Coming To Get Some Down Under With JOHN FAHNESTOCK From SNOT

Interview by Kris PetersAs Australia prepares for a massive influx of international touring bands in the first three months of this new year, punters are becoming increasingly torn over which shows they will go to - borne purely out of financial reasons.While many upcoming events are struggling to sell as many tickets as they should or would like, one tour that has not been cast into the 'maybe' pile is the Klash Of The Titans Tour, which sees heavyweights In Flames and Kreator head Down Under for a string of shows in February.On their own each band is a formidable live unit, but when thrust together on one stage for a co-headlining tour, the promise of something special magnifies exponentially.With the tour only one month away, HEAVY caught up with In Flames drummer Tanner Wayne to find out what the band has planned for us. We start by asking if this will be In Flames' first live performances in 2024."Yes sir," he replied."And what a crazy one. Before we get to Australia we do Indonesia, Japan, China, Singapore, Bangkok, India… maybe I'm missing one… so it's gonna be where am I? I look at some weathers, and it's all over the place, so it's gonna be a journey for sure."We press Tanner as to what fans can expect from the shows."We've discussed playing a different set list than we have been," he offered, "so we're gonna pull some songs out from the first records as well as the newer ones. We're just gonna go out there and have a blast as we always do. We're excited to see the fans. I have never done a club tour with them in Australia and some of the parts of Asia, so I'm looking forward to seeing a literal representation of the work we did at the festivals. See who from the festivals as well as who already knew the band we are gonna bring out to these shows."In the full interview, Tanner talks about what the band expects from the crowds at their shows, playing with Kreator, the reception afforded recent album Foregone, how much of that they will be playing live, what he considers In Flames' contribution to metal music is, future plansBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Jan 202412min

Interview by Kris PetersLike a wrecking ball let off the chain, recently formed Brisbane metal outfit Awaken The Hate are set to steamroll the local metal scene when they release their debut single Monster In The Mirror this Friday.Coming together with a wealth of experience already in the metal scene, Awaken The Hate aren't here to merely make up the numbers.They are here to lead the pack.As the band's bio so beautifully puts it, "Awaken The Hate draws inspiration from the darker realms of the human psyche, exploring themes of societal decay, existential dread, and the unspoken fury that simmers beneath the surface. Their lyrics reflect the collective discontent of a generation, while their sonic onslaught leaves no soul untouched."And while we all know how easy it is to simply talk the talk, anyone who has seen one of only a handful of live shows from Awaken The Hate will testify just how solid talk can be when you have the fortitude to back it up.The Monster In The Mirror threatens to be merely an opening salvo from a band who have been brought up the old-school metal way and now ply their craft in the same manner. Fresh, original, brutal and uncompromising, Awaken The Hate promise to be a breath of fresh air on the metal scene, and after spending some time speaking with guitarist Steve Conley and vocalist Ben Rogers recently that seems to be only a formality."We're all of that element where groove metal - the Pantera's and that sort of 90s stuff - was where our bread and butter was," Rogers began. "I think what we've really found with Awaken The Hate is trying to modernise that a bit. Music to me has got groove. It makes you wanna move, and I like to think that there's also the melodies and the vox there have got a bit of a hook to it that makes you wanna sing along. That was our goal. I wanna play in front of people that wanna sing songs back to us and bang their heads hard."In the full interview, Benno and Steve talk more about the debut single, what it's about, finding emotion and expression through honesty in lyrics, why they chose this particular song to introduce Awaken The Hate to the world, how accurately this song represents the future direction of the band, the importance of nailing live shows, upcoming gigs, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Jan 202413min

