Guitars, Riffs, And A Little Bit Of Aussie Heat: RICK SCHNEIDER On Polaris And Knotfest

New Skeletal Faces, the genre-defying band led by Errol Fritz (vocals/guitar) and Don Void (drums), has once again pushed musical boundaries with their latest release, Until the Night. Following their debut, Celestial Disease, Until the Night showcases a bold evolution in their sound, blending elements of punk, gothic rock, metal, and more. In an insightful interview, Fritz and Void shared their thoughts on the album's creative process, signing with Peaceville Records, and what sets New Skeletal Faces apart from today's music scene.The band quickly points out how Until the Night differs from its predecessor. While Celestial Disease laid the foundation for New Skeletal Faces' identity Until the Night expands the band's sonic palette. "The songs are a lot more catchy on this album," Fritz explained. "It's just fucking catchy here to me." The album delves into a wider range of styles, from the aggressive, headbang-worthy Pagan War (arguably their heaviest track yet) to the darker, death-rock vibe of Enchantment of My Inner Coldness.Void also appreciates the new album's diversity: "There's stuff on Until the Night that's more punk, and stuff that's heavier than anything on Celestial Disease. It branches and pushes in every direction."Until the Night marks New Skeletal Faces' debut release on the legendary Peaceville Records. For the band, signing with the iconic label felt like a major milestone. "This is the first time I've ever been on a label of this size, so it's a big deal," Fritz said. Void added, "When we found out that they were interested, it was the easiest yes to ever say." The band had long admired Peaceville's roster, which includes genre-defining acts like Anathema, Paradise Lost, and Opeth. The support from Peaceville has been invaluable, allowing the band to stay true to their vision. "They immediately understood what we were about," Void said, noting how the label supported the band's unique artistic choices, including the gold foil album cover and custom vinyl variants.Speaking of the album cover, Until the Night features artwork by none other than Errol Fritz himself. Fritz, who also created the cover for the band's Sextinction EP, took a minimalist yet striking approach to the design. "Sometimes simplicity is better," he explained. "There's not a whole lot going on, but it says a lot." The artwork, which captures raw emotion, was a perfect complement to the album's diverse and atmospheric sound. "The minute you showed us those sick paintings of yours, we just knew they were the ones," Void said, praising Fritz's talent.The band also discussed making the music video for Ossuary Lust, filmed in a chapel in a cemetery just five minutes from Fritz's home. "We broke into this little chapel and just started filming," Fritz recalled. Despite the somewhat illicit nature of the shoot, the band had no issues with the church authorities. "Nobody stopped us. No priests walked in and tried to throw holy water on us," Fritz joked. The video, filled with striking imagery and a sense of rebellion, mirrors the band's aesthetic and attitude—uncompromising and raw.Another highlight for the band was working with legendary producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, W.A.S.P., and the godfather of Los Angeles heavy metal). "Bill is a legend," Void said. "His resume speaks for itself." The band recorded Until the Night themselves before bringing the material to Metoyer for the final production. "It was incredible," Fritz noted, explaining how Mitoia understood the band's vision and helped bring it to life. Fritz and Void formed a personal bond with Metoyer outside the studio, enjoying nights of casual drinks and conversation. "He's just a lot of fun," Void said. "We hit it off with him immediately."When asked what sets New Skeletal Faces apart from today's musical landscape, the band had a simple answer: nearly everything. "We're too heavy for goth, and then we're too goth for metal," Fritz said. "We're not political enough for punk. We don't really fit into current trends." This genre-defying approach has earned the band a loyal following, with fans drawn to their unique sound that blends elements from multiple genres without being confined to any single one.When it comes to musical influences, New Skeletal Faces draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists, including Celtic Frost, The Cure, David Bowie, P.I.L., and Killing Joke. These bands, known for their boundary-pushing styles, have significantly shaped New Skeletal Faces' sound. "Looking ahead, the band is eager to continue experimenting and expanding their sound, creating music that is as unpredictable and exciting as their live shows. As Void said, "We just want to keep making music that stands out and pushes boundaries."With Until the Night, New Skeletal Faces has delivered an album that is as ambitious as it is bold—marking the beginning of a new era for the band. As they continue to challenge expectations, one thing is clear: New Skeletal Faces is a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy music.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Dec 202423min

