Raw, Real & Gritty With LUKE GRUNTS From CLEOPATRICK

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne blackened post-metalcore outfit RUN today dropped a surprise EP, True Heaviness Is Time. The band's second offering, True Heaviness Is Time is a dynamic and powerful tour de force that grips as it slams from peak to peak, tackling the pain of existence with an aural violence powered by positivity.Featuring guest vocals from Joel Birch of The Amity Affliction, John Floreani of Trophy Eyes, and Sophie Jest of R.U.B, there's a multitude of diverse sounds on display within the band's own unique take on heavy music - a classic 2000s metalcore sound infused with modern post-black metal.Vocalist Lochlan Watt sat down with HEAVY to discuss the EP."We put out our debut release in 2020 as a studio project that I was spearheading with a producer and a session drummer," he explained of RUN. "From there it had evolved over a few different line-ups into a full band. Then in 2023 we put out a couple of singles as a bit of a testing ground for that, and now finally we have our second EP, True Heaviness Is Time, which is out now."We ask him about the secret nature of the EP drop."People seemed to be really excited about the surprise Bring Me The Horizon album last week," he replied. "I work in this industry and see bands doing the same thing over and over again in terms of having pre-orders and release rollouts and stuff, and I thought because I'm not beholden to anyone else or any record labels with this, why not do it a little bit differently? We've released three of the singles so far, so people have already got 50% of the EP because it's six tracks. If we were to announce the EP now and then say it's coming out in a couple of months… I feel like that would be a little deflationary. You would lose a bit of the excitement. Maybe we could have announced the EP a long time ago while we were rolling out these singles, but the way that the artwork is set up, it slowly reveals the bigger picture throughout the singles. I think it's a more exciting way to do it. You get a little taste of what the bigger picture is with each single, then now, BOOM, you can see the full picture, and you understand what we were doing."In the full interview, Lochlan discusses the relationship between the seasons and the EP, runs through each of the songs individually and explains more about them including where they fit into the EP, talks about the guest artists and how and why they became involved, the limited vinyl run that has the bands debut EP as the B side, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 202420min

Interview by Kris PetersMore often than not, the music industry is dictated to more by who and/or what you know, rather than the quality of your musical output. It is something that has been a staple part of the industry for as long as most of us can remember, and is accepted more as a given across the board.So, then, it is refreshing when a band comes along whose members have the pedigree and personal contacts to guarantee success before a note is even committed to recording but instead shun that privilege in favour of earning their stripes on their own terms.It is a unique and refreshing approach and one very rarely taken, but it is a testament to the confidence, ability, and respect of the two members of alternative rock outfit Sym Fera who decided from the outset to let their music dictate their fate.Unlike other bands who have shunned the spotlight in favour of anonymity, Sym Fera are not using it as a gimmick or point of attention. It is purely for creative reasons and one which has so far borne fruit.Their first EP was released under State of The Art Records, helmed by Ian McEvily, Marc Jordan, and Mike Clemenza, who themselves did not know the real names of the band members before they made an offer to sign them. They have since had their music feature on television, including the hit Netflix show Ozark, and they continue to release cryptic, cinematic music videos and shadowy live performances that showcase a unique and dramatic artist project, drawing comparisons to Pink Floyd, James Blake, and Bon Iver.Both members - let's call them V and N for now - sat down with HEAVY to delve deeper into the talented musical enigma that is Sym Fera."We are two guys in LA who have always been jamming with each other," N began. "LA's a - despite the reputation - still a music town, so my partner and I have been jamming in clubs and jam sessions and speak ezy's and all sorts of crap all around town for quite a while. By the time we started to make music and record it and actually put it out, we had already been playing with each other in various things for years. As way of intro to us, it's just two long-time friends who… I guess the pandemic inspired us to actually put the shit out for a change instead of just do it for fun. We wanted to do it the old way where you lead with the stuff and the artwork and finding out what people look like and what they're like in their personal lives was kind of an afterthought. It came way later, if it ever came at all. It only really applied to actual famous people, getting into people's personal lives, otherwise it was check out this band or don't. That appealed to us a lot, so we decided to not tell people and see if we would get some progress made from the stuff itself and that alone. So far it's been small but very gratifying and satisfying."Sym Fera are described as an atmospheric rock outfit, but that tag merely scratches the sonic surface."I guess so," N measured when asked if that is a fair description. "The word rock got expanded quite a bit since the 70s and 60s. I think people forget - even in the 70s - it also applied to artists like Pink Floyd. There's a huge Earth of difference sonically between Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin or AC/DC, so I think if you use rock in that very, very big umbrella term then sure, we're atmospheric. It's funny. Whenever anyone asks us what genre it's like we can't really commit because we love artists like Beck and Pink Floyd's a great example too and Radiohead and all these artists that won't pick a team and stick with it. They just keep adding instruments and changing things and taking risks. I think in terms of those types of rock bands, that makes sense to me."In the full interview, N & V talk about their latest single Beg and how it has been received, the four singles they have released to date and how each represents Sym Fera, future releases and how they will be structured, the main reasons behind keeping their identities under wraps for now and the pride at having your music respected based on merit alone, keeping their anonymity when playing live, how far they plan to take Sym Fera and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 202423min

