The Re-Evolution Of DEVILSKIN With PAUL MARTIN

Progression, or more generally, change, is a constant in music; in order to adapt and survive, you must grow and develop. No band knows this as much as Michigan heavy music act Of Virtue.Born from the blistering cold, barren fields of Michigan and erupting into an internationally recognized and critically acclaimed alternative powerhouse, Of Virtue’s growth is nothing short of jaw dropping. Whether it’s having shared their music with fans in over 30 countries across the globe, amassing a multitude of Billboard charting positions, gaining Top 50 Media base radio play slots, having over 20 million total streams or beyond, Of Virtue is always looking forward to change and progress, to evolve and grow.That thirst for advancement sees the band hit Australia for the first time in a matter of days as part of The Hardest Part Tour which was put together by Aussie metal outfit Sienna Skies. HEAVY sat down with guitarist/vocalist Damon Tate earlier this week to get the lowdown on what to expect."People that have listened to us over the years and said hey, can you get down here, it was like ever since we announced the tour the reception has been great," he smiled. "I've been getting messages from friends and people in other bands we have toured with in different places, and they are like, hey, when you get here you're gonna have fun. Everyone's ready. People understand too. You're coming from a long way away and people say hey, we know how hard it is to not only get out to another country, but to have bands come over here as well, so when they do we're gonna make you feel right at home."In the full interview, we talk more about the troubles of getting to a country for the first time, what to expect from Of Virtue live, what they are expected from crowds here, their relationship with Sienna Skies, playing at Froth & Fury Festival, the early days of the band and where they fit in, evolving over time musically while still staying in touch with your core fan base, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Okt 202418min

As if this year wasn't already exciting enough for Nebraska rock outfit 311 with their upcoming appearance at Good Things Festival 2024 alongside Sum 41, Korn, Mastodon, Kerry King and more, but the band have added a touch more spice to proceedings with the release of their 14th studio album Full Bloom late last week.Full Bloom is the group's first full-length project in 5 years, following their album Voyager in 2019. Their first single off the album, You’re Gonna Get It is the band’s highest charting song in 13 years, breaking into the top 15 at Alternative Radio. It is proof alone that despite the apparent need for regular releases in the modern musical climate, good music will always be good music and fans will (almost) always stay loyal to good music.Thirty-three years into a stellar career, 311 continues to produce compelling, unifying music, with a unique, hybrid sound that encapsulates rock, rap, reggae and funk still turning heads with regularity.Bass player P-Nut joined HEAVY to talk about the album, Good Things and whatever else popped up."I don't get nervous about much," he replied when we asked if the excitement of a new album was still the same 14 albums in. "The fear's been scared out of me, I guess (laughs). But releasing an album is a tenuous, nerve wracking, kind of anxious emotion. It's kind of a scary thing to release an album, even if we've done it fourteen times now."We ask if the band has a set creative process measured over time or if each album presents new challenges."I think everyone's got their own method," P - Nut measured. "We come together when those reach whatever peak. Nick calls me in for lyrics frequently, which is really fun, and it's been something that I've really enjoyed in the band over the last fifteen years or so. We're pretty fixed. We've all got home studios, and we work relatively well on our own. We have demo-itis sometimes where the demos can be better than the finished result (laughs), but I think that's just my ears sometimes. It's really fun recording still. It's only easier, of course now, but now I think everyone's fixed in their way and we get together when the time is right."In the full interview P - Nut talks more about Full Bloom, what to expect musically, how it differs to 2019's Voyager, keeping a steady fan base, their appearance at Good Things Festival, which bands on the line-up 311 hasn't played with before, what we can expect from them live, their just announced sideshows, three songs to get to know the band better plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Okt 202415min

