HEAVY Music Interviews

Interview by Simon Russell-WhiteYou know those songs that just stick to your ear drums like a top rated super clue? Now, let's be honest this can have a negative effect especially when it's a tune/ song that simply frustrates you and is a song you don't even like ahhhhh f*****k......but, the science of music and the tempo just makes some stick hey?!!Fortunately for us, certain bands just instinctively know how to create the opposite effect for thelistener, which finally brings me to my (ranting) point. With their first release for 2023 Spacegoat have proven yet again that they're still here to further master their craft and do so with conviction and true blue hard work and wow, how it has paid off!New single and video clip 'Earthquakes' is almost on our intergalactic doorsteps (release date, February 8, 2023) so it was time to have another chat to the one and only Erin Eddy (Singer) about the single and all things Spacegoat and of course, a whole lot more......In the interview, it becomes very clear very quickly that I the interviewer/ reviewer really felt the pulse and musical pull of 'Earthquakes', you see I was privileged enough to be able to listen to it over and over and in my opinion this is up there with one of the bands best ever releases to date!That cannot be said lightly given the bands discography with their blistering debut ep '33' (2019) and of course the tremendous works that was 'Catharsis' (2021) both being of a standard that could/should see them playing anywhere across this Great Southern Land and abroad.But for now, it's about the single release, and I seriously hope you all enjoy 'Earthquakes' as much as I do, it has more hooks than a butcher shop and will pull at your heartstrings, but it wouldn't beSpacegoat if it didn't!Spacegoat will be launching 'Earthquakes' at this special show with Victoria K, link below:https://www.facebook.com/events/s/victoria-k-kore-australia-tour/502734345293053/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Feb 202328min

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish purveyors of metal In Flames are counting down to the release of their new album Foregone on February 10. It is an album that the band themselves promise to be heavy and aggressive and one which will nestle comfortably amongst a back catalogue featuring 13 other releases.Known for their musical diversity while remaining true to their death metal roots, In Flames continue to create music by their own parameters and constraints, a recurring theme given more credence on Foregone.This is the second album for new bass player Bryce Paul and drummer Tanner Wayne, both of which, as guitarist Bjorn Gelotte explains in the interview, have settled in more comfortably to their roles.In Flames are also readying themselves for a visit to Australia in March as part of Knotfest Australia, which sees Gelotte in a chirpy mood when we spoke with him earlier this week."It feels really, really good," he enthused when asked how he is feeling about the imminent release of Foregone. "It is an album we didn't plan on making. We were still touring on I, The Mask so it was just a happy little bonus that we... I wouldn't say happy because the whole pandemic thing happened, but throughout that I felt absolutely useless and this is the light at the end of the tunnel making this record. If there was anything positive coming out of it from our part it's this album."As mentioned In Flames are renowned for their musical diversity between albums, with Gelotte admitting as much when pressed on the direction of Foregone."I think we have, over the years, found our way of writing," he measured, "and our sources of inspiration have been pretty much the same. It's what we listened to growing up and what we learned throughout the years making all these albums and playing all these shows. We're pretty confident when it comes to writing. What we did want to do this time was expand the sound a bit and make it sound a bit more metal than we have the last couple of efforts. We've been super proud of every one - I especially love how I, The Mask sounds. I'm a guitar player, so for me it's fantastic o hear all the detail in the guitar playing (laughs), but it's leaning a little more to the rock sound so this time around we wanted to have it more metal. Maybe a bit more death metal in a way, and I think it sheds a new light on the riffing and the melodies. I think it suits the songs extremely well and it turned out to be a massive album and we love it."In the full interview Bjorn discusses the album in greater detail, the singles released and how they represent the overall sound, writing and releasing the title track in two parts, the new members and how they are settling in, musical experimentation and where to draw the line, his writing relationship with Anders, how the sonic direction of each album is measured, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202315min

Interview by Kris PetersSwedish metal masters Arch Enemy are a rare, true enigma of the heavy metal landscape.With a sound impossible to pigeon hole and a live performance that is pure aggression, adrenaline, and intensity throughout, Arch Enemy have become the heavy band that knows no boundaries and transcends all musical genres.Following the release of last years brutal yet melodic album Deceivers, Arch Enemy are set to bring their live show to our corner of the globe this month with a string of shows starting in Auckland on February 12 before hitting Australia for five more dates.Their last tour here before the pandemic saw Arch Enemy play to sold out crowds around the nation, with their performance heralded by many critics as amongst the finest metal shows ever seen in this country.Guitarist Michael Amott joined HEAVY recently to chat about the tour, with one of the topics of discussion centering around structuring the set lists and if preference is placed on the three albums with current singer Alissa White-Gluz appearing on."She was a big fan of Arch Enemy before," he answered. "She loves singing the old stuff, actually. Already when she joined the band I remember the first rehearsal - even before she joined the band, we were just rehearsing and jamming - and she sung what were not her songs at that time without a lyric sheet or anything. We just played a whole bunch of songs. That was a seamless transition as well. She really loves singing the old stuff and we enjoy playing the old stuff as well. The thing that has happened with Arch Enemy that is really interesting over the last 8 or 9 years is the band has grown so much and the last three albums are our most popular that we've ever had. The audience reaction is always huge for those newer era songs, so it's difficult to not play them (laughs). It's always what the people want to hear." In the full interview, Michael talks more about the tour and what to expect, what has changed with Arch Enemy since their last visit in 2018, their new album Deceivers, how Alissa is improving in her role as vocalist with each release, the early days of Arch Enemy, changing vocalists from Johan Liiva to Angela Gossow in 2000, whether it was always his intent to bring in a female singer, how that affected the dynamics of the music, the transition from Angela to Alissa in 2014, surviving multiple vocalist changes and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202321min

