Raw, Real & Gritty With LUKE GRUNTS From CLEOPATRICK

Interview by Kris PetersWhen a band sends you their press release which contains the line "Dimensionist explores the space that exists at the edge of heavy music" you know you are about to embark on a sonic journey that takes you away from the expected.As it is with new Brisbane progressive metal outfit Dimensionist, who released their debut single Artefacts Remain late last week.Promising a sonic landscape of eclectic proportions, Artefacts Remain serves as a tasty entrée to the exciting new world of Dimensionist, with bass player/producer Cam joining HEAVY to tell us more."We're all so excited," he exclaimed. "We've been working towards this point for a long time, and we're really pumped to finally be here and be able to put our music out to the world. We're here, this is who we are, this is what we sound like."We ask Cam to dive further into the musical side of Artefacts Remain."Dimensionist… our overall sound is sometimes quite progressive and ambient and nice, and on the other side of the spectrum it is brutal and heavy hitting, and we have a bit of everything in between," he explained. "We've got quite a few songs written but this one we felt was a good full breadth of the spectrum. It has a little bit of everything that we're all about. It was a good first song for everyone to hear because it gives them an idea of what the rest of the catalogue is going to be like as well. The song, musically, starts off nice and ambient and very ethereal with big cinematic synth work and then there's a moment where it all changes and builds with the main riffs that the song centres around and that's when you know things are about to change and go full metal. Then it remains pretty heavy for the rest of the track."In the full interview, Cam talks more about Artefacts Remain, why they chose that song to introduce Dimensionist to the world, what the song is about lyrically, if it is a stand-alone song or part of a bigger picture, where the band started and their goals, future live shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Okt 202311min

Interview by Kris PetersThe general rule of thumb when you hear about a movie having a heavy metal soundtrack is that the music can be expected to take a massive back seat to everything else happening around it.There have been only a few exceptions to the rule - Judgement Night and The Crow spring instantly to mind - but that mold was smashed completely last year with the release of The Retaliators, a Better Noise Film which is an offshoot of the famed Better Noise Music label.When the announcement was made that the horror/action/thriller was to boast a soundtrack including The Hu, Asking Alexandria, Five Finger Death Punch, Eva Under Fire, Nikki Sixx and more, music lovers around the world took notice, buoyed by the promise that songs from these artists would not only punctuate important moments in the movie's storyline, but also be inserted so as to actually enhance the scenes rather than act as a token gesture.That promise/hope was intensified when the movie started doing the promotional rounds, including actual movie acting appearances by several of the bands and artists featured on the soundtrack.Tommy Lee (Mötley Crue), Ivan Moody (Five Finger Death Punch), and Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach) were among the names listed, with Shaddix slated to play the role of one of the movie's central characters.Suddenly metal lovers had a movie that encapsulated everything they love about music and movies, a film where our ilk were treated with respect and necessity rather than a lazy grab at a niche corner of the market.The Retaliators delivered everything it promised and more, with an engrossing storyline, great music and enough gore, horror and action to satiate even the most discerning of viewers.With The Retaliators finally being made available to On Demand services Apple TV and Google TV in Australia and New Zealand late last week, HEAVY felt it appropriate to track down star/co-producer and co-director Michael Lombardi to pick his brain about the movie and the role our beloved heavy metal plays in it. We start by asking what warning label should be placed on The Retaliators for first time viewers."Oh man, there's a few warning labels," he measured. "It's not about bad words. It's not about nudity. It's just about… I think this movie is really twisted, and it gets dark, but then it also doesn't take itself too seriously at times, right? I guess I would hope that there's truth in the film, and it poses a question - as wild as the film gets - and the topic matter will make you think a little, and maybe you can go out for a drink afterward and talk about it a little. On top of that hopefully just being entertained."We press Lombardi on what that question is."The movie poses a question of what would you do if you had a minute alone with the person who hurt your loved one," he explained. "Bottom line is, it happens in this case to a small-town guy who is loved by his community. A man of the cloth and someone you never would expect to have that retaliation in him, but I think we all do as human beings and that's the interesting thing. You put a guy like that in those circumstances and what can happen? He goes on a hell of a journey and from the beginning to the end he completely transforms. There's a bunch of mayhem and craziness on the way to that, but I think what's interesting about it is you can say if someone hurt your child or your niece or your nephew, and you had that minute alone with them, can you take revenge on that person. You know, I think it's easy to wanna say yes if they did something really brutal to you, but then there's the side if you're sitting in a room across from another human being could you really draw blood on that person, or hurt that person. I think it goes there. It's a sensitive subject matter. Even though this movie is hopefully entertaining and kind of twisted there is that underlying message that hopefully allows you to put yourself in that situation."Which demands the question of what would he do after being able to digest the movie for a couple of years."You know, so I have two boys and it certainly helps if you have a child," he deliberated. "But again, even if you don't, people can relate to that with their pets or a niece or nephew. I've been asked this before, and it was the first run of the film which was a while ago, and I haven't talked about the movie a tonne recently which is why this is so beautiful to have a different perspective on it… You know, man, it's interesting because life is tricky, and life is tough. We're all dealing with a lot at all times. I think at certain times of my life I can answer that question and say yes (laughs). This is crazy, I'm being pretty honest here because it's a crazy answer. The answer could be brutal, but I think depending on where you're at in your life - again not with your frustrations or your struggles, but your happiness, your ups and downs - when you're down and certain things happen to you, you might really be in a situation where I don't like people, maybe, so if someone hurt my kid yeah I wanna answer yes. I would be able to do that, but there are other times where I was like, I don't know, man, but for me… (pauses)… yeah, I think I could."In the full interview, Michael talks more about the storyline of The Retaliators, how the effects of playing such a role have stayed with him, putting himself in the character of John Bishop, their goal of turning it into more than just another horror movie with a metal soundtrack, working with Better Noise Films, how he landed the role, using musicians in acting roles and how important that was to the finished result, how they worked each song into the movie to make it relevant to the scene and part of the movie, the possibility of a sequel and more.Access The Retaliators here:https://theretaliators.ffm.to/australiastreaming https://theretaliators.ffm.to/streamingnzBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Okt 202341min