Interview by Kris PetersIn little more than a decade, UK rock outfit Neck Deep have gone from a band rehearsing in a spare bedroom to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, but you get the feeling despite that the boys still have their feet planted firmly on the ground.For verification of this you need look no further than their upcoming fifth self-titled album which was conceived, recorded, mixed and mastered in a warehouse not far from where things licked off some 12 years ago.Despite literally being offered the opportunity to record pretty much anywhere they wanted, using whoever they wanted, Neck Deep instead set out to deliver an album completely of their own volition which encompassed everything fans love about the band while harking back to the early days where blind ambition was the primary driving force.With the album due out on January 19, HEAVY sat down with frontman Ben Barlow to find out more.We start by asking Ben what this period is like, waiting for the album to be let loose on the public."It's a little nerve-wracking," he admitted, "in the sense that you finish a record, and you put it out to the world and then whatever people think of it is whatever people think of it. We always love what we do, and we always write for us, but it's kind of nerve-wracking thinking the thing you worked so hard on and the thing you poured your heart and soul into is going to be either loved or loather by people. But I think people are gonna love it. It's a little bit of a return to our roots in a lot of ways, and I think fans are gonna love that. We still managed to keep it fresh and have a new element and sound in there, maybe overall a little tighter and a little slicker, so…yeah. I'm not too nervous about it. We've got some big shows coming up that I'm more nervous about. It's weird these days how you put out a record to support touring, rather than the other way around. We've got our biggest headline show ever coming up in the UK, and that's my goal. I'm fully set on that. I wanna sell that out. I know people will love the record, and it will do well, and we're gonna have fun playing it, but to me, I wanna see 10,000 people screaming the words back at me. A few things to look forward to and a few things to be nervous about, but good nerves generally."In the full interview, Ben talks more about the album musically, the singles released so far and how they represent the whole album, how this is a return to roots for Neck Deep, how making the album in their own warehouse impacted the final result, why they decided to make this, their fifth album, self-titled and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

12 Jan 202418min

Interview by Kris PetersQueensland metal outfit God Hunter have emerged from the ashes following an earlier enforced hiatus with one clear objective - to decimate the hearts and ears of as many of their fellow countrymen as they possibly can.Since re-emerging in 2022, God Hunter have released a succession of singles, each of which showcased yet another arsenal to their expanding metal bow.Blending metal styles from Southern to progressive to blackened to thrash and groove, God Hunter are redefining the parameters of labeling by steadfastly refusing to conform to one genre or be forced into a neat and tidy box.With today's release of their fourth single Evolver - lifted from forthcoming nine-track album Season Of The End - God Hunter show a more aggressive side to their nature, expanding their reach even further in the process.HEAVY sat down with guitarist Bradley Rohloff and drummer Kendal Brown to find out more."We're best described as a Southern, progressive, blackened, groove, thrash band," affirmed Rohloff."We've got a few things thrown in the mix," added Brown. "There's not one particular sound that we stick to exactly."We ask the boys to tell us more about Evolver musically."The original sound was…", Brown searched for the words."A never-ending build," Rohloff picked up."Yeah, a build that keeps building," Brown continued. "I had a bit of a riff that seemed to play over itself quite easily, so it was the idea of that atmosphere and build, build, build with a bomb drop right at the end."In the full interview, the boys talk more about the new single, the four songs released so far and how they differ musically, which one best represents their sound, their plan to release each album track individually before launching the physical full album, their influences andBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Jan 20249min

Interview by Kris PetersMadison, WI outfit The Flavor That Kills are one of those rare bands that is impossible to classify into one set genre of music.Harnessing the might of everything from rock to punk to blues to metal, The Flavor That Kills are an eclectic group of individuals, each with ample amounts of craziness and passion that ultimately creates a sound and music that is truly fresh and unique.With their third album Book Of Secrits coming out last September and the sweet sounds of their music finally filtering to these tender ears all the way Down Under, HEAVY thought it high time we sat the four boys down for a get-to-know-you chat and let's just say a good time was had by all.Now it's your turn to get acquainted with drummer Eric, guitarist/vocalist Ryan, bass player Christian and guitarist Nick.Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride…I start by asking which, out of all the flavors in the world, actually has the ability to kill."It was just a play on names, really," Eric spoke up. "We were trying to come up with the stupidest name we could think of, and that ended up being it. At first, it was more of a joke, but we just kept it because we thought it was cool."Seeing as how not many of you would be familiar with The Flavor That Kills - yet - HEAVY feels it appropriate to ask the boys for a brief history of the band."We've been around for a while, but this is a new incarnation of the band," Eric continued. "When we first started ten years ago or so we had a keyboard, a Rhodes piano, and then we replaced that with Nick on guitar. So we kinda went from a guitar-based, drums, vocals and Rhodes to a two-guitar bass and drums. The record that you have, the new one, is the first one where we redefined the sound. Plus, we're all songwriters. Nick's brought a lot into the band. We historically have been a lazy band until recently with this record, which was supposed to be done, but then the pandemic happened, and we got delayed a couple of years."In the full interview the band talks about their many and varied influences and how they bring them all together to create The Flavor That Kills sound, their new album Book Of Secrits, where their inspiration comes from, keeping music fun and enjoyable, what songs to listen to in order to get to know the band's music better, upcoming live shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

