THE QUARANTINED: Overriding The Algorithms Of Life And Music

Interview by Kris PetersAfter over a decade of devotion, intensity and passion, Melbourne's VOID OF VISION have announced that it is time to bid farewell to fans and announce the What I'll Leave Behind Australian Tour for 2025; a huge headline run where they will celebrate the end of an era one final time to close out their chapter. VOID OF VISION will be joined for their swan song tour in February by special guests GIDEON (USA), UNITYTX (USA) and KNOSIS (Japan).The What I'll Leave Behind Australian tour will commence on Friday 14 February in Brisbane, before heading to Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide, and bringing the VOID OF VISION story to a close on Saturday 22 February in Perth, offering fans across the country one last chance to witness the ferocity and stunning dexterity a VOID OF VISION live show always brings, and offering the band and fans an opportunity to bid farewell in unforgettable fashion.The brainchild of Japanese multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, KNOSIS grips with hard-hitting lyricism and razor-sharp delivery, channelling Kinoshita's internal battles into magnetic sonic creations. With songs written to reflect the pure emotional essence of pain and loneliness, KNOSIS collides everything from metal riffs through to hardcore breakdowns, simultaneously sparking listeners to smash their PBs in the gym while also offering an emotional journey to uplift and inspire against the odds.HEAVY caught up with RYO to talk more about the tour and Knosis.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Feb 9min

Interview by Kris PetersSince forming in 2007, Counterparts have gone from the Hamilton, Ontario, underground to touring the world as one of Canada's most important and impactful musical exports. They've released seven full-lengths, with A Eulogy for Those Still Here landing in 2022. They've also released four EPs and a live album. Late last year they delighted fans with the surprise EP, Heaven Will Let Them Die, out via Pure Noise. The band has sold 250,000 albums through the course of its career, and their most recent headliner in support of AEFTSS was almost entirely sold out.And now, in great news for Australian fans, Counterparts are coming Down Under with Dying Wish for four dates as part of the Heaven Let Them Die tour. HEAVY caught up with frontman Brendan Murphy to talk music and touring. One of our questions centred around the 'surprise' release of Heaven Will Let Them Die and if he considered it a risk in the modern music world."For sure," he nodded. "I wasn't terribly concerned that there was a possibility of it backfiring. I don't think anybody who likes the band is gonna be, like, 'what? They didn't even tell us, this sucks'. You know what I mean? I think everybody was kind of stoked that there was something new. I think there is always a chance that it just gets lost if you don't dangle the keys in front of people's face. When you just drop it there's a chance that people can forget about it and I think maybe people have a little bit… but I think it's amazing because we put the EP out and said right, we're gonna tour in three months, see ya. I think, if anything, it was that that did it. Not the surprise. I think when you do something that plays into how short everyone's attention span is at the moment, I think it's just a move. That's the easiest way to get people, and so what if you're the hot topic and everyone's talking about it for a month or a week, and then they move on to something else. They were gonna move onto something else anyway, regardless of how long you teased it. I think it definitely worked for sure."In the full interview, Brendan talks more about the reasons behind jumping off the publicity train for their recent EP, the pros and cons of doing that, how it is the band's most authentic representation sonically, and where it stands in terms of future direction.We also take the time to run through the EP track by track, plus talk about what we can expect from Counterparts when they hit Australia in June.Tickets and more information at livenation.com.au.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

3 Feb 26min

Interview by Angela CroudacePolaris is heading to Knotfest, and if you’re not already pumped, you should be. The Aussie metal juggernauts are ready to tear it up alongside some of the biggest names in heavy music. HEAVY had the chance to chat with guitarist Rick Schneider about what it’s like to be part of the iconic line up, what’s in store for fans, and what’s next for the band.When asked about joining Knotfest, Rick’s reaction was simple and pure: “To be part of Knotfest, Slipknot’s playing, that’s kind of the pinnacle thing. Everyone is stoked on that. As soon as we got the offer, it was like, all right, well, we'll make that work.” For a band like Polaris, joining such a legendary festival line up feels like both a milestone and a natural step in their meteoric rise.Rick revealed that, while they didn’t throw a huge party when they got the news, there was an undeniable sense of excitement among the band. “It's always nice to play at home, especially after a long time away. Every time we come back, it feels like a homecoming,” he said, speaking to the deep connection they have with their Australian fans.As for what fans can expect at the festival, Rick promised a balanced set that’ll appeal to both new listeners and die-hard supporters alike. “We’re definitely playing the new singles, but we’re also making sure to keep it heavy and include some classics, like Lucid,” he shared, adding, “We have ample time, so it should be a good one.”When asked about his favourite song to perform live, Rick didn’t hesitate: “Probably Hypermania. It's got heaps of energy, and it’s one of those songs where everything fits into shape—less stress, big payoff.”And while it might surprise some, Rick admitted he’s not the band’s biggest Slipknot fan: "I'm the least Slipknot fan out of the guys," he laughed, but he still recognizes the sheer energy of playing such a huge festival.As for advice to aspiring Aussie bands? Rick keeps it real: “Social media is everything these days. You never know what platform might take off. Just get your music out there in every way you can.”Catch Polaris and more at Knotfest Australia 2025. It's going to be a metal lover’s dream, and with Rick's focus on delivering a killer performance, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one for the books!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

