HEAVY Music Interviews

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

Interview by Kris PetersBrisbane-based petalcore outfit Torizon have continued their strong approach to 2025, today releasing their second single of the year with Sober.A sequel to previous single Bloom, Sober explores a more vulnerable side of Torizon's musical psyche and continues the conceptual journey that will be exemplified over the course of the band's debut EP - also announced today - Meliora, which is scheduled for release on September 19.And, in further announcements, Torizon hit the road for their first headline run of shows this October.In an attempt to keep up to date with everything happening with Torizon, HEAVY sat down to chat with vocalist Mish Sharma. We mention Torizon's blazing start to the year and welcome them back after a brief period of inactivity."Yeah, we were quiet in the background working away on a lot of things," she almost apologized. "We were working on levelling up everything, really. Our songwriting, tech, visuals, everything. And that took a couple of years to plan, write, produce, plan marketing and strategize. So here we are, back again (laughs)."Sober also marks somewhat of a transitional point in Torizon's music, showcasing raw emotion and vulnerability unlike anything the band have attempted before."We wanted to do something a little bit different with it," Mish agreed. "It is a little bit quieter, and it's got moments, but then wait till the bridge… that takes you away! And then you get the screams. So, musically it was just about, honestly, whatever felt right in the moment."In the full interview, Mish delved into the thematic connection of Sober to their previous release Bloom, focusing on a couple's journey through grief and addiction after fertility struggles. The upcoming EP, Meliora, aims to delve into these complex issues while offering a hopeful perspective. Mish highlighted the significance of inclusivity in mental health discussions, sharing her personal experiences and the need for a supportive environment.We spoke about the challenges of writing for subjects that are often shunned, detailing the conceptual journey of the EP and its desired outcome. Mish explored topics Torizon touched on as a band going into their first major release, and how Meliora reflects Torizon in 2025. She mentioned the upcoming tour and what to expect, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

18 Jun 17min

Interview by Kris PetersDirty Pagans have been on a crusade to return airwaves to the meatier sounds of hard rock and heavy metal for the best part of ten years now. Self dubbed riff n roll, the Adelaide outfit focuses on massive guitar riffs, dirty grooves and unapologetically loud undertones, hitting with the force of a sonic sledgehammer before ramming the point home.Fresh from last year's national support run with Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes, Dirty Pagans are on the cusp of releasing their next slab of goodness in the form of Forever High, with vocalist Matty Dee joining HEAVY to take us through life with Dirty Pagans."We don't really try and stray away from what we love and what we want to sound like," Matty expressed of the musical direction on Forever High. "And that's the classic 70s kind of rock and roll heavy metal stuff. We pretty much tried to stay true to that and deliver that once again, so we're hoping that we've done that, and we'll let the fans decide if we have."Dirty Pagans road tested most of the new album in the live arena, with Matty smiling at the memory."We got kind of like thrown in the deep end on that one because we were doing it for Glenn Hughes," he laughed. "So if it wasn't going to be liked, it was not going to be liked by people who love Deep Purple and Glenn Hughes' music. And they're probably old enough not to really hold back their opinion (laughs). I think we were alright. We didn't have any negative reviews."In the full interview, Matty spoke more about Forever High and what to expect, the importance to Dirty Pagans of staying true to their roots, the tour with Glenn Hughes and how the band approached it, new drummer Gareth Briggs and what he brings to the band, their upcoming hometown album launch show and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

17 Jun 10min

Interview by Kris PetersMuch has changed in the Sinsaenum camp since the release of Repulsion for Humanity in 2018, with the loss of drummer Joey Jordison central to the personal tragedy, which was compounded by the loss of guitarist and founding member Frédéric Leclercq's father as well.It has been a tumultuous period for the band, who rightfully took their time with their third album, but the results have seen the extreme metal supergroup of sorts produce what is arguably their finest body of work to date with In Devastation, which will be unleashed on August 8.Joining Leclercq on this latest chapter are returning members Attila Csihar (Mayhem), Sean Zatorsky (Dååth), Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast), and Heimoth (Seth). Stepping in behind the kit is Andre Joyzi, formerly Jordison’s drum tech and a trusted member of the band’s touring family - chosen not only for his skills, but for the emotional connection he brings to continuing Jordison’s legacy.HEAVY spoke with Leclercq earlier today to find out more about the new album and the personal nature of the music."We've been working on the album for quite a while," he began. "The previous one, Repulsion for Humanity, came out in 2018, and a lot happened in the meantime, so it's been a while, but we released a single a few weeks ago, and it's good to see that the reaction has been good. Throughout the years like it seems like people didn't forget about us, so it's good."We asked Leclercq to dive deeper into In Devastation musically."I think the first album was a lot closer to death metal, like paying tribute to the genre," he measured. "The second album was angry and incorporated more elements of Pantera; a bit more groove and whatnot, and for this one I started writing a good portion of the music in 2019 and there was no there was no agenda in the sense that I just wanted to write music without saying it has to be like this or be like that. There was no limitations. The base would be death metal, but then add whatever I wanted to. Because, why not?"In the full interview, Frédéric highlighted In Devastation's emotional depth and some new sonic elements, including clean vocals and instruments such as sitar and cello, while maintaining its death metal roots.We discussed the emotional feelings of playing such personal songs live and the impactful nature of the music, why the album title track was released as the first single, new drummer Andre Joyzi and what he brings to Sinsaenum, the importance of welcoming someone that has had past experience and connection with the band, with Joyzi having been Joey Jordison's personal drum tech, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

