Ahead Of The Chase With JONO HAWKEY And JACK VAN VILET From BLOOM

Interview by Kris PetersNot often a band's music comes across our desk here at HEAVY that literally makes us sit up and take absolute notice, but when it does, and you then find out it is the first ever single release from the band…Such was the case when we heard Next Time Send A Killer, the debut track from Berlin-based heavy outfit Luther. A crushing cesspool of malevolence, Next Time Send A Killer also contains a plethora of styles and influences that many a more seasoned band have tried without half the impact achieved by Luther in their sonic introduction to the world.A sentence in the band's press release says, "through music Luther communicates emotions of isolation, betrayal, rage and escapism", and for once that was no exaggeration. At times angry, at others beautiful and others again a slit to the throat, Next Time Send A Killer is an amalgamation of everything you thought scared you as a child then dialled up a double notch. Thinking (but hoping we were wrong) this might just be a case of one great song followed by a dose of mediocrity, HEAVY reached out to the band, who sent us two unreleased songs and their music videos, and they were just as good, if not better.Of course, we had to chat with Luther in order to introduce them to our friends, with vocalist Leo Luther kindly offering up some of her time."We formed in 2024," she began when asked to introduce Luther, "and we are somewhat of a… I wouldn't say supergroup, but that's the kind of concept. We are all people who were in different bands but in the same scene, and we met each other, liked each other, so we started this project."We ask Leo to run us through Next Time Send A Killer in greater detail."This comes from me wishing to experiment with some very… angry music," she measured. "And I think that angry music is also like trap metal. I know it's not the most common sub-genre of metal, but there's also some metalcore and a little bit of djent in there, and that's how it was born."We ask why Luther chose that particular song to introduce them and their music to the world."You're not gonna like this answer," she laughed. "Basically, in a band where you want to be successful, you need to have some sort of strategy. I was like, fuck the strategy, we're just gonna do what we want (laughs). So there are two songs that have this type of sound identity for us, and those are the songs we released with Next Time Send A Killer and Oyster, which were released together. Now we are working on a debut album that literally has nothing to do with metalcore. That was not the wisest choice, but I thought fuck it. We liked that song, now we like another one, so we're gonna do it that way."In the full interview, Leo talked more about their debut single and the reaction to it. We discussed the next two songs to be released, Give The People What They Want and The Most Famous Rat In The Sewer, going into detail about the imaginative song titles for their music.Leo mentioned the debut album and what we can expect, took us deeper through their musical styles and influences and ran us through the balancing act of getting things right in the creative process and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

30 Jun 10min

Interview by Kris PetersSpeculation has been rife for years regarding a possible reunion between Sebastian Bach and Skid Row, and it will probably continue until one or both parties pulls stumps on their career, but at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter when both parties are still doing their thing, and doing it well. Of course, there are going to be those fans who would love to see the band as it once was, but for the realists, that will likely never happen.Luckily for them - and everyone who loved hard rock and metal - that Sebastian Bach will always possess a love for the music he was part of bringing to life, and as such, always champions the cause wherever and however he can.That cause comes to Australian shores this November, when Bach returns to these shores to play Skid Row's debut self-titled album in its entirety for the first time on Australian soil.Fans can expect an explosive set featuring hits like Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life, Big Guns, and I Remember You alongside select tracks from Slave To The Grind and throughout Bach's solo career, including last year's well-received Child Within The Man.HEAVY spent some time with Sebastian Bach recently to talk about the upcoming tour and playing some of those songs for the very first time Down Under."The first record is only 45 minutes long, so that's not a full show," Bach pointed out when we asked what to expect. "We'll be doing new songs from my new record, Child Within the Man, and we'll be doing a couple of songs from Slave to the Grind. But we got some really good new songs like What Do I Got to Lose, which is the closest thing that I've had to a hit in 35 years."We ask if there were any difficulties in playing the debut record in full due to the fact that when it was written, the band likely would not have given thought to the whole album being played in full one day."There's certain notes that are very challenging," he nodded. "In America, we did another tour where we did the album Slave to the Grind in its entirety with 40 cities, but what I learned, when you said was it challenging relearning the first record? I learned that the first record was more about singing, and Slave to the Grind was more about screaming. A song like Living on a Chain Gang off Slave, that is just me screaming at the top of my lungs for the whole song. On the first record, there's more pop and a pop sensibility. Slave to the Grind is way more metal, but the first record, Skid Row, it captures a real innocence about us as a band and about the times. It just has a real innocent quality to it."In the full interview, Bach talked us through the touring schedule and his preference of playing more shows as opposed to having days off, the musical climate that spawned Skid Row's self-titled debut album and where the band fit in at the time.We spoke about the massive intensity lift between the first album and the more aggressive follow-up Slave To The Grind and why the band went that way instead of playing it safe and rehashing a successful formula, what he has learned as a vocalist over his 40-year career, the significant changes in the music industry, how he maintains his vocal range and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