Interview by Erin EddyAndrew McMahon has lent his musical talents and name to many successful projects in a careerspanning almost 25 years, beginning with the iconic alternative pop-rock band Something Corporate, then moving on to the highly successful Jack’s Mannequin.These days he’s mostly riding solo with his current project Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness.This is not to say that he’s the only one behind the magical songs that are being produced under this moniker. Andrew took some time out of his day to speak with HEAVY and explained how much fun he had completing his soon to be released album, with the help from some close friends.“Tommy English and Jeremy Hatcher who produced this record with me, they are dear friends andare attached to some of the coolest music,” he says enthusiastically, “we just went in and partied onthese songs. Sonically it’s so fun and so adventurous because I had these brilliant producers andengineers and we just kind of ran around the room like kids playing with toys. It was the best version of making something, just being with your buddies and having a blast.”When asked what fans can expect of the new material Andrew replies with a laugh, “You almostdon’t really know what a record is until it’s made it’s way into the world and then people tell youwhat it is.”Andrew will be on Australian shores this month for three nights only playing Brisbane, Melbournethen Sydney before jetting out again.Listen to the interview to hear him explain to HEAVY what to expect from his upcoming shows, howhe looks at life as a professional musician as a cancer survivor, 40 th birthdays, and how not to diewhen he comes to Australia!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Feb 202332min

Interview by Erin EddyAs you’ll hear in the following interview, Russkaja are a band to get excited about. HEAVY scored theopportunity to talk with vocalist Georgij and guitarist Engel to discuss the ins and outs of thischarismatic band.Hailing from Austria, but with roots in Ukrainian and Russian culture (and let’s face it, probably alittle bit of everything in between), Russkaja fuse the sounds of traditional klezmer music with metal,punk and ska. They sing in mostly Russian, but also German, some Spanish, some Italian and someEnglish. An attempt to describe this band really does nothing to adequately summarise the dynamicsof their sound and just how infectious it is.With their seventh album, Turbo Polka Party, to be released on February 3 rd , Engel described howthey ventured towards a slightly heavier sound on this record with leanings toward the influences oftheir younger days, like Soulfly, Biohazard and Metallica; “also, after that last record we did that wasa little bit softer, I just wanted to do some riffs and some guitar driven stuff,” he said.While their music is fast paced and upbeat and makes you want to dance like a crazy person, theirlyrics often counteract that with political and social commentary.“The first song on the record, called No Borders, was directly inspired by the stuff that’s going onnow in Europe. It’s definitely not the happiest times we’ve ever had.” Engel said, of the conflictbetween Ukraine and Russia.Have a listen to our interview with Georgij and Engel and make sure you check out not only thenewest album Turbo Polka Party, but the rest of Russkaja’s back catalogue. We promise you, it’s agood time!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Feb 202323min

