Stoking The Fires With KEVIN ASHBY From CRY WOLF

Interview by Kris PetersAustralian heavy outfit Villa Morta have pulled no punches with their recent single The Abstract.The track highlights the maturing side to Villa Morta's music, helped in part by a professional production team that enabled the band to pull from parts of their musical psyche that hadn't been tested before.The Abstract comes with a thoughtful video clip which sees the band exploring their own unique personal experiences and the notion that each person has a different perception to the world around them.Vocalist Mosh and guitarist Masa joined HEAVY earlier this week to talk about the new single and more."I'm personally a big Northlane fan," Masa replied when asked to describe The Abstract musically, "so there's definitely a lot of influence for me in the type of riffs I like to write. But I also do the metalcore riffs, so I was definitely trying to blend all of the different elements that I like from a bunch of different areas of metal into a track. There's a lot of new things we're writing but it's all part of the process for me and figuring out the ways that work for me in writing the songs and putting it all together."In the full interview the boys talk more about the structure of The Abstract, making the music video, the benefits of using a professional production team, if The Abstract is part of a bigger musical picture, changing with the times, their upcoming single launch party at Stay Gold in Melbourne and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Mar 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersUS rock outfit Soil are credited by many as being the pioneers of a genre that has birthed bands of the calibre of Godsmack, Spineshank and Mudvayne.Regardless whether you subscribe to that theory or not, one thing that is undeniable is the impact Soil have had on the music landscape since bursting onto the scene in 1997. The seeds for rock revolution were sewn, but it wasn't until Soil's major label debut album Scars in 2001 that the world stood to full attention.One song in particular from that album - Halo - is still on high rotation around the world to this day and is instantly recognisable as Soil and their trademark style.The album was that well universally received that Soil are returning to Australia in May for a run of shows with Static X where they will be performing that groundbreaking album in full - but with a unique twist.HEAVY caught up with bass player Tim King to find out more."We've toured many, many times over the years with Static X," he mentioned, "and they are great people and a great band so we're really looking forward to this one."With both bands in the upper echelon of their respective genres, HEAVY poses the question of whether Soil still had to actively seek the support slot."The first time we ever toured with Static X Wayne Static personally invited us," he smiled. "It was in 2002 and our album Scars was out and Wayne really liked that album a lot. The tour was with Static X, Soulfly and Soil and he personally requested that we be on that tour and we became really good friends with him and Tony and the rest of the band. From there on out we've toured with Static X many, many times. That one was never a management or agency thing. It was two bands that had mutual respect and were fans of each others music taking each other out on the road, and when Static X got back with this new incarnation we actually went to the UK and Europe with them in 2019 and that was awesome. Now we're going back to Australia with them so it's great to be able to continue to have all of our bands still out there doing it and going on tour with friends. It makes it more of a what we call "heavy metal Summer camp (laughs)."In the full interview, Tim talks more about what to expect from the shows, the new look Static X and how they sound without Wayne out the front, playing Scars in full and how difficult something like that is, his view on why Scars was and is such a popular album, the term "timeless" used in respect to Soil's music, their last covers album Play It Forward and how it gave the band a new lease on life, his side project Embryonic Autopsy, new music from Soil and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Mar 202320min

Interview by Kris PetersThirty years is a long time in the music industry, and as such these milestones should always be celebrated. And what better way to do that than by bringing the band over to Australia, which is exactly what Irish rockers Ash plan to do this March.Not only that, New Zealand has also been included in the party, with Ash playing a run of shows across both countries dubbed the Teenage Wildlife Tour.Bass player Mark Hamilton joined HEAVY earlier this week to talk about the tour and 30 years of rocking out."It's kind of flown by," he laughed. "When you think it's 30 years... it seems so long. We did a big anniversary show in Belfast just before Christmas where we had a bunch of guests up and it was a wild milestone to hit. I guess when you're in a band and doing it all the time you really don't think about how long you've been doing it, because you're always looking forward. You're always looking at the next tour or the next album or whatever's on the horizon. You don't spend a lot of time looking back. It was kind of nice to do that almost greaest hits album (Teenage Wildlife) and go out and tour it. And coming to New Zealand, Australia and Japan, we had always intended for that to be part of the tour a couple of years ago but then there was the pandemic, so we're almost playing catch up to do it now."In the full interview, Mark talks more about what to expect from the tour, keeping things fresh after three decades, keeping your mind and body fit, the early days of Ash and where they fit in, the changing faces of music over the years, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Mar 202312min

