Revitalised Spirit With KAT O From KTV

Interview by Kris PetersAustralian rock outfit Kingswood are set for a massive 2023.Not only are the band releasing their latest album Home on February 24, they are also embarking on a tour around the country which will see the boys perform over 100 shows and take them from the outback to the ocean in a mission that will take up more than half of the year.After making a name for themselves based on pure rock sensibilities, Kingswood have allowed themselves to further explore the complexities of this genre on Home, introducing more acoustic guitar to complement additional vocal harmonies.The result is nothing short of mesmerizing, with Kingswood displaying an alterior side to their musical personalities without straying too far from the sound that has made them a household name in their home country.The tour is understandably the band's biggest, most ambitious run of shows yet, and will see Kingswood drive practically the whole way in a custom built touring bus built, as one would expect, by the band to suit individual touring needs.Guitarist Alexander Laska sat down for a chat with HEAVY earlier this week, nestled comfortably in the second lounge section of what will be the band's home for more than six months."I cannot be more excited, to be honest," Laska beamed when asked about the upcoming album. "It's an album that's been in the works for the last three years - we've actually got a bunch of albums ready to go. We were very diligent in the COVID situation. All of this was done at the base of Mount Tamborine and we finished a little bit off in Nashville this last year when we were there for AmericanaFest. It's a big rock and roll album, it's an alt-country album, it's got lots of guitars. Everyone says that we've gone country, but we played Tamworth and everyone was like what's this rock and roll band doing here (laughs). We sort of stride the line between the two, but I would say it's a pretty guitar heavy album, to be honest. Put it this way, there's the most guitar solos we've ever had on this album and a lot of them are harmonised guitar solos, so what does that tell ya?"To date Kingswood have released the single Burning Holes, with Laska shaking his head when asked if that song is a good sonic representation of what to expect from Home."Definitely not," he smiled. "Not at all. Burning Holes is probably the most tender moment and we released it because it was the oldest written and we wanted to come out... we like pulling left field moves, so in a cruel twist of fate we decided to release our acoustic ballad as our first single and then drop a rock and roll album in the follow up. Just to fuck with people, because we're sadistic or something. I don't know what's wrong with us (laughs). It's also a really good song, and we believed in the song so we thought why not."In the full interview Alexander talks more about the song selection on Home, opening the album with an acoustic feel and why, having the album mixed in Nashville, the new musical journey of the band as outlined in the press release, their recent tour of Europe and the U.S.A, the upcoming Home Towns Tour and how they plan to survive, what to expect from the shows, slumming it in the tour bus and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Feb 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersAussie rockers Sisters Doll have done more in their short music career than most bands do in a lifetime.Since forming in 2010 the three brothers have been on Australia's Got Talent, judged All Together Now, played on seperate occassions with KISS legends Bruce Kulick and Peter Criss, performed on last years KISS Kruise, toured overseas on multiple occassions, played the Whisky A Go Go and toured Australia with legends such as Eclipse, Pretty Boy Floyd, Enuff Z Nuff, Wednesday 13, Crash Diet and more.Did I mention they are all still pretty much kids?The music world has had the privelage of watching these three youngsters from the small town of Collie in Western Australia grow up - both musically and as men - practically before our eyes. We have shared in their debut album Welcome To The Dollhouse and breathed every moment of their television performances and live outings.Essentially starting life as an 80s inspired glam metal outfit, Sister's Dolls music has grown with its members, the culmination of which can be heard in their latest single Kiss Me which is out on February 10.HEAVY caught up with Bryce (drums) and Austin (bass) Mileto to chat about the new track and more."It's kind of a bit more punk and pop influence," Austin began. "That was not a choice. We wrote it and that's the path it was taking. Musically, it's kind of in that vein but has a super catchy chorus.""It probably wasn't our first choice going in with this song," Bryce added. "But the more we were working in the studio Ricky, our producer, said this would be a good one to go with. Prisoner (last single) is pretty heavy and in your face. This one still has the edge of that but it's a bit more pop/punk esque. A bit more radio friendly and a bit more...""A bit more of that touch to it," Austin took over. "Prisoner was so hard hitting so we thought... this is a hard hitting song - it's got that heavy, guitar driven riff...""We thought we would try a different thing," Bryce concluded. "And then the follow up single to this one even is different again. It's pretty cool. We thought we would show the different side of the band and how we can pump out... I guess we're trying to steer away from that stereotypical thing where people think we're a cover band or a throwback to the 80s, but we're more trying to show our musical growth."In the full interview the boys discuss Kiss me in greater detail, the inspiration behind the track, the special video being released on Valentine's Day, growing up in the spotlight, their upcoming album and its musical direction, the recent Glam Fest tour, playing on the KISS Kruise, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Feb 202314min

