More Rock Waiter Please With GAVIN HANSEN From THE POOR

Interview by Kris PetersWhile it came as no surprise when Void of Vision announced their swansong with the What I'll Leave Behind Australian Tour 2025, the impending sense of loss was still evident.Due to frontman Jack Bergin's recent health problems no-one could argue with the band's decision to call it a day, but the band's legacy and indelible mark on the global music scene will have to serve as a reminder for future generations.Not content to merely throw a farewell party, Void Of Vision have invited some international guests to the party as well, with Japan's Knosis, and Gideon plus Unity TX joining the tour from the United States Of America. HEAVY sat down with Shaolin G from Unity TX to get to know the band a little better."That's what it was at the beginning," he recalled of the genesis of Unity TX. "It was just nothing but fun. We played our first show and it was hype. Of course, it was kind of a treacherous sound because we were all hyped to do it but some of us were, like, I forgot the part (laughs). It was chaotic but if you ever see our first set on YouTube - which, honestly, if you hear this and you look it up, don't say anything to me about it (laughs). It's insane. It's the most unhinged shit. If that doesn't tell you what Unity is from the beginning, I don't know what to tell you. That set… I look back on it, and sometimes I go ugghh, I can't believe I did that (laughs). It's the energy. It's always been that. It's just about the raw energy of everything."In the full interview, Shaolin G talks more about the formation and early days of the band, coming to Australia for the first time as part of this tour, their relationship with Void Of Vision, what he is expecting from Australia, what we should expect from Unity TX and much more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Jan 14min

Interview by Kris PetersWhen CKY pulled out of the Australian leg of their Australian tour with Alien Ant Farm towards the end of last year the collective sighs from around the country could be heard far and wide, but when Drowning Pool were named as their replacements those sighs turned into boisterous cheers, especially when coupled with the recent news that Ryan McCombs had rejoined the band.Their fresh single Revolution emphatically proved this was more than a nostalgic reunion run of shows, with McCombs - in fact the whole band - sounding as ferocious and uncompromising as ever.For some the wait would seem like forever, and for those forever has finally come with Drowning Pool set to join Alien Ant Farm and Frankenbok for a series of co-headline shows kicking off in Brisbane on February 7.HEAVY spent some time with McCombs not long before he flew out to join the rest of the band. One of the questions we asked related to the fact lots of people will be coming out to see the show because of one song - Bodies - but Drowning Pool are far from a one trick pony."The song Revolution came out recently, (and) you've also got Step Up from the Jason Jones era…" he measured. "The cool thing about this band is it's very easy to separate the band into four different eras. You can easily do that with Dave Williams, Jason Jones, myself and Jason Morano, it's very easy to separate that. You'll see… live-wise you'll see every flavor of the band through those years because I think it's very important to always keep in mind as a member of Drowning Pool that not only are we blessed and lucky that people have kept us around this long, but you have to have the realization and the reality of the fact that some people out there… some people are old school, man. They were into the band from dave Williams on. Some people maybe they didn't get introduced to Drowning Pool until Desentsitized and Step Up and Hate, maybe some of those songs were their favourite tracks. Maybe my era with Feel Like I do or Enemy or one of those songs, maybe that's their era. Or maybe some of the stuff with Jason Marano like Finger & A Fist, or Redlight, maybe that's their flavor. So as a member of the band you've gotta keep in mind that there's people out there in the crowd who may be a fan of any one of those eras that may be their favourite so you wanna incorporate pieces and parts of all those times into the live show so everybody walks away and they heard a track from their album. It's not only awesome to be kept around this long, but it's awesome to have a discography like Drowning Pool has that you're able to pull from such a vast variety of music to make a killer set. Or what you hope is a killer set (laughs)."In the full interview, Ryan shared what we can expect from Drowning Pool's shows, their relationship with Alien Ant Farm, rejoining the band and how it came about, his first show back and how it felt, new single Revolution, future new music and what to expect and more.ALIEN ANT FARM and DROWNING POOL February 2025 Australian Tour Dates:Friday, February 7 - BRISBANE, Princess TheatreSaturday, February 8 - SYDNEY, Metro TheatreSunday, February 9 - MELBOURNE, Northcote TheatreTuesday, February 11 - ADELAIDE, Lion Arts FactoryWednesday, February 12 - PERTH, Magnet HouseTix: www.thephoenix.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Jan 14min

Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter nearly three decades, Sharon den Adel, lead vocalist of Within Temptation, is finally bringing the band to Australia for the first time! During an interview with HEAVY, Sharon shared her excitement for performing at Knotfest and reflected on the band’s long-awaited journey to the land down under.When asked about the band's lengthy absence from Australia, Sharon admitted, “There’s no real good excuse except that it was difficult to fit in and to find the right promoter to bring us over… but after 30 years, we’re finally coming!” She also discussed the challenges of long flights, especially with the notorious 24-hour trip to Australia, stating,"I’m going to try, it’s going to be a new experiment.”Sharon is looking forward to more than just playing at Knotfest, where she’ll share the stage with legendary bands. “It’s like a candy store,” she says, eager to explore the festival lineup.A notable part of Within Temptation’s music is their bold political commentary. Sharon explained that the band felt compelled to address global issues like the war in Ukraine and the plight of women in Iran. “We have a platform, and we stand for certain values… It’s important to talk about these things,” she says, emphasising that as artists, it's their responsibility to use their voice for change.Sharon also opened up about the challenges of being a female frontwoman in a male-dominated genre. She shared that despite facing some initial resistance from certain fans, she’s always felt at home in the metal scene. "I've always felt very at home in the metal (scene)… I was never separated because I was a woman," Sharon revealed. She also reflected on the broader impact her presence—and that of other women—has had on the genre, saying, "The more there is of us, the more diversity, and it makes the scene more interesting." Sharon’s perspective highlights how women in metal have paved the way for future generations, encouraging young female musicians to carve out their own space in the industry.With their long-awaited Australian side shows scheduled in Brisbane and Melbourne, fans can expect to hear not just their iconic symphonic metal, but a band that's unafraid to speak out on the world’s pressing issues.Catch Within Temptation at Knotfest and Monday 3 March - Princess Theatre, Brisbane, Thursday 6 March - Max Watts, Melbourne.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Jan 17min

Interview by Kris PetersAmerican Pie Emo Night is coming to Australia, celebrating 25 years of the infamous movie American Pie featuring Thomas Nicholas Band. Frontman, Thomas Ian Nicholas is best known as Kevin Myers from the films.Thomas began his acting career on Who's the Boss? playing a young Tony Danza. At age 12, Nicholas embarked on a series of feature films that would shape his young adult career, including Rookie of the Year, A Kid in King Arthur's Court. By 18 he had recurring roles on hit TV shows like Party of Five and the role of Kevin Myers in the extremely successful American Pie franchise.Over the last 15 years his band has played over 1000 concerts in 12 countries and released a half dozen studio albums. Thomas' fourth release, a self-titled EP, first single My Generation was included on the American Reunion soundtrack album. The song has received global radio play and is close to 1 million streams on Spotify.Most recently, their seventh studio album We’re Gonna Be Okay was released by SBÄM Records and Double Helix Records on May 17, 2024 produced by Taylor Carroll (LIT) and includes features from Bowling For Soup, Less than Jake, The Early November and Ayron Jones.In 2015, Thomas co-write and performed the song All the Way which was included on Blue Traveler's album, Blow Up the Moon and in 2022 Thomas released 1999, a parody to Bowling for Soup's 1985.Now, for the first time ever, Thomas is headed to Australia to celebrate life, love, music and 25 years of American Pie. HEAVY had a great chat with the great man earlier this week."Man, it's really a highlight moment for me that has opened up so many doors," he smiled when asked what American Pie means to him 25 years on. "Here I am 25 years later and the success of this billion dollar franchise is giving me the opportunity to come and tour Australia. The doors that it opens for me just continue to happen, and I'm so thankful."We ask him what his first impressions were when asked to be in a movie that involved the now infamous pie scene."My initial reaction was actually way worse than you could think," he teased. "The first scene in the movie was Kevin and Vicky, not Jim and his sock puppet (laughs). It was Vicky instructing Kevin on which way to use his fingers… we'll let you put the rest of the scene together in your own mind - so I threw the script in the trash and called my agent and said 'why are you sending me porn?"In the full interview, Thomas relives other moments from the American Pie franchise, discusses his relationship with Ned Kelly, talks about his band - the Thomas Nicholas Band, what to expect from them live, working with Bowling For Soup and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Jan 19min

Interview by Kris PetersThey’ve been called Deathrock, Gothcore, and, from one creative soul, “kinda goth punk glam Manson-y metal?” They’ve also been called “a best kept secret”. Although that really began to change since the debut LP was released… Which begs the question: Who the fuck are these guys, then?Well. Department of Gloom is made up of four, Sydney, Australia based musicians, including ex-members of Florida-based industrial fetish freaks Genitorturers, Sydney heavy industrialists Jerk, and ‘90s glam metal punks Candy Harlots.And the sound is a potent mix of all these things.On the live front, Department of Gloom have opened for everybody from Skid Row to Wednesday 13, while also sharing stages with local heavyweights Witchgrinder and Our Last Enemy, and doing their own shows around Australia, picking up quite a following of devotees in the process.They recently released their eponymously titled 10 track debut on vinyl, LTD edition CD and across streaming services. The CD run sold out quickly, while the LP is in its second pressing. The album was accompanied by two videos, I Dare You and Psycho.January 24 saw the band's most ambitious and exciting video being released for the track Kill Someone, which also points to the direction Department of Gloom’s sound and style is developing.The video will be launched with a show at Sydney’s The Duke Hotel, Friday February 7. Of course with everyone being brought up on a diet of early KISS and Alice Cooper, 70’s British glam rock, the gothic punk sounds of The Damned, Cure, and Christian Death, along with a background of industrial metal and so much more, Department Of Gloom are what you end up with when that beautiful mess comes at you in stereo. They may not sound exactly like any of those influences…but there’s a little bit of all of that in there.And…most importantly. Department Of Gloom are having a whole lot of hellish fun doing what they do. So, Indulge. Enjoy. Never repent…HEAVY caught up with Leeno Dee to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Jan 12min

