THE QUARANTINED: Overriding The Algorithms Of Life And Music

If the rebellious youth of society had a queen back in the mid to late 80's you can bet your life that queen would have been a seemingly shy young lady from Violet Town called Ella Hooper. Coupling her struggles of being brought up in a small country town with the almost overwhelming burdens that life as a teenager can throw at you, Hooper and brother Jesse formed a band called Killing Heidi and instantly struck a chord with a new generation of fans for which music was their only salvation.Killing Heidi are still mesmerising audiences decades after sharing their life and struggles via music. Their enduring popularity and renewed zest saw the band rewarded with a slot at GOOD THINGS 2024.HEAVY caught up with guitarist Jesse Hooper to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Dec 202412min

American rock outfit L7 are just as relevant today as they were when they formed back in 1985. Never ones to shy away from confrontation or back down from their beliefs, L7 have survived hiatuses, member changes and the changing tide of opinion to emerge even stronger than before. Despite the constant state of turmoil that has managed to afflict daily life, L7 have endured, harnessing that anger and resentment into an undeniable force of music that presently sees the band back in Australia once more.HEAVY caught up with frontwoman Donita Sparks ahead of L7's first show of GOOD THINGS 2024 to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Dec 202414min

US rock outfit Sleeping With Sirens have made their career on a combination of honesty, music and humour.The band rose to fame early on with their song If I'm James Dean, You're Audrey Hepburn, the lead single from their debut album With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear, which was released in 2010. Their second album, Let's Cheers to This, was released in 2011 and became a breakout for the band, thanks to the popular single If You Can't Hang, which was quickly certified Gold.But as consistently good as their music has been, Sleeping With Sirens have never been ones to take themselves too seriously. In an age where many are afraid to sneeze for fear of offending someone, Sleeping With Sirens have stayed true to their convictions and whimsical nature, delivering a succession of well received albums that have played a part in the position we currently find the band.Back in Australia for their second Good Things appearance at a festival that is only three years old. HEAVY first met the rockers at Good Things 2022, facing the daunting proposition of a virtual baptism of fire when we drew them first cab off the rank for what was our first ever backstage festival round of interviews.As it was again last Friday when the Metal Gods dished up Sleeping With Sirens for us to open the day with once more. But this time we were ready...Good Things 2024 tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

7 Dec 202410min

While safety first is becoming an increasingly mundane and almost conformist part of the global music scene, there are bands out there who refuse to yield, preferring to allow their natural creativity dictate the terms of music rather than cater to the whims of the masses.Sydney music machine Reliqa are one of the bands.Despite their relative youth in the cogs of the unforgiving music scene, Reliqa continue to push the boundaries of the acceptable parameters of modern music. Their May debut album Secrets Of The Future was a breath of fresh air - delivered with the subtlety of a sledgehammer - laying the platform for a sustained assault on the music world based on self belief and conviction rather than expectation.The band are content to ride a steady wave to success, paying their dues through headlining tours of their own, as well as a multitude of high profile international support to help build a solid fan base. That eye on the future continues this weekend as Reliqa rub shoulders with bands such as Korn, Mastodon, Kerry King and Billy Corgan as part of Good Things 2024.HEAVY caught up with vocalist Monique Pym ahead of Reliqa's first show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Dec 202413min

When thrash legends Slayer called it a day last year, it left a gaping hole in guitarist Kerry King's musical psyche that was impossible to fill.After conquering the world of metal for four decades as part of the legendary outfit, King suddenly found himself cut off from the world he knew and helped create. It was to become a pivotal moment in King's career, who knew with every fibre of his being that he was not done with music.Nor it with him.King buried himself in the major constant in his life, working on, and ultimately releasing his debut album From Hell I Rise. Featuring a new-look band, King released an album as expected, echoing ghosts of future musical pasts but also creating a definitive body of work that emphatically revealed just how much of his own DNA was embedded in Slayer's music.Now, King is in Australia for the first time with his new band, ripping it up as part of Good Things 2024. HEAVY had the pleasure of chatting with the great man before the first show in Melbourne.Good Things Festival hits Sydney on December 7 before moving to Brisbane for the final show on December 8.Tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Dec 20248min