9 Jan 202421min

Interview by Kris PetersIt is quite fitting for a band with the name Decembers Deadline to be releasing new material just days before the year rolls over through January, but then again, this isn't just any normal release from the Brisbane metal outfit.Since the band's last single Unique came out in November 2021 much has changed with Decembers Deadline, most noticeably two new members in the form of guitarist Peter Muldoon and vocalist Saxxon Olejniczak. Bringing with them a fresh outlook and renewed vigor, Decembers Deadline have taken on a much harder edge, redefining their sound without straying too far from what existing fans of the band would expect.With the December 29 HEAVY premiere of the new track Cross-Hairs looming fast, we sat down with both new members to chat about the new material and what to expect from Decembers Deadline two years on."Since then (Unique) we've had a bit of a member change," Muldoon explained. "As Sax mentioned, him and I came on last year. So a bit of a line-up change, a bit of a reshuffle within the band. We had a sit down and said let's do this and let's get our influences in on this as well and shape the sound and take what those guys had and hopefully improve on it and come out bigger than ever."We ask for a bit more information on both of the new kids on the block and what they bring to Decembers Deadline."I feel like we're both bringing a fresh face and new sound to things," Saxxon offered. "In the demoing stage of things, it was definitely Peter going 'is this what you want?' and everyone jumping on board and saying yeah we're gonna run with this. So I guess it was definitely bringing a new aspect to the writing of the band, and I think that was the biggest thing we were bringing. Fresh faces, a fresh sound, and a way to get the band still going without it being too different to what the old stuff was."That said, we ask the boys to tell us more about Cross-Hairs musically."Musically, I listened to what the guys were doing," Muldoon began, "and they were throwing their influences around. As Saxxon said, I came up with a bit of a riff, that main djent style riff, and sent it through to the boys and said 'is this what you wanted' kind of thing. It's funny, because that then plays into the lyrics as well, where the lyrics and chorus say 'is this what you wanted?' (laughs)."In the full interview, the boys talk more about Cross-Hairs, how it differs to previous material, if the song is a good reflection on the future direction of their sound, future plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Dec 20238min