It seems these days every second touring band is doing an anniversary run for an album from their back catalogue. Almost to the point where the whole concept is starting to lose its appeal, mainly because it's hard to tell which bands have a genuine interest in revisiting that album and which bands just see it as a potential financial bonanza.You don't have to think hard to see which side of the ledger The Butterfly Effect sit.The Butterfly Effect have been a mainstay on the Australian music scene for approaching a quarter of a century, churning out a plethora of hit singles and being widely recognised as one of the country's leading live acts.So when they announced last year that they would be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album Begins Here fans rushed to buy tickets, eager to hear not only the singles from the album - Crave, Beautiful Mine, Always and One Second Of Insanity - but also the rest of the album that, for some, shaped large parts of their youth.That tour wound up earlier this year, but The Butterfly Effect weren't done yet. While capital cities got to experience the band in full flights, their regional counterparts missed out and after a bit of prompting from fans in those areas The Butterfly Effect decided to do another celebration run, this time taking in those less populated - but still music loving - areas.Rejigged to be the 21st Anniversary Of Begins Here Tour, the 25-date run of shows kicks off in Cairns on January 30, 2025 before finishing in Darwin on March 14.It is a massive run of shows across the length and breadth of the country, but one which frontman Clint Boge is adamant the fans deserve.HEAVY caught up with Boge to find out more."I'm a sucker for punishment," he laughed. "What can I tell you? My bloody drummer keeps booking gigs and I keep saying to him 'mate, how old do you think I am' (laughs). We're rounding the bend for 50 - and I must say we're looking very good for 50. It's amazing. I've gotta be honest with you, after this tour, I'm gonna need the whole rest of the year off to recover (laughs). We're all really stoked. We're all really excited. Everyone is starting to ramp up to it. We're talking about getting fit and healthy as a group, and you have to these days. It used to be late nights and partying until you drop, but yeah… we can't really do that any more. It's the next day that gets ya. We can still do it, but it's the next day."In the full interview, Clint reflects on The Butterfly Effect's recent 20th-anniversary tour, discussing the positive fan response and their desire to connect with long-time supporters while addressing the challenges of performing entire albums live. He reminisced about the band's early days, the evolution of their sound, and the timeless appeal of Begins Here.He spoke about how the fans had a say in where the regional tour would go, if the same songs that were popular on Begins Here 20 years ago were still popular two decades later, the timeless qualities of the album and the importance of allowing your music to breath, future new music and more.Tickets for the 21 Years Of Begins Here Regional Tour available here: thebutterflyeffectband.com.au.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Okt 202418min

Australian music is on the rise - and deservedly so.While there are bands like RedHook, Ocean Grove, Void Of Vision and Alpha Wolf who are lighting up the airwaves and flying the flag for the younger generation, the more old-school rock and hard rock bands are also showcasing their worth.Bands like The Poor and Rose Tattoo, who have been around for more than three decades, are playing to large crowds and still producing quality music, but it is the comradeship and support bands of all seasons continually offer each other that stands out the most.Case in point the upcoming union of two of Australia's leading rock/hard rock outfits in The Screaming Jets and Mammal, who are hitting the road in November for a run of eight dates dubbed the Life Blood Tour, including a select number of all ages shows. It is a union that few ever saw coming, but also one which is a tantalising match made in the halls of metal that, at the very least, will introduce fans of each band to a different side of the rock coin to which they are accustomed to listening to.The Screaming Jets are more of your true blue Aussie workhorses, with a truck load of hit singles and a spiralling career once more on the rise. Mammal, on the other hand, are a raging pit of funk-fuelled metal, still smashing it on the back of recent album The Penny Drop with so much more to give.If there's one thing the two bands have in common, it is their enigmatic and proudly outspoken frontmen, both of which sat down earlier this week for a chat with HEAVY. On their own, one on one, Dave Gleeson (The Screaming Jets) and Ezekiel Ox (Mammal) are a ball of fun-fuelled energy, but put them together and anything could happen.Which it did."I'm really excited about this tour," Gleeson began. "I've seen Mammal's exploits On YouTube and stuff, but I can't wait to see them live, and I'm sure the Jets fans, part of the reason they love our band is the energy and that real rock and roll vibe that we bring and that's why I think they are really gonna take to Mammal.""I reckon you're right there, Dave," Ox picked up. "It's a great opportunity for us to get in front of some fans that will be a bit different and vice versa. There will be some Mammal people coming that may not have seen you guys yet, but I think most of the people would not have seen us. We're so looking forward to it. We're probably leaning further towards a slightly heavier sound when we get going. It's been interesting discussing it with the boys and how we're tailoring our set to make sure that we're giving the Jets fans what they want. We love all our songs, but it's been fun thinking. It's a bit of a different one for us, but we're absolutely pumped, to say the least."In the full interview, we discuss where the idea came from to put The Screaming Jets and Mammal on the same line-up, their contrasting musical styles and how they will complement each other, their confidence as frontmen and how important that side of the performance is, their first memories of each other's respective bands, what to expect from each band, between song banter, which songs of each other's bands they like the most, all ages shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Okt 202422min