From Ashes To New have had a stellar 2024, with the release of Blackout Deluxe capitalising on the success of the original album and opening up the band to a wider fanbase who got to hear a different side of the band's musical psyche.It is already their best performing album, so much so that it has propelled them across the world for their first visit to Australia when they hit the stage as part of Good Things 2024, starting in Melbourne on December 6 before moving through Sydney and Brisbane over consecutive days. It is hard to believe this will be From Ashes To New's debut performance Down Under, with HEAVY getting the opportunity to talk with vocalist Matt Brandyberry to find out more.In the full interview, Matt expressed his excitement about his first tour of Australia, which he has been wanting to do for over a decade. He mentioned that he has no idea what to expect from Australian crowds and that he is looking forward to a stripped-down, old-school throwdown-style show.We spoke about their performance at Good Things and who he was more looking forward to playing with, the vibe backstage at festivals and catching up with old friends and the difference between the dynamics between bands at festivals and on smaller tours which led to a chat about From Ashes To New's own headlining sideshows. He also mentioned that fans could expect to hear a few different songs from Blackout Deluxe, which featured collaborations with various artists. Matt expressed satisfaction with the album's performance and the positive fan reaction to the risk they took by releasing it. He used the example of Bad Omens' success with their album Death of Peace of Mind to illustrate the importance of taking risks in the music industry.Matt also revealed that From Ashes to New are working on new material, but due to personal and work commitments, the process has been slow. He emphasized the importance of taking risks and being genuine in their music, aiming to create something that will resonate with fans for decades.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

1 Dec 202418min

As the renowned band Batushka prepare for their final performance under this name in Melbourne, HEAVY had the chance to sit down with Monk Boruta and Bartek Krysiuk to explore the reasons behind the name change. Embarking on a new chapter, Batushka will be rebranding as Patriarkh, celebrating a new era with a groundbreaking concept album in January. Here's a glimpse into our conversation about their journey, the transformation of their music, and what fans can expect from their upcoming show."Why Australia for our last show?" Bart mused with a hint of humour. "It's actually a coincidence. We're also playing in New Zealand, and I joked that we're going to Mordor with the Batushka name. It's funny how it worked out!" This unexpected decision to end their journey as Batushka on Australian soil adds a unique layer to their farewell tour, thanks to a coincidence in touring logistics.With the name change comes a new artistic direction. When asked if their upcoming album would differ from their previous work, Krysiuk stated emphatically, "It's a completely different album. RASKOL was more closed, more conceptual. This new work demands your full attention. It's complicated, but that was our intention - to create something that requires engagement."The melding of Orthodox music with metal has generated considerable interest worldwide. Bart emphasised their uniqueness, saying, "We are something oriental in the whole world. Orthodox faith is not as commonly represented as Catholicism, and we are bringing something different to the table."The band bubbled with excitement over returning to our shores; "We're thrilled to return to Australia after our last performance at Dark Mofo," Bart shared. "It's a festival like no other, and we can't wait to see what happens. Maybe we'll burn something on stage!" Both musicians laughed at the thought, recalling their theatrical performances that blend music with ritualistic elements.One of the most intriguing aspects of their music is the use of Church Slavonic lyrics. "For me, it's not difficult," Bart explained. "I come from a region where this language is used. We also blend it with our regional dialect and other languages, creating a rich tapestry of sound and meaning." This commitment to authenticity deepens their connection to the cultural roots of their music.The new name, Patriarkh, reflects a shift in their narrative. Krysiuk described it as a "sarcastic nod" to their evolution. "Batushka represents a regular priest, while Patriarkh is a higher authoritative figure in the Orthodox Church. It signifies our growth and seriousness as artists."(anyone who has followed Batushka is aware of the departure of a founding member and the subsequent legal battle for the Batushka name and likeness.)When asked about the band's meaning in their lives, Monk Baruta articulated a blend of passion and pragmatism. "It's the biggest journey of my life. Touring the world and sharing our music is incredible, but it requires sacrifices - relationships, time, and mental strength." Bart echoed this sentiment, emphasising that music is their lifestyle and passion, and they are committed to it despite the challenges.As we wrapped up, both musicians had heartfelt words for their Australian fans: "We hope you come out to our last show. Bring your icons, and let's make it a memorable night!"Don't miss the chance to witness the last performance of Batushka in Melbourne on December 13 - an event that promises to be both a celebration and a profound farewell as they transition into Patriarkh, ready to unveil their new vision, cloaks and all!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Nov 202425min

