Support the Podcast
Contacts
Info
All the latest music interviews from the team at HEAVY Magazine. HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music. We will...
show more
All the latest music interviews from the team at HEAVY Magazine.
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
show less
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
Support the Podcast
Explicit
Transcribed
7 NOV 2024 · The only thing better as a band than hitting the road after releasing an album is hitting the road with your mates, so it was a no-brainer really when Melodic Death metal powerhouse ORPHEUS OMEGA (VIC) and Symphonic Gothic Metal masters CARMERIA (NSW) announced they would be touring together to promote recent albums.
Dubbed the Embers Of Tragedy Australian Tour, the run of shows celebrates Orpheus Omega's Emberglow album and Carmeria's Tragedie D'amour, with both releases considered as pivotal in the blossoming futures of both bands.
Emberglow sonically marrie sOrpheus Omega's classic melodic death metal roots while taking their largest leaps yet into uncharted territory including moments of progressive metal, metalcore, doom metal and more. It is a brave and typically bold step forward for the band, who over five albums and three EP's have continually pushed themselves and their boundaries, despite gathering a loyal fanbase that would be satisfied with their music changing only minimally.
HEAVY sat down with the whole band recently to discuss the tour and whatever else seemed appropriate at the time.
We discussed the Emberglow in greater detail and how ambitious the band actually considers their sonic shift. The band mentioned that the album has a strong personal element, with each band member contributing their own unique influences. They emphasized the importance of the pre-production process in shaping the album's cohesive sound and talked about the balance between different genres in the album and how difficult it was to get right.
They also discussed their upcoming tour and the effort they put into creating a memorable live show experience, just what to expect and more.
Transcribed
6 NOV 2024 · Interview by Angela Croudace
The music world is often dominated by Western narratives, but Botswana’s Skinflint is challenging those narratives by carving out a unique space for African metal. Founded in late 2006, the band emerged with a vision to blend heavy metal with the richness of African culture and mythology. HEAVY spoke to the band’s core members - Giuseppe Sbrana (guitar, vocals), Kebonye (bass), and Cosmos (drums) - to discuss their musical journey, influences, and the themes behind their latest album, Baloi.
“Skinflint started with a simple idea: to tell the stories of Botswana and Africa, particularly the darker sides of our mythology that aren’t often covered by Western media,” Giuseppe explained. “Africa is rich in history and tales, and we wanted to bring those narratives to life through metal.”
The band’s name, while catchy, lacks deep meaning. “It just sounded good,” Kebonye said with a chuckle. However, their mission is far from superficial. With a growing fan base across the globe, they have become a significant voice in the underground metal scene, sharing stories steeped in African folklore.
Despite their passion, Skinflint has faced significant challenges in promoting their music in Africa. “In the beginning, many people didn’t understand what we were trying to do,” Giuseppe admitted. “The metal scene here is small, and venues that support our music are rare. We’ve had to create our own opportunities.”
They emphasize the necessity of collaboration among bands in Botswana, sharing resources to build their own stages and sound systems. “It’s a DIY punk attitude,” Giuseppe noted, reflecting on the resilience of local artists. “But the hard work is worth it when we get on stage and share our stories.”
Their latest album, Baloi, which translates to "witches" in Setswana, delves deep into Botswana’s rich mythology. The title track addresses themes of love and betrayal, inspired by the legend of Lenswala Baratani - a tale of two lovers shunned by their tribe. “These stories are part of who we are,” Giuseppe stated. “We want to share them, even if they can be dark and unsettling.”
Another standout track, Sangoma, explores the concept of blood magic and witchcraft. Kebonye explained, “We want to showcase our culture, the good and the bad. People fear what they don’t understand, but we believe in the importance of telling these stories.”
As Skinflint continues to gain traction internationally, they are often dubbed "Africa's heavy metal Gods." However, the band is quick to redirect the spotlight. “While we appreciate the recognition, there are so many great bands in Africa,” Giuseppe urged. “It’s important for people to explore the diversity of African metal and the stories it has to offer.”
Their dedication has resulted in a loyal following not just in Africa but worldwide. When I asked about future tours, the excitement was palpable. “We’d love to play in Australia,” Guiseppe exclaimed. “Just connect us with a promoter, and we’ll be on the next plane!”
At the heart of Skinflint's ethos is collaboration. Each member contributes to the songwriting process, with Giuseppe penning the lyrics while drawing on ideas from the band. “It’s a family atmosphere,” he described. “We want to push each other to new heights, incorporating each member’s strengths into our music.”
As our conversation drew to a close, it was clear that Skinflint is more than just a band. They are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and innovators in the heavy metal genre, determined to break boundaries and share the untold stories of Africa with the world. Their journey continues, one heavy riff at a time.
Explicit
Transcribed
6 NOV 2024 · Interview by Angela Croudace
In the ever-evolving world of metal, League of Distortion is carving out its own niche, led by the dynamic Anna Brunner, also known as Ace. Fresh off the release of their new album Galvanize, Anna’s passion for music and empowering messages shines through in every note. We caught up with her to discuss the band’s journey, the inspiration behind their latest work, and the significance of representation in the metal scene.
With the self-titled debut album released in 2022, fans are eager for more. Anna shares that Galvanized features entirely new material, except for a couple of reworked tracks. “There’s one song that didn’t fit on the first album, and we took that again and redid it,” she explains. “But I always have so many new ideas, so it felt natural to create new content.” The evolution in her songwriting reflects a shift in mindset, allowing her to explore themes that resonate with her current experiences.
As a relatively new band, League of Distortion have already taken the stage at major festivals, a daunting task for any artist. Anna recalls her first show after the release of their single Wolf or Lamb. “It felt so natural. I’ve played gigs before, but this was something special. I was pretty fucking nervous,” she admits, laughing. “But I appreciate my nervousness; it makes me focus.” It’s clear that while the pressure of performing can be overwhelming, it also fuels her passion and drive.
