The Art Of Hard Rock Drumming With MONI LASHES
As with any musical experience, drumming can be either the most frustrating thing on the planet or one of the most beautiful things on Earth. It is, by very definition, the loudest part of any band, but there is far more to mastering the craft than simply being able to smash things. It takes a special kind of person to be a drummer, but still, it is nigh on impossible to outwardly say what qualities a person needs to master the craft.Which is just one of the reasons that the newly released book from The Babes' drummer Moni Lashes, THE ART OF HARD ROCK DRUMMING - A COMPREHENSIVE TOOLKIT FOR THE MODERN HARD ROCK DRUMMER, is not only a brilliant idea, but also one which may just clear some of the mystery surrounding the person who sits at the rear of the band and makes all the noise.By stripping the craft back before slowly reassembling it with an easy-to-digest handbook, Lashes has poured every ounce of her 30 years of experience into the publication, aiming to provide a complete and rounded insight into both the teachings and the pleasures of drumming. It is a book written through blood, sweat and tears, from the good times through the bad, and, most importantly, from the perspective of someone who has fought in the trenches and loves her art just as much as her passion.Featuring tutorials, play-throughs, video demonstrations and more, The Art Of Hard Rock Drumming provides an invaluable insight into the mechanics of drumming, providing tips and exercises to help everyone from beginners to seasoned veterans to help gain more understanding of what it takes to be the best and stay at the top of your game, all the while enjoying every moment of the journey.To take us deeper into the book and explain the methodology behind the words, HEAVY sat down for an engaging chat with drumming legend and author of the book, Moni Lashes."It's been really positive, and I'm very fortunate to have such support," Lashes enthused when we asked how the early reception has been. "I've had some great testimonials from drummers that I actually look up to myself, so it gives me the boost and the confidence to just keep pushing with this. I basically wrote this book as a drum educator, because when I'm not on tour with a band, I teach drums. And I grew up learning from drum books and picking and choosing things I liked. And for the authors of those books to actually give me testimonials has blown my mind."With a plethora of influences surrounding her on a daily basis, Lashes admits finding subject matter was only as difficult as she allowed it to be."The book is a combination of what I learned, my learnings and style from my teachers as well as what I find is beneficial for my students," she offered. "And a couple of my students have actually gone on to get scholarships at the conservatorium and international music colleges, so I think I've got some success stories from my method of teaching. I really believe that we need to have more kids playing instruments. I don't think we need to be so rigid and make it as boring as maybe history did. You've got to give and take and make it fun and still get the fundamentals down, which is what I hope my book does."In the full interview, Lashes emphasized the importance of structured practice, innovative teaching methods that are essential when learning to be a drummer. She outlined some of the teaching methods she has applied to the book, including the use of QR codes for video demonstrations and the role of silence over volume in enhancing performances.She highlighted certain sections of the book, running through four essential elements of learning that she has focused on. Moni explained her teaching methods and how they have been shaped through experience, offering tips and advice for beginners through to professionals, detailing how different stages or chapters of the book can be used for maximum effect.The levels of commitment required to master the drums was also discussed, with Lashes giving some valuable insights into different methods and processes which have guided her through her own personal journey. She covered more ground in select chapters, explaining the whys and hows of her teachings, and used her own experiences to relate to different levels of the learning process.Her band, The Babes, was discussed along with upcoming new music from the band, her love of performing and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
18 Dec 21min
MORTAL SIN Are Back: 40 Years, Vinyl Secrets, And A Tour Bus With No Brakes
Interview by Ali WilliamsStrap yourselves in, metalheads, because the legends in Mortal Sin are roaring back onto the scene, and they’re not tiptoeing in—they’re drop-kicking the door open and headbanging straight through it. HEAVY Mag’s Ali Williams caught up with frontman Mat Maurer for a chat. It’s been a minute (okay, a decade or so) since Mortal Sin hit the highways, but when Mat ran into Andy and Nathan at a Baby Animals gig, talk of the band’s 40th anniversary snowballed into what’s become the biggest tour in their history. They’re talking nine shows up and down the East Coast, Froth and Fury Festival in Adelaide, a Perth date, and even more to come with Part 2 hitting North Queensland, Tasmania, and (possibly) New Zealand. Hell, there might even be a Broken Hill pitstop, just to prove they’re covering every inch of Oz. And no, it’s not just the “old die-hards” crawling out of their man-caves—Mat reckons even the grandkids are getting in on the action. “All the grandkids,” he laughs. “That’s the cycle of heavy metal for you.” If you thought a mega-tour was enough, think again. Mortal Sin are celebrating with a special 40th anniversary vinyl reissue of their 1986 classic Mayhemic Destruction. But in true Mortal Sin style, there’s a twist: the cover art is so secret, only the band has seen it. “We’re even going to release it in a brown paper bag,” Mat teases. “You won’t see it till you crack it open—and trust me, you’re gonna lose your mind when you do.” Vinyl nerds, start queuing now—Mat’s even