New Jersey rock outfit The Gaslight Anthem are experiencing somewhat of a new lease on life.Grabbing the attention of a global audience with their 2007 debut Sink Or Swim, The Gaslight Anthem rammed the point home with their second album The '59 Sound the following year, becoming the first band in British music history to appear on the cover of Kerrang! magazine without the magazine having previously written about them.Three more albums followed, with 2014's Get Hurt ultimately turning out to be The Gaslight Anthem's last new music in almost a decade when they went on hiatus the following year. As the years passed with only a fleeting one-off show and murmurings rather than rumblings greeting any talk of another crack at music, it seemed The Gaslight Anthem had fired their last shot in anger before announcing a second coming in 2020 which led to the band's sixth release History Books that made an emphatic statement that The Gaslight Anthem weren't just returning for the nostalgia.The long and tumultuous path has led to the engaging four-piece set to make the long trek to Australia in less than two weeks as part of Good Things Festival 2024 alongside Korn, Electric Callboy, Sum 41, Mastodon, Kerry King and a stack of others. HEAVY spoke with guitarist Alex Rosamilia to get a better feel for what to expect, starting by asking if he is packed and ready to go."Um…. I'd like to say yes," he laughed. "But no. I'll be doing that last minute, as per usual." HEAVY points out that with the amount of time The Gaslight Anthem spend on the road, the temptation to drag your feet in your rare down time would win on most occasions."Sometimes I just leave them in the bag for the next one," he smiled, "but there was too much time in between this and the last tour."This will be The Gaslight Anthem's first trip to Australia in almost a decade, so we ask what has changed with the band between visits."You mean aside from us all getting married and having kids and starting a family," he joked. "That's probably the biggest change, and it's a pretty big change to have (laughs). It's crazy to think it's been ten years since we've been over there."In the full interview, Alex talks more about touring life and the atmosphere amongst bands at larger festivals like this. He spoke about The Gaslight Anthem's headlining side shows as well, and how the sets will differ for fans and the different dynamics between festival shows and club gigs.Alex gave us a glimpse into what fans can expect from The Gaslight Anthem live, giving new listeners three songs to check before heading to Good Things. We looked behind the band's hiatus and reforming the band and how the long layoff might have affected their confidence and cohesion. That led to a chat about their new album History Books and how it was received by fans plus how it represents The Gaslight Anthem moving forward and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Nov 202414min

