Challenging The Gods With RYAN KIRBY From FIT FOR A KING

Interview by Kris PetersWhen it comes to walking your own path musically you won't find much more of a dominant presence than Sydney metal outfit Mountain Wizard Death Cult.Their music draws from a plethora of heavy metal genres without ever fully darting too deep into any one particular rabbit hole, making it impossible to pigeon hole their music - as if you would want to anyway.Their music is diverse and eclectic, shrouded with mystery and layers upon layers of sonic depth that only intensify in the live arena. But try and corral MWDC into a musical corner at your own peril.These Sydney-siders have a unique grasp on their capabilities and have an uncanny knack of drawing the listener deeper into their twisted and morose world with every release.And, just when you think you may have figured MWDC out on a sonic plane, the boys deliver their latest single Orbital, once more shifting through the gears and offering up yet another taste of the many musical facets inhabited by the band.Guitarist Chris Chaplin joined HEAVY to usher us further into the darkness."It was a bit of a left turn from some of our other material," he offered, "but people seem to be digging it."We press Chaplin to explain further what he means by a left turn."I would say it's more of a post-metal kind of track," he measured. "We've always had atmospherics through our stuff, but Orbital is a longer track - it's eight and a half minutes long - and a lot slower in tempo. Vocal wise there's a bit more cleans on there and some chanting vibes as well. Less chuggy and less in your face, but I think it's a pretty big sounding track and super atmospheric and hypnotising."MWDC have got a set sound that fans are finally starting to identify with, which begs the question why change things up now?"It's always been a part of our sound, it just hasn't been executed in that way," he replied. "The core of what we have always done or evolved over time has stayed the same. It's always been atmospheric and sludgey with that hardcore background and blackened elements, but this track especially came together super organically. It wasn't one that we had to demo and hammer out, it flowed really easy. The majority of it was recorded live in one session. It was like hit play, off we go, get the take and it was almost there (laughs). It was one of those tracks that you kind of didn't have a choice but to do. Also, it feels amazing to play every time. It just comes across the right way and is a great way to close the set."In the full interview Chris talks more about Orbital, the longer running time, the wicked film clip that comes with it, using Chris Elder and what he brought to the song, their upcoming debut album and what to expect, pushing the boundaries musically, their current tour and what to expect from the live show and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Mai 202312min

Interview by Kris PetersThere's something to be said when it comes to nostalgia and Aussie music.Perhaps more so than any other music listening country in the world, Australia genuinely loves and respects music from eras gone by, recognising not only the current state and crop of Australian artists, but also paying homage to the bands who paved the way for a prolonged period of success.It doesn't hurt when these bands continue to not only tour - but do so with the same youthful zest and energy they delivered in their heyday.And when a festival like Spring Loaded comes along on a now yearly basis further proof of the credentials and staying power of Aussie talent is laid bare on one stage over one day for all to see.This years first Spring Loaded, to be held at Bribie Island's Sandstone Point Hotel on June 3, showcases the best of the best of yesteryear, with Spiderbait headlining and being joined by Frenzal Rhomb, Shihad, Magic Dirt, Bodyjar, Eskimo Joe, Ratcat and Screamfeeder.The festival is living testament to the longevity of Australian bands and music and is all the more special for the fact it is made up only of bands from this part of the world.Shihad are the only New Zealand band on the line-up and are eager to get out there and play songs from their most recent album Old Gods, which hasn't yet received the attention it deserves due to recent world events.Frontman Jon Toogood joined HEAVY to chat about Spring Loaded and Shihad's place in the line-up."Any opportunity to get me in front of a crowd with that band I'm real happy about," he smiled. "I'm pretty excited."We bring up the quality of bands on the bill and the fact they are still drawing crowds decades after they first came out."It's almost like the nineties all over again," he laughed. "I like these festivals because it's not too uncomfortable backstage because I know everybody (laughs). It's a nice vibe backstage. Everyone is past that really hyper-competitive bollocks that we used to do when we were young, so everyone gets along a lot better. We're there to absolutely slay, but back in the day at the Big Day Out and stuff it was cut-throat."In the full interview Jon talks about the drawing power of older bands like these, why they still succeed, some of the bands on the line-up and his best touring memory of them, what we can expect from Shihad's set, learning to manage yourself and your body as your career progresses, new material and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Mai 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersIt's hard to believe that Californian power-violence outfit Despise You are only just making their way Down Under for the first time after well over two decades as a band and 16 years of rocking stages around the world.But here they are and ready to decimate all comers with their aggressive brand of music that has seen them labelled the "angriest band in the world".HEAVY caught up with one of Despise's You's vocalists Cynthia and found her anything but angry."I'm looking forward to travelling out," she smiled. "It's been a while since we travelled outside of the country."As mentioned, Despise You are touring this side of the world for the first time, so we press Cynthia on whether it's daunting in any way to be so far from home for the first time."Not really," she laughed. "It is what it is. It's one of those things where once you get the hang of whatever country you head out to you wanna do it again. I know I still wanna hit a lot of those Polynesian Islands so this will be the first time going down that way so I'm really excited about it."We ask Cynthia what Australian fans can expect from the shows."I would say we are just all going to have a good time," she shrugged. "That's all I can say with Despise You. We always have a good time doing shows and we're a good bunch. We look like trouble makers, but trouble comes to us (laughs)."In the full interview Cynthia talks more about what to expect from the shows, having Choof as main support for the whole run, being labelled the angriest band in the world, the power-violence scene they are linked to and why, how audiences in different parts of the world react to their live show, the focus on split EP's over albums, why the band didn't play their first live show until 2007 and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Mai 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersEmerging Northern NSW rock/grunge outfit Eyesite took the next natural step in their musical progression towards the end of last year when the four young members finally traded their school books in for more practice in a field that while maybe not being recognised on most high school education curriculum holds much more credence for those who bare their soul for rock.With a steady procession of singles and some local gigs scattered here and there in close proximity to home and schooling, Eyesite had already established themselves as a star on the rise while still restrained by the confines of a "proper" education.The boys had already set their sights on turning music into more than a hobby and suddenly, armed with a cavalcade of spare time to dedicate to their art, found themselves immersed in their youthful dream and competing with much older and established bands for a chance to open for The Smashing Pumpkins.While that wasn't to be - yet - in the space of less than six months Eyesite have managed to maximise their creative output and take their music to a wider audience, culminating in their latest single In Your Blood which will be released on May 20.A harder edged and rockier number that still has its genesis in the grunge tendencies Eyesite offer up as a template, In Your Blood is sonic proof that these four young boys have the skills to match their dedication which, coupled with a raw aggression and maturity beyond their years augers extremely well for the future.HEAVY caught up with drummer Flynn and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Harris to find out more."I think it's a lot of the same, but still a fresh direction again from what we've taken before," Harris offered in regards to In Your Blood. "Our last EP was very grunge inspired, but this song takes a step away from that a little bit for a fresh, new rock sound."In the full interview Harris and Flynn talk more about the shift in musical direction, the inspiration for the track, following up their last EP In My Head quickly, having the freedom to dedicate to music, what they have learnt about themselves and their music since finishing High School, the Battle of the Bands and what they took out of it, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