promising a splatter-wax collector’s edition.The guys are taking the mayhem global, with Germany’s Keep It True Festival on the cards, a month of shows across Europe in August, and the calendar jammed so tight they’re turning down offers from South America just to catch their breath. Locally, they’ll be headlining Shredfest in Brisbane on May 2 at The Mansfield Tavern, with more Gold Coast and regional shows in the pipeline. If you’re not planning on seeing Mortal Sin live in 2026, are you even trying? When HEAVY asked Mat for some of his most memorable highlights from decades of carnage, he rattles off support slots for Metallica’s ...And Justice For All tour and opening the main stage at Wacken in front of 60,000 maniacs. Not bad for a band that’s survived line up changes, pandemic boredom, and the rising cost of vinyl pressing (seriously, it’s not cheap). And just so you know, Mat collects PEZ dispensers—1,500 of the little suckers—Ali confesses she’s been hunting for the elusive Elvis model, and Mat says he’s still yet to find one himself. Metal never dies, and apparently, neither does novelty candy. There’s a lot of love in the air—between the band, their fans, and the sheer thrill of playing live again. There’s are weird magic that happens when artists and fans meet face-to-face, sober (usually), and sweating it out at the front of the stage. “Playing is always a highlight,” Mat says. “You can’t do that from your lounge chair.” Mortal Sin are back, bigger and rowdier than ever, serving up nostalgia with a side of fresh chaos. Don’t sleep on this—unless you’re too old to mosh, in which case, bring the grandkids and let them jump in the pit for you. Make sure you save the dates and find a local show for their 40th anniversary. Grab your tickets at www.churchesofsteel.com or hit up their Facebook page. See you on the road!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
17 Dec 13min
Making A Sonic Statement With ELIAS SORIANO From NONPOINT - If It Ain't Broke...
The turn of the century was a significant period for the nu metal scene, with the genre building off the back of a string of breakout bands from the mid to late 90s onwards that saw the rap/metal hybrid style of music surge in popularity. Bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, System Of A Down and Linkin Park dominated headlines, but there was also an ever-growing list that included Sevendust, P.O.D, Drowning Pool and more that played just as big a role in the development of the genre.Two of those bands were hed (pe) and Nonpoint, both of whom released memorable albums in the height of nu metal's expansion. For hed (pe) it was their second album, Broke, and for Nonpoint it was their debut, Statement. Both albums elevated the respective bands' career trajectories, and that success led to numerous tours involving hed (pe) and Nonpoint that forged an unbreakable bond between the two bands that continues to this day.Both of those albums turned 25 this year, with both remaining as poignant and relevant today as they did upon release. So much so that both bands are uniting once more for a road trip from Hell, with Australia firmly in their sights early next year. Known for their legendary live performances and explosive tracks such as Bullet with a Name, What a Day, Ruthless, and more, Nonpoint has consistently captivated audiences with infectious riffs, compelling lyrics, and an uncompromising raw energy. Their discography and stagecraft have made them staples at rock radio and fixtures on festival line ups, earning them a dedicated international following.And now they have one more reason to celebrate, one more reason to tear up the stage, and one more reason to deliver Australian audiences a full-blown sonic assault rarely seen or heard on these shores.With anticipation for the February tour intensifying by the day, HEAVY accepted the offer to spend some time with Nonpoint frontman Elias Soriano to delve into the history of Nonpoint and what we can expect from their impending visit. One of the topics of discussion was the pairing of hed (pe) and Nonpoint on the same line-up and the sense of impending doom that has developed because of it."Yeah, those guys put on a great show," he smiled. "We're glad to team up with them again. The last run was really, really fun, so we're definitely going to be enjoying some good times on this one."The two bands have been touring and playing together since the turn of the century, and we asked Elias what his memories were of those early days and if the mentality of the earlier nu metal bands was more of an us-against-them feeling."At that time, everything was really moving in a big way," he recalled. "There were a lot of bands touring at that time. The big festivals and the touring festivals were really popular, especially with OzFest and Warped Tour and festivals like that. So being a part of that and being a part of the meld of hip-hop and rock that was happening at our time, that was an interesting culture that a different type of fan gravitated towards. So it's good to tour with bands like that, that share those types of fans and share that type of show."In the full interview, Elias talks more about the upcoming tour and what to expect, Nonpoint's first visit to Australia as part of Soundwave in 2010, the early days of nu metal and what it was like playing what was essentially a new cross-pollination of music to a non-existent fan base.He recalled his first reactions to hed (pe)'s album Broke and outlined similarities between that record and Nonpoint's release in the same year, Statement. Talk diverted to the early days of Nonpoint and the musical climate that gave birth to the band, the birth and sustainability of nu metal, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
17 Dec 11min
Earning Your Right Of Passage: Touring Australia And Beyond With NERGAL From BEHEMOTH
