HEAVY Music Interviews

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

Interview by Kris PetersUS rock outfit BLVD OF EYES have strong ties with this side of the world, with bass player Mark Dalbeth living in Australia and playing in Melbourne band Belusera until he left our shores a decade ago. In that time, Dalbeth has found himself playing in an American band called BLVD OF EYES, who have often proclaimed their desire to visit our shores without much success.But that all changes in November when BLVD OF EYES hit Australia for an East Coast tour with fellow US party machine The Midnight Devils. The bookends of the tour - a Sydney Harbour boat cruise on November 23 and HEAVYFEST 3 in Brisbane on November 29 - have been announced today to align with Independence Day, with the band also planning to fill in the blanks at a later date.But for now, excitement reigns over BLVD OF EYES' debut trip to our shores, with guitarist Kevin Hicklin and Dalbeth joining HEAVY to spread the news."We're excited, man," Hicklin enthused. "Everything just came to fruition pretty quickly, so we're stoked to do it. We're gonna have our new release coming out around that time, so it's gonna be killer."We mention the homecoming of sorts for Dalbeth."The last time I played shows in Australia was, I think, November, December 2015 with Belusera and Halestorm," he nodded. "So literally ten years later, I'm coming back. It's exciting, because I really miss Australia and I look forward to seeing everyone."In the full interview, we spoke more about the Australian tour, what to expect from the band live, their last EP Buying Lies For The Truth Seeker and how it was received, upcoming new music, signing to XMusic and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Jul 11min

Interview by Kris PetersEveryone's favourite masters of funk-infused mayhem, Osaka Punch, are one of those rare bands that can entertain you just by walking on stage. Dead set.The charisma and boundless energy that accompany the band everywhere they go translated beautifully on their 2023 album Mixed Ape, an album years in the making and at times thought to be harder to find than the elusive white whale. Fans had waited a decent chunk of time for the album, but responded in kind upon its release, solidifying Osaka Punch as a band for the people, by the… apes?After embarking on a national run of shows to support Mixed Ape, Osaka Punch quietly retreated into the wilderness, family events and accidents superseding the need for public adulation. It has been a dark period for fans of the band wanting to get their funk on, but Osaka Punch this weekend come out of hibernation for what could very well be their only show of the year when they play with Mood Swing And Chevy Bass plus Versace Boys at The Triffid this Saturday, June 5.I must admit that I am one of those people who missed the boys ripping it up live, so when the chance came to grill vocalist Jack Muzak as to why the band have seemingly deserted their fans, I took it with both hands, armed and ready for battle."It's been a while, for sure," he almost apologized when we question their tardiness, catching us off guard. "We've got a couple of cobwebs to blow out, but we've been jamming for a while. We had a little bit of a hiatus because our guitarist had a newborn at the end of last year, and it's his third kid. So he's got two, three boys now, but two kids and a newborn and in the interest of everyone's safety, we thought we'd let him just be a dad for six months. We were planning on recording by the end of this year, which we still want to do. But this'll be probably the one show of the year, I'd say, so we wanted to make it a big one. I think the Triffid's a good way to go. If you're gonna do one show, that's the place to do it."In the full interview, Jack further discussed Osaka Punch's upcoming performance at The Triffid on July 5, where they will perform alongside Mood Swing and Chevy Bass. Jack highlighted the unique line up, featuring a live saxophonist and a keytar player, and expressed excitement about returning to the stage after a hiatus. He also mentioned their guitarist Chrispy's recovery from a car accident and his commitment to performing.The discussion included recommendations for newcomers to their music, with Jack suggesting three songs to help familiarize them with their style. He noted the band's ongoing work on new material and the evolving music landscape, which is shifting towards singles over full albums. We talked about the reaction to Mixed Ape and if all of the songs went down as well live as the band expected, their genuine love for their fans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Jul 16min