19 Mai 20236min

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne metalcore outfit Windwaker are preparing to hit the road for their Love In The Dark Tour this July, celebrating the release of their latest album Love Language while at the same time ushering in the first headlining tour for newer (and returning) members Connor Robbins (synth and samples) and Liam Guinane (vocals).Love Language set the tone for a future onslaught by Windwaker with a crushing sound that resonated with fans both old and new. For this tour the band are planning to perform tracks from that album for the first time.Bass player Indey Salvestro joined HEAVY to discuss the shows."We're super excited," he beamed when asked about the tour. "We just started rehearsals but we're playing a lot of songs that we haven't played live before, especially off the album. I'm still wrapping my head around some of the parts (laughs), because I haven't played them since two years ago - it would have been a while."While the nightly time on stage is always worth its weight in Gold, we ask Indey if the pre-tour practice and scrubbing up is worth the pain."I love it," he smiled. "It's kind of methodical. I just sit down and play on my bass and learn the songs again. You know how you have little memories pop up with certain sounds? I get that with songs too. So I'm relearning this song Trenches -that's probably the hardest song on bass on the album - and it's giving me flashbacks to when we record it. It's so funny. When we actually recorded that song I spent a good month learning it and it's so hard. It's written by our guitarist Jesse who is an absolute shredlord, and I have to basically follow this riff on bass as well and it's a ridiculously fast riff. I learnt it for a month and went into the recording studio with Chris and Jesse and Jesse changed the riff on me on the day! (laughs). I already had it muscle memoried into my fingers and was ready to go and he changed the whole thing. It just ruined me."In the full interview, Indey runs through some of the new songs Windwaker will be playing, preparing for tour, the reception for Love Language, bringing Caskets out from the UK for their first Australian tour, welcoming Liam back to the band and why he was the standout choice, what Connor brings to the sound and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Mai 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney hard rock outfit Battlesnake are riding the wave of a tornado at present.Fresh from recently completing The World Is A Vampire Festival alongside The Smashing Pumpkins and Jane's Addiction, Battlesnake have successfully taken their unique brand of music to a wider audience and not only made them listen, but also forced them to appreciate the events laid out before them.With a refreshing zest for life glazed over by an extremely talented and committed core group of members seldom has a band unknown by so many been appreciated by so many more.Their music alone is infectiously invigorating, blending the physchedic rock sensibilities of Black Sabbath with a harder edge bordering on metal - all the while awash with a blazoning of pink and sporting instruments such as the keytar that would normally be banished from sight and sound.To say Battlesnake are blissfully unaware of their surroundings would be selling the band short, but their confidence and self belief also act as ally's, buffering them against the inevitable views of scepticism that generally accompany things the average person finds difficult to comprehend.Put simply they are already a musical enigma and a welcome addition to the Australian musical landscape that has been craving a suitable distraction to the growing monotony that is gradually creeping in.Battlesnake last week released their self-titled debut album which has made a significant impact on the scene already, with HEAVY tracking down bass player Elliott Hitchcock to find out more about the band that will soon be on everyone's lips."To be totally transparent I, personally, initially set out for the album to be kind of lighter, in a way," he revealed. "And that kind of didn't happen (laughs). It is a heavy album but musically the inspirations are so broad and varied. Obviously you would have heard the Spanish guitars in there, and there's some big orchestras and then there's your classic heavy metal and your thrash. There's so much going on. We really enjoyed making the album because we feel like this kind of music is the kind of music that we've always wanted to make."The musical disparity inherent in Battlesnake's music is a melting pot of genres that shouldn't work but somehow do, coming together and lacing up the embers into a chaotically beautiful assortment of rock that seems to follow no rhyme nor reason. It's as though the band threw literally everything at their disposal into a melting pot of sin and forced themselves to work with the overlapping entrails."That's where you can sometimes come unstuck," Elliott measured, "when you're trying to do that. I don't even know that we did that consciously, but that's just what happens with our music. That's the tricky part; that fine line where you need to walk. You can't be too... you have to be really meticulous about it sounding cohesive, because if there's so many influences in there more often than not it starts to sound confused and can be difficult to listen to sometimes. It has to be a melting pot for us, like melting iron or gold and creating this perfect set of circumstances that turn all of these inspirations and ideas into a cohesive song."In the full interview, Elliott goes into the album in greater detail, details the recent rise of Battlesnake while deferring to a lengthy apprenticeship, the themes running through the album, their live show, where the costumes came from and what they represent, working as a collective, being bit by the touring bug, blending humour and theatrics through their music, an upcoming tour and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Mai 202322min

