Backstage With DONITA SPARKS From L7 At GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL 2024

Following the release of their debut album More Subtle Than Death last year, rising Norwegian metalcore outfit Fixation had two options. Revel in the adulation being heaped in their direction for a stunning slab of metal, or capitalise on the growing momentum and get back in the studio.So back in the studio they went.But instead of rehashing what was obviously a winning formula, Fixation elected to push themselves further, introducing moments of intense screaming from vocalist Jonas Hansen that were nowhere to be heard on that debut album or the band's first EP Global Suicide.It was a brave, yet confident move from Fixation, with the decision seeming to pay instant dividends judging from the reaction already to the band's mini album Speak In Tongues which was released last Friday.HEAVY caught up with Hansen to delve deeper into the world of Fixation."I'm real excited for people to hear it," he enthused. "As any band says, it's our best work yet. But truly, it's been the most fun writing and recording process we've had so far and feels like a step in the right direction for us."We ask him to explain the musical side of the album in greater detail."This record we wanted to go in a more heavy direction," he offered. "We tried out a bit of stuff that we hadn't done before. Last year we were a bunch of tourists and played all over Europe, and we saw so many great heavy bands live and the energy that they produced live and the energy that the audience gives back. It really inspired the sonic part of this record. We wanted to make something that really hits you in the face live, and that's what we did. Throughout the process of this record we were certain that we wanted to have more screaming than we've done before, and I didn't really know how to do it properly."In the full interview, Jonas talked more about the screaming vocals and training his voice differently. He revealed why now is the right time to introduce those elements and the concept behind Speak In Tongues, which revolves around the theme of cults. Jonas expressed his fascination with cults and their psychological aspects, particularly how one person can blindly follow a false prophet for personal gain. He also drew connections between cults and other aspects of society.Jonas explained the lessons learned from their debut album that carried over to this release and the cohesive, movie-like storyline. We discussed the band's early vision, with Jonas sharing that Fixation started as a high school cover band but reinvented themselves in 2020. Jonas noted their sound has matured over time. They discussed their music project Fixation, with Jonas expressing satisfaction with its direction. He mentioned they were writing new music and planned to be in the studio throughout the year and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202417min

Interview by Angela CroudaceHEAVY sat down with PK, the passionate frontman of Japanese heavy metal band Prompts. His journey from Korea to Japan, fueled by a love for metal, has become an inspiring tale of perseverance and friendship.PK shared his experiences growing up in Korea, where the overwhelming popularity of K-Pop shaped the music landscape. “Most kids were into K-Pop, but my small group of friends were metalheads. We would gather and play Metallica’s Master of Puppets over and over,” he recalled with a smile. This early passion for heavy metal, however, came with its challenges. “There’s very little money and promotion for artists in Korea outside of the pop genre,” he lamented. Many high school bands followed the K-Pop trend, but PK and his friends remained committed to their metal roots.Determined to break into the metal scene, PK made the pivotal decision to move to Japan. He spoke about the stark contrast between the Korean live music scene and Japan’s vibrant touring and promotional ecosystem. “In Korea, it’s tough to get noticed unless you’re in the pop realm. In Japan, the opportunities are endless,” he explained. His aspirations extended beyond Japan; he even considered moving to Australia to kickstart his career, admiring the local metal scene and citing bands like Parkway Drive, Make Them Suffer, and Void of Vision as major influences.PK’s journey took a significant turn when he connected with Kaito Nagai of Paledusk, who noticed his vocal cover of their song on X (formerly Twitter). “Kaito always inspired me and really helped me on my journey,” PK said. “He showed me how to navigate the Japanese metal scene and invited me to tour with them and Cold Rain. Thanks to my friends, everything with Grayscale Records went so smoothly.” Joining Grayscale Records marked a major milestone for Prompts, solidifying their place in the industry.Despite his metal roots, PK confessed to a surprising guilty pleasure: K-Pop. “I hated it when K-Pop took over the Korean music scene, but after listening to BTS and Blackpink, I realized maybe I was wrong. How can we not respect them? They do so much training before they even debut; it’s the same passion for music,” he admitted, reflecting on the dedication shared across genres.With half of Prompts being Korean and currently living in Japan, PK expressed a strong desire to make an impact back home. “I’m proud I’m Korean because there are not many Koreans in the metal scene. There’s no hardcore heroes right now, so maybe I can’t be the first one, but I want to bring Prompts to Korea one day and do something for the Korean metal scene.”As we wrapped up the interview and talk turned to Prompt's current Australian tour with Diamond Construct, PK’s excitement was palpable. “We’re really happy to join another Australian tour after our fantastic trip in January. I can feel your guys’ energy. I dreamed about that type of energy for years,” he said.With Prompts, he’s not just chasing dreams; he’s forging a path for others in the metal scene, creating a bridge between cultures and inspiring the next generation of musicians.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202433min