Interview by Kris PetersThese days the music industry is a beast unto itself.While the music is, and always will be the cornerstone of a bands success, it is also the way you spread and promote your music that has a large bearing on your career.Which is why younger bands such as New York punk/pop outfit Against The Current have that edge moving forwards. Because they are a band who can truly embrace the changing face of music.Staring life performing covers on YouTube, Against The Current started forging their own career little by little, until when, in 2017, the band collaborated with Riot Games and released their breakthrough single Legends Never Die as an exclusive track for the 2017 League Of Legends World Champion game.That one song launched Against The Current into the stratosphere of music and led to them performing alongside bands like Fall Out Boy, All Time Low and Good Charlotte as well as appearing at festivals like Reading and Leeds and the Warped tour.Now, Australian audiences get the chance to witness this young, emerging band first hand with the announcement of a run of shows this September.HEAVY sat down with Chrissy Costanza (vocals), Dan Gow (guitar), and Will Ferri (drums) to discuss the tour and plenty of other things."We're the surprise, right!" Chrissy exclaimed. "We haven't been there in so long at this point the fact we're showing up is a surprise (laughs), but we're very excited to come back. Probably playing a tonne of music that we haven't played live in Australia before because it has been so long - which is part of the fun part - and hopefully by that time playing some new music that is new to Against The Current as well."In the full interview we talk tour stuff like having Monday's off, the name of the tour and where it comes from, new music and what it is sounding like, what to expect from the shows, switching to being independant artists, the beginning of the band with YouTube and how the members used that to promote their own music, working with Riot Games and the impact it had on the band, growing as a band in the public spotlight and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Feb 202313min

Interview by Kris PetersFor the first time in 13 years US post hardcore outfit Saosin are packing their bags and making the trek to Australia for an epic run of shows that will also be the first time since forever Aussie fans will get the chance to see the band with original vocalist Anthony Green back out the front.These will also be the bands first ever headlining shows in this country in what promises to be a massive trip down memory lane, playing tracks from their 2006 self titled debut all the way through to current material and everything in between.HEAVY sat down with guitarist Beau Burchell to find out more."I think I will be just as surprised as you are," he teased straight off the bat. "That's kind of how our shows go. We rehearse and we learn the songs to the best of our ability and then we play and if Anthony says 'we're playing this one next' we just gotta stay on our toes. The only thing I can probably guarantee is that you will see me cheesing real hard on stage (laughs). Probably shedding a few tears of joy, but it's just crazy, man. We don't really get to do this super often. I wouldn't say that we're a full time band. Both Chris (Sorenson, bass) and I have our own careers outside of the band. Anthony obviously has a very successful career on his own. Phil has his career with As I Lay Dying, so when we get together it's something pretty special and unique for us and rare when it happens. So when we do get together it's just this explosion of emotion and excitement that happens. I think the only thing I can really guarantee is if you're in the front row, or at least in the first ten rows, you'll see me cheesing real hard. Maybe I might fall over out of happiness (laughs). I don't know."In the full interview, Beau talks more about what to expect from Saosin, what has changed with the band since their last visit in 2010, bringing ALT as supports, the early days of the band, losing Anthony as singer after the first EP, welcoming him back into the band ten years later, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Feb 202318min

Interview by Erin EddyAs the emo kids of the 2000’s have exited their 20’s and are now in their 30’s (and some sailing into their 40’s) there’s a wave of nostalgia surfacing. Just as nu-metal has resurfaced and is being embraced with fondness, so is the emo and pop-punk genres.Story Of The Year kicked onto the scene in 2003. Like many bands from the aforementioned genres, while they may not be at the forefront of the collective minds of the music industry, they never actually faded away and those fans, the now-thirty-somethings I referred to in the first paragraph, are proudly reminding their parents “it wasn’t a phase.” Story Of The Year have continued kicking and in fact, they are about to release their sixth studio album, Tear Me To Pieces.Capitalising on the nostalgia wave, the band’s most recent single is titled 2005, and it is a musical walk down memory lane, as vocalist Dan Marsarla sings about the days when Story Of The Year had really found their stride within the scene.“The energy of this style of music is really back again, and it’s just a great time to be doing what we’re doing.” Dan says. “Not that I ever thought we were an ‘emo’ band, or that that was a thing, twenty years ago; that’s not even what anybody called this kind of stuff, but it’s all settled in to like, okay, all this together is this thing, and now we all appreciate it for the same reasons, ‘cause we grew up on it.”The music video for 2005 is a compilation of footage of the band from throughout the years, further solidifying that reflection on days gone by. But it’s not all about looking backwards and remembering the good old days, Story Of The Year are very much actively pressing forward, with a solid new album proving they’re around for the long haul and can still produce relevant and well written music.“We recorded with a guy named Colin Brittain, who’s a great producer, and it was just magical in the studio working with him. It was a really good vibe, we came up with a lot of cool stuff and it’s got a lot of youthful Story Of The Year energy, but a lot of progression as well.” Dan says of the recording process for Tear Me To Pieces.The band is also on it’s way out to Australia in March as part of the Knotfest circuit, and will be doing three sideshows as an added bonus.Listen to HEAVY’s interview with Dan to hear more about what to expect from the new album and their upcoming live shows.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Feb 202317min