As they say, there's no rest for the wicked, which is precisely why As December Falls are in the thick of things heading into the tail end of 2024, their tenth year as a band.Following the breakout success of 2021's album Happier, As December Falls quickly capitalised on their growing momentum, releasing the follow-up Join The Club last year. That album has seen the band on a relentless touring schedule which culminates with As December Falls' first ever headlining tour of Australia over three dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in February.They also have a great new song out, Angry Cry, which kicks off the next album cycle for the Nottingham rockers, meaning As December Falls will enter their second decade with a plethora of opportunities and a growing, loyal fan base.HEAVY caught up with Beth Curtis and Ande Hunter from the band to discuss their upcoming Australian tour and the themes in their latest single, Angry Cry, which signals a new chapter for the band and revisits the important topic of mental health."We may possibly be delving into some new genres," Ande explains, highlighting the evolution in their musical style. This track, described by both members as a departure from their previous work, embodies the raw emotions and struggles many have faced over the past year. As Beth puts it, "We're all dealing with shit still, so let's get that out." This candidness is a hallmark of As December Falls, a band that prioritises connection with its audience through relatable themes and honest lyrics.Their recent live album, released last September, served as a celebration of the band's past work, a chance to reflect on their journey while setting the stage for what's to come. "We wanted the live album to be a line drawn under that period," Beth states, emphasising their desire to move forward creatively. The band has spent more time in the studio for this upcoming album than ever before, crafting a collection of songs that truly represent who they are as artists. "There's a little bit in there for everyone," Ande assures, suggesting that fans can expect an eclectic mix of sounds and styles.What sets As December Falls apart is their commitment to remaining an independent band. They proudly run their own label, which gives them creative control and fosters a deep connection with their fans. "I'm so proud of us for getting this far as an independent band," Beth reflects. The duo acknowledges the challenges of independence, such as securing support slots or gaining industry recognition. Still, they choose to focus on the positives, celebrating the strong community they've built around their music.Their upcoming tour in Australia marks a significant milestone for As December Falls, as it will be their first time performing in the country. "I'm so excited," Ande shares, looking forward to connecting with new fans. This tour, a blend of hard work and a well-deserved holiday, showcases their commitment to live performance - a cornerstone of their identity. As they gear up for this adventure, they're determined to make the most of every moment, both on and off-stage.When asked about their musical influences and personal tastes, Beth and Ande reveal a wide range of genres that inspire them, from pop to rock. This eclecticism not only shapes their music but also resonates with their audience. "Our fans are genuinely the best," Beth affirms, emphasising the importance of community in their journey.With their new single and upcoming tour, As December Falls is poised to continue making waves in the music scene, inviting fans along for the ride. As they put it, "We're still the same thing as you are," proving that connection and relatability are at the heart of their mission.With their sights set on the future, the band is ready to take on new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that every note resonates with the people who fiercely and loyally support them, their "little group of weirdo's" as Beth put it. We're all too happy to be a part of that group of 'weirdos' when a band like theirs remains honest, raw, and grateful to their fans.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Nov 202423min

Summoning the most brutal elements of Floridian death metal and combining it with the coldest permafrost of Scandinavian black metal, emerging Canadian deathcore outfit Angelmaker are making huge waves on the international metal scene.By confronting listeners with furious, focused, and violent extremity, Angelmaker create deathcore of the highest order - injected with blackened thrash, a smattering of power violence, and the urgent ferocity of underground hardcore. They are a band who let their music do all the talking, raw, confronting and in your face.With new vocalist Ian Bearer strengthening the band, Angelmaker are poised for the debut Australian tour earlier next year, supporting Sylosis for a run of shows in February. To find out what all the fuss is about, HEAVY sat down with Bearer and Angelmaker's other vocalist Casey Tyson-Pearce to find out more.We start by asking why the band have neglected us here in Australia for so long."We've been trying," Casey laughed. "(but) Nothing has really aligned for us. We just did our first European tour a year and a half ago, so we've been working our way into more international markets. For us, we're Canadian so it makes a lot more sense for us to just tour in North America, but now we've got a good foothold to actually make our way over there. We got this opportunity, and it was like, there's no way we're saying no. We need to see koalas. We need to see kangaroos."In the full interview, Angelmaker discussed their upcoming tour in Australia, starting in Perth on February 11 and ending in Brisbane on February 16. They expressed excitement about the tour and their anticipation of experiencing Australian culture. The band also mentioned their new song, Relinquish, and their plans to play a mix of old and new songs during the tour.We discussed the band's unique sound and their approach to songwriting, explaining that the band members write their own parts, which are then integrated together to create a cohesive sound. They also discussed the addition of a new vocalist, Ian, who has brought a powerful presence to the band and the dynamics at play with dual vocalists and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Nov 202417min