The name John 5 is akin to God in the world of guitars.Over his career, John has played not only as part of bands, but also as a guest musician and gun for hire, to the extent that it would probably be easier to list the musicians he HASN'T played with before rather than the ones he has. But try this on for size. Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper and Jim Root…Need I go on?But it is John 5's most recent role as guitarist for Motley Crue that saw him in Australia only a short time ago, but from next week Aussie fans get a chance to see John 5 in a different light altogether. Playing with and for his own band, John 5 And The Creatures.John will be special guest for Steel Panther on their upcoming On The Prowl Australian Tour, performing a set of instrumental tunes from The Creatures, as well as a Motley Crue medley and more.It will be a chance to see one of the world's leading guitarists perform in a project of his own creation, rather than playing someone else's music. Understandably, John is a difficult man to track down, but HEAVY lucked out earlier in the week and managed to get 15 minutes with the legendary axeman to chat about the upcoming tour.With the tour less than two weeks from kicking off, we ask John if he is packed and ready to go yet?"I'm not packed, but I am ready to go," he smiled. "I love Australia so much. I was just there with the guys and I got this wonderful opportunity to come over with Steel Panther, and I'm super psyched about it."We double check that he will be playing as John 5 And The Creatures."Yes," he confirmed, "and we're gonna be doing a lot of crazy music, so it's gonna be something else. I've never been there solo with the instrumental. I know a lot of people are really excited for it, and I am too. We're gonna do a bunch of cool songs, and we're gonna actually record the shows for a live record."We push John to define what he means by 'crazy' music."We're gonna do…" he laughed. "I'm actually gonna play a song that is not released, and we're gonna film a video for the live record too. So that will be very special. We're gonna film it in each city in Australia."In the full interview, we talked more about how much John loves Australia and how much he is looking forward to getting back to Perth especially. He expressed the importance of staying healthy on tours, getting enough sleep, eating well, and having a great time. He also mentioned that Australia felt very comfortable to him, likely due to his familiarity with the place and the presence of friends. He told us what to expect from his live shows and the honour of being asked to support Steel Panther.We spoke about the length of his set as a support band and if it was more difficult for him to adjust to shorter stage times after being used to playing full headline sets. We delved into his career, starting when he drove to LA as an 18-year-old determined to become a session guitarist. He ran us through his expectations versus reality back then and how his career has panned out since then, including at what point he knew his dream had become reality.John talked about the new Motley Crue EP Cancelled and how he enjoyed the recording process, as well as future plans for more new music from Motley Crue and more.https://teglive.com.au/live_tour/steelpanther/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202411min

Although having rock music hardwired to nearly every thread of his sonic DNA, Shihad frontman Jon Toogood is also compelled to expose himself through calmer means.For a man best known for songs like My Mind's Sedate, The General Electric and Sleepeater, Toogood's decision to release his first solo album as an acoustic body of work came as a surprise to most, but not those who follow the man not the music.Following a tumultuous period of his life wrought with loss, sorrow and isolation, Toogood turned to his long-standing love of music, more for personal reasons than any other, and sat down to commit his feelings and fears to paper. These songs were originally never intended to be heard in the public domain but after letting close friends and representatives listen to his solo work Toogood was convinced to assemble his songs into an album so that the world could share in his triumph and tragedy.It was not a decision made lightly, but he relented on his initial misgivings and packaged the songs together to form Last Of The Lonely Gods, which was released last Friday. To celebrate the release Toogood is also headed to Australia next month for a run of solo shows starting at Mo's Desert Clubhouse on Thursday, November 14.HEAVY caught up with Toogood for more details."I love this record," he shared, smiling. "It's heavy in what I'm singing about… I'm singing about heavy shit. I'm a 53-year-old who lost his Mum during COVID when I was locked down in Melbourne, and she died in Wellington, New Zealand, so I had to say goodbye on the phone which I found really sad. I wanted to be there with my Mum and couldn't so it was tough. After that, I got stuck in New Zealand away from my wife and kids for three and a half months because there was an Omicron outbreak that happened while I was on tour. There was no flights going between countries, so I got stuck there and that was pretty traumatic. It was traumatic for my kids and wife as well because they were locked down in Melbourne, and she couldn't get any help so she was losing her mind, I was losing my mind. Then we finally made the move back to New Zealand and I caught COVID. The thing that happened to me was I've got pre-existing tendinitis - so ringing in my ears - which is basically from a life of playing heavy music and getting too close to a china cymbal. I've always been able to deal with it. I will go and see a band, and it will be loud, but if I take it easy the next day it will fade into the background. But this… two weeks after I caught COVID I got woken up out of a dream with a car alarm going off in my head. It was like I'd been to see Motorhead and stuck my head in the PA. On that first night, I didn't sleep for 36 hours. I ended up in the hospital, with doctors having to knock me out. It's literally like a car alarm going off in your head really loud."In the full interview, Jon talks more about the personal situations that led to him wanting to write a softer, mellower album, more about Last Of The Lonely Gods musically, why now is the right time for his first solo album, utilising his voice in different ways to suit acoustic music, if there will be more solo albums or if this is a one-off, the upcoming Australian tours and what to expect, what he gets out of smaller shows like these as opposed to full band sets and more.Tickets for Australian shows jontoogood.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202419min