2 Feb 12min

Interview by Kris PetersPlaytime is over. Now shit gets real.Much has been made of Frankenbok welcoming back original vocalist Hutchy to launch their next foray into the world of metal, but as fun as the honeymoon period has been it's now time to let their music do the talking.Following the frenetic Demon Tantrum, the tongue in cheek cover of (You Spin Me) Right Round and the most recent track Dopamine, Frankenbok are preparing to throw all their cards on the table today, January 31, with the release of the first EP under the current regime in the form of Irrepressible.Not that anyone who has been a part of Australian metal at any stage over the last quarter of a century would - or could - have any doubts, but it almost feels like Frankenbok have got a point to prove. The band have had an ever-evolving sound, mainly due to a merry-go-round of vocalists over the years, but from all reports Irrepressible is a large step back to the early days of the band where pretty much anything went and the focus was, first and foremost, on enjoying playing music.HEAVY sat down for a chat with guitarist Azza Bok and vocalist Hutchy to get the lowdown in a chat that got so involved we had to split the video into two parts for easier digestion."It was a real cathartic moment for me personally as well," Hutchy explained when talk turned to him rejoining the band. "I turned up to Cherry Bar and someone said Frankenbok was playing, and I thought I'm not in the mood for any bullshit and Aaron walked straight up to me, looked me dead in the eye, extended his hand and said some really nice words and defused the situation. It felt like a whole weight had lifted off my shoulders. I made my peace many years ago, but we obviously hadn't spoken for a while. It started that next step for the things that came to follow."So the big question is what can we expect from the new music?"It's a homage to all the Frankenbok over the years," Hutchy measured. "When I approached it vocally and lyrically I went back and listened to all the albums and stuff and got inspired by everybody. I've got this reputation as being a bit of a Mike Patton try-hard, so I went back, and I tried to be inspired by Frankenbok, and make a Frankenbok record. It's got all the great elements of Frankenbok, but hopefully something new as well. I think it's a very refined, mature Frankenbok as well. I'm really proud of it. I never thought it was going to turn out like this.""And I know people always say this about their latest album, but I will legitimately say it's my favourite one to date," Azza chimed in. "I went through years of writing it and listening to it over and over and over and getting it done, but now when I listen to it, I legitimately really, really enjoy it. I love the sound of it. I love what everybody did to it. There was no… I said to everybody, you do whatever the fuck you wanna do, just do it the best you can."In the full interview we cover more ground on how Hutchy came back to the Frankenbok camp, lessons learnt musically by both of them over the last two decades, writing new material and settling into a groove, more on what to expect from the new music, we analyse each of the five tracks in more detail, discuss future live shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

30 Jan 46min

Interview by Kris PetersThe seventh studio album for Night Flight Orchestra was always going to be difficult given the passing of original member David Andersson between releases.Music is an emotional form of expression naturally, but when having to negotiate loss and sorrow, any new music could quite easily be skewered too far in that direction and become almost self-indulgent.Not that that is a bad thing, but talking with frontman Bjorn Strid you get the feeling that he and the rest of NFO wanted to pay honour and respect to David's legacy and music by capturing themselves at optimal strength and unity on both a sonic and personal plane.The resulting body of work, Give Us The Moon - which is released on Friday, January 31 - takes the listener on an exciting sonic journey, balancing between uplifting escapism and captivating stories inspired by real life events. The album's themes span the likes of heroines and temptresses to liberation and romantic nostalgia, set to backdrops of abandoned cities and cosmic tides.The album is free from the limitations of one genre or style, although many of the soundscapes of the album draw inspiration from the 80s, making the album a varied, exciting adventure. Give Us The Moon is produced by THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA and Sebastian Forslund, who also mixed the album, and is mastered by Plec Johansson at award-winning The Panic Room Studios. To celebrate the release of the new full-length, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA will embark on a full European tour in late January, 2025. Boarding is completed - fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!HEAVY sat down recently with Strid to discuss the new album and delve into its cinematic nature."It's a real special album," he began. "It's the first one without David Andersson, who sadly passed away two years ago, and it's been a special journey putting this album together. We wanted to create something really uplifting and empowering, and make it even more cinematic and dreamy than before. But the general guiding star was to make something really positive… but still multi-layered. What we have here is an explosion of emotions running through the album. It's very diverse, but it all sits together in the end. You just need to listen to the album to really get into it and get what we're saying. It's gonna be a beautiful ride."In the full interview we ask Bjorn if he still gets the same rush as an album release approaches or if that fades over time, he explains the terms cinematic and soundscape and how they relate to NFO's music, the musical direction of the album, bettering yourself musically, the early days of Night Flight Orchestra and where they fit in, the musical expansion of the band over each album, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Jan 14min