Interview by Kris PetersAustralian rock legends The Poor release their first album in over 10 years on February 3 when High Price Deed is unleashed on a world that might not be quite ready for it.After the one two punch (pun intended) of Round One (2009) and Round 2 (2010) The Poor seemingly vanished from the circuit and it appeared as though an illustrious chapter in Australian music may have come to a premature end.Those fears were allayed a couple of years ago when The Poor re-emerged with new guitarist Daniel Cox in tow and set about reclaiming their place atop the Aussie rock tree. Cox brought a fresh outlook to the band with his ferociously awesome guitar playing adding yet another dimension to the sonic structure of The Poor.They have toured relentlessly both at home and abroad since then, drip feeding new singles from High Price Deed at irregular intervals, heightening expectation with each and making a silent promise to their fans that The Poor are back, and back with a vengeance.The fruits of that labour will be on display for the world to judge this Friday when High Price Deed hits the open market, and trust me when I tell you fans will not be disappointed.Rather than conduct the standard phone interview one on one, HEAVY accepted the band's offer to attend practice earlier this week and take the opportunity to grill all four members - vocalist Skenie, guitarist Daniel Cox, drummer Gavin Hansen and bass player Matt Whitby - a task which seemed like a set up from the start.It could have turned out nasty being outnumbered with such odds but we stood firm and spoke our mind - and lived to relay the tale. We focussed initially on the new album and structure before running through our recent review track by track and seeing if the band agreed with my sentiments."Play rock and roll really loud, hard and heavy," vocalist Skenie offered, summing up High Price Deed in one sentence. "As you say in HEAVY, we wanna fuck shit up."High Price Deed is the first album released by The Poor since Round 2 in 2010, with the band agreeing unanimously that this album sees them return to their best."It's very different sonically," Skenie began when asked to compare the two releases. "I just don't think that we got the last two albums right, looking back on them now. The way this one is sounding and the way the songs came together... it was a lot of hard work... but it just felt right."This is greeted by a mock round of applause from the rest of the gang, who are all spread throughout the rehearsal room waiting for their chance to step in and have their way with me.So farThe Poor have released the singles Payback's A Bitch, Lover, Cry Out, Let Me Go and Take The World from High Price Deed, with Skenie admitting that while they do represent the album faithfully, they just scratch the surface of what to expect musically."Yeah, but there's more surprises coming," he teased."They're all a bit different, aren't they?" added guitarist Daniel Cox."They all have their own identities, but there's some songs on there that will surprise people as well," finished drummer Gavin Hansen.From there HEAVY ran through our album review track by track and asked if we were on the right path, and that's when things really got interesting.Listen to the full interview to hear The Poor critique our critic, run through each song and its meaning, talk about the musical direction of the album, recount some stories from the past including an impromptu jazz acapella performance, tell us about their upcoming album launch at the Wallaby Hotel, their upcoming European tour, an Australian tour later in the year and more.If you are a fan of The Poor this is a must listen, and if you're just a fan of a good time and a great laugh even better.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Feb 202331min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter Australian fans were left retreating to the jungle following last years postponement of Paradise Kitty's tour, relief is finally around the corner as the world famous Guns 'N Roses tribute band touches down in this country for a run of shows starting in Geelong on March 24.Not only will the girls be bringing the sounds of Sunset Strip to the other side of the world, but they are also performing the Gunners classic debut album Appetite For Destruction IN FULL.It is a show not to be missed - personally endorsed by Guns 'N Roses themselves - and one which transcends the usual tribute performances, instead recreating a time, world, and era of modern music history.HEAVY recently caught up with drummer Rachael Rine to find out what we can expect, starting with memories of their previous successful visit in 2018."It felt like home to me," she smiled. "I felt so at home there. I didn't feel like I was on the other side of the planet in a different country. Everyone was so lovely. Australia really has some amazing rock fans so it was fun to be a part of that. It was a really liberating experience and I'm excited to come back."As mentioned Paradise Kitty will be revisiting Appetite For Destruction on this tour, with Rine explaining her view on why people connected with that album on a universal scale."I think that album start to finish... there's a lot of great albums out there, but to have an album...," she measured, "first song plays and you're like oh my God, this must be the best song on the album. Then the second song plays and you're like this must be until you get through the whole album and every song was the best song on the album. That's rare. And that created such a movement that it's still pushing and fanning the Guns 'N Roses flame decades later."We press Rine for her very first thoughts on Appetite For Destruction when it came out in 1987."I was a young kid in school and we were in P.E class, and we had to run around the track," she laughed. "I remember I was running around the track to Welcome To The Jungle and it was interesting, and it was cool, and it felt so appropriate in life at that moment being a young kid - I think I was nine or eight, just a little kid - but there was this freedom of running and listening to rock and roll. I was raised on rock and roll but I dunno... I clearly, clearly remember that moment of the track under my feet and hearing it for the first time and running to it on the track."In the full interview, Rachael talks about living on the famed Sunset Strip, the timeless nature of Appetite For Destruction, what bad habits she picked up from their last visit to Australia, reproducing the sound and feel of Guns 'N Roses, playing with members of the band, the personal satisfaction she gets out of playing in Paradise Kitty, the legacy of Guns 'N Roses and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Feb 202313min

Interview by Kris PetersSouth Australian metal outfit Headbore are gearing up towards a new album, fresh off the back of a stellar last 12 months that saw them support metal legends Soilwork recently after appearing at last years Froth & Fury Festival which also featured Alestorm, Skeletal Remains and King Parrot.One of the bands songs Digging My Grave - which has not yet even been properly recorded - turned up not long ago courtesy of an unknown punter who filmed Headbore playing it at the Soilwork show. Such is the quality of the recording and the awesomeness of the track, HEAVY felt compelled to track Headbore down and find out more.Earlier this week we sat down with bass player Mike and vocalist Fish to find out more."That wasn't actually a single release," Fish laughed of the live video for Digging My Grave. "It's just alive clip. I think we played it for the first time a few months back. We played it at the Soilwork show and I think someone posted it on YouTube and it seems to have gone down pretty well. Every time we play it live it's getting a really solid response from the crowd so that's the direction we are looking at with that song and everything else we are writing at the moment."In the full interview, the boys talk more about Digging My Grave, what the song is about, writing new music and the direction it will take, supporting bigger bands and the mindset needed to succeed, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

31 Jan 202314min