Brisbane hard rock outfit PistonFist are capping off a stellar 2024 with the release of the first single in a new album cycle, Repent.After a year that has seen the Brisbane hard rocking outfit complete their first international tour as well as sign with rising Australian label XMusic, PistonFist invites you to Repent all of your sins and join them on the next leg of their musical journey, which starts now.HEAVY caught up with frontman Geoff O'Leary to find out more.We discussed their new track, Repent, with Geoff explaining the heavier direction of the new music as opposed to their debut album, Redline, which was well-received in Europe. He expressed excitement for the next album cycle, sharing his transition from being a full-time rhythm guitarist to focusing on vocals during studio sessions, highlighting the benefits of having a dedicated rhythm guitarist.We spoke about PistonFist's recent international tour through the UK and Europe with SinSoto and Kaosis. Geoff expressed his amazement at the professionalism and organization of the European live shows, contrasting it with the situation in Australia. He shared that the tour was financially challenging but well worth it, and he is eager to return. Geoff also shared a memorable story about a particularly well-received show at a venue in Norway, where they were exceptionally well looked after. He expressed his desire to return to this venue if their music reaches a certain level of success.We discussed their recent partnership with XMusic, an Australian label, and their upcoming shows. Talk turned to their upcoming shows, including the DimeBag Memorial show and the Munk and Petal festival, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202416min

Myles Kennedy is fast becoming a living legend of the rock scene.If not alone for the fact he sings for two of the world's most recognisable bands in Alter Bridge and Slash Ft Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators just add in his solo material which is a different beast entirely showcasing just how good a power trio can sound when in the studio. That trio is on the cusp of releasing their third album, The Art Of Letting Go, on October 11, an album that sees Kennedy embracing the rock side of his persona with more riffs, more spice, more everything.HEAVY was fortunate enough to spend some time with Kennedy earlier this week to run through The Art Of Letting Go. We start by asking how he is feeling as release date approaches."Good," he smiled. "It's getting close enough now - just a few days - and it's kind of a trip, you know, in a way that your little sonic baby is about to be unleashed into the world. It's kind of an excuse to just get out and tour. I love making records, I love creating. I also love getting to perform and hang with my mates."We ask about the musical direction on The Art Of Letting Go and what he set out to achieve."I wanted this record to be more of a rock record," he replied. "With the solo records, when I first started doing it, it was more about acoustic-based music. The second record, The Ides of March, was a little bit of the acoustic element, but also more Americana and Southern rock and country at times. And this one, I just wanted to rock, you know? I wanted to have it be based on riffs and have a certain pocket and a certain groove and build that way."In the full interview, Myles emphasized The Art Of Letting Go's rock-centric direction compared to his previous acoustic and Americana influences. He highlighted the importance of the opening track for capturing listener attention in today's fast-paced music landscape and shared his creative process, which focuses on moving forward rather than reflecting on past projects, as he prepares for touring. The discussion also touched on the influence of Slash on Kennedy's guitar skills and work ethic, with Kennedy explaining the different writing processes he employs for his solo work versus collaborations.He expressed the album's theme of enjoying life without stress, the different joys he gets out of different projects, and more.Pre-Order The Art Of Letting Go: https://lnk.to/MK-TheArtOfLettingGoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

