HEAVY Music Interviews

Interview by Kris PetersIn some quarters better known as the former clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Attack Attack!, Bilmuri (Johnny Franck) has been busily rebranding himself since starting the project in 2016. Over the course of 14 albums in that eight-year period, Bilmuri has developed his own unique and effective sound, blending country, metalcore, pop punk, indie, and electronic influences into one.His latest album AMERICAN MOTOR SPORTS dropped in 2024, and the resulting success of that release has seen him traverse the globe, before finally visiting Australia for the first time this month.With only one show left on the Australian Motor Tour - at The Roundhouse in Sydney (upgraded from The Metro) - Bilmuri found time to chat with HEAVY about the tour so far and what he thinks of our country."We put the tour up on sale, and I was like, I don't know if anyone's going to come out to this," he laughed, "and it sold out in one day! So it's honestly been wildly beyond my expectations, and the shows have been incredible. I just love the country as well, so it's just been great, man. Definitely one for the history books, at least for me."We ask about him starting Bilmuri in 2016 and why he decided to start his own project from scratch rather than join an existing band."Because I'm a selfish, egotistic, narcissist," he laughed. "But no, to be honest with you, I like having control over everything. So that was a big thing. I felt like a lot of times I would always be fighting someone to have something, where it was like I think this idea is good, and I don't want to have to fight a bunch of people to do it. I just want to do it. So I think that was like a lot of the beginning of Bilmuri is just kind of making exactly what I want to do, how I want to do it."In the full interview, we discussed the success of Bilmuri's Australian tour, which featured sold-out shows and enthusiastic audiences, particularly in Melbourne. Bilmuri expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the welcome he has been given. He elaborated on his motivations for creating Bilmuri, emphasizing his desire for artistic control and emotional expression, while acknowledging the challenges of blending various musical genres authentically.He also revealed his creative process, driven by a response to wanting to keep on the move, and mentioned upcoming plans for new music and participation in major festivals such as Lollapalooza and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Jun 7min