Interview by Kris PetersDon't be confused by the title. Australian extreme metal outfit To The Graves new album Director's Cuts is far from a collection of one mans trash from the cutting room floor. Probably as far removed as you could possibly get.Following the release of their 2019 debut album Global Warning To The Grave have become a band in demand - both here and abroad.Along the way the band has secured themselves room on the same stages as heavyweights Parkway Drive, Polaris, Cattle Decapitation, Thy Art Is Murder, Vulvodynia and Alpha Wolf, but with Director's Cuts look set to rightfully claim their very own patch of turf.Their music is tough, brutal and uncompromising, which is beautifully offset by a universal support of the underdog and contempt of those who disrespect their own environment and all those who share it.In effect, To The Grave are a band with a message and an agenda, but without the preaching and self righteous sensibilities that accompany most people who fight for a cause.Instead To The Grave let their music do their talking - and fighting - and with Director's Cuts the message is clear.Put up, or shut up. On all levels.Vocalist Dane Evans sat down with HEAVY during the week to discuss the album and other things close to the bands heart."I'm stoked about the album," he offered, a smile covering his face. "I used to get really nervous around this time when releasing stuff. But I guess there's so many hands in the pot now making everything as stress free as possible, and I realised a lot of that (nerves) was just the stress of doing it myself. What did I fuck up? That sort of thing. Lately the last couple of records have come together nicely in the last few weeks when everything would usually turn to shit if it was me handling it (laughs). I get really excited now around this time and sit on my hands and go fuck, what do I do now? I'm doing all the media and stuff and there's still a few sleeps to kill. It almost feels like Christmas when you're a kid (laughs)."Director's Cuts has been called the heaviest material yet released by those who have heard advance copies, so we press Evans on just how musically heavy the album is."I guess the boys all love their heavy shit so that had to be the biggest pillar," he measured. "Try to do things that are ... how do I put this... deathcore itself is blending hardcore and death metal and shit like that so we're trying to do that with as many other influences as possible that also keeps people engaged and interested. There's a lot of - and it might sound weird - but hip hop influences and stuff goes into at least what I do and I know it has rubbed off on the boys a bit trying to make room for that. There's not necassarily rap parts on the album or anything like that, but just studying the way they do vocals and whether they map things out, I try to a bit of that. Whereas the music, we just keep it as claustrophobically heavy as possible and then do what we can to make it interesting. Maybe that's just our brains getting fried enough and coming up with dumb shit (laughs)."In the full interview, Dane talks more about the songs on Director's Cuts, the underlying heaviness of the album, music as a weapon and how effective it can be, working hooks and melodies into extreme metal, their recent European tour, upcoming Australian shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Feb 202318min

Interview by Kris PetersRarely does a band so early in their career deliver music with such confidence and surety as mustered by Melbourne metal newcomers Heavensgate.Since arriving on the scene only last year Heavensgate have rapidly laid the foundations for their debut EP And All I Loved, I Loved Alone, which will be released on February 24, with two blistering singles Chemical Heaven and Shemoveslikethunder that emphatically announced the arrival of a new wave of Australian metal unrestrained by the burdens of expectation and unfazed by the notion of simply towing the musical line.Heavensgate also recently signed with Australian label Greyscale Records, in a move that should see the band further press their international claims.Bass player Aki and guitarist David sat down with HEAVY earlier this week to talk us through their debut EP."We're feeling really good," David smiled. "It's been a long time coming. We've been quietly working away in the background for 18 months so we are very excited to have it coming out."Eighteen months is a considerable amount of time to develop and record an album, especially in the modern age, with the band conceding that they were occassionally hampered by factors outside of their control."There was a whole bunch of stuff happened with setbacks," David continued, "with COVID being one of them. For some videos we couldn't get people interstate. We were working on the music as well for a long time and making sure we had the absolute best quality of music that we could. Every track on the EP is a real labour of love and we're proud of every single one. We wanted to make sure there's no filler material.""I would say the time period that we spent in COVID was a slight blessing in disguise," Aki chimed in. "We had a lot of time to dedicate to reworking and revising everything to make sure we didn't slip up anywhere. So for us we feel like we have put out 100% the best product possible."In the full interview, Aki and David talk more about the musical component of the EP, the singles released and how they reflect the overall feel of the EP, exploring issues related to mental health in their music and the importance of shining importance on the subject, getting a foothold in the music industry in the face of more competition than ever before, signing to Greyscale Records and what it means to the band, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Feb 202312min