Interview by Kris PetersGerman dark heavy rock force WOLFSKULL will drop their new album Midnite Masters on July 25.Midnite Masters will see the band put a bold exclamation mark on their history and simultaneously ignite a new level: ten songs brimming with enthusiasm, power, and catchy melodies, while exuding the raw charm of classic heavy rock. Founded in April 2018 by guitarist and mastermind Feratu, WOLFSKULL immediately garnered attention in the scene with their debut EP, Hexum. The subsequent debut album, Ave Goddess, hit like a thunderclap in December 2022, leading to the band being awarded Album Of The Month in Metal Hammer and Guitar Magazine.In 2025, WOLFSKULL returns louder, detached, and with even more drive. With the arrival of new second guitarist Mike Nero at the beginning of 2024, a noticeable breath of fresh air came into the band, which was directly reflected in the new material. In September 2024, the ten new tracks were recorded at Soundlodge Studio under the direction of Jörg Uken (Anvil, Suicide Angels, Dew Scented, Temple of Dread). Now, with the album on the cusp of release, HEAVY chats with vocalist Pete 9 and guitarist Feratu to dig deeper."I think this time around we were more keen on having a dusty rock and roll record with more up-tempo songs than Ave Goddess," Pete replied when we pressed him on the musical nature of the album. "But there's still a hint of melancholy here and there, but it's mostly a straight rock and roll record.""I think we wanted to have more straightforward songs," Feratu added. "A little bit more rock songs that are not so mellow. But we wanted to have more dust; more rock, more kick-ass, and I think - without losing the typical trademarks of Wolfskull - I think you can find them in any song. That was the direction we wanted to go, and I think we have an album that is working each song with another."In the full interview, the band shared their positive recording experiences and emphasized that the singles released thus far effectively represent the album's overall sound. They also explained the album's artwork, highlighting its strong female imagery as a tribute to female empowerment in rock music.Feratu discussed the influence of the German music scene in 2018 on their formation, particularly noting their metal and punk roots, and reminisced about their earlier band, The Spook. We talked about the time between recording an album and releasing it and how that affects different bands in different ways, new guitarist Mike Nero and what he brings to Wolfskull, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Jul 18min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAs Militarie Gun gear up to hit Australian stages alongside Touché Amoré, frontman Ian Shelton looks forward to everything from unruly shows to venomous local wildlife. “I guess my bucket list would be to see one of these disturbing Australian spiders in the flesh,” he laughs. “I don’t want to be in danger—but I’d like to see it.”It won't be Militarie Gun’s first time down under, but their energy and evolving sound continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Known for fusing hardcore roots with melodic hooks, the band’s genre-defying sound has sparked debate. “It’s disingenuous to call us a hardcore band,” Shelton says. “We came from that world, but we just want to sound like Militarie Gun.”Originality is embedded in everything they do—from their cathartic lyrics to unexpected collaborations like writing a WWE wrestling intro track. “Post Malone was meant to do it but got too busy. I woke up to a text and spent two days writing riffs,” he recalls. Raw emotion drives Shelton’s songwriting, a channel for experiences he says are too intense for everyday conversation. “The songs are the only appropriate place to put those feelings,” he shares. “I never hold anything back.”That vulnerability connects deeply with fans, who often bring wild energy to their gigs. “Last time in Sydney, we played Do It Faster four times. By the end, it was just one guy on stage. The rest of us had jumped into the crowd,” Shelton laughs. Despite their rising profile, Ian rejects the idea of “making it.” “It’s not a career—it’s an artistic pursuit,” he says. “If you ever feel like you’ve made it, you’re not pushing yourself creatively.”When asked what he hopes audiences take away, his answer is simple: “I hope they feel something—even if it’s anger. I don’t want to make anything people feel indifferent about.” As for advice to new bands navigating today’s fractured rock scene? “Be yourself—loudly,” Shelton says. “Turn your quirks up to 10. That’s what people connect with.”With that in mind, expect more chaos, catharsis, and no holding back. The tour kicks off July 10 at the Triffid in Brisbane.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Jul 17min