Interview by Kris PetersWhen it comes to good old-fashioned hard rock music, there are not too many bands on the global scene that can compare with UK rockers Inglorious. Despite a rotating roster of bandmates, founding member and vocalist Nathan James has resolutely pushed forward, releasing a high-quality collection of albums leading up to 2022 when he announced the band was going on hiatus.After seven years of non-stop touring with bands such as The Winery Dogs, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies, Last In Line, as well as their own international tours and festival appearances, recording four original albums, a live album and a covers album, everyone felt it was the right time to take a break. The announcement came as a surprise to fans, who deep down knew Inglorious would return, and more than likely be stronger than ever.Those dreams were realized earlier this year with the release of a new single, Testify, and announcement of a new album - V - set for release June 6. Using his time to reflect on the band and their musical journey, James has returned with original Inglorious bass player and main co-writer Colin Parkinson, who co-wrote and released the first three albums: Inglorious, II and Ride To Nowhere.Joining them is renowned guitarist Richard Shaw, best known for his work with English extreme metal band Cradle Of Filth, and drummer Henry Rogers, two powerful additions to the band to complement the original engine room. The result is more than a continuation of Inglorious. It is a statement of intent and an emphatic tale of triumph over adversity and the magic that can create.HEAVY sat down with James to talk about Inglorious 2025. We asked about the return of Parkinson and how it impacted V."I think anyone that knows us will know when they hear this album that he is back by the sound of his bass, but also the songwriting," James replied. "He's so crucial to the early songwriting in this band, and he's done such a great job. He also produced this record as well."To HEAVY's ears, V is tougher and harder edged than anything Inglorious have ever released before, but we ask James just what he was going for musically."We wanted to do something a bit heavier," he agreed. "I think it's good to constantly be pushing yourselves, and also just the subject matter that we had to write about now in a kind of post-COVID world, it's just heavier, everything's a bit heavier. So it made total sense to write riffs and stuff that were more in that vein, and also bringing someone in like Richard on the guitar, it made sense to have a heavy guitar player play this stuff. And I think that's why it sounds a bit different, maybe, to previous albums."In the full interview, the discussion centred on the development and themes of Inglorious's fifth album V, with Nathan detailing the band's return after a hiatus influenced by the post-COVID landscape. He introduced new members Richard Shaw and Henry Rogers, emphasizing their contributions to the band's heavier sound and classic rock influences.Nathan highlighted the significance of impactful songwriting and the unique vocal styles present in the new album, particularly in the song Believe, which he described as a ballad with emotional depth. He also shared insights into the development of vocal melodies and the personal significance of tracks like Silent and Power of Truth.We also went through V track by track and discussed the meaning behind the songs and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 28min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney metal outfit Battlesnake have become a mainstay on the Australian music scene.Since bursting out of the blocks with their EP Myths and Legends from Gorbag's Domain in 2020, many have wondered if Battlesnake were just a flash in the pan or a one-trick gimmick, but time and time again the band have proven any and all doubters wrong. Their energetic and fun live show has become the stuff of legends already, with the band's uncompromising approach to their music and their seemingly carefree off-stage persona combining to provide a band and brand of music unlike any seen or heard before in this country.By harking back 20 years, Battlesnake have also brought their brand of music into the modern age, crunching riffs that would make Black Sabbath take notice while providing enough in the way of modernisation to keep the impossible to p[please youth of today engaged.This Friday, June 6, Battlesnake continue their path to world domination with the release of their third album, The Dawn of the Exaltants and the Hunt for the Shepherd, which actually acts as a prequel to their previous offering The Rise and Demise of the Motorsteeple.With the band counting down the days before boarding a flight to the UK for nearly three months worth of shows, HEAVY caught up with vocalist Sam Frank and keytarist Elliott Hitchcock to shoot the breeze."No, I'm never nervous, but this will be the first time that we've played all of these new songs live," Hitchcock answered when we asked how they are feeling about the album release. "Actually, the first time that we will be playing these songs live is on stage supporting Eagles of Death Metal."In the full interview, Sam and Elliott expressed excitement about performing new songs live for the first time. The band shared that their songwriting was influenced by 90s video game music and clarified that the album's narrative, a prequel to their previous work, developed organically. We discussed the musicality of Battlesnake's craft and how this new album represents another chapter in the band's ongoing saga.They highlighted the challenges of maintaining a consistent release schedule as their artistic scope expands. Preparations for the tour were discussed, including rehearsals and the significance of performing at major festivals, which are seen as bucket list items for many metal bands and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 19min

Interview by Kris PetersFusing death metal's raw brutality with melodic depth not generally associated with the genre, Bay Area metal outfit Ominous Ruin blend technicality and brutality with catchy, melodic hooks; think mind-melting riffs, groovy drums, mesmerising bass, and chaotic, unique vocals, and you are on the right path.After parting ways with original vocalist Adam Rosado following their debut album Amidst Voices That Echo In Stone, Ominous Ruin drafted newcomer Crystal Rose into the family and set about refining their sound even more with their dynamic new focal point.The result is out in the world now for people to enjoy, with Requiem unleashed on May 9 and offering a fresh take on an age-old genre of music. Requiem marks a shift from the band's early straightforward aggression, weaving in melodic and atmospheric chaos influenced by Necrophagist, Behemoth, and more. Now crafting their next release, the band hints at symphonic twists atop their signature heaviness and with Crystal Rose now leading the charge, Ominous Ruin are a band pushing extreme music’s limits.HEAVY caught up with guitarist Alex Bacey earlier today to find out more."I think one of the things that I tried to avoid was the 'you sound like another hundred other bands' comment," he replied when we asked what Ominous Ruin were going for musically on Requiem. "And a lot of people so far have said that it sounds unique; it sounds different. It's got a plethora of genres mixed into one, and obviously, at its core, it's a technical death metal album. At the time, a lot of the songs were actually written, we had a lot of chaos going on between all of us individually and as a band. We had a vocalist change in between our last album and this album, so now we have Crystal, who it's her first project; first album she's ever recorded. And I think she did a great job, which plays into trying to sound unique."In the full interview, Alex detailed the band's creative process and the emotional depth of their music. He explained how the singles Seeds of Entropy and Staring into the Abysm represent different facets of the album, with the former linking to their previous work and the latter evolving from an instrumental piece to include lyrics.He emphasized the importance of musical variety for engaging live performances and the transition from a male to a female vocalist, and the challenges that presented. Alex mentioned plans for upcoming shows, aiming for performances by September or October, and encouraged fans to connect via social media platforms like Instagram, while expressing gratitude for their support and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 13min