30 Jun 16min

Interview by Kris PetersBrisbane sleaze rock outfit Snake Bite Whisky have been terrorizing the airwaves since 2014, along the way releasing two albums in This Side Of Hell and Black Candy.Their crossover appeal, coupled with an energetic live performance and precision playing, has seen the band make inroads overseas, particularly the seedier side of LA where their particular brand of rock was nurtured and grown.With the recent arrival of two new guitarists and an opportunity to join the roster of growing Australian label XMusic, Snake Bite Whisky have embarked on the next stage of their musical journey which has already promised so much and seems set to reach new elevated heights with the release of some new material, spearheaded by the mellower love song of sorts called Living To Die which is out now.Coming together from the ashes of a song started over 30 years ago, Living To Die showcases a softer side to Snake Bite Whisky while maintaining their trademark sound and loud guitars. It is not a new direction for the band per se, rather a revealing of another string to their musical bow that will appeal to fans both old and new.HEAVY sat down recently with the band from rehearsal to find out more."It's been a long journey," guitarist Scuba Steve sighed when we asked how they are feeling about having Living To Die unleashed on the world. "It's been a long time in the making, and a lot of work and effort has gone into it, and it's come out the other side exactly how we wanted it. Actually, better than we thought."In the full interview, the boys run us through Living To Die musically and what they were going for, the personal nature of the song, the extended intro and the thought process behind it, whether it is a stand-alone single or part of a bigger picture, the new members and what they bring to the band, signing with XMusic and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

26 Jun 23min

Interview by Kris PetersComing together from opposing corners of the planet, Calva Louise are a band who not only benefit from the wisdom of a diverse cultural well to draw from, but also from a musical vision and delivery that far transcends most music in the modern world.To categorise their music would be doing an injustice to the rich sonic palate offered up from the talented trio, but if push came to shove, you would be safe to say theirs is a musical blending of metal, punk and electronics. But the depth of their music goes much deeper than that.Painting an almost cinematic dimension through eclectic and boisterous bodies of sound, Calva Louise have thrown pretty much every rule book out the window, instead following their own path and vision to create a dynamic and powerful sound that is truly something fresh and unique on the shrinking landscape.After two early albums - Rhinoceros and Euphoric - it was the 2023 release of the mixtape Over The Threshold that broke Calva Louise through the barriers and into the ears of a hungry public tired of the same formulaic music. Such was its impact, Over The Threshold reached the ears of Pendulum's Gareth McGrillen, who messaged the band on Instagram, leading to him coming on board to record Calava Louise's new album Edge Of The Abyss, which is due for release on July 11.HEAVY caught up with drummer Ben Parker and bass/vocals Alizon Taho to find out more about the new album and Calva Louise's musical journey."I guess it's a continuous evolution," Parker replied when we asked him to tell us about Edge Of The Abyss musically. "Our sound has been like that from the start, and this is closer to what I think we've always wanted to do. And every release we've done throughout the band's timeline has increasingly got closer to that. It's almost like a bit of a nonstop vision, and it evolves as it goes. Obviously, this album is still very much in the heavy vein - much like the last release, like probably even a little bit more so, I would say."In the full interview, Ben and Alizon explained the DIY production process of the album, where each member recorded their parts remotely, culminating in collaboration with co-producer Mazar in Italy and Gareth McGrillen from Pendulum for additional production. They ran through the interesting concept for the album and how it follows their previous bodies of work.Talk turned to their eclectic sound and the difficulties of blending genres together in the creative process, opening track Tunnel Vision and why it was chosen to introduce Edge Of The Abyss, working with McGrillen and what he brought to the overall sound and feel of the album and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Jun 23min

