Where Legends Are Born With JOAKIM BRODEN From SABATON

Interview by Angela CroudaceAnn Arbor’s Black Note Graffiti have always walked a tightrope between ferocity and finesse. With their latest album, Resist the Divide, guitarist Kris Keller says the band found its most personal and cathartic voice yet. “We were all going through different things—addiction, trauma, life’s heavier moments—and the album became a space for us to release that,” Keller shares. “It’s the best record I’ve ever been a part of.”Working with renowned producer Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, King 810), the band took a month in the studio to carefully craft a sound that truly represented each member. “Josh really listened. Every instrument, every voice, got its moment.”Resist the Divide tackles pain, growth, and redemption with thunderous riffs and introspective lyrics. But despite its weight, the band’s goal remains connection and unity. “We’re a hard rock band, but the message is positive. We want people to feel less alone.” Keller credits the addition of vocalist Gabrielle Bryant for bringing new balance and heart to the lineup. “She brought out the best in us—there’s more focus now, more soul.”Their partnership with Australian label Golden Robot Records also hints at dreams beyond the States. “An Aussie tour would be a dream,” Keller says. “Never thought I’d play the stages I have, so who knows? Maybe one day.”Meanwhile, Black Note Graffiti will appear at Wisconsin’s artist-centric Mile of Music festival this August. “It’s amazing—300 artists, free for fans, and they take such good care of musicians. It’s one of the best festivals we’ve played.” For vinyl lovers, Resist the Divide is also available in limited edition. “We wrote the album to be played through, front to back. Vinyl just made sense—it’s an experience.”With music that’s loud, raw, and real, Black Note Graffiti continues to carve their space beyond rock music in the hearts of fans seeking something true. Having done so well in Europe and the U.S., I think it's about time these guys have their Aussie moment, give them a listen. I think you'll be blown away by their intensity, heart, and undeniable talent.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Jul 16min

Interview by Kris PetersPromises are made and broken every day in the music industry, especially when it comes to comments made from stage in the heat of the moment and on the crest of emotion. Promises such as "we will be back REAL soon" are said so often that they mostly pass by unnoticed by fans, who have grown accustomed to living in the moment and not in the future where such remarks are directed.But when a band actually delivers on these promises - not once, but twice - then the shockwaves that resonate could cripple a small country.Which is why, when Don Broco promised on their last Australian tour that they would start their next World Tour in this country, most fans had forgotten the remark as soon as the next day. When they also promised to play Perth and Adelaide, both of which were excluded in the last tour itinerary, the collective sighs of 'yeah, sure' were barely muttered because, let's face it, such promises are made and broken by more than 50% of the bands who tour here.But not Don Broco. These guys are still old school. From the times when a promise meant something, so, true to their word, Don Broco are kicking off their next World Tour in Australia starting on September 4. AND Perth plus Adelaide are both part of the schedule. Who says you can't trust a muso?After spending a large amount of time on the road around the time they were out here last, Don Broco have been more focused on completing their fifth album of late, bunkering down and fine-tuning the next batch of songs to expand their impressive catalogue. But ever since their recent performance at Download 2025, the tour itches have returned, enticing Don Broco back to where they thrive best.The stage.With the tour only being announced earlier today, HEAVY caught up with vocalist Rob Damiani to find out more."We're heading back to Australia very soon indeed," he affirmed. "It's going to be the first tour back touring this new material. We've been working on a new album for the last year and a bit now, and it's very, very close to being finished. This will be the first time we actually get back on the road and play any of this new stuff. It's also the first time we've been on the road for a year and a half, so we're excited.""We've been lucky enough to come to Australia now once every album," he continued. "The times we had on the last record, and the shows we did, were just so good. And the energy out there is so insane. We didn't want to leave it a whole nother album, where you're maybe doing it towards the tail end. So even though I think that not all the record will be out, it will be a load of the new material - probably all of the singles - but not the full record. That's what we're here to do; that's when we feel most alive as a band, when we're performing to people and getting that connection."In the full interview, Rob talked more about the upcoming tour and what to expect, keeping his promises, how much planning and practice goes into a Don Broco live show, the new album and what to expect, what makes a gig even more memorable for him, their 2023 shows at The Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Jul 16min