Interview by Kris PetersWhile the fact that most things can, and invariably do, change with the times, there are certain - but not many - elements that resist.In music, you would be hard-pressed to find a band who has not experimented with or tried to cater to the ever-evolving tastes of music consumers, but there's one above all others who you could unreservedly say has not even tried.Not one iota.That band is US death metal legends Deicide, led by Glen Benton, who have spent their entire 35-year existence beating to the tune of their own drum without thought nor care for what was going on in the world around them.With the recent release of their 13th studio album Banished By Sin, Deicide have further enhanced their status as immortals of the metal realm, producing an album that is a testament to the band's unwavering commitment to their craft, promising a collection of tracks that are both ferocious and unapologetically blasphemous.HEAVY recently sat down with the elusive Benton to find out more."Pretty amazing, man," he offered when asked how fans have responded to the album. "A lot of people are losing their shit over it."We ask him about the album musically."We went through the whole COVID bullshit thing with everybody else, and we had a lot of time on our hands," he shrugged, "so we put together a record. We're not on contract, so we were just writing for the fun of it."In the full interview, Glen talks more about the aggressive nature of Banished By Sin, whether it becomes easier or harder to come up with new material the more you release, recording the album to produce more of a live sound, getting back to their roots, sticking to their style and vision despite changing world trends, the early days of Deicide and where the band fit in, his early vision and how it has changed since, their debut self-titled album and if it was intended to shock the system, tour plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Mai 202411min