Interview by Angela CroudaceIn our interview with Jake Taylor, the powerhouse vocalist of Australian metal band In Hearts Wake, we dug into the band’s latest album Incarnation, their connection to tarot, and the unique creative journey behind their latest work.The concept for Incarnation is deeply rooted in the band’s early fascination with tarot, something that’s been in Taylor’s life since childhood. “My mum was a tarot reader, so I grew up around people coming to her for readings,” Jake shared, “On this album, every song aligns with a major arcana card, but we’ve flipped them upside down,” he explained. This inversion of meanings reflects the darker, shadowy themes explored on the record. Incarnation delves deep into the underworld, musically and spiritually, creating a sonic experience that’s intense, raw, and unrelenting.Jake also revealed that tarot is more than just a lyrical motif for the band—it’s a tool for personal reflection. “We’ve turned to tarot during pivotal moments, like when we were figuring out the exit of a band member, just to see if things were aligned,” he said. This insight goes beyond mere fortune-telling, instead helping the band navigate life’s challenging decisions.Aside from the mystical, Jake also spoke about the band’s growth and experiences. Touring internationally, including a huge milestone tour with Slipknot and Lamb of God, has cemented In Hearts Wake’s reputation as a force in the heavy music scene.In 2025, In Hearts Wake will bring their dark, powerful sound to Australia’s Knotfest for the first time. The band is eager to take their place alongside metal heavyweights like Slipknot and Polaris. “It’s a nice recognition,”Jake reflected, “Australia gets it—it gets the heavy music, the humour, and the wild places. We can’t wait to share that connection on home soil.” It promises to be an unmissable moment for fans.When it comes to advice for aspiring Aussie musicians, Jake stressed the importance of staying grounded. “It’s got to be about the music and the people first,” he advised. “Don’t chase the numbers game. Find the roots that keep you connected to what you love.”With Incarnation now out, In Hearts Wake continues to push boundaries, blending their passion for music with a spiritual depth that’s unique in the metal world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Jan 18min

Interview by Kris PetersFor those uninitiated, Yacht Rock encapsulates the revival of Soft Rock Hits from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, which has become a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring fans to dress the part and sing along. Yächtley Crëw are not just the ultimate entertainers, but also incredible musicians. The full 7-piece band recreate those smooth 70’s and 80’s sounds to perfection, including the sax solos of course!And now, for the first time ever, Yachtley Crew is setting sail for Australia for a run of shows this May.The nautical-suited and captain’s-hat-clad nautical musicians are proudly flying the flag of Yacht Rock for each and every generation that loves good fun, good times and a good sing-along. With scintillating renditions of songs from Toto, ELO, Steely Dan, Hall & Oats and plenty more, Yachtley Crew are a fun-filled musical extravaganza that combines all of your loves in life on one deck.HEAVY caught up with Philly Ocean to learn how to swim…"We couldn't be more happy," he enthused when asked how he is feeling about finally getting the chance to cross the ocean. "We started back in 2017, and we've been doing this for eight years. We never imagined that something that we did just because we thought it would be fun would now be going international. We started off playing small bars in Southern California and realized pretty on that people love Yacht Rock. By the way, for those of you who have maybe never heard the term, Yacht rock is made up of all your favourite soft rock hits from the late 70s and early 80s. Artists like Kenny Loggins, Little River Band, Christopher Cross, those kinds of sounds make up what we play in our show, and it's the best music. It's so much fun, and it's super nostalgic."In the full interview, Philly talks more about the genesis of Yacht Rock, the balance between enjoying the performance and recreating music that is held in the hearts of many who hear it, their first trip Down Under, what they are expecting, what we can expect from Yachtley Crew, the possibility of adding soft metal tracks to their repertoire and more.Tickets: https://totaltouring.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Jan 11min

Interview by Kris PetersHouse of Protection, the new venture from Stephen Harrison and Aric Improta, serves as a sanctuary for those who surrender to impulse. Abandoning any regard for tradition and form, they followed a feeling and unearthed a sound that sees them push their limits further than ever before. Bridging the not so disparate worlds of hardcore, electronica, and punk, the two forged a space for boundless creativity and a community fuelled by chaos.The band is a project created by formerly two-thirds of Fever 333 (Stephen & Aric), they're signed to Red Bull Records and backed & produced by legendary producer and ex-Bring Me The Horizon keyboardist Jordan Fish AND are featured on Architects upcoming album. House Of Protection are in Australia for the first time, supporting Bad Omens with Poppy across the nation, and HEAVY caught up with Stephen & Aric not long before their recent show at Brisbane's Riverstage."It's been awesome so far," Aric began. "Honestly, we didn't really know what to expect, especially walking up because Bad Omens audience looks very much like a Bad Omens audience (laughs). They are there for that band, but they have been really receptive. It's cool to be on such an eclectic tour because it doesn't feel competitive. It just feels like everybody's expressing themselves honestly, and that's always a cool situation to walk in to."In the full interview, we spoke about the tour and how it is going, the band's formation from the ashes of Fever 333, their musical direction, getting the mix of styles right in the creative process, their recent EP track by track, plans to come back to Australia and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

28 Jan 11min