For 35 years, Poland's unholy giants Behemoth have flown the flag for blackened death metal not only in their home country, but in all corners of the world. Along with Vader and Hate, Behemoth have played an important role in establishing the Polish extreme metal underground with an uncompromisingly brutal attitude that burns brighter with each passing year.Fresh from releasing their most recent album – The Shit Ov God - in May this year on Nuclear Blast, Behemoth have set their sights on Australia in February 2026 to perform tracks from their storied discography alongside new material. Straddling the line between the sacred and profane, Behemoth has risen to become extreme metal’s most revered and provocative band, steeped in anti-authoritarian fire. Renowned for their elaborate live performances, the band continues to push boundaries with their fearless artistry and vision, and have vowed to bring their menacing glory to Australian fans on the upcoming tour.To celebrate the momentous occasion, HEAVY recently sat down with guitarist/vocalist Nergal to journey through the sordid world of Behemoth. We ask if his excitement levels remain as high despite touring most countries multiple times."Yes," he smiled warmly. "I don't want to sound arrogant here, because the fact is that from the first tour that we did in Australia to the next one, it just grew by a few per cent. But every time it was bigger and bigger crowds. We even did some like big festival appearances, so we played in front of really big crowds there as well. Mostly, it's club tours, but still, I don't want to be like, oh, Behemoth is coming back, everyone is just fucking bowing. No, no, you always have to earn that. You have to work hard. We have a new record called The Shit Ov God, and I don't know how it's going over there in Australia. So it's always a test.It's always a question of how many people would like to go and check it out again if they've seen us before? And I hope they will. And how many of the newcomers are going to show up? So it's always a question mark, you know. I don't want to sound too full of myself, like it's a royal return of Behemoth. No, no. We do work hard; we do care about it, and we would love to have the biggest run yet in Australia."In the full interview, Nergal discussed Behemoth's upcoming tour in Australia in greater detail, highlighting the band's strong connections and positive experiences in the country. Nergal expressed enthusiasm for returning to Australia, noting the growth of their audience and the importance of continually earning their place in the music scene. He shared personal reflections on his career, emphasizing the gradual success of Behemoth over 34 years and the evolution of their live performances into elaborate spectacles.He also mentioned the financial challenges of live show production, drawing inspiration from other bands like Rammstein while remaining committed to enhancing their stage presence. The conversation further explored Nergal's creative process, which he described as organic and akin to piecing together a puzzle. He emphasized the need to capture fleeting ideas through notes to avoid losing creative opportunities and the challenges that come with longevity in the music scene. Nergal also discussed Behemoth's latest album, The Shit Ov God, acknowledging its potential for mixed reactions while highlighting its philosophical significance. He talked about the themes of the album and the title, expressing his thoughts going into an album cycle and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
16 Dec 29min
THE BLOODY BEETROOTS Return: BOB RIFO Fills In The Blanks
Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than two decades of pushing boundaries, Bob Rifo or Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo from The Bloody Beetroots, remains committed to honesty, discipline and human connection. Speaking about his recently dropped EP Forever Part One, Bob explains that the project is a direct reflection of his life, shaped by a long creative journey that began after COVID and led to splitting the release into two parts.Looking back on 20-plus years in the industry, Bob says the time has flown, but credits discipline as the key to longevity, both creatively and personally. He reflects on early burnout, learning the hard way that sustainability requires balance and self-awareness.Bob also discusses his iconic mask, which allows him to protect his privacy while keeping the focus on the music.As he enters what he calls the most 'open era' of The Bloody Beetroots, Bob is finally able to articulate the ideas and emotions behind his work, rejecting conformity and embracing authenticity.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
16 Dec 21min
Backstage Chats With BAD NERVES At GOOD THINGS 2025
HEAVY was lucky to again be invited backstage at Good Things 2025 to chat with the bands about their shows and other fun stuff. Today, Geoffro and Angela get up close and personal with Bad Nerves.Big thanks to Destroy All Lines and the team at Dallas Does PR for allowing us to share the day with them.Big thanks also to the team - Kyra, Geoffro and Angela as well as our new video team, Grey & Brook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
16 Dec 13min
Backstage Chats With PALAYE ROYALE At GOOD THINGS 2025
HEAVY was lucky to again be invited backstage at Good Things 2025 to chat with the bands about their shows and other fun stuff. Today, Angela catches up with Palaye Royale.Big thanks to Destroy All Lines and the team at Dallas Does PR for allowing us to share the day with them. Big thanks also to the team - Kyra, Geoffro and Angela as well as our new video team, Grey & Brook. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
14 Dec 14min
Backstage Chats With SCENE QUEEN At GOOD THINGS 2025
HEAVY was lucky to again be invited backstage at Good Things 2025 to chat with the bands about their shows and other fun stuff. Today, Angela tackles Scene Queen to get the low down.Big thanks to Destroy All Lines and the team at Dallas Does PR for allowing us to share the day with them. Big thanks also to the team - Kyra, Geoffro and Angela as well as our new video team, Grey & Brook.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
14 Dec 6min