17 Jun 22min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than a decade, A Skylit Drive is set to return to Australian stages this November—and frontman Michael “Jag” Jagmin couldn’t be more excited. Speaking from the sweltering heat of Texas, Jagmin reflects on what he remembers from the band’s first trip Down Under and what fans can expect this time around.“It’s been so long, it almost feels like going back for the first time again,” Jagmin shares. While he admits the memories are a bit foggy, he recalls the tour as “gruelling but rewarding,” full of unforgettable shows, unique cities, and classic Aussie experiences like seeing kangaroos and cuddling koalas.Joining forces on tour with Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Jagmin looks forward to reconnecting with some familiar faces—and making new friends. While no on-stage collaborations are confirmed, fans can expect an energetic, wide-ranging set list that spans the band's entire catalogue. “Old fans, new fans—everyone’s going to hear something they love,” he promises.One song he still thinks deserves more attention? X Marks the Spot from Identity on Fire. “I thought it was going to be one of the biggest tracks on that album,” he says. Despite being overshadowed by hits like Too Little Too Late, it remains a personal favourite.When he’s not writing or performing, Jagmin finds joy in DIY home projects. “Ten years ago, I didn’t have a handy bone in my body,” he laughs. “Now I’m building things around the house and actually know what I’m doing.”He also opened up about vocal warmups and the evolution of his approach to singing. Once a stranger to technique, Jagmin now relies on modern tools like vocal nebulizers and straw exercises, crediting his vocal longevity to a deeper understanding of muscle control.As for new music? Jagmin confirms the band is working hard behind the scenes. “We’re putting a new face to the name,” he says.Whether it’s nostalgia, new material, or just a chance to see the post-hardcore icons back in action, A Skylit Drive’s return to Australia is one not to miss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

16 Jun 20min

Interview by Kris PetersFrom the fractured depths of Australia’s extreme metal underground emerges Hebephrenique, a sonic entity conjured to annihilate the boundaries between chaos and control. Rooted in a volatile blend of death metal and blackened dissonance, Hebephrenique deliver auditory psychosis with surgical precision and unrelenting ferocity.Formed to embody the fractured psyche of the modern world, Hebephrenique channels themes of mental decay, institutional horror, and existential collapse through relentless blastbeats, jagged riffs, and unhinged vocal torment. Unapologetically raw yet technically calculated, Hebephrenique are not here to entertain—they're here to rupture minds. In 2023, they inflicted their debut EP Non Compos Mentis upon the masses, and with a debut album due in 2025, prepare for the sonic depravity.With Hebephrenique one of 30 bands at Necrosonic Festival 2025 playing over three stages at the Mansfield Tavern on August 23 - joining Portal, Bolzer, Abramelin, Beanflepper, Frankenbok, Alarum, Massic, DaysEnd and more - HEAVY caught up with frontman Chris to find out more."We're really, really excited," he beamed when we asked how the band are feeling about Necrosonic 2025. "We actually got asked to play last year, and unfortunately, just with scheduling, we couldn't make it happen, and luckily we got to do it this year. We're actually bringing in our debut album this time around with us, so we get to play some live songs that have never been played before, which is really exciting."In the full interview, Chris expressed excitement about the festival's strong line up and reflected on the previous year's success while emphasizing the importance of showcasing Australian talent. He acknowledged the efforts of Kent, the festival organizer, in coordinating the event with 30 bands. He also discussed Hebephrenique's musical style, which combines early Black Death Metal with themes of mental health, and highlighted the differences between their new album, set for release on August 23, and their 2023 EP Non Compos Mentis.We spoke about the band's brutal live shows and what to expect and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Jun 7min

Interview by Kris PetersTweed Heads rock outfit The Whiskeys are a time bomb waiting to go off.After a number of years honing their skills, mainly by playing a bunch of live shows, the double-edged sword of Benny Whiskey (guitar, vocals)and Josh Larkin (drums) are now in the final stages of getting ready to unleash their debut EP Old Soul Young Blood on the world.The EP cycle began in February 2024 when The Whiskeys premiered their very first single, Hoedown, through HEAVY, and after a highly promising start, it seemed as though the Metal Gods had claimed yet another victim when more than 12 months passed without a follow-up single.But there was much more happening behind the scenes than the band's lack of releasing more music implied.Instead of rushing things out and hoping for interest, The Whiskeys elected to play the long game, plugging away on the live circuit and fine-tuning their songs so that when they finally come out on June 20, they are given the best possible chance of invading the earholes of as many people as possible.After being privy to an advance listen, HEAVY can assure you the wait has been more than worth it, with Lankin joining us earlier this week for a chat about the past, present and future of The Whiskeys."We recorded this close to two years ago," he admitted, "and we've been sitting on it. We released one track already - Hoedown - which we're really happy with. We've got good feedback from that, and we're just ready to do the EP now. As life gets in the way and things happen and time just goes pretty fast, so we were like, we better drop this thing (laughs). We just made a decision, and the time is now, next Friday."We asked Larkin to dive into the musical nature of the EP."We wanted to pay homage to some old school vibe," he smiled. "Like a bit of old soul, young blood, which is the name of the EP. We wanted to hark back to the 70s and the 60s, Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and just all the vibe that just gives modern rock its soul. We just tried to dig deep into that and bring all our influences, which comes from the modern punk rock and hardcore era. Then we just threw it in a pot and served it up (laughs)."In the full interview, Josh shared insights into the creative process of The Whiskeys music, noting the blend of musical influences and the challenges of balancing genres while maintaining their unique sound.We reviewed the EP's tracks one at a time, highlighting the energetic Hoedown, the blues-influenced Places, and the catchy Break Away, with Josh affirming their goal of creating an engaging atmosphere. We discussed the intro and outro pieces and their intended effect, as well as upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

13 Jun 15min