Interview by Kris PetersItalian symphonic metal outfit Temperance have foregone convention with their new album Hermitage - Daruma's Eyes Pt. 2.While many bands are basing their albums around conceptual themes and/or ideas, Temperance have decided to flesh that out even more with the addition of several characters and a narrator, each given life by guest artists.Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) acts as the storyteller for the album, setting the scene and guiding us through a myriad of wonderment, sci-fi and excitement, while Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade), Laura Fella (Faun) and Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force) all contribute to the sonic journey by playing different characters across the story arc.It is a unique and ambitious release, with guitar player and creative mastermind Marco Pastorino joining HEAVY to tell us more."This is the first concept album of the band," he explained. "The opening process was very cool and funny also. Difficult, I would have to say, because when you have to follow a script or story it's totally different. I finished the work and the story of the album almost two years ago, and then I started to collect ideas here and there. It was a very cool journey. On this album we have six characters who decide to have six singers. In Temperance we have two singers but since there are six characters in this album we use (other people)."In the full interview, Marco talks us through the concept of the album in greater detail, the three singles released and how they tie in with the story line, the guest artists and why they were chosen for their specific roles, the accompanying book and how much extra insight it gives, whether the concept will continue, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Okt 202310min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter putting in the hard yards for the last six years, Columbia heavy rock outfit Dark Below are now finally starting to see the fruit of those efforts.Opening for the likes of Buckcherry, Saliva, Pop Evil, Smile Empty Soul, The Veer Union and more, Dark Below steadily released a procession of singles such as Halo, Tense and Hate Being Human, in the process capitalising on their rise to prominence as a touring band by backing it up with quality releases.Their latest single Make Believe has given that push added impetus, with bass player Josh Grove joining HEAVY to tell us more."It's been fantastic," he enthused at how the new single is going. "So, our latest single recordings that we've done, working on the new album essentially, we just started pushing our album towards things like the SMR charts here in the US. Make Believe has been our third single, our most recent release, and it's hit number 10. Our goal has always been to break the Top 10 from the get-go, so to be up top there with bands we've grown up listening to and idolised like Metallica and Foo Fighters… to get up there with names like that has been pretty phenomenal."In the full interview, Josh talks us through Make Believe musically, what the song is about, the previous two singles released and if the three tracks form part of a bigger picture, the early days of the band and where they fit in, their early vision and how it has changed since, how the new batch of music differs to music on their debut self-titled EP, how the single Tense broke Dark Below into more mainstream channels, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

19 Okt 202314min

Interview by Kris PetersWhile the lure of bright light in the big city has always been the stuff of dreams and legends in the music industry, more often than not that pipe dream turns out to be just that.A dream.Not so for Aussie brothers Jake and Luke Davies who packed up and left their home country for the pursuit of musical salvation after relocating to Long Beach, California.Now, suddenly faced with a massive world from which to launch their craft - including a wide array of new temptations and influences - the brothers tasted the delights California had to offer before finding their feet and realising their goal.Now entrenched in Californian rock outfit Of Limbo, Jake and Luke are living the dream, recently releasing their latest single California Demon.HEAVY caught up with Jake to find out more."It's doing good," he smiled of the early reception received by the track. "We even had the Alice In Chains singer Will Duvall give some praise for it, so we were pretty pumped on that. When those kinds of things come in, it makes it all worthwhile. A lot of our peeps have liked it a lot. I think it's angered a few people that maybe took it the wrong way - a few Christian conspiracy people maybe took it a little bit too seriously and thought that we might have actually sold our souls to Satan - but aside from those few people it has been received pretty well."In the full interview, Jake talks more about the song, the musical side of it, whether it is a stand-alone track or part of a bigger cycle picture, the history on Of Limbo and their move from Australia, their influences and finding the balance between imitation and inspiration, settling into music in California from Australia, how different the music scenes are between the two countries, their live shows and making them fun, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