Interview by Kris PetersKnocked Loose are returning to Australia next month as part of the first ever Knotfest Australia run of shows.Having only been here the once before, fans who witnessed those shows can attest to the majestic ferocity of their live performances, and those who missed them... well you have a chance to rectify that over three shows on March 24,25 and 26 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.HEAVY spent some time with frontman Bryan Garris this week to get the lowdown on what to expect."I'm very, very pumped," he smiled. "I was just saying to somebody that Australia is one of our favourite places to be and it's so long since we've been back."Being that this is the first time Knotfest has spread its wings to Australia, the addition of Knocked Loose to the travelling event seems like just rewards for a band who has taken the world by storm in their brief existence."It is a huge honour," Garris nodded. "It's an honour to just be included. We were fortunate enough to play in Iowa a couple of years ago and that alone was an amazing opportunity. To be able to take it to Australia and for it to be your first time in Australia... it's like pretty legendary and we are very excited to be able to play a small part in that."In the full interview, Bryan talks more about the run of shows, who he is most looking forward to touring with on the line-up, the strong Australian representation, checking out local bands while they are here, what to expect from Knocked Loose's shows, their last EP A Tear In The Fabric Of Life, how much of that they will be playing live, the concept behind that album, if it is easier or harder to write to a conceptually based theme, future new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Feb 202311min

Interview by Erin Eddy.Punk rockers A Wilhelm Scream will be heading back to Aussie shores in March and are ready todrink beer outta shoes with us all!HEAVY got to chat with Trevor, Nuno and Nicholas who are very enthusiastic about returning toAustralia for the first time since 2016.They also explained why they took nine excruciatingly long years between album releases.“I think someone from The D4, or some really cool band, said something really cool like ‘I neversigned no fucking contract that said I had to put out a record every year! This is punk rock! I do whatI want!’ I am paraphrasing of course but yeah… I mean, we had a lot going on.”A Wilhelm Scream spend a lot of time on the road touring, and this also contributed to the lengthytime period between releases.“Every time we put out a record we’re pretty much on tour non-stop, so in that regard, it’s difficultto write on the road – not impossible, but it’s difficult.”Check out the interview with the guys, who will be on the road across Australia, including someregional locations, as of March 2.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Feb 202332min

Interview by Simon Russell-WhiteYou know those songs that just stick to your ear drums like a top rated super clue? Now, let's be honest this can have a negative effect especially when it's a tune/ song that simply frustrates you and is a song you don't even like ahhhhh f*****k......but, the science of music and the tempo just makes some stick hey?!!Fortunately for us, certain bands just instinctively know how to create the opposite effect for thelistener, which finally brings me to my (ranting) point. With their first release for 2023 Spacegoat have proven yet again that they're still here to further master their craft and do so with conviction and true blue hard work and wow, how it has paid off!New single and video clip 'Earthquakes' is almost on our intergalactic doorsteps (release date, February 8, 2023) so it was time to have another chat to the one and only Erin Eddy (Singer) about the single and all things Spacegoat and of course, a whole lot more......In the interview, it becomes very clear very quickly that I the interviewer/ reviewer really felt the pulse and musical pull of 'Earthquakes', you see I was privileged enough to be able to listen to it over and over and in my opinion this is up there with one of the bands best ever releases to date!That cannot be said lightly given the bands discography with their blistering debut ep '33' (2019) and of course the tremendous works that was 'Catharsis' (2021) both being of a standard that could/should see them playing anywhere across this Great Southern Land and abroad.But for now, it's about the single release, and I seriously hope you all enjoy 'Earthquakes' as much as I do, it has more hooks than a butcher shop and will pull at your heartstrings, but it wouldn't beSpacegoat if it didn't!Spacegoat will be launching 'Earthquakes' at this special show with Victoria K, link below:https://www.facebook.com/events/s/victoria-k-kore-australia-tour/502734345293053/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Feb 202328min

