The Complete Package With DAN McDOUGALL From VOLUME DEALER

Fresh off a relentless touring schedule across the United States and Europe, HED PE are ready to conquer Australia once again and, for the first time since 2018, New Zealand.HED P.E. has been a cornerstone in the rock and metal scene, captivating audiences with their unique blend of rock, punk, rasta, gangsta rap, and soul. Many bands three decades into their career would be happy to tread the boards and play for the nostalgia, but not HED P.E. Their most recent and incredibly fifteenth album, Detox, was released in December 2023 and shows a band with no time to sit on their hands and muse about the past. Detox is a crushing return to the G-Punk sound that the band's fans know and adore.HEAVY sat down with frontman Jahred Gomes on the eve of the tour.Jahred described HED P.E's live performances as a journey that incorporates various musical styles, including hardcore, punk, reggae, and hip-hop, and reflected on the positive reception of the album and their recent UK tour. He emphasized the importance of creating new music and touring, despite industry challenges, and acknowledged the band's ability to connect with diverse audiences. He confirmed that a secret record is in the works, which will be announced soon, plus reminisced about the early days of HED P.E. and how they have changed as a band over the course of their career and plenty more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Jan 202515min

Interview by Nev Pearce (Everblack Podcast)Mayhem’s 40th Anniversary show promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans, offering a powerful setlist that spans their groundbreaking career - from the raw intensity of their debut album Deathcrush to their latest sonic explorations. This concert will honor the band’s four-decade legacy of musical innovation, boundary-pushing performances, and unrelenting influence on the black metal genre.Fans in Australia will have the exclusive chance to witness this historic celebration, featuring a dynamic live performance that looks back on Mayhem’s journey as pioneers of extreme music. Expect a unique blend of rare footage, iconic photos, and a career-spanning set that underscores the band’s enduring impact on metal and music as a whole.The Everblack Podcast caught up with Necrobutcher from MAYHEM to talk about their return down under for their 40th anniversary tour, reconnecting with previous members Manheim and Messiah, new music on the way and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

4 Jan 202524min

Brisbane metal legends Dreamkillers could be forgiven for resting on past accomplishments and spending the remainder of their career playing songs that are known and loved by many without placing themselves at the mercy of the metal Gods by continuing to write and release new music.Since bursting onto the Brisbane music scene in the early 1990s and revolutionising Australian metal with their debut EP Poison In The Soup, Dreamkillers have been a mainstay on the circuit, evolving at their own pace without pause for expectation and/or conformity. Their refusal to bow down to authority and succumb to the whims and desires of industry heavyweights has seen Dreamkillers court controversy and embrace it, standing by their morals and music in a world that has become increasingly sanitised and confronting.Where most bands into the fourth ten year stretch of their musical journey are content to go through the motions, Dreamkillers are only strengthening their resolve.Churning out seven new songs over the past year - all of which will remain as stand alone singles for now - the band shows no sign of slowing down, recently inking a deal with Australian label XMusic and assembling a new batch of songs that promise to continue the bands enduring legacy.They are, quite simply, a musical enigma. An immovable sonic blast of intent and uncompromising honesty that has all but died out in modern times.HEAVY was fortunate enough to speak with the whole band over the last couple of days, running over the swag of tunes released over the last 12 months and how they reflect Dreamkillers moving forward."Unreal, it's pumping," the band answered when we ask how they feel entering the new year. "It's going good," guitarist Damo added. "More shenanigans, more music, more shows and more debauchery if we can have our way with it (laughs).""We just had a conversation," added vocalist Les Jobson. "We've got so many tracks we don't know whether to do a double album or two single albums. We just got busy. We thought we won't pay gigs, we'll write songs this year and that's what we did. Next year we're taking it to the streets."In the full interview we discuss Dreamkillers upcoming show at HEAVY Resolutions on New Years Eve, run through each of the tracks released this year and what they are about, chat about what to expect from the upcoming album and which sonic direction it is leaning towards, go deeper into the songwriting process that breathes life and meaning into the band's music, signing with XMusic and what it means to the band, our regular Photo Bomb segment and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Dec 202428min