Interview by Kris PetersTaylor Roberts started Riding With Killers long before joining Taproot as guitarist, but his newer band - for some reason - seems to get all of the attention.For now.While featuring solely as guitarist with Taproot, Roberts (formerly of Cathercist/Wild Fire) also lends his vocal chops to Riding With Killers (RWK), drenching the rock-infused music with a venomous swagger that oozes charisma.Since the release of their debut EP Get In, RWK have followed a steady trajectory through the ranks of emerging bands in search of that next level of success, and, based on the quality alone of last December's debut album Full Circle, should see that rise propelled much quicker.Also featuring ex-taproot drummer Dave Coughlin, RWK are a rock machine cut from the dirtiest cloth and with enough talent and experience within the ranks to satisfy even the most hardened critic. The fact the band are still releasing singles - the most recent being Hostility - nearly six months after the album came out is a testament to the quality of the material in itself.Roberts joined HEAVY from his holiday accommodation to tell us more."Dude, it's been pretty good," he enthused about the reception afforded Full Circle. "I don't feel like we've truly dug in yet, but with the things that we're doing, we are seeing an incredible response. Hostility is at Rock Radio right now, and I'm not a rich guy, I don't have a record label, I don't have rich parents, I don't have rich friends that just throw money at me, but I essentially threw a pebble at Rock Radio with that song and the response we're seeing is letting us know that we definitely have something real here. Funny enough, another song we had talked about doing as a single, Don't Fade Away - and even the company I am working with, they suggested that song too - we've started to see that song rise recently. We went from 6000 plays to 20000 plays within a matter of a couple of days. People are finally starting to hear the music. I feel like it's starting to get out and make the rounds and I think it's turning people's heads. I feel like we're starting to finally get recognised. It's paving a good path for us to start getting on the road and hitting these places that are showing us some love and really digging the material."In the full interview, Taylor discusses how you measure the success of a release in the modern age of music, the musical content of Full Circle, the diversity of the tracks on it, how Full Circle differs musically to Get In, the early days of the band and where they fit in, the transition from guitarist to guitarist and vocalist, future plans for the band, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Mai 202420min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter showing their potential over two previous albums Chance Collide and Cold Chamber, Melbourne rock outfit Cicadastone are ready to seal the deal with their third long player Future Echoes, which is out now.Taking the best bits and ideas from those first releases and putting them into the cauldron that is Cicadastone 2024, the band has created an album with a modern fresh edge, developing their own unique sound while staying truly authentic to the genre.Vocalist Mat Robins sat down with HEAVY to tell us more."I'm so relieved," he smiled when asked how it feels to get the new album out. "It's been such a journey. As any band will know, from the process of writing through to pre-production through to recording through to mixing and mastering and releasing it takes a long time. To get to the point where we could finally put it out there and put it to bed so to speak, let it go, it's great. We can move on as a band too."Being their third album, we ask Mat if the process gets easier or harder as you get further into your career."You'd think it would get easier, but I think it's getting harder," he measured. "We all have a lot of ties. We're all busy doing things. I'd love to say we're making a living out of music, but we're not. The band is its own entity which we pour our heart and soul into. That said, we all have lives to live. This record was really hard to lock everyone down and find time where we could. It took a bit longer than it probably should have, but that's just how it went."In the full interview, Mat talks more about Future Echoes, the single Take The Fall which Cicadastone released at the same time and why it was chosen to represent the album on release day, the other singles released and how they tie in with the album, the cover art and what it means, how Future Echoes differs musically to their debut album Chance Collide, their love for grunge music and decision to stick with it despite the changing trends of music, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Mai 202412min

Interview by Kris PetersQueensland melodic punk upstarts Fake News have successfully managed to bring together the attitude of punk, the essence of rock and the harmonious balance of nature into one uniting sonic force of cohesion that is almost impossible to resist.Since forming in the beautiful surroundings of the Gold Coast in 2017, Fake News have steadfastly refused to adhere to societal rules, instead focusing on producing their own brand of infectious grooves that has struck a chord with every lover of music who has crossed their path.Their 2021 debut album Everyday Warrior was widely regarded as amongst the albums of the year, with its unassuming yet edgy sound appealing to a broader fanbase than any one of their number of genres could hope to reach on their own.They followed that with last year's EP, Take Me Away, which furthered the band’s momentum and this week Fake News delivered the knockout blow with the catchy as fuck six-track EP Time & Place.Nick from Fake News joined HEAVY to discuss the EP and the musical revolution that defines them."It's pretty bloody good," he smiled modestly when asked about Time & Place. "If you haven't listened to it, yet you probably should because you will enjoy it. I promise you."With the EP being released a few days ago on May 29 we ask how it feels to finally have it out there and open for the world to judge."It's great," he sighed. "We've been hanging onto it for too long. It's been sitting there waiting and getting all the pieces in place that you've gotta have when it comes to releasing music. We had a few singles come out in the lead-up to it and that was all good, but it's great to get the EP out there and say this is it. This is what we've been working on. Just to see people's reactions to it, and it's been going pretty well - and that's what we expected. We haven't changed our style much. We've stuck with the tried and true formula that we love, and other people love, so you can't go wrong with that."In the full interview, Nick talks more about the EP musically, runs through each track individually and tells us more about them, releasing EP's as opposed to full albums in the modern age of music, the significance of the title, Time & Place, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Mai 202416min