Interview by Kris PetersAround the turn of the century, a movie came out that changed the face of comedy forever. A movie about teenagers trying to find sexual gratification was not a new concept - hell, such movies were around before movies even - but this one resonated with disenfranchised youth the world over.And lovers of good old-fashioned Apple Pie the universe over.That movie was American Pie, and the main actors that brought us that wonderful tale of self-discovery will forever be etched into cinema folklore as a benchmark for excess and desire - and more than the occasional mishap along the way.While Stifler (Seann William Scott) and the luckless in love Jim (Jason Biggs) might be the perennial favourites of the franchise, not enough people know or understand that American Pie was more about a fresh college teenager who was simply trying to find a way to please his girlfriend. An impressionable young lad by the name of Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), who not only narrated the movie, but also provided many of the warmer moments - although not as warm as Jim's brief moment of intimacy with said Apple Pie.And just to make sure we all know his name and importance to the franchise, Nicholas is returning to Australia next week for a limited round of American Pie Emo Night shows that bring you closer to the star than ever before.Performing a combination of movie screenings, live band performances, meet and greets and Q & A sessions, Nicholas returns after only a brief absence for unfinished business. HEAVY jumped at the chance to pick his brain for 15 minutes, which turned into a lazy thirty, ahead of the run of shows which kicks off at La La La's in Wollongong on July 16."People watch the film, and they go, oh, shit, I didn't realize that this is Kevin's movie," Nicholas laughed. "So my favourite part about American Pie Emo Night is reminding everyone, yeah, motherfucker, that was my movie (laughs). That's why you liked it. I know Jason Biggs was funny, but he was funny because I was telling the story. Everyone remembers the cherry on top or the frosting. So Stifler's the cherry on top, Jim is the frosting, and I'm the cake."We mention the fact that this will be Nicholas's second trip Down Under this year, to which - of course - he has a reasonable reply."The thing is that I worked for 10 years from 2015 to 2025 to get my first tour in Australia," he explained. "So many failed attempts, but I never give up. This is retribution. When you work hard at something, you may not get it when you want it, but eventually the landslide happens. So I'm making up for lost time."In the full interview, Thomas talked more about his limited run of shows and what to expect, his love for his fans and providing the best show possible every time. He ran us through each section of the show and how it has evolved to this point, highlighting the live music aspect and his original music.We engage more about American Pie and his feelings for the movie and his fellow co-stars, the timeless nature of the movie's comedy and sets the rumours straight (sort of) about the much-debated 'new' movie. We run through challenges posed by being an actor in the music industry and vice versa, some of his more memorable moments on stage, including a special request from Creed, how the upcoming shows will differ from last time he was here and more.Photo: @captured_chrisberryBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

10 Jul 23min

Interview by Kris PetersMelbourne rock outfit HZED are ready for a triumphant return to the Australian music scene with the release of their first new music in some time in the form of Heartbreaker.After undergoing personnel changes in recent years, HZED busied themselves and polished their unity by releasing live versions of previous songs recorded during that time, but with Heartbreaker they are back with a fresh, revitalised sound and renewed focus that should see the band quickly establish themselves in the growing pool of Australian talent. After releasing the audio for Heartbreaker on July 4, HZED are now preparing for the launch of the accompanying music video, due out on July 11.HEAVY sat down with Shannon (guitar) and Tenaye (vocals) to find out more."This is the first single we've actually released that's brand new since 2022, with the whole new line-up," Shannon began. "So it's pretty exciting."We ask how the first audio release has been received."It's been great," Shannon continued. "Everybody's loving it. They're loving how big it's sounding and how different we're going.""I think it showcases how much we've evolved as a band and how we've got this whole new era," Tenaye added. "Now that we've got Hannah, we've definitely got a heavier, fuller sound too. And it's really showcased in the single as well."In the full interview, we discussed their strategy of releasing the audio first to generate anticipation before the video launch, with plans to release new singles every three months and potentially an album in the future. We spoke about the video and what to expect, including the basic storyline of the song.We also ran through HZED's upcoming run of shows and what to expect, the future of the band moving forward, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