The Living End are one of the few bands ever to successfully negotiate the chasm between punk rock sensibilities and mainstream success without losing their integrity.Their 1997 EP Prisoner Of Society/Second Solution quickly became the barometer for musical uprising amongst the youth of the world, catapulting the band into the spotlight, from which they have never strayed far.Last year saw The Living End celebrate the 25th anniversary of that breakthrough EP, with the band having all but separated themselves from that chaotic side to their nature without ever losing the trust and respect of their fans.2024 has seen the band perform at a selection of different festivals, all with vastly different demographics yet united by one cause.Music.After wowing crowds at the Mundi Mundi Bash recently, The Living End next set their sights on the open sea as part of Rock The Boat 2024 and now find themselves closing out the year as part of Good Things 2024. It is a fitting reward for effort for the hard rocking trio, with frontman Chris Cheney understandably content when HEAVY caught up with him ahead of the first show.Good Things Festival hits Sydney on December 7 before moving to Brisbane for the final show on December 8.Tickets and more details: https://goodthingsfestival.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

6 Dec 202412min

Interview by Angela CroudaceBrisbane-based alternative rock trio Nonberk have made waves in the local scene since their formation in 2019. Led by frontman Zaac Thompson, the band's sound channels heavy 90s grunge influences like Soundgarden, Silverchair, and Alice In Chains. Their powerful riffs and raw lyrics have earned them a dedicated following, with each release bringing something fresh to the table.In a candid interview, Zaac shared insights into Nonberk's journey, creative process, and new single, Shallow, which captures their evolving sound. The band's origin story goes back to Zaac's university days, where he met drummer Sam Monk. Their shared love for music soon brought bass player Kevin Boga into the fold, who had been active in Brisbane's alternative rock scene. Despite line-up changes and the challenges posed by the pandemic, Nonberk found their groove during lockdowns, using the time to focus on writing and refining their music.Regarding the band's name, Zaac admits that coming up with something unique was a challenge. "I wanted something original—something you'd never forget," he says. Nonberk is a made-up word, symbolising the band's unconventional approach to music. For Zaac, it represents a "non stupid person" in a playful, self-deprecating way, reflecting their experimental nature and desire to push musical boundaries.The band's latest album, Elements, marks a significant shift in their sound. After a line-up change, Zaac swapped from bass to guitar, influencing the new tracks' dynamics. The album's theme draws inspiration from nature, with songs written in various outdoor settings, from beaches to forests. Shallow, the first single from the album, exemplifies this connection to nature. Zaac explains that the song's flowing verses reflect the serenity of the beach, while the deeper lyrical themes explore existential questions about loss and the human experience.Beyond his work with Nonberk, Zaac's musical influences span across genres. From the hard-hitting riffs of Black Sabbath to the quirky humour of Tenacious D, he draws inspiration from a wide range of artists. "I try to pull influences from all kinds of music," he says, mentioning his appreciation for jazz and classical music alongside rock and metal.Nonberk's music is marked by its emotional depth and sonic texture, with collaborations like the one with cellist Nicholas Tam on their album adding further richness to their sound.With an album launch on the horizon and plans for a 5th-anniversary edition of their debut album, Nonberk is poised for an exciting year ahead. Zaac says, "It's all about challenging ourselves and pushing our sound to new places." Keep an eye on them—Nonberk's journey is only just beginning.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Dec 202416min

