THE QUARANTINED: Overriding The Algorithms Of Life And Music

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

Interview by Kris PetersDespite four decades of servitude to their craft, Italian metal legends Lacuna Coil are still invested in their music.The band could easily rest on their laurels and slowly ease into oblivion after their servitude to the industry, but instead they continue on their quest for personal musical fulfilment to satiate their own hunger.Many considered their 2022 reimagining of Comalies as a swansong of sorts for Lacuna Coil, some even thinking it to be a fittingly triumphant and grandiose way to go out by coming full circle with their music.But they were wrong. Serving to actually align the past, present and future of Lacuna Coil, Comalies XX provided them with the musical freedom to embark on another chapter of their musical journey that begins with the release of Sleepless Empire on February 14. It is not that Lacuna Coil have reinvented themselves or their music, it's more that the band have found new ways of expressing themselves that promises to be the start of something special. HEAVY sat down with vocalist Andrea Ferro for a chat to talk about the new album and the process of bringing it to life. "We can't wait for people to hear it," he smiled. "It's a good compilation of mixing of the old school sound of Lacuna Coil with some newer influences. It's quite a heavy, dark record altogether."Sleepless Empire will be the tenth studio album put out by Lacuna Coil, but according to Ferro the band members still get that familiar twang of excitement with every release."We're very excited because we love touring a new album," he affirmed. "We love the reaction of the people when they hear the new songs, so it's still a challenging process. It takes a long time for us to work a record. We don't release albums just to release it. Actually, after all these years we want to release when we have something new to offer, something new to say. If we wouldn't like any more what we do, then we would quit. There's too much energy and effort to be put in with what we do in front of a new album cycle to not be loving it."In the full interview, Andrea dives deeper into the musicality on Sleepless Empire, starting a new chapter of Lacuna Coil's music and what it means moving forward, the singles released and how they represent the album as a whole, the two guest artists and what they each brought to the table, if writing music becomes easier or harder the more you put out, being labelled as genre-specific and how it can affect a bands career, touring plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Jan 18min

You Me At Six are set to kick off their Australian tour this week, starting in Brisbane on January 24. The run of shows - that extends through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth - will feature very special guests Holding Absence, the band British rock bible Kerrang! labelled as British rock’s “new leading light”.YOU ME AT SIX are one of the most beloved British rock bands of all time, having delivered multiple number 1 albums, dominating charts, racking up hundreds of millions of streams, selling out arenas and headlining festivals; and along the way crafting some of the catchiest pop-rock anthems of their generation. Bite My Tongue, Take on the World, Underdog, Beautiful Way, Room to Breathe… the list of classics seems almost endless. The band’s revival of infectious and spirited pop-rock earned them a mass of fans worldwide, seeing them sell out show after show across the globe.Choosing to bring such a storied 20-year career to an end cannot be easy. Doing so with your original line-up, on your own terms, and with the band members remaining best of friends is unheard of. But as the saying goes, go out at the top of your game and You Me At Six are certainly doing that.Having shocked the rock world recently by announcing their imminent demise, the band are setting out on their greatest tour, delivering a career-spanning 2-hour set and determined to leave the fans with a truly special performance to remember them by. “We’ve got a plan to play songs from every single album and make it a real victory lap. And everyone feels like that. We’ve looked at the setlists and gone, ‘Cool – those five can stay, the rest is going to be stuff we haven’t done for years. We want to have 50 songs ready to go so that each night we can constantly mix it up and make it special.”“When we started YMAS we were kids. We only ever wanted to travel and to experience life as a group of friends. We feel like on the eve of our 20th anniversary as a band, now is a good time to call time. “We’re in a fortunate position where our fans still want to see us live and come celebrate the life of this band. So that is what we will do for 2024 and 2025. We can’t wait to see our fans on the road.” explains frontman Josh Franceschi.Dave Griffiths caught up with Josh to find out a little more about what to expect and how much fun the band plans to have on their final tour to this country.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Jan 15min

Interview by Angela CroudaceMike Tramp, the iconic frontman of White Lion, is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Australia. After a long absence since 2008, Tramp is excited to reconnect with fans down under and perform with a new lineup, including seasoned musicians Marcus Nand, Jerry Best, and Brent Arcement. Reflecting on his journey, Tramp shared with us how he embraced Australia as his home back in 1999, moving to Tasmania and later Melbourne. Despite the changes in the music industry, Tramp's dedication to music never wavered, and his passion for performing has led him to revisit the classic White Lion catalogue.In an interview with HEAVY, Tramp spoke candidly about reinterpreting White Lion's songs for today's audience. “Now it's really a matter of going out there and performing the songs… 100% about the music and the songs,” he explained. His approach to re-imagining the band's hits stems from years of personal and musical growth, including an evolution of his vocal style and musical vision. Tramp emphasised that the new renditions of White Lion's songs would reflect a more mature and refined approach, with a fresh yet faithful interpretation.Fans can expect a memorable experience that blends nostalgia with maturity, as Tramp and his band focus on the music rather than the theatrics. “It’s almost like they (the songs) became fatter and fuller and not so gung-ho,” Tramp said, explaining how his band has evolved into a more relaxed, confident unit on stage.While the tour will showcase classic hits, Tramp's upcoming set list will also feature deeper cuts like Lady of the Valley and Cry for Freedom, with a few surprises for long-time fans. His passion for delivering authentic performances, paired with his rich history of collaboration, ensures that this tour will be a celebration of both past and present.Mike Tramp’s return to Australia is not only a tour of White Lion's music but a homecoming, bringing full circle the journey of a man who’s lived and thrived through many musical chapters. Fans can look forward to seeing a band that plays not just for the applause, but for the love of the music itself.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