8 Jul 12min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAuri's third album, Candles and Beginnings, invites listeners into a dreamlike, genre-defying realm where emotion, memory, and nature entwine. The trio—Johanna Kurkela, Troy Donockley, and Tuomas Holopainen—embrace an intuitive and organic approach to music-making, shaped by their lifelong influences and an unwavering trust in each other."We don't plan anything," Tuomas explains. "It all comes naturally. Nothing is pre-calculated." The result is an album that resists classification, weaving together airy melodies, earthy rhythms, and moments of heavier intensity.The band doesn't aim to dictate meaning, instead offering their music as an open canvas: "We provide a stage for feelings," says Johanna, "and the interpretations are for the listener." Though some songs echo Celtic elements, the band insists these tones emerge organically. "We don't identify with any genre," says Troy. "We use whatever tools we need to express the emotion."Despite physical distance (Troy often writing at sea, of all places, and Johanna in Kitee), their creative process thrives in isolation. They only come together when it's time to mix. "It's like getting a Christmas present," Johanna smiles, describing the excitement of hearing each other's ideas evolve remotely.A particularly personal track, The Apparition Speaks, stands out for its heavier edge. But for the trio, choosing favourites feels impossible. "They'd get jealous," Tuomas jokes. "We love them all." Visual art also plays a vital role in shaping Auri's universe. The watercolour album artwork was hand-painted, no AI involved, and Johanna's calligraphy adds an intimate touch.As for touring Australia? "We'd love to," says Troy, "but right now, we're not sure we have many fans there." Still, Troy and Tuomas's previous Nightwish tours proved Aussie crowds are "fabulously mental," and they hope to return soon.Auri's music is hard to define but easy to feel, leaving listeners soaring on Johanna's stunning vocals, whilst Troy and Tuomas add melodic and at times heavier elements. Candles and Beginnings is a cinematic listen and an amalgamation of this seriously talented trio. This album doesn't just play, but unfolds like a dream you never want to wake from.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Jul 16min

Interview by Kris PetersAt first glance/listen, Melbourne-based experimental collective Umlaut are yet another in a growing line of bands creating 'art' instead of music by throwing together an eclectic grouping of sounds and instruments as their personal choice of expression. Their style and seemingly haphazard musical output is, at first, difficult to take in, but once you find out the backstory to the band things seem to make infinitely more sense and the proverbial penny drops like a lead balloon.All of a sudden, the same music that 60 seconds ago sounded like a layered multitude of messiness now sounds like a Picasso painting would were it able to sing. Why?Because Umlaut's founding member is none other than Clinton ‘Bär’ McKinnon. You know the one? The same guy that was a major part of Mr. Bungle's sound before the turn of the century? Except this time as Umlaut prepares to drop their new album Desole there's another person who, by presence alone, helps set the askew things into a more palatable delicacy. His is another name you should recall - especially if you are a Bungle fan.Joining Umlaut with McKinnon - funnily enough, with both of them now living in Australia - is former Mr. Bungle skin thumper Danny Heifitz. Along with Angus Leslie and Shane Lieber, Umlaut's new, more streamlined four-piece are diving headfirst into a new chapter—one forged in chemistry, intuition, and a shared love of unpredictability.With Desole scheduled for a July 25 release, HEAVY was granted exclusive time with McKinnon to discuss a wide range of topics, from the new album to his days with Mr. Bungle and everything in between."This thing has been so delayed and a long time coming," he sighed. "On some levels, I don't even believe that it's going to come out (laughs). I'm hoping that it does!"We ask McKinnon to go deeper into Desole from a musical point of view and what he was going for with it."In the past, it's been a very instrumental, chamber-pop affair with some songs thrown in there with vocals," he measured. "This album is pretty vocal-heavy in a way and straight-ahead in a lot of ways. It's funny, I get these questions like, what is different about this album? And I'm not really sure. The main difference with this album is that it's got the legendary Danny Heifetz on drums from Mr. Bungle, the true DNA of Mr. Bungle. And he's down here in this town with us and has graced us with his drumming on this album. We're really excited about that and people hearing that. I think people will hear that Mr. Bungle DNA in the drums when they hear Danny doing his thing. It's just very straight ahead, it doesn't it doesn't mess around."In the full interview, Clinton discussed further the release of Desolé, humorously critiquing its title and sharing insights into the production challenges they faced. He provided details about the musical style, noting a shift towards a more vocal-heavy and energetic sound, influenced by drummer Danny Heifetz's contributions.Clinton reflected on the emotional journey of releasing music, likening it to a parent's hopes for their child, and discussed the balance between creating hit songs and maintaining authenticity. He emphasized the collaborative nature of Umlaut, highlighting the importance of each member's input, particularly guitarist Angus's production skills. The conversation also touched on the desire for listeners to appreciate the album as a whole rather than just singles, with HEAVY endorsing the album's quality and encouraging the band to continue their creative efforts.Talk also turned to Mr. Bungle's tenure as a band, including some funny insights into his relationship with Mike Patton. We spoke about Bungle's legacy and what they brought to music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Jul 30min