At the end of the day, music and the creative arts is all about expression and having fun. In the modern age of entertainment that sense of enjoyment has slowly eroded due to the complexities of the current global climate and the incessant wish to not offend anybody which has resulted in a terser, more rigid sprinkling of bands and musicians that seem void of life because of their over-complicated approach.And what better way to enjoy your craft and have fun than play around with someone else's music? Which is exactly what …And We All Die did with their recent four-track release Static Age.Essentially just two Misfits songs reimagined - Static Age and TV Casualty - the EP sees both songs performed in vastly different fashions, with neither bearing much more in common with the original than by virtue of the song title.Not that the two classic songs have been bastardised beyond recognition - some bands you just don't mess with - but both versions have been afforded the respect they deserve while maintaining just enough of …And We All Die's musical DNA to make the songs their own while still paying homage to the original recordings.The release is a heavy blend of hardcore, post-punk, noise-rock and industrial influences, centred around covers of the two Misfits’ tracks alongside two industrial-infused reworkings of the songs featuring Metal Blade synthwave artist Gost.HEAVY recently caught up with the man behind the music, Raymond Estes, to find out more, starting with how the EP has been received."It's been great," he enthused. "So far it's been the best reception we've had for any release. It's hard to say why that is, maybe Spotify is actually working for us this time (laughs), but we can't really complain. Really, the project is me, but it's everybody who contributes and the drummer Walter and guitarist Guillermo are excited about the volume of people that are checking out the tracks and the amount of streams we've been getting. Who knew?"We press Estes on the choice of songs to cover, specifically why choose the Misfits as a band to start with, and also why those particular two songs."I love the Misfits," he shrugged, "and have for a long time. I like horror punk and all that Danzig has done, but for …And We All Die we don't really do horror songs. We do more conceptual songs or songs about the human condition and as a hardcore guy I thought what would be more interesting to do than take songs that are dark and have these more science fiction themes based on the perils of technology and make those fresh. That is more exciting to me than singing about ghouls or zombies."In the full interview, Estes explained the thought process behind covering the same song twice, with the second version being more industrial and featuring contributions from Ghost and William Faith. He mentioned that the band was conscious of not going too far with their covers, as they were aware of the special meaning these songs hold for many people. The early reception of the EP has been positive, with the industrial versions receiving the better response.We talked about deconstructing the songs and then recreating them in their image and any difficulties they faced. The conversation turned to future new music, with a rock album, collection of covers from The Cure, other projects and more. Estes discussed why …And We All Die is currently a studio project only and how he plans to potentially expand that into a touring outfit down the track plus a host of other things.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Nov 202415min

Sydney rock outfit RedHook have been making a nuisance of themselves all over the world in recent years, playing with The Smashing Pumpkins and Janes Addiction as part of The World Is A Vampire Tour and at Good Things Festival alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Gojira, Soulfly, Jinjer and more in their home country, as well as international festivals Rock AM Ring, Download and others.Their relentless touring schedule and work ethic is showing dividends, with debut album Postcards From A Living Hell (2023) asserting the band's authority after a six-year wait, setting RedHook up for the next phase of their career which gained traction last Friday with the release of their sophomore album Mutation."Mutation is an audacious, genre-bending second album that is unblinking in its lyrical honesty, ambitious sonic production, and infectiously memorable songwriting, read the press release. "Incorporating influences ranging from alt-pop, future bass and hip-hop to metal, punk and post-hardcore, RedHook are wholly unafraid to be uniquely themselves, combining layers of intricate synths, brass, heavy guitars, samples and dynamic drum work to create an intoxicating 11-track cocktail that hits like a Molotov.'Put simply, it is a step-up in everything RedHook is known and loved for, and then some.To celebrate the album's release, HEAVY recently conducted a video review/interview with vocalist Emmy Mack where we read the interview out to her track by track and ask if we are on the right path and find out more about each song. It offers a unique glimpse into the music from the perspective of the people who wrote it.Check out what Emmy had to say about the track Breaking Up With."I love that, nailed it!" she smiled at HEAVY's assessment of the song. "I suppose that song is very mischievous (laughs). Breaking Up With to me… I always see it as kind of either a sequel, or I guess it's the antithesis to Bad Decisions, which is our biggest song. I was in a very different headspace when I wrote that song, and Bad Decisions is revelling in feeling like a complete and utter piece of shit. Breaking Up with is more about being like, you know what, I'm not going to do that any more. I'm gonna be nicer to myself, so breaking that cycle of self-loathing and self-destructive behaviour and be less of a shit cu%t (laughs)."Watch/listen to the full interview to go into Mutation deeper than ever before.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Nov 202418min