While Good Things 2024 boasts a stellar line-up of hard rock and metal bands - including Korn, Kerry King, Northlane, Alpha Wolf and From Ashes To New - the band on everybody's lips as a must see on the day is Mastodon.Since emerging in 2000 the Atlanta quartet have defied both sonic and thematic boundaries with an uncategorizable, undeniable, and uncompromising vision unlike anything else in music. Quite simply, Mastodon have quietly evolved into one of the most influential, inimitable, and iconic rock bands of the modern era.Following their recent collaboration on single Floods Of Triton with Lamb Of God, Mastodon have found themselves in perpetual motion on the road, leading them all the way to Australia where fans are already counting down the days.HEAVY caught up with drummer Brann Dailor to find out more. We start by asking if he gets excited about touring as part of a festival line-up as he does his own headlining shows."They're different," he mused. "I'm just happy to be there. I'm excited to get up on stage and play in front of anybody. I don't care if there's five people there, I don't care if there's 10,000 people there, I give the same exact show every time. I'm not gonna say if it's something crazy like opening for Iron Maiden… there's been moments in my life with big shows that I'm very, very excited to be a part of it, but I like playing. I like being at festivals. I don't care if we're playing during the day or if it's at night. (I've had) A lot of pinch me moments in my life where I can't believe I do this for a living. I try to ride it out (laughs)."In the full interview, Brann goes through some of the other bands on the Good Things line-up and shares experiences playing with them, reveals what we can expect from Mastodon live, their new song with Lamb Of God, creating music with another metal heavyweight, upcoming new material, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Okt 202415min

Wendy James' musical career has mirrored the life of many of her fans. From the rebellious punk stage to the seasoned, reflective artist, James has endured a lifetime of music many in the profession only dream of.Starting with the wildly successful, provocative and infectious Transvision Vamp in the 1980s - a band who oozed anarchaic intent coupled with a sexuality that would be frowned upon today - and moving through to her current solo career, James has always maintained a strong sense of worth and self belief. Professionally and personally.While her music has understandably gone through the subtle nuances of time and the public image might not be as openly flirtatious, James maintains a youthful exuberance that sees her release her tenth album The Shape Of History on October 25.James joined HEAVY earlier this week for a chat about life, music and art."There is a consistency to my songwriting," she measured when asked to delve into the musical nature of The Shape Of History. "I often say that my comfort zone is that CBGB/Max's Kansas City, mid 70s to late 70s downtown new wave punk sound that the Americans did. Even though I grew up with the English punks, it's actually that grimy New York downtown scene that I really enjoy. So there's always that in all of my albums, but The Shape of History is an expanded outlook and sound. All of my albums have experimentation, but they go off. So maybe there's a little country. Maybe there's a little blues. Maybe there's a little bit of girl pop, and this album, if it's got anything that marks it different to the albums, is the fact there's a bit of California sound in there as well. And it's called The Shape Of History because it is my tenth album and I did start when I was a teenager in 1986 and so you can chart the course of my life through all the albums I've made, and therefore you've got a shape of history."In the full interview, Wendy discussed her collaboration with Australian photographer and editor, David Lee Dodd, who condensed 48 hours of old Transvision Vamp footage into a 3.5-minute music video. She also talked about her album, The Shape of History, which starts with a beautifully ambient piano intro for the track Sweet Like Love. Wendy explained that she wanted to create a musical interlude, similar to the opening of Woody Allen's movie Manhattan, and worked with Dave Sherman to achieve this. We spoke about her history and music and how the two merge together, the changing musical landscape, her upcoming instore appearances, future tours and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