Texan metalcore outfit Memphis May Fire decimated Australian fans almost a decade ago when they toured through the country as special guests to Parkway Drive in 2015. Known for their unassailable live shows, MMF have an uncanny ability to connect with their audience on an otherworldly plane, turning band and audience into one living, breathing, circle pit dancing organism that refuses to yield.The band return in July 2025 as co-headliners with Atreyu, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Curse with a series of never to be repeated shows that will see them play the songs from the album as well as other fan favourites. Individually, each band is an ominous live machine, but together they promise to deliver night after night of sonic carnage to remind us what we have been missing out on.HEAVY caught up with frontman Matty Mullins to find out what to expect."The excitement definitely sinks in nice and early," he smiled when asked if he had cast an eye towards the Australian tour with some six months before it kicks off. "The reality of it all will hit a little closer to that timeframe."We mention the double punch of Atreyu and Memphis May Fire on the same bill, with Matty admitting the union is pretty special to not just the fans, but the bands as well."We've done a co-headliner tour here in the States as well, so bringing that to Australia seems like the right fit," he noted.In the full interview, Matty highlighted plans to perform a mix of new songs from their forthcoming album Shapeshifter, scheduled for release on March 28, alongside classic hits to engage long-time fans. Matt reflected on the band's evolution and how their experiences have improved their live performances, while also addressing the challenges of creating diverse music while preserving their distinct sound. He concluded by expressing excitement about reconnecting with Australian fans and delivering a memorable show, covering heaps more territory over the course of the interview.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Dec 202410min

Interview by Angela CroudaceProject Ultimate Satan, the brutal death metal band from Canberra, has been shaking up the metal scene with their unique blend of symphonic elements and raw aggression. The band's latest album, The Opus Satanas, released under their label, StudioDecay, is a testament to the band's resilience and innovation, as it has undergone a tumultuous yet creative journey. We sat down with the guitarist, backup vocalist, and the founder of the band, JDecay, to talk about the band's origins, the making of the album, and their bold vision."Project Ultimate Satan was born from a few different musical journeys," Decay explains. "It all started in 2019 when I was working with the band Inhuman Remnants. I was trying out guitarists and eventually brought in Darryl as a pianist. We hit it off, but the other members weren't keen on shifting from Deathgrind to a more symphonic sound. That's when the seed for Project Ultimate Satan was planted."The band's evolution wasn't easy. After a line-up change and the disruptive impact of COVID-19, The Opus Satanas was delayed multiple times, but the result is worth the wait. "We started recording in 2019 and finished in 2021," JDecay reflects. "Lockdowns and other personal challenges made it tough, but in the end, we were able to refine it. Now, we're ready to push it out and tour."The album is divided into two movements: Malefus Malefacaram and Lex Talionis. The first movement is a deep dive into themes of persecution, inspired by the Hammer of Witches (a 15th-century guide to witch-hunting). The second movement (the Latin phrase referencing the legal principle of exact retaliation) explores the concept of "an eye for an eye," drawing on the story of duality. JDecay elaborates, "The first movement is about persecution, while the second is about retribution. We really wanted to split the album into two halves that represent a journey. It's a raw, brutal exploration of human struggle."A standout feature of The Opus Satanas is its unique sound, blending symphonic elements with death metal intensity. "I wanted to bring in more melody to death metal, adding piano and orchestration. We were experimenting with these larger ideas that, for me, just felt right."As for the band name, Decay said that Project Ultimate Satan came about after an episode of Futurama and thought that it was the perfect name for a band that wasn't already taken."It's all about pushing boundaries," says JDecay with a chuckle. "We wanted something provocative and strong—something that would make people stop and think."With a dedicated fanbase and a fresh sound, Project Ultimate Satan is ready to make their mark. "We've learned a lot through trial and error," JDecay says. "But now, we're tighter than ever, and we're ready to bring The Opus Satanas to life."JDecay is deeply committed to supporting smaller bands and musicians in the metal community. Through his work with StudioDecay, he focuses on artist development, helping emerging acts build their identity, sound, and presence. "We try to give back by focusing on artist development," he says, emphasizing the importance of assisting bands with the business side of music—something many new musicians are unaware of. From helping craft professional PR packages to guiding bands on networking with PR reps, JDecay ensures these smaller acts are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. His approach goes beyond just music; it's about empowering artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry, helping them understand how to get on shows, work with labels, and build a sustainable career. Despite being a smaller label with limited funds, JDecay's dedication to nurturing talent and creating a supportive community reflects his commitment to helping others succeed in a challenging industry. Not bad at all for a few guys from the ACT!Watch for their upcoming Australian tour, and prepare for a death metal experience like no other.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Dec 202441min