Interview by Kris PetersNorweigian black metal outfit Immortal are widely regarded as one of the most important black metal bands in the world.Ever.Not a bad feat for a band who are, in essence, more of a driving project for the talents of guitarist come vocalist Demonaz than a fully fledged, functioning band in the truest sense of the world.Immortal's triumphs and tragedies are well documented, with a number of extenuating circumstances conspiring over the years to potentially rob the musical world of one of its most vital exponents of their craft.Thankfully, despite the adversities, Demonaz has remained true to his belief and vision with Immortal on the cusp of releasing their 10th studio album War Against All, which is also Demonaz's second as lead vocalist.Demonaz is selective when it comes to interviews, so when offered a chance to spend 20 minutes alone with the great man HEAVY had pressed the button before the question had even been fully asked."Like every other time," he smiled when asked how he is feeling about the album being set free into the world. "I think it's always special to release something that you've been working on for a long time. This particular album took a long time to wait. It was actually finished being recorded more than a year ago, so I'm looking forward to finally getting it out."To date Immortal have released two singles from the album, the title track and Wargod, with Demonaz shaking his head when asked if they were a good sonic representation of the album as a whole."Every song is different on this album," he measured. "It's the same as with Northern Chaos Gods. Even though it was a fast and intense album the songs are varied. They are different. War Against All is the fastest track, then you have Thunders Of Darkness which is a mid paced track and then you have Wargod which is the heavy one and there is an instrumental and a long song at the end of the album and two more songs like Return To Cold and Immortal which is also different. None of those songs have the same pace, the same tempo and there's a lot of variation in that universe."In the full interview, Demonaz talks more about what to expect from the album, settling into his role as vocalist, the personal nature of creativity, the early days of the band, how he feels about the accolades, what's next for Immortal and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Mai 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersRising Sydney metalcore outfit Broken Earth continue to push sonic boundaries and upping the anti significantly with each release.Following the success of last years single Black Skies, Broken Earth last week delivered the crushingly brutal track Breathe, raising the bar considerably and laying down a bold statement of intent.A tale of discontent and dealing with traumatic experiences, Breathe aims up against the poisonous elements of society in a scathing indictment of unbridled aggression that point the finger directly where it should be directed.Vocalist Raphael Smith joined HEAVY recently to talk us through the new single and how it reflects Broken Earth in 2023."It actually started out life when I had just seen the Christopher Nolan movie Tenet in the movies in 2019," he began. "I got home and wrote this really sick synth line but it never really connected and I think it had the most amount of rewrites out of everything that we're releasing this year. What happened was I kept wanting to put a sing a long chorus into it and it just wasn't connecting for some reason. One of the boys came to me and said vocally you're really aggressive in the verses but whenever we go to the chorus the vibe dips down straight away. I know you love your sing a long choruses, but I don't know if it's gonna work this time. I said, you know what dude, let's go for it so about a week before we were supposed to record we actually rewrote basically the entire chorus and when we got into the studio with Mark he helped us rewrite a bit of it as well to give it that final touch and edge. But it's actually... it's the first song we're putting out and it sounds very organic and balls to the wall but it was the most obsessed over and refined song of the lot."In the full interview, Raph talks more about the musical side of Breathe, dives deeper into the meaning behind the track, how it represents the growth of the band, upcoming music, their recent Tamworth experience and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Mai 202320min