20 Jan 19min

The Koala Tavern in Capalaba will host the inaugural Rock Is Not Dead Festival on February 1, 2025.Self-funded and put together by a group of Australian music lovers who aim to help nurture and promote the wealth of talent in our own backyard, Rock Is Not Dead will feature 8 of the hottest bands from around the country, each with their own unique flair and passion for music.Headliners Avalanche (the next big thing), Tailor Made Rejects (the unapologetic alt. rockers), Snake Bite Whisky (the kings of sleaze), Black Whiskey (pure Aussie rock), Stone Rising (underrated icons), Whiskey On The Rox (a crowd-pleasing 80s cover band), Goatzilla (legends of the live show), and Slythr (the up-and-coming rock prodigies) will assemble over one afternoon/night of live music unlike anything seen in the Bayside of Brisbane, over one stage with no clashes or scheduling conflicts.Today we catch up with one of the bands, Tailor Made Rejects, who returned late last year with a triumphant new single Hurt People and promise more of the same on February 1.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

19 Jan 15min

Interview by Kris PetersSometimes playing nice doesn't get the desired results, especially in music.To really get to know yourself, your bandmates, and your audience, stepping into a studio and cutting some tracks with more polish than Mr. Sheen is often a band aid fix to a bandage problem. Any inconsistencies and/or inadequacies can be ironed out with creative technology and by the time you make it to the stage in a live environment, you are not only suffering from an inflated ego, but, more importantly, the sudden knowledge that without studio gadgets you're actually not very good.Newcastle noise merchants FIST decided to do the opposite, knocking out hard yards on the touring circuit and playing more than 70 shows in front of new faces before offering up their first studio single KA-BOOM (MTHRFCKR). And if this one song is anything to go by, their bold move has paid off.KA-BOOM (MTHRFCKR) is being premiered via HEAVY at 5pm AEDT on Wednesday, January 15 before being officially released through other channels two days later. The song hits with the subtlety of Thor's hammer and is a welcome breath of savage air that hopefully will continue long into the coming year.Pretty much everything FIST has done so far is the opposite to what you would read in the modern age "How To Make It In Music" guide. But also, pretty much everything FIST has done so far has proved you don't need to follow rules. There are no rules in music. Isn't that part of the magic of the industry?HEAVY spoke with FIST pumper Josh Morgan to find out more and start by thanking the band for a late sonic Christmas present."It's a very late Christmas present," he countered. "It should have been out a year before, but we're finally getting into it. We did a live album so we could try and get as much out of those songs as we can before we have to actually pay all the money to record them (laughs)."In the full interview we talk about the band's different approach to establishing a fan base, if it worked, the benefits of road testing songs for a prolonged period before committing them to file, why they chose KA-BOOM (MTHRFCKR) as the first song to record, what to expect musically, upcoming shows, censoring your own music to an extent so as not to offend people and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Jan 15min

Sydney rock outfit Dear Seattle epitomize the current wave of emerging Australian bands.With a distinctive Aussie tinge to their emotive and propulsive wares, Dear Seattle first emerged onto the scene back in 2013, releasing their debut EP Words Are Often Useless that same year. Following a second EP release, 2017's self-titled Dear Seattle, the Northern Beaches-hailing group solidified their presence with their first ever full-length album Don't Let Go in 2019, also securing the group a #10 spot on the ARIA Australian Album Charts.Unleashing their powerful sophomore album Someday in 2022, Dear Seattle expanded their legacy to even greater heights, with Someday debuting at #4 on the ARIA Australian Album Charts, a Spotlight Album feature on triple j, and Rolling Stone declaring that "Dear Seattle is born again".But with success comes greater responsibility (or something like that), and Dear Seattle are certainly under the microscope of public and media scrutiny as they prepare to unleash their third album Toy this Friday, January 27. Not that you would know it.Four of the six album launch parties Dear Seattle hosted around the country in the lead up to Christmas were sold out, not a bad effort in a time where crowds and the music industry in general have basically come to a stand still.With four shows left to complete the tour - the first of which will be in Canberra this Thursday - focus now switches to Friday's release of Toy.Will it live up to the hype? Will it live up to the expectation? Will Toy make Dear Seattle bigger than Nirvana? HEAVY caught up with frontman Brae Fisher to find out the answers to these questions and more."We've just done a few interviews before this, and it's so nice to chat about the album and kind of let everyone in on the process of what we've been doing for the last two years or so," he enthused. "I'm super excited. All the lead-up has been great. The energy's good. The shows have been awesome. I couldn't be more stoked."In the full interview, Brae talks more about Dear Seattle's new album Toy, what to expect musically, the process of deciding which tracks make it onto the album, the importance of growing musically while still staying true to your musical DNA, the singles released and how they represent the album as a whole, the nostalgic truth behind the album title, their remaining album launch shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

14 Jan 16min