Interview by Kris PetersWhen Murderdolls burst onto the scene in 2002 with the ridiculously brilliant album Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls they were sadly recognized for the wrong reasons.Although the infectiously sinister music and vocals ultimately were the backbone of the band's sustained success, it was the worldwide notoriety of two of the members (one more than the other) that first sent media into a frenzy.Fronted by Wednesday 13, known for his shock/punk duties with Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13, Murderdolls were always going to be worse than the ones your parents warned you about, but it was the guitarist of the band who attracted unprecedented attention.Slipknot - who at that time were still largely an anonymous, masked, musical war machine - had just released the devastatingly crushing Iowa album, with diminutive drummer Joey Jordinson creating a musical tornado behind the drum kit.With the announcement of Murderdolls came the news that Joey was in the band - unmasked - but would be playing guitar instead of bashing skins.This alone guaranteed global intrigue for Murderdolls, but did not once seem to be a contrived or deliberate publicity stunt.Murderdolls, via their music, made an emphatic statement of intent on that debut album that they were here to make music fun and sleazy again and despite the pedigree of their members were just a bunch of mates out to make music and have a good time.Inevitable internal problems and scheduling conflicts prevented the follow-up, 2010s Women and Children Last, from being released for almost a decade and by that point Murderdolls were no longer a fully functioning band, leading them to split in 2013.Rumours circulated that Wednesday 13 and Jordinson had severed all ties and despite a constant chorus of cries for a reunion, Murderdolls remained inactive up to and including the time of Jordinson's tragic passing in 2021.It seemed Murderdolls and their music would remain forever in limbo, with Wednesday understandably reluctant to continue the band in light of events.But, earlier this year and with the 20th anniversary of Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls stirring up renewed fan fuelled calls for a reunion of sorts, Wednesday found it in his heart and spirit to go on the road to celebrate that great album and the impact it had on so many lives.With the tour set to hit Australia in February 2024, HEAVY was finally offered the opportunity to interview Wednesday about Murderdolls, an interview we have been waiting for for 20 years. Still occasionally giving in to our inner fanboy, we tell Wednesday straight off the bat how excited we are to see the show."Me too, I'm excited," he smiled. "I didn't realise that the people were this passionate about the music. It's great to see that 21 years later there's still the old fans and then this whole new generation of young fans that have been dying for it as well. It's a great reaction. We're in the middle of a US tour right now and it is nothing but fun going out and playing these songs. It's a full hour, hour 45 minute set playing 20 songs off both records - 13 off the first album and the rest off the second - and it's been a complete blast every single night. I cannot wait to bring it to Australia and see the madness that it will create there."Until this year Wednesday had not played any Murderdolls songs for over a decade, begging the questions of what made him decide now is the right time to dust them off."There are Murderdolls songs scattered in the Wednesday 13 setlist," he corrected. "I Love To Say Fuck has been a staple of mine, as well as 197666. There are several songs that have switched in and out over the years, but the main thing that started this unfortunately was the passing of Joey. Last year when I was touring and sort of doing a celebration of my 20-year history including Murderdolls and Wednesday 13 stuff and there's a part of the set where we play four or five Murderdolls songs and I did a little story about Joey and I and after the show everyone said I have never heard Murderdolls songs like that. You should do a full set like this. Now that Joey has passed it would be a great thing and I said you're right, you're right, you're right. It was just hearing it over and over every night, and I realised why shouldn't we do it? It's the perfect time, and also it was a healing thing for me, and I think it's a healing thing for the fans. A lot of people are yet to go to a concert and celebrate something like that and have someone… The whole time isn't all talking about Joey. But for people to come out and hear those songs… Some people never got to hear them. Ever live. To hear that and also have a memorial tribute thing to Joey… it's the best of all worlds. Yeah, it's been fun and I know the Australian tour is going to be something to remember."In the full interview, Wednesday talks more about what to expect from the shows, how they have been going overseas, his relationship with Joey, starting the band with him and what they wanted out of it, Joey's guitar playing, writing music together and how they pushed each other, how he used part of his image and music from Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 to shape Murderdolls, which of the two albums is his personal favourite and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

22 Dec 202318min

Interview by Kris PetersSydney alternative metal outfit Fifth Dawn are taking to the road early next year with a string of three shows along the East Coast of Australia to showcase their new music and prepare fans for an album later in the year.Their music transcends genres, enabling Fifth Dawn to appeal to a large scope of music listeners, with a cinematic underlying element adding yet more layers of goodness to discover.With the band already planning new music and getting ready to hit the stage, vocalist Samantha Faul took some time out for a chat with HEAVY."We're all very excited," she smiled. "It will be good. We haven't yet played a show in Brisbane before."We ask Faul to tell us a bit more about Fifth Dawn for those unfamiliar with the band."We formed in 2015," she began. "We were all quite young when we first started, so it's been quite a journey. We're very proud of the music we are playing. It's definitely what we want to be projecting to the world. We get a lot of comparisons to Evanescence style, so it's a powerhouse quality of vocals. We're blending more heavier elements to our music as well, which is good."In the full interview, Sam talks more about the band, their most recent single The Day Brings and how that represents the band's sound, a typical Fifth Dawn live show, what they expect from crowds live, taking Aurateque on tour and why them, the local support bands for each show, mixing cinematic elements into their music, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

21 Dec 202313min