New Skeletal Faces, the genre-defying band led by Errol Fritz (vocals/guitar) and Don Void (drums), has once again pushed musical boundaries with their latest release, Until the Night. Following their debut, Celestial Disease, Until the Night showcases a bold evolution in their sound, blending elements of punk, gothic rock, metal, and more. In an insightful interview, Fritz and Void shared their thoughts on the album's creative process, signing with Peaceville Records, and what sets New Skeletal Faces apart from today's music scene.The band quickly points out how Until the Night differs from its predecessor. While Celestial Disease laid the foundation for New Skeletal Faces' identity Until the Night expands the band's sonic palette. "The songs are a lot more catchy on this album," Fritz explained. "It's just fucking catchy here to me." The album delves into a wider range of styles, from the aggressive, headbang-worthy Pagan War (arguably their heaviest track yet) to the darker, death-rock vibe of Enchantment of My Inner Coldness.Void also appreciates the new album's diversity: "There's stuff on Until the Night that's more punk, and stuff that's heavier than anything on Celestial Disease. It branches and pushes in every direction."Until the Night marks New Skeletal Faces' debut release on the legendary Peaceville Records. For the band, signing with the iconic label felt like a major milestone. "This is the first time I've ever been on a label of this size, so it's a big deal," Fritz said. Void added, "When we found out that they were interested, it was the easiest yes to ever say." The band had long admired Peaceville's roster, which includes genre-defining acts like Anathema, Paradise Lost, and Opeth. The support from Peaceville has been invaluable, allowing the band to stay true to their vision. "They immediately understood what we were about," Void said, noting how the label supported the band's unique artistic choices, including the gold foil album cover and custom vinyl variants.Speaking of the album cover, Until the Night features artwork by none other than Errol Fritz himself. Fritz, who also created the cover for the band's Sextinction EP, took a minimalist yet striking approach to the design. "Sometimes simplicity is better," he explained. "There's not a whole lot going on, but it says a lot." The artwork, which captures raw emotion, was a perfect complement to the album's diverse and atmospheric sound. "The minute you showed us those sick paintings of yours, we just knew they were the ones," Void said, praising Fritz's talent.The band also discussed making the music video for Ossuary Lust, filmed in a chapel in a cemetery just five minutes from Fritz's home. "We broke into this little chapel and just started filming," Fritz recalled. Despite the somewhat illicit nature of the shoot, the band had no issues with the church authorities. "Nobody stopped us. No priests walked in and tried to throw holy water on us," Fritz joked. The video, filled with striking imagery and a sense of rebellion, mirrors the band's aesthetic and attitude—uncompromising and raw.Another highlight for the band was working with legendary producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, W.A.S.P., and the godfather of Los Angeles heavy metal). "Bill is a legend," Void said. "His resume speaks for itself." The band recorded Until the Night themselves before bringing the material to Metoyer for the final production. "It was incredible," Fritz noted, explaining how Mitoia understood the band's vision and helped bring it to life. Fritz and Void formed a personal bond with Metoyer outside the studio, enjoying nights of casual drinks and conversation. "He's just a lot of fun," Void said. "We hit it off with him immediately."When asked what sets New Skeletal Faces apart from today's musical landscape, the band had a simple answer: nearly everything. "We're too heavy for goth, and then we're too goth for metal," Fritz said. "We're not political enough for punk. We don't really fit into current trends." This genre-defying approach has earned the band a loyal following, with fans drawn to their unique sound that blends elements from multiple genres without being confined to any single one.When it comes to musical influences, New Skeletal Faces draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of artists, including Celtic Frost, The Cure, David Bowie, P.I.L., and Killing Joke. These bands, known for their boundary-pushing styles, have significantly shaped New Skeletal Faces' sound. "Looking ahead, the band is eager to continue experimenting and expanding their sound, creating music that is as unpredictable and exciting as their live shows. As Void said, "We just want to keep making music that stands out and pushes boundaries."With Until the Night, New Skeletal Faces has delivered an album that is as ambitious as it is bold—marking the beginning of a new era for the band. As they continue to challenge expectations, one thing is clear: New Skeletal Faces is a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy music.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

5 Dec 202423min