Interview by Angela CroudaceHEAVY caught up with Gabriel Blake from The Murder Capital to chat about their latest album, Blindness, their exciting upcoming Australian and New Zealand tour, and the band's incredible journey so far.When asked about the themes of Blindness, Gabriel explained, "The album is about love, being Irish, and dealing with the blindsiding aspects of life. It touches on things like distance, both physical and emotional, and the feeling of not being able to see someone you love."The conversation then turned to their history, with Gabriel reflecting on their previous albums. "Our first record dealt with grief, and the second was more of a celebration of life. Blindness is a departure—it's more about loss, and not just in terms of death, but also the emotional distance between people."The Murder Capital's touring journey has been nothing short of intense. Earlier this year, the band had the incredible opportunity to support two legends: Pearl Jam on their UK tour and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, one of Gabriel's biggest idols. Reflecting on their time with Nick Cave, he described the experience as surreal. "It was truly amazing," he said. "Nick Cave is one of the greatest, and we were lucky that he really connected with our music. He even invited us to dinner with him and The Bad Seeds—just the chance to share a real human connection with someone we've admired for so long was unforgettable."The conversation then moved to their debut single, More or Less, which took off online, and Gabriel admitted it was a lot to handle. "It was fun but also intense. We didn't expect it to blow up like that, but we worked hard for it, and it was what we wanted."As for Blindness' artwork, Gabriel explained that the band worked with Victor H, a renowned album cover artist. "The album cover represents potential and the inner emotional struggle of looking out into the world while feeling lost inside."Reflecting on their journey, Gabriel shared a personal insight: "If The Murder Capital never started, I'd probably be working as an undertaker. It's a family business, and I've always had an appreciation for both the highs and lows of life." Gabriel came to an interesting realisation; he sees people at their best, enjoying his music at shows and witnessing people at their lowest, grieving for loved ones through his undertaking job. Gabriel also believes that working as an undertaker has made him more empathetic, emphasising that it's not about the individual but about supporting the family in their time of need. He shared that his philosophy is to set aside one's emotions and ego to be a steady presence for those grieving. The role involves being calm, offering physical help, or providing comfort when needed. He reflected on how this perspective has shaped his appreciation for life, highlighting the importance of putting others first and maintaining emotional composure during challenging moments. Gabriel believes this ability to reserve one's emotions in such situations is key to offering genuine empathy.Gabriel's confidence in the band's growth and future was evident as the interview concluded. "This third album feels like we've truly earned our place. We're not an overnight success—we've put in the work."Catch The Murder Capital live on their Australian and New Zealand tour in April 2025, and experience the raw emotion and depth of Blindness firsthand.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Dec 202430min

Interview by Angela CroudaceNo matter how much everything changes in culture and the world at large, heavy metal endures. It empowers. It engages. It engenders strength. It outlasts fads. Since forming in Gothenburg, Sweden and releasing their debut album Glory To The Brave in 1997, Swedish power metal titans HammerFall have stormed the gates of heavy music’s pantheon and waved the genre’s flag higher and higher with every subsequent release. With multiple international number ones, gold certifications, sold out tours, and over 100 million+ streams and 100 million+ YouTube views, the group upholds a venerable legacy.But it is in a live setting where they outshine their peers and imitators. In true HammerFall fashion, every element becomes dangerously and dramatically amplified. The riffs hit harder. The rhythms thunder louder. The choruses soar closer to the clouds.The GODS have listened, and they have heeded your call. HammerFall will set sail for Australia in January 2025 for their first ever Australian tour. HEAVY caught up with frontman Joacim Cans to dive in further."This tour is part of the tour of the latest album, Avenge the Fallen," he offered. "And since this is the 13th album - but still an album that will make a difference in the history of Hammerfall - we need to play the songs that the fans want to hear.We also need to play the songs that we want to play. That really makes me go and on stage. I love playing this song because it's so personal to me. We need to put that song in as well. And then maybe you add one or two, like, underdogs, so to speak, like, surprise songs. I think this is the equation for the perfect set list."Check out the full interview to hear the full story.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Dec 202419min

Wheatus have been here that many times they would almost be classed as Australians.After a whirlwind 2024 that saw the band Down Under twice, once in February for acoustic shows with Art from Everclear and again with Wheatus in April for the Pandemonium Festival, frontman Brendan B Brown has become a beloved fixture in the Aussie music scene. The Wheatus sets at Pandemonium were one of the standout moments of the day, finding that perfect balance between stoking the fires of nostalgia and putting on a killer rock 'n' roll show.The Wheatus Acoustic Tour next January and February is shaping up to be the most fun you can have indoors this summer. Featuring Wheatus frontman and incredibly nice guy, Brendan B. Brown along with his better half, fellow Wheatus member Gabrielle Sterbenz, the epic 14 date run also features founding member and former lead guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist of The Chats, Josh ‘Pricey’ Price.HEAVY spent some time with Brendan recently, where we spoke about just about everything.Brendan shared that Australia was the first place to embrace Wheatus' music, especially the song Teenage Dirtbag, and that they were grateful for the support they received there. We discussed his approach to music and live performances, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience and not taking himself too seriously. He explained his method of tailoring each show to the audience's mood and requests, which he finds more engaging than a set list. Brendan also shared his experiences with touring and maintaining a positive band dynamic, highlighting the importance of respect and camaraderie among band members. He expressed his excitement for an upcoming acoustic show, where he and his partner Gabrielle will share stories and play songs from their catalogue and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Dec 202419min