Interview by Kris PetersUS thrash, crossover metal outfit Municipal Waste have been entertaining audiences since the turn of the century, combining everything you love about metal with a flippant and humorous disposition that permeates through their music.Since their 2003 debut album Waste 'Em All first introduced the world to Municipal Waste, the band have released a further six studio albums and four EPs the most recent of which was the awesome Electrified Brain in 2022.Starved of seeing Municipal Waste live since 2013, Australian audiences are preparing for the inevitable onslaught when the band starts their Wasted Australia Tour in Melbourne on July 5, with frontman Tony Foresta joining HEAVY to fill us in on all the glorious details."It's kind of hard sometimes to get tours booked there," he smiled when asked why he has neglected Australian fans for more than ten years. "And apparently y'all are getting a ton of tours now, more than you used to. So maybe people just overlooked us or whatever. But we always want to come back. I mean, I say this in every interview, but Australia is our favourite place to tour. So just ask us to come every year and we will. You've just got to invite us (laughs)."We ask what has changed with Municipal Waste since their last visit."I don't even know if Nick (Poulos, lead guitar) was in the band the last time we toured Australia," he measured. "I don't think so. Man, y'all are in for some shit, dude. We've gotten so much better. I mean, we got an extra guitar player. We sound better. We fucking… we've got our chops up, and we've got a whole lot of new songs that rule to play, too. So it's going to be a lot different than the last time we were there. But hopefully as violent, because that shit was fun."In the full interview, Tony further discussed the upcoming Municipal Waste tour of Australia, sharing details about the tour dates and the band's excitement to return after a long absence. He explained the band's decision to tour without a new album release and expressed their enthusiasm for playing in Australia, highlighting the band's improved sound and new songs. Tony also talked about what fans can expect from a Municipal Waste live show, emphasizing the chaotic and rowdy nature of the experience.Tony finished by providing insights into the formation of Municipal Waste in the early 2000s, driven by a desire to bring thrash metal back into popularity, and discussed the band's commitment to their musical style and their refusal to conform to industry trends for commercial gain.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

30 Mai 202412min

Interview by Kris PetersBrisbane/Meanjin metalcore outfit Wildheart have let their music do the talking from the outset, unafraid to tackle sensitive issues and even less distracted by the myriad of smokescreens that are rapidly punctuating the music scene as a whole.Their debut album Global Crisis – a body of work that drew attention and respect to a number of issues affecting Indigenous Australians – was named Gold Coast Music Awards Release Of The Year, also earning them a number of other awards and accolades.Not content to rest on their laurels, Wildheart followed that up last year with the brilliant single Sacred Ground before launching into 2024 with a new track Death Is All That’s Left.HEAVY sat down recently with Andrew (drums) and Adam (guitar) to talk more about the exciting future for Wildheart. Death Is All That's Left was premiered via HEAVY last month, so we start by asking how the early reception has been."The reception has been awesome," Andrew smiled. "We've gotten a lot of positive reviews and comments and a lot of traction online and sharing across all the platforms. We started up a TikTok and that's been going well, so we're really happy with the response and feedback we've got. I feel like with every release we work on we're stepping it up a notch, and it felt good that it was recognised."We ask the boys to dive deeper into the track musically."We really just wanted to hone in on some more of my metalcore influence," Adam offered. "So channelling a lot of Lost Together, Lost Forever era Architects, older Parkway Drive… there's a bit of Bury Your Dead and stuff like that mixed in there too, but we wanted to write something fast and heavy."In the full interview the boys discuss the lyrical content of Death Is All That's Left and the message they are trying to get across, if they think the message is getting through with music, having a song featured on Friday Night AFL Footy, previous single Sacred Ground, if the two songs are stand-alone singles or part of something bigger, possible future musical directions, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Mai 202416min