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish purveyors of metal In Flames are counting down to the release of their new album Foregone on February 10. It is an album that the band themselves promise to be heavy and aggressive and one which will nestle comfortably amongst a back catalogue featuring 13 other releases.Known for their musical diversity while remaining true to their death metal roots, In Flames continue to create music by their own parameters and constraints, a recurring theme given more credence on Foregone.This is the second album for new bass player Bryce Paul and drummer Tanner Wayne, both of which, as guitarist Bjorn Gelotte explains in the interview, have settled in more comfortably to their roles.In Flames are also readying themselves for a visit to Australia in March as part of Knotfest Australia, which sees Gelotte in a chirpy mood when we spoke with him earlier this week."It feels really, really good," he enthused when asked how he is feeling about the imminent release of Foregone. "It is an album we didn't plan on making. We were still touring on I, The Mask so it was just a happy little bonus that we... I wouldn't say happy because the whole pandemic thing happened, but throughout that I felt absolutely useless and this is the light at the end of the tunnel making this record. If there was anything positive coming out of it from our part it's this album."As mentioned In Flames are renowned for their musical diversity between albums, with Gelotte admitting as much when pressed on the direction of Foregone."I think we have, over the years, found our way of writing," he measured, "and our sources of inspiration have been pretty much the same. It's what we listened to growing up and what we learned throughout the years making all these albums and playing all these shows. We're pretty confident when it comes to writing. What we did want to do this time was expand the sound a bit and make it sound a bit more metal than we have the last couple of efforts. We've been super proud of every one - I especially love how I, The Mask sounds. I'm a guitar player, so for me it's fantastic o hear all the detail in the guitar playing (laughs), but it's leaning a little more to the rock sound so this time around we wanted to have it more metal. Maybe a bit more death metal in a way, and I think it sheds a new light on the riffing and the melodies. I think it suits the songs extremely well and it turned out to be a massive album and we love it."In the full interview Bjorn discusses the album in greater detail, the singles released and how they represent the overall sound, writing and releasing the title track in two parts, the new members and how they are settling in, musical experimentation and where to draw the line, his writing relationship with Anders, how the sonic direction of each album is measured, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish metal masters Arch Enemy are a rare, true enigma of the heavy metal landscape.With a sound impossible to pigeon hole and a live performance that is pure aggression, adrenaline, and intensity throughout, Arch Enemy have become the heavy band that knows no boundaries and transcends all musical genres.Following the release of last years brutal yet melodic album Deceivers, Arch Enemy are set to bring their live show to our corner of the globe this month with a string of shows starting in Auckland on February 12 before hitting Australia for five more dates.Their last tour here before the pandemic saw Arch Enemy play to sold out crowds around the nation, with their performance heralded by many critics as amongst the finest metal shows ever seen in this country.Guitarist Michael Amott joined HEAVY recently to chat about the tour, with one of the topics of discussion centering around structuring the set lists and if preference is placed on the three albums with current singer Alissa White-Gluz appearing on."She was a big fan of Arch Enemy before," he answered. "She loves singing the old stuff, actually. Already when she joined the band I remember the first rehearsal - even before she joined the band, we were just rehearsing and jamming - and she sung what were not her songs at that time without a lyric sheet or anything. We just played a whole bunch of songs. That was a seamless transition as well. She really loves singing the old stuff and we enjoy playing the old stuff as well. The thing that has happened with Arch Enemy that is really interesting over the last 8 or 9 years is the band has grown so much and the last three albums are our most popular that we've ever had. The audience reaction is always huge for those newer era songs, so it's difficult to not play them (laughs). It's always what the people want to hear." In the full interview, Michael talks more about the tour and what to expect, what has changed with Arch Enemy since their last visit in 2018, their new album Deceivers, how Alissa is improving in her role as vocalist with each release, the early days of Arch Enemy, changing vocalists from Johan Liiva to Angela Gossow in 2000, whether it was always his intent to bring in a female singer, how that affected the dynamics of the music, the transition from Angela to Alissa in 2014, surviving multiple vocalist changes and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202321min

Interview by Erin EddyAndrew McMahon has lent his musical talents and name to many successful projects in a careerspanning almost 25 years, beginning with the iconic alternative pop-rock band Something Corporate, then moving on to the highly successful Jack’s Mannequin.These days he’s mostly riding solo with his current project Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness.This is not to say that he’s the only one behind the magical songs that are being produced under this moniker. Andrew took some time out of his day to speak with HEAVY and explained how much fun he had completing his soon to be released album, with the help from some close friends.“Tommy English and Jeremy Hatcher who produced this record with me, they are dear friends andare attached to some of the coolest music,” he says enthusiastically, “we just went in and partied onthese songs. Sonically it’s so fun and so adventurous because I had these brilliant producers andengineers and we just kind of ran around the room like kids playing with toys. It was the best version of making something, just being with your buddies and having a blast.”When asked what fans can expect of the new material Andrew replies with a laugh, “You almostdon’t really know what a record is until it’s made it’s way into the world and then people tell youwhat it is.”Andrew will be on Australian shores this month for three nights only playing Brisbane, Melbournethen Sydney before jetting out again.Listen to the interview to hear him explain to HEAVY what to expect from his upcoming shows, howhe looks at life as a professional musician as a cancer survivor, 40 th birthdays, and how not to diewhen he comes to Australia!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202332min