Interview by Kris PetersUS party rock outfit The Midnight Devils are a band who seem to be always on the move. Follow their socials, and hardly a week goes by without another gig in another part of the world popping up, with the good time trio operating by the old school mantra that a band lives and dies on the road, bleeding for their art.After two previous visits Down Under, The Midnight Devils have today announced a run of shows this November, following on from last year's highly successful national support with Bon But Not Forgotten. But this time they return with fellow US rock outfit BLVD OF EYES, joining Brisbane noise merchants Awaken The Hate on an East Coast tour to remember.The two bookend dates announced so far already promise to be huge, with a cruise of the Sydney Harbour alongside Frankies World Famous House Band, Audio Reign and more set down for November 23 and a massive one-day festival line-up including Dreamkillers, PistonFist, Engraved, Kaosphere and more set down for Soapbox Beer in Brisbane on November 29. There will, of course, be other dates, but for now let's just celebrate the fact that The Midnight Devils are coming back.HEAVY caught up with enigmatic frontman Sam Spade to share the excitement."We've been on tour since basically we left Australia," Spade began. "We're on tour right now, and we can't wait to come back and see you guys. It's like a dream come true, over and over and over again. We are so excited. We can't get there fast enough. This tour is wrapped up right now in the USA, and it's just been incredible supporting that same record that we dropped in Australia the last time we were there, So Hard It Hurts. The brand-new single out is Shock The World, so everything's going great, and we can't wait to come back."In the full interview, we run through the two shows announced in greater detail, discuss The Midnight Devils current US tour, the reception for So Hard It Hurts, the beauty of being on the road, why Australians can't get enough of the band,exciting future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Jul 16min

Interview by Kris PetersIf you think you've seen everything live music has to offer, think again. On July 5, Brisbane audiences are in for a jaw-dropping experience as Andrea Krakovská, Australia's very own aerial guitarist, brings her gravity-defying show to the Arcana Empress Theatre in Moorooka.Combining the technical mastery of live electric guitar with breathtaking aerial acrobatics, Andrea Krakovská has carved out a completely unique space in the world of performance. Suspended mid-air, she shreds powerful solos while spinning, soaring and twisting through space. The show is a visual and sonic spectacle that is truly unlike anything else you've seen before.Fresh from wowing crowds across Sydney and Melbourne, Andrea's Aerial Guitar Show is part rock concert, part aerial artistry, and all heart. This is no ordinary gig; it's a full-body performance that pushes the boundaries of what live music can be.For one night only, Brisbane fans have the chance to witness this one-of-a-kind talent up close. Whether you're a fellow guitarist, music lover, circus arts enthusiast, or simply looking for something unforgettable to do on a Saturday night, this is a show you do not want to miss. HEAVY sat down for a chat with Andrea to take us deeper inside the art of the flying guitar."The way that I've been describing the show to people is two ways," she began. "Either I say to them, think of it as going to see a guitarist like Joe Satriani or Steve Vai or Nita Strauss, but imagine that during parts of the show, instead of just staying on the ground the whole time, they will climb up a rope and do some guitar solos in midair. Or the other way that I describe it to people is to think about a Pink concert, and you know how she does the air tricks in her show? Imagine if Pink was a heavy metal guitarist? But the best way to describe it, honestly, is for you to just see the show for yourself. It is hard to really explain the magnitude of the whole show in words, but it really is a visual experience."In the full interview, we discussed Andrea's upcoming aerial guitar performance at the Arcana Empress Theatre in Brisbane on July 5 in more detail. She described her innovative act, which combines original compositions and covers, and walked us through the processes and any safety concerns people might have.The logistical challenges of playing guitar while suspended were also highlighted, showcasing the uniqueness of her performance style. Andrea recalled her training in both components, highlighting which she favours and which is the hardest to do, where the initial idea came from, how much training and practice goes into each performance and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Jul 10min