19 Okt 202320min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter starting out more as a studio project for vocalist/guitarist Dean Wittmann-Lamb, Melbourne rock machine The Revolation wasted little time in fleshing out to a fully-fledged live unit.Spurred on by the reception for his first three singles recorded by himself, Wittmann-Lamb soon cast his net wider, recruiting three like-minded musicians to carry The Revolation into the second phase of their musical journey.After releasing their second EP - and first as a full band - Full Circle, The Revolation entered their next cycle recently with the single Liberty, an infectiously catchy number that showcases the band's future musical direction.With their next single The Fix due out in early December, The Revolation are ramping up their live appearances in order to gain further momentum, starting with a show at The Leadbeater this Saturday, October 14, supporting Warbirds.That gig will be followed by a special performance at Mr. Boogie Man Bar on November 18, where The Revolation will play their entire musical catalogue with no support band.Band members Wittmann-Lamb, Scott Danson (drums) and Damian Zylstra (guitar) joined HEAVY to discuss their plans, starting with their fresh single Liberty."It's been up on YouTube for roughly two weeks now, and it's had 4.2k views which is great!" Wittmann-Lamb told us. "Good feedback too, from all over the world. There's been some interesting comments from other countries, which is good to see.""Is that the Swedish chicks?" Danson interjected."There's been all sorts, Scott," Wittmann-Lamb laughed. "Even some from Russia."Swedish fans aside, we ask the guys to delve into the musical nature of Liberty."The song sort of just… I wrote it a while ago, actually," Wittmann-Lamb began. "And then… there's no reason why songs turn out the way they turn out. All of your influences come to you at some point, and they come out of you at some point too and that's the way it should be. I'm not afraid to say I'm influenced by the bands that you may hear in that song, and then once the boys get hold of it with their creative juices and put their influence in the song, they tap into things that I might not have tapped into, and eventually it comes together like a great big mixing pot and what comes out is The Revolation."In the full interview, the guys run us through the steady musical progression of the band, their upcoming single The Fix, where that fits in with a new EP or album cycle, the band's chemistry and how it translates to their music, recent shows with Electric Mary and Sister's Doll, this weekend's show at The Leadbeater Hotel, upcoming gigs, a special December acoustic performance and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202312min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney metalcore outfit Weightless have gone even heavier on their new single Perspectives.The song further accentuates the versatility of Weightless, dialing everything beyond the red following on from their previous two singles Counterfeit and Sabotage.Lyrically, Perspectives delves deep into the emotional complexities of Bipolar disorder, painting a vivid musical picture of the constant struggle between highs and lows the condition can bring. Also taking aim at society and its growing judgemental nature, Perspectives portrays a more introspective and dark side to the band's musical personality and direction.With plans to unleash more sonic fury in the coming months, Weightless guitarists Riley and Brenton sat down with HEAVY to spread the word."To be honest this is probably our best performing track so far," Brenton offered. "We pretty early on got the All New Metal Playlist from Spotify, so that was a big push for us as well with Homegrown Heavy and that sort of stuff. Not to be super metric, but the numbers are performing a lot better than we expected and compared to the others it's doing a lot better a lot faster."Given the step-up in intensity on Perspectives, we ask the boys to talk through the musical side of the song in greater detail."Perspectives is probably one of the heavier tracks we've ever written," Brenton continued. "Both lyrically and musically. As a band we have a lot of interest in electronic music with Pendulum and stuff like that, that we really wanted to implement into our music with the heavier side. So we did a lot of delving deep into the synths and things of that nature on this song. Lyrically we dived pretty deep into the topic of bipolar disorder and as a subject matter it is dark and heavy, so we figured it matched sonically to the song as much as possible and that was the best route to explore. We know it's a big thing internally for the band with that topic, so we just wanted to do it justice as well."In the full interview the boys run us through the music video, explain the world of the Cybersphere involved, where Perspectives stands in terms of an album cycle, how this new music differs to earlier material, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Okt 202312min

Interview by Coco Le Sex BombOsaka Punch are justifiably riding the crest of a musical wave at present.Their long-awaited album Mixed Ape has come out to rave reviews and the tour by the same name kicked off recently in Brisbane to a packed house at The Triffid.If you aren't familiar with Osaka Punch then no words could prepare you for the sonic beauty that awaits, but if you have already been converted by these lovable larrikins then you know exactly why we had Coco Le Sex Bomb nail down guitarist Chrispy Town to chat all these weird, wonderful and wacky.After having the chance to see the band kick off their new tour Coco gets to have a chat with resident Osaka Punch shredder, love machine and all-round awesome dude Chrispy. We talk about the new album and how well it has been received, the writing process and how new drummer Blair brings his own twist to the entire situation. We also cover their film clip prowess and how they come up with the ideas behind every classic belly laugh that is an Osaka Punch music video.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Okt 202329min