Interview by Kris PetersMusic means many things to many different people, but regardless of whether you listen to country or heavy metal, one common denominator remains. Music is supposed to be fun.Which is exactly the way South Wales entertainment machine Punk Rock Factory approach each and every waking moment. Essentially a covers band who spice up everyone from Meatloaf to Michael Jackson to Abba to Disney classics with their own punk-fuelled tinge, Punk Rock Factory are a band who seem to bring themselves just as much joy as they do their fans.Formed in 2014, Punk Rock Factory spent their early years refining their craft, toiling away without major success. But all of that changed at a time - ironically - when most of the world suffered during COVID. With more time on their hands due to the necessity of lockdown, the band invested their efforts into their social media and online presence, with immediate success.They emerged from lockdown with enough momentum to carry their music throughout the music universe, culminating in invitations to play iconic festivals such as Bloodstock, Download and Slam Dunk to rapturous applause. These days, they are selling out venues worldwide, and the party is headed back to Australia this November.HEAVY sat down with Peej (vocals, guitar) and Ryan (guitar) to join in the festivities. Being new to the band ourselves, we ask what to expect from a Punk Rock Factory live show."Fun." Ryan replied without hesitation. "It's always a laugh, man.""Our shows are…" Peej jumped in. "I mean, the main word I would call them is ridiculous to be honest (laughs). It's full of guilty pleasure tracks and just good sing-along stuff, and we play a lot of like cartoons and TV stuff and Disney stuff, but we're not… I wouldn't say we're a child-oriented band. We're not the Wiggles. I do swear a lot when it's an all-ages show - I really do try not to - but fuck it, it's their own fault if they brought the kids (laughs). It's chaos, it's fun. We love being there and appreciate being there just as much as the fans do. The fact that people turn up night after night to come and watch us piss about on stage for an hour and a half is fucking great, and I think that comes across. We have such a laugh and the banter with the crowd… it's almost as if you're in a room with a load of your mates and everyone's involved and everyone's having a laugh and chipping in. That's the vibe of our show."In the full interview, Ryan and Peej described their live shows as chaotic and interactive, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement to enhance the experience. They clarified that their performances, while featuring some cartoon and Disney songs, are not aimed at children.The band shared insights into their creative process for punk rock covers, utilizing software like Moises to isolate song elements, and acknowledged the challenges of adapting complex genres. They reflected on their evolution since 2014, noting how they leveraged TikTok during the pandemic to expand their audience. We spoke about choosing songs to cover and what happens if they are too difficult, the process of breaking down and then reconstructing a song, what they get out of being in Punk Rock Factory and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Jun 18min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney sludge fuelled outfit Black Rheno have just released another single - A Bad Ass Love Song - and to celebrate the trio are hitting the road this August to take their music to the people that matter most to them, the fans.A Bad Ass Love Song is the third single released in recent times by Black Rheno, with all three earmarked as stand-alone singles to keep people smiling until they release a full length album next year.But in the present, Black Rheno are kicking names and taking ass with a string of entertaining singles that have to be road tested to gauge their true worth, a task looked upon favourably by the band.HEAVY sat down with frontman Ryan Miller to dig deeper, starting with the new single and its reception."Everyone loves it," he enthused. "It's a fun song. It's got a lot of energy to it, a lot of punk rock and hardcore punk vibes. It's just got that energy, then it's got some sludgey riffs as well… good club banger."We ask if it is, as the title suggests, a love song."Yeah, yeah," Miller nodded. "I met a girl last year who I fell for… sometimes you just write what's on your mind, and that's what was on my mind."In the full interview, we find out if Ryan's significant other is a fan of the song, whether this and the last two singles are stand-alone tracks or part of a bigger picture, their upcoming tour and what to expect, how Black Rheno prepare for a tour like this, the two festivals as part of the tour, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Jun 15min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than 20 years of amplifying voices for justice, punk veterans Rise Against are returning with Ricochet, their tenth studio album, set for release in August. Speaking from Sweden, frontman Tim McIlrath reflects on what hitting double digits means for a band that's never been afraid to stand for something. "We've ticked a lot of the boxes," he says. "Now what is there left to do?"The answer wasn't about making a statement but following instinct this time. "It wasn't about checking boxes," McIlrath explains. "It was more like, what are you feeling right now? Just capture that." Ricochet emerged less from one defining event and more from the quiet, collective reckoning of a post-pandemic world."We made it through that crazy time… and now what's next?" he asks. "We learned a lot—about ourselves, society, misinformation, and how unprepared we really were." That mix of reflection, uncertainty, and cautious hope flows through the record's political and personal themes.Rise Against has never shied from speaking truth to power, but McIlrath admits that the landscape has shifted. "I used to assume we were always playing to a like-minded crowd," he says, going on to recall the first time the band received death threats. "Now I know better. The world is more polarized—even within families. But music can be that rare space where we communicate again."It was inspirational to hear someone so committed to change still speaking with clarity and purpose after two decades, sure of where he stands and genuinely wanting to make a difference for the better. Tim reflected on the Chicago punk rock scene of the '90s, noting how many bands and acquaintances from that era—such as Fall Out Boy and Alkaline Trio—advocated for change in many ways. He spoke about how exciting and meaningful it was to come up in such a vibrant and message-driven music scene.Newer acts like Spiritual Cramp and L.S. Dunes continue to fuel his creative fire, reminding him of Rise Against's early days in the hardcore scene. That DIY spirit, where action trumps permission, still drives him.Burnout, he admits, happens. "But then I get on stage and see people halfway across the world resonating with what we're singing about," he says. "And I remember—we're not alone. There are more of us than there are of them. We just need to be louder."As for Australia? "We're conspiring as we speak," he teases. "It's a priority—we just need to lock it in."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Jun 13min

