendary punk musician and artist Alex CF, whose evocative painting of a skeletal king consumed by nature mirrors the track’s themes of decay and inevitability. The band describe his work as the perfect visual embodiment of the song’s essence, and are honoured to feature his art alongside their music.The Ravenous Earth is Heathenspawn at their most uncompromising, a brutal yet thought-provoking statement about the fate of humanity and the enduring power of the natural world, but to get to the real meat of potatoes of the track, HEAVY sat down with vocalist Jim to dive deeper."The theme of the song is essentially about a vision of the world after humans are gone," he explained. "Every organism that's ever lived here is extinct now; it's a biological and geological reality. We think we're going to be here forever as a species, so humans conduct themselves in an arrogant way, where we think that evolution has ended with us. It's about that vision. The song is about the ravenous earth. The idea of it comes from the Earth consuming humanity and all human artefacts, so societies, buildings, and everything that we think is really important, ultimately, the Earth doesn't care about."In the full interview, Jim talks more about how the single marks a shift towards a darker and more aggressive sound, influenced by Swedish melodic death metal, and critiques human arrogance through its concept of a post-human world.The accompanying music video enhances these themes with visuals of ruins and live performances. As a standalone release, The Ravenous Earth aims to reintroduce the band and their new singer, while also developing new material for an album expected next year. That work promises to be more aggressive and varied than their previous work, with recent live shows in Newcastle and Sydney indicating a favourable reception to this new direction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Okt 19min

It's not often you get a second chance in life, especially in the music industry, where success - sustained or fleeting - is anything but a given. But that is precisely what has happened for US rock outfit Yellowcard, who return on October 10 with their new album Better Days.After forming in Jacksonville, Florida in 1997, Yellowcard became one of the most influential bands in the 2000’s alternative rock scene. Known for blending high-energy pop punk with a signature violin twist, their 2003 breakthrough Ocean Avenue is certified Platinum, with the title track now certified two times Platinum.Despite this early success - or perhaps because of it - Yellowcard disbanded ten years later, making emotional goodbyes to fans all around the world with a farewell tour. It seemed as though the band's decade of dominance would remain at just that, until Yellowcard reunited in 2022 with a fresh outlook and armed with lessons learnt the first time around.Fans and the music scene in general embraced the band's music once more, affirming Yellowcard's decision to return from premature band retirement and solidifying their resolve to make their next album also their best. After signing with Better Noise Music, Yellowcard confirmed the addition of Blink 182's Travis Barker to produce the new material, which he was so impressed with, he also stepped behind the kit to play on the whole album.The result is everything you ever loved about Yellowcard, boosted by musical output from a band that sounds like they have come to terms with their musical status and, more importantly, have rediscovered their zest for life and music.HEAVY recently sat down with frontman Ryan Key, who battled the effects of a cold to talk about the continued rise of Yellowcard. We start with a subtle attempt at humour by asking how he is feeling about the imminent release of the new album and wish him Better Days ahead because of it."It already has, mate," he smiled. "It already has. It's not even out yet, and we're already having the best chapter of this band's career. I think we're right in the middle of it right now. So the fact that the album isn't even out yet and so many amazing things have already happened for us around it and with it, it's pretty mind-blowing."We continue down that line, asking if the feelings and expectations surrounding the new release are different this time around."It feels…," he measured. "We have made a lot of music in our career. We've made a lot of records, and we've written a lot of songs. In 2008, we stepped away from the band - not in the same way that we did in 2016-17 - but in 08 there was this feeling of uncertainty in terms of what was going to come next. We had gone up the first side of the mountain extremely fast. We went from practising in whatever garage we could find to being at the Video Music Awards in two and a half years. It was really rapid. And so we came down the backside of that mountain equally as fast, and we didn't really know what was next."In the full interview, Ryan talks more about the first stage of Yellowcard's career, including the highs and lows. He opened up about the problems the band faced with being part of the industry cog and how it left them disheartened at a time where they should have been riding the crest of a wave.He went deeper into the musical side of Better Days, how it is an improvement on anything they have ever done before, and how it represents Yellowcard in 2025. Ryan also detailed how Travis Barker came on board as producer and what difference it made to the finished product. He told us his feelings on working with Barker and how he came to be their studio drummer, signing with Better Noise Music, reaching Number One on the charts after 22 years and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Okt 25min

There have been select few bands that have truly shaped the course of history. For heavy metal, it would have to be bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, but when it comes to rock and roll, only Elvis Presley springs directly to mind. But there was another band of the same era that many believe were a more accurate representation of the term - or what would become the term - rock music. A band who combined elements of blues, R&B, and rock into a sound that has inspired generations. A band who are mostly still very much alive today, and who are currently en route to Australia for a run of shows dubbed The Final Curtain Australian Tour, which starts on October 23.If you guessed The Animals, then you guessed right.A major part of the musical British Invasion of the 1960s, The Animals produced a string of hits that still resonate today, including We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, Boom Boom, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, It’s My Life and the band's iconic multi-million selling, and Number One worldwide hit, House of The Rising Sun. Universally known and loved and influential to generations of music lovers, The Animals have an affinity for Australia, with original drummer John Steel once saying, “Australia has always felt like a second home for us."HEAVY recently sat down with Steel to talk about the tour and the enduring legacy of The Animals."We're looking forward to it," he enthused of the tour. "People keep telling me it's the final tour, but I think it's still such a good band. I enjoy playing with them, and I'm playing as well as I ever did in my life so let's wait and see. But for now, this is the final tour. At my age now, I can only think one year ahead at a time anyway, so maybe this will be the last one. We'll see what happens (laughs)."Talk turns to the multitude of hits The Animals have had over the years and their place in musical history."There's not one song in our repertoire that I've ever thought that is not good enough," he replied. "I've always felt we've got a great bunch of songs, and it's not always the same ones every night. Obviously, we play the big hit singles every night, but we've got a good selection of A-sides, B-sides, and album tracks. So it's a pick and mix, but it keeps it fresh."In the full interview, John talks more about the tour and what to expect, having to alter their live show in keeping with ageing, the extensive run of shows and playing in out of the way places, his memories of The Animals first tour of Australia and his love of our red wine. We also talked about The Angels cover of We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, the early days of The Animals, what he hopes to leave as their music legacy and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Okt 12min