Interview by Kris PetersAussie rockers The Wrath recently released their third studio album, Into The Arms Of Oblivion, in the process affirming their position as one of this country's finest musical offerings.With over twenty years spent honing their craft, The Wrath have a self-imposed motto of tapping into differing sides of their musical psyche with each release, combining a plethora of musical riches together to dish out a sonic palate that traverses the spectrums of rock, punk, metal, industrial and gothic metal.The Wrath are not a band who are designed to be packaged neatly into one genre-specific box, nor are they a band that throws everything against the wall and hope something sticks. They are a band who love playing and creating music, with a strike rate of three albums in 22 years showcasing the band's insistence on getting things right.HEAVY spoke with frontman Tommy Creeper to find out more."With all the previous albums, if you have listened to all our stuff, they're all very different," he measured. "So when I want to write a new album, I really put effort into doing something different. For this one, we wanted to keep it simple and challenge ourselves to write it around melody; write it around being catchy and keeping it simple.""Simple is probably not the right word," Creeper corrected himself. "It's still pretty hard to write something that's, maybe technically, not so crazy, but still have all the parts and still have it sound like us. So that's where we leaned into in this one. The backup, the melodies and keeping it catchy and simple. That was the aim."In the full interview, Tommy emphasized that the singles released showcase only a portion of the album's variety and mentioned their unique performance experiences, such as a Halloween residency at Movie World, which allowed for creative freedom. He elaborated on the band's evolution, noting a shift from an emphasis on riffs to a focus on songwriting and melody, reflecting their growth as musicians and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Jun 19min

Interview by Kris PetersAfter playing together in high school, guitarist Luke Bentham and drummer Kyle Fisher decided to take on the world by forming The Dirty Nil in 2006. The following year, they won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year, kickstarting a career that would see the Canadian band rise to prominence over four albums and setting the band on a collision course with destiny.That meeting of superpowers seems set to transpire with the release of The Dirty Nil's fifth studio album, The Lash, on July 25. Recorded in just over two weeks, The Lash sees The Dirty Nil tap into an urgency of evolution that has been simmering quietly below the surface but has finally set itself free.Thematically, The Lash trades the band's usual romantic optimism for a cathartic scream, tackling everything from music industry burnout to heartbreak in a body of work that has been described as Luke's therapy record by Fisher. Stripping back the glitz and glam, The Dirty Nil go full-throttle on what matters most: no frills, just ferocity and good times in abundance.Bentham recently sat down with HEAVY to tell us more."We are gearing up to release our fifth studio album, The Lash, which unequivocally, in my opinion, is our best album," he began. "And I really do mean that sincerely. I know you probably get a lot of people on here saying that through perhaps gritted teeth, but this one, we do feel very strongly about it, and so we're extremely proud to present it to the world."We mention the more stripped back, raw sound promised on the album."The recording process was much faster and more stripped back than what we've pretty much ever done before," Bentham nodded. "We did it in two weeks with our friend down the street. Traditionally, we've worked with a producer from Seattle, who's an incredible producer with a huge resume of incredible albums, but this time we just did it with our friend down the street. So it was a very different process that way. During the album cycle for the last album, there wasn't a huge break or anything, and I think (with this one) we were just really feeling confident as a band, and the material came together very naturally and easily. I think that's part of the reason why I have such positive feelings about it, is because it wasn't a struggle."In the full interview, Luke highlighted the emotional depth of the album, expressing a connection to the darker aspects of human experience through music, and noted the introduction of strings as a new element in their sound. He shared an anecdote about a visit to the Vatican that inspired his songwriting, particularly a bronze relief that influenced the album's themes, although their attempt to use the artwork for the cover was halted by a cease and desist from the Vatican. He also reflected on the band's growth since their debut, emphasizing their increased musical competence and willingness to experiment, while remaining optimistic about future creative endeavours and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Jun 17min