Sisters Doll is a group of brothers bonded by blood and rock ‘n’ roll. With a signature melodic rock sound and an electrifying stage presence, Sisters Doll has captivated audiences across the globe, including an unforgettable performance in New York City.Since their formation in 2010, the band has shared the stage with renowned artists such as KISS, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Bruce Kulick, LA Guns, Buckcherry, The Angels, and more, solidifying their position in the rock music industry.Their dedication to their craft has earned them a devoted fan base, known as the ‘doll army,’ and critical acclaim from reviewers. Sisters Doll exceptional live performances have left audiences in awe, with their energy and passion shining through in every show.As they continue to make their mark in the music world, Sisters Doll is set to perform on the Monsters of Rock Cruise out of Miami Florida in March, and they have just been chosen to perform at the Call Of The Wild Festival in May which marks the bands first appearance on UK shores. Make sure to keep an eye out for these rock sensations as they continue to rock stages worldwide.With the release of their third album Scars recently, HEAVY caught up with Bryce and Austin Mileto to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Jan 25min

MAJESTICA, the symphonic and power metal band from Sweden, is set to embark on an exciting new journey with their upcoming album Power Train, scheduled for release on February 7, 2025. This spellbinding experience awakens sleeping dreams with powerful riffs and epic choruses in singles such as Power Train, Battle Cry, and A Story in the Night. Back in 2019, MAJESTICA made a significant impact in the metal community with their debut album, Above The Sky. This album showcased their signature blend of soaring melodies and powerful instrumentation, quickly gaining acclaim and amassing over 17 million streams. It established them as prominent players in the power metal scene, setting high expectations for their future work.In 2020 then, the band delighted fans with a unique release: a Christmas musical power metal album titled A Christmas Carol. This project beautifully intertwines the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with their symphonic power metal style, drawing inspiration from artists like RHAPSODY and film composers such as Alan Silvestri and Danny Elfman. The album not only highlighted their musical versatility but also offered listeners a captivating retelling of the beloved story, complete with orchestral elements and theatrical storytelling.Combining the contrasting styles of those last two releases, Power Train sees Majestica at their explosive best, a swirling cavalcade of guitars laying a sonic landscape filled with grandeur and strength.HEAVY sat down with guitarist/vocals Tommy Johansson to dissect Power Train more."The album goes up and down," he explained. "We have a couple of fast songs like you would expect from a power metal band inspired by Helloween, but it also has a couple of heavier songs inspired by Hammerfall, and then we have some 80's songs - there's very much an 80's style to it - and then we have more mid-tempo songs… There's at least one song that anyone could like, depending on what kind of song you're into."In the full interview, Tommy discussed the single selection process, the themes coursing through Power Train's DNA, the vivid cover and how it represents the album, handling production duties in-house and the benefits and disadvantages of doing so, how Majestica have grown musically over their career, stamping their authority in the power metal scene and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

21 Jan 12min

Interview by Kris PetersFor the better part of three decades New Zealand rock outfit Shihad have ruled the proverbial roost, with albums like The General Electric, Pacifier, and even their most recent offering Old Gods showcasing an unflinching course of rock DNA to satisfy even the harshest of critics.Songs like My Minds Sedate, Pacifier, Home Again and Tear Down Those Names became the go-to-songs on pub jukeboxes everywhere, but it was in the live domain where Shihad excelled. Frontman Jon Toogood's energy and vibrancy each time the band hit the stage has always been infectious, enabling Shihad to thrive on a variety of levels to a mixed bag of audiences.Put simply, they deservedly command respect in the same league of bands like AC/DC, Rose Tattoo and Grinspoon in the annals of Australian/New Zealand rock history.But, as inevitably happens to everything, Shihad's time is drawing to an end, choosing to go out on their own merits instead of waiting for the axe of public expectation to fall. With a series of farewell shows planned between Australia and New Zealand before the band's official changing of the guard in their hometown of Wellington on March 15, Toogood sat down with HEAVY to say goodbye.The Shihad way."At the moment people are saying 'these shows must be emotional'," he smiled, "but it's more like, no, these shows are wicked because we've rehearsed hard, and we're playing a lot of stuff that's quite challenging and quite different to what we've played in the past. Obviously we're going to have to play the bangers - which is totally cool because we love those songs and there's reasons why they are bangers - but we're doing deep dives into records that we've never done before. It keeps you on your toes. We're not gonna be phoning these shows in. We have to work, which is great, and I like that."In the full interview, Jon talks more about the shows and what to expect, the reasons behind calling it a day, the New Zealand shows late last year and how the fans reacted, maintaining energy and enthusiasm for performing as he gets older, playing The General Electric and Pacifier in full at select shows, what he will miss most about being in Shihad and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Jan 15min