Interview by Kris PetersMusic runs in the blood. Sure, people can learn to play or learn to sing, but those fortunate to be born into a musical family generally have a head start on most.Melbourne artist Karly Jewell comes from the latter. Inspired by her late Grandfather - an acclaimed country singer-songwriter known for his work with Slim Dusty - Jewell was first bitten by the bug around 5 years old and has been working towards the elusive goal that is becoming a professional musician ever since.But the real part of her journey began in 2018 after teaming with fellow Aussie Mark Dalbeth at management company Rav Medic and releasing her debut album Phoenix the following year. From there, Jewell's commanding stage presence and rock n roll persona have seen her voice traverse the globe and find its way to XMusic, who signed Jewell to the emerging label in 2014. From there, she immediately set about releasing the singles, Sad Girl, In The Dark, Burn and Other Side, all of which feature on Jewell's new album, There's A Jewell In Town, which was released today.HEAVY sat down with Jewell to catch up on the new music and other things happening in the world of Karly Jewell."This is so exciting to have this album out now," she smiled. "I've been hanging on to these songs for a little while, almost two years. It sounds like a long time to do an album, but it actually only took about 14 days to actually record this whole album (laughs). Now it's finally out. Obviously, we released a few singles, but to share the whole album is just unreal."Despite the growing recognition and expansion of her musical empire, Jewell still manages to exude an almost innocent, yet defiant nature."Staying true and just being me," she shrugs when we ask what it is about her music that is resonating on a larger scale. "Not trying to be like other people and not trying to write songs to please people. I'm just writing for myself. And a lot of this stuff has that kind of country rock feel. When I say country rock, I mean when you go to places like Nashville, you're hearing these like big songs, like country songs, but they sound rock."In the full interview, Karly described the album as a fusion of pop, rock, and electronic genres, reflecting her artistic range and emotional depth. She shared her unique songwriting process, often finding inspiration in her bathroom due to its acoustics, and highlighted the significance of the title track There's A Jewell in Town, which tells a personal story. She dedicated the album to her late grandfather, emphasizing its emotional importance.We spoke about her recent tour of Japan and future touring opportunities, this weekend's double album launch party, her musical motivation and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Jun 13min