24 Okt 202417min

If you don't know who Me First & The Gimmes are by now, then you either have little taste in music and/or a sense of adventure, or you don't listen to music at all.If you have been figuratively touched by these fun loving punk reprobates then you will already know that the band only recently visited these shores on a blitzkrieg tour, and you will also likely not be surprised to hear that everybody's favourite punk covers band are about to board the plane from the U.S of A for a return visit dubbed The Band Of The Long Weekend Tour.Except it goes for more like two weeks.Armed with their latest release - a tribute to the late Billy Thorpe with Most People I Know - Me First & The Gimmes are set to once more decimate Australian crowds, and, according to frontman Spike Slawson, can't wait to experience our good old Australian hospitality once more. With less than seven days to the first Brisbane show on October 30, we start by asking if he is packed and ready to go."Getting there," he smiled. "I always leave it to the last minute, but we're getting there. Preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally and infrastructurally it's always a challenge, but somehow we always make do. And the flight keeps getting shorter and shorter! I think they hit some kind of slipstream or… I dunno."Talk turns to the name of the tour and the fact that Me First & The Gimmes are anything but predictable, both as people and in the sonic realm."We like to put our fans and facilitators at a disadvantage," he joked. "I think it's… it's not a strategic thing as much as it is just a sort of troll. Our shows are an hour and a half long troll and at first we try to set the bar high for ourselves by really alienating our potential allies until the point where they are actually expressing their displeasure audibly. Booing. We like to bring them to about that point before we start to reel them back in. When it really kicked in was recently - two or three years ago - and it was still during lockdown so it was a crazy tour, but we were on a bill with the Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly as well as a band from New York called Thick. All the other bands played originals, or at least mostly originals, so, as with most bands that play originals, they are the heroes of their own stories. They're very earnest, and they're very serious about their music. They may be smiling but it's a serious moment they're sharing with you. Whereas for us, we understood right off the bat that we were the heels of the bill. Just as we are the heels of any bill that we're on. Interestingly enough, the nights when you alienate the crowd the most, those are the nights where you end up selling the most t-shirts. Isn't that funny?"In the full interview, Spike reminisced about their previous performances in Australia and their upcoming return. He expressed his love for classical pop music and punk music, particularly the Ramones and the Buzzcocks, revealing that his band's covers would likely come from outsider pop or weirdo pop, which was prevalent in the 1970s. He also discussed his admiration for the music of the 1970s, despite its sometimes jarring themes. We spoke about support band, Dwarves, and how this coming tour will differ from recent shows, places where Me First & The Gimme Gimmes WOULDN'T play and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Okt 202422min

You don't get more punk than completely bamboozling people without trying, and for this reason alone Melbourne duo Another Rotting Corpse (ARC) have won before even playing a note in anger.On face value with a name like that, it would be natural to assume ARC were, at the very least, a deathcore sounding band but one listen to any song from their upcoming debut album Soaring Highs, Crushing Lows and you will get a quick education as to why you should never judge a cover by its book, or however the saying goes.After a five-year hiatus, ARC returned to the live scene with a renewed fire a couple of years ago, marking their comeback with the 2023 EP, Exchange For Safe Passage. That snowballed quickly to become their debut long player, which is set to be unleashed on the world with devastating force this Friday, October 25.HEAVY caught up with Nath and Ant to find out more."Just a two-person punk album, essentially," Ant offered when asked what they were going for with the album musically. "I write a bunch of songs and give them to Nath, and he puts his part in and that's how it comes out. We didn't want to mess around with the sound too much.""I will say one thing," Nath added, "When Ant writes a song for a two-piece - we were a three-piece, but the bass player has moved to Gippsland - but writing songs for two pieces what Ant does really well is he keeps the sound really full. There's so many opportunities where he could do a solo or something else interesting, but what was great about the album was it gave us the opportunity to fill that sound out even more than what we already do."In the full interview, Ant and Nath talk more about Soaring Highs, Crushing Lows, its musical direction and the high-energy songs on it. We discuss how ARC's sound has changed from their debut EP Exchange For Safe Passage to Soaring Highs, Crushing Lows and what sorts of things they discussed as a band going into it. We spoke about the album launch party at Nighthawks this weekend and what to expect, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

23 Okt 202415min