Interview by Kris PetersEven after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of their genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry.With sonic landscapes that evoke dystopia, inner demons, purity, and beauty alike, the band's upcoming album Nightmares as Extensions Of The Waking State - out June 6 - stands as a testament to their enduring brilliance. It is another slab of melodic heaviness from the Swedish metal outfit, a journey into sonic bleakness that still manages to offer light and hope amid the chaos.HEAVY had a chat with bass player Niklas Sandin to find out more.Besides general album questions, we also ask Sandin if, after five albums now with Katatonia, he is starting to feel more comfortable with his role in the band."I think I'm that kind of person that, of course, I'm comfortable with the people in the band and everything and finding my place," he measured. "But as a musician, I don't think I will ever be totally comfortable. I think there's always something new to learn, and I'm always hard on myself, you know, keeping a high standard - hopefully a high standard (laughs). And so I'm always feeling that I want to push myself to be even better on the new album or make things more professional or improve on my live presence and stuff. I like to keep myself on my toes and not be too comfortable or put myself in the armchair and not evolve. That would be very, very boring and not good or fair for anyone. It's been over 15 years since I did the first live gig with Katatonia, so it would have been awkward if I didn't feel somewhat comfortable being in the band (laughs). It would have been 15 very long years."In the full interview, Niklas dove deeper into Nightmares as Extensions Of The Waking State musically, discussing the singles and how they reflect the overall dynamics of the album. We talked about how the album represents Katatonia moving forward, the awesome cover and what it depicts, the album title, and its significance, bringing in two new guitarists for the album cycle, the overall theme of the album and if it's a body of hope or despair and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Jun 17min

Interview by Kris PetersFormed in early 2007 by high school friends Alex Hofmann, Scott Carstairs, Tommy Logan, Dan Wissinger, and Suliman Arghandiwal, US technical death metal outfit Fallujah is a vastly different beast in 2025. Guitarist Scott Carstairs is the only original member remaining, but over the years, he has quietly continued his search for the ultimate line-up, which may well have finally arrived for Fallujah's upcoming sixth album, Xenotaph.A sci-fi conceptual offering influenced by Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune novel, as well as other Dune stories and theatricals, Xenotaph also welcomes new members guitarist Sam Mooradian (INHALE EXISTENCE, SAM MOORADIAN) and drummer Kevin Alexander (DISEMBODIED TYRANT, BROUGHT BY PAIN) who join Carstairs and vocalist Kyle Schaefer on a sonic journey into oblivion as only Fallujah can navigate.HEAVY spoke with Mooradian earlier this week to dive deeper into Xenotaph."It's super dense with riffs and hooks and melodies and guitar solos," he offered when asked about the album. "We couldn't be prouder of it, and I cannot wait for everybody to hear it."We ask him to describe Xenotaph musically and what the band was going for this time around."We wanted to pay homage to all these albums that have eight songs on them, like these eight-track death metal records that we all love so much in the band," he explained. "So one record that comes to mind right off the bat is Epitaph from Necrophagist - and Akeldama from The Faceless is another. Man, those records just have a certain kind of vibe to them. They're fast, and there's no time to breathe. They come in, and they say what they need to say, and then they're out of there. I think we wanted to do our version of that, and we definitely wanted eight songs on this record, so that's what we did. And we also wanted it to feel dense like those other records that we loved. So there's a lot of riffs and a lot of twists and changes. It's just a very dense and diverse record that we're very happy with. We really enjoy that kind of music and stuff that keeps you interested and really honed in."In the full interview, Sam discusses the singles released so far and how they represent the album, the slightly new direction and how he thinks fans will respond, the creative process for himself and Kevin as the new members and how easy the transition was for them, having a number of writers in the band and the process of utilizing them all effectively, the science fiction concept and what it centres around, playing the songs live and slotting them into a set list and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Jun 18min