11 Okt 202416min

Heavy metal music is alive and well in Japan.For a country more recognised for being conservative and polite when it comes to social interactions, the amount of talented, unrecognised and socially unacceptable bands doing the rounds is almost unfathomable.Over six previous visits to Japan with different touring bands I have witnessed everything from jazz to metal to rock to acoustic, but if there is one common denominator it is the universal wealth of talent that seems to be dripping from the corners of every live house you visit. A quick tally comes to around 120 live Japanese bands I have seen and/or played with over the years, and I would be lying if I said at least 110 of them were worthy of paying to see again.One of those bands is Osaka metal maniacs kitsunevi, who I had the pleasure of meeting at a recent trip to Gattaca Live House. This band had everything. The wow factor, a shredding guitarist/vocalist, a drummer who hits harder and faster than Sonic The Hedgehog, and a bass player with dreadlocks down to her legs with a finger-picking/slap style of funk metal that can only be compared to the great Fieldy from KORN.As much as I hate labels, if I had to describe kitsunevi's sound it would be a cross between Bullet For My Valentine, Trivium, and Primus, but even that wouldn't be doing this trio justice. After already releasing two cracking EP's since forming only last year and putting serious miles in on the touring circuit, one gets the feeling that kitsunevi are destined for bigger things. And soon.HEAVY caught up with Summer (drums) to find out more.We engaged in a detailed discussion around the band's music, upcoming tours, and potential collaborations. Summer shared the band's formation story and the inspiration behind their name, which is rooted in an ancient Japanese tale. The conversation highlighted their commitment to regular practice sessions in Osaka, aiming to refine their unique sound and performance style. We also explored kitsunevi's individual musical influences and how these contribute to their cohesive group dynamic, emphasizing the importance of friendship in their creative process.The chat further delved into kitsunami's recent EP releases, Embers Will Rise and Smell the Coffee, with Summer detailing the themes and musical elements of each project. He expressed excitement about their upcoming shows in Tokyo and Taiwan, as well as the possibility of touring Australia next year. We discussed the vibrant music culture in Japan and the collaborative opportunities it presents for both local and international bands. As the interview concluded, Summer recommended three songs for new listeners to get to know the band, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Okt 202420min

Musical evolution is a beautiful thing when allowed to flourish, cast free of modern constraints and expectations to let the metaphorical wings rise and sweep the band and their music into unchartered, exciting territory.So it is for Swiss/German metal outfit AD Infinitum as they prepare to unveil their new album, Abyss, on October 11.Since setting the tone with their debut album Chapter I: Monarchy in 2020, AD Infinitum have allowed their creativity to dictate terms, following that album up with Chapter I: Revisited, which was an acoustic take on their debut.While favouring symphonic undertones throughout their career, AD Infinitum have maintained a steady attraction towards the harder side of the spectrum, culminating in Abyss which reveals a whole new side to AD Infinitum's sonic arsenal, refining their sound and expectations to create what is said to be their most dynamic, modern and progressive record to date.HEAVY caught up with drummer Niklas Muller to find out more."First of all, I think the most important part about this album is we stepped away from the symphonic side of things," he measured. "That was a huge part of our music for the first three albums. It was not an initial choice where we said no, we don't want to do it any more, and we will do it with an entire other production, it was more we said we don't wanna have it just for the sake of having it. We just want to see where the music leads us, and it just so happened when we wrote the first songs in our song camp we realised there was not really the need for orchestral elements. We managed to create soundscapes and nice atmospheres without those instruments. We thought it would be too much and over the top to now add the orchestral elements. It was not an initial choice that we step away from symphonic metal, it just happened in the writing process. This is the biggest musical part that changed. On the other hand, I have a feeling that we grew up a little bit (laughs). It's like, when you continue to write music, you change. It feels like we think way, way more about every little part of a song than we did on previous albums. I'm not saying that we didn't think at all about the early music (laughs). It's like we are questioning more on this album. We already did that with Chapter III when we had the songwriting camp… I think this is also the biggest part why we are questioning that much, because we were all in the same room together writing songs, which wasn't the case with Chapter I and Chapter II because we were living so far apart. I think this just led to the next steps."In the full interview, Niklas expressed excitement about sharing the album with their fans and playing it live in Europe and the US, with hopes of eventually performing in Australia. Niklas also discussed the evolution of AD Infinitum's music, particularly the shift away from symphonic elements.We discussed the concept behind the next album trilogy, with Abyss representing a dark state of mind as opposed to the next two, Surface and Elysium, which symbolise healing and happiness. He also discussed the band's creative process, future direction, and the shift away from symphonic metal, but he remained non-committal as to whether the band would travel that path again in the future.Niklas talked about their upcoming tour with Kamelot, Blackbriar and Frozen Crown as well as next year's tour with Eluveitie and Infected Rain, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Okt 202416min