In a genre often dominated by male voices, Anna is proud to be part of a growing movement of female metal vocalists. “I don’t seek to be different; I just want to be an example for women and everyone to show them that if you work hard, you can reach your goals,” she states. Her commitment to empowerment is not just about gender but about inspiring anyone who feels marginalized to pursue their dreams. “I want to show that we can do this together.”
The songwriting process for League of Distortion is a collaborative effort. Anna works closely with producers Hannes Braun and Julien Breuker, bouncing ideas back and forth to create a sound that blends various influences, from hard rock to hip-hop. “We mix styles, and I never really thought about it; I just throw loops and sounds together,” she shares. This approach allows the band to stay innovative and fresh, capturing the essence of their diverse musical backgrounds.
With the world facing significant challenges, Anna emphasizes the importance of using music as a platform for hope and positivity. “There’s so much fighting and envy, and I want to use our music to give energy back,” she explains. “We are more, and together we can create a movement for change.” Her vision is clear: to rally listeners around a shared sense of purpose, encouraging them to rise above negativity.
League of Distortion boasts an impressive line-up that showcases a wealth of talent and diverse musical backgrounds. At the forefront is Anna Brunner, a dynamic vocalist renowned for her powerful voice and her work with the band Exit Eden. Joining her is Jim Muller, also known as Arro, from the celebrated group Kissin' Dynamite. Adding to the band's depth are drummer Tino Calmbach and bassist Felix Rehmann, both of whom bring their own unique flair to the ensemble. Together, this powerhouse combination creates a dynamic that not only enhances the band's distinctive sound but also reflects their individual experiences in the music industry.
As the band looks to the future, Anna expresses a desire to tour in Australia, a dream that resonates with fans down under. “That would be one of my bucket list dreams,” she enthuses. With plans to continue spreading their message through powerful performances and engaging music, League of Distortion is poised to make a lasting impact in the metal scene.
In a world where representation matters more than ever, Anna Brunner and League of Distortion are not just making music—they’re making waves. With their unique sound and powerful message, they are set to inspire a new generation of fans and musicians alike. As Anna puts it, “We still have a long way to go, but together, we can reach more people and create something beautiful.”
Explicit
Transcribed
6 NOV 2024 · It is hard to believe that a band could have been around for over ten years and released two EPs, but are still to play their first live show. Especially in the modern age of music.
But that's exactly the situation Gold Coast rock outfit Derail find themselves in as they prepare to make their live debut amongst esteemed company when they perform at the End Of Year Bash at Mo's Desert Clubhouse alongside The Whiskeys and The Poor on December 13.
Starting as a studio project towards the start of the last decade, Derail were initially comprised of Stewart Williams (Lump, Electric Horse) and Adam 'Tex' Burnell, both playing guitars, bass and programming drums. They soon enlisted Jan Nicholas Blom (Ex- In-Cyde, The Silencio) on vocals and the Burn It Down EP was finalised. The EP was released digitally in 2017 and the boys got to work on a follow-up right away without performing any live shows. The Low Tide EP was released the following year, one track at a time, before everyone got tied up with their other projects.
In 2024, Stewart and JNB decided to put together a live band to play a show and give the songs their due. Tex continued on guitar and Stewart moved to his primary instrument, the bass. Dylan Brann and Kurt Winter, both of The Silencio, were recruited to take on guitars and drums to complete the line-up and the rest will soon be history.
HEAVY caught up with Blom to find out more.
We discussed the upcoming gig at Mo's Desert Clubhouse on December 13. Blom, a seasoned musician, expressed confidence in the band's performance despite limited rehearsals. He also mentioned that the band members were excited to showcase their music to a wider audience. We spoke about why now is the right time for Derail to hit the stage and why this could possibly be the band's first and last show.
Talk turned to nerves on the night despite the experience of each band member, how Blom got involved in the project initially, bringing the sound of Derail together, and more.
Explicit
Transcribed
2 NOV 2024 · When Melbourne metal outfit Frankenbok played their first note in anger back in 1997 the musical landscape was a much different beast. For starters, it wasn't deemed necessary to label genres and subgenres of music to appeal to particular markets, meaning bands were more willing to mix a plethora of loves and influences without fear of alienating certain sections of their target audience.
Which was fortunate because the early days of Frankenbok were a war of attrition, mixing Faith No More inspired bouts of eclectic funk metal with ferocious growls and moments of subtlety that would send the heads of many in the modern music climate spinning out of control.
Frankenbok's attitude towards colouring outside of the metaphorical lines was never more evident than when they decided to cover Madison Avenue's hit Don't Call Me Baby.
In their own image, of course.
That one song ensured Frankenbok's music transcended not just barriers, but lifestyles as well, bridging the gap between metalheads and the rest of the music loving public in such a way that it momentarily became cool to be metal.
Debut album Greetings & Salutations was groundbreaking and dangerous for its time, and the future looked suddenly bright for a bunch of self-confessed lunatics who just happened to play music.
Before reaching that elusive light at the end of the tunnel, Frankenbok underwent the first of many vocalist changes, when original singer Hutchy moved on to other projects, taking with him a large chunk of Frankenbok's DNA that got increasingly more lost from their sound as the procession of singers came and went and Frankenbok's sound ran more parallel with heavy metal with each album release.
With the band set to celebrate their 25th year in 2023, sole original member and guitarist Azza Bok came up with the ambitious idea of inviting every past and present member of Frankenbok from their inception to help celebrate by reassembling on stage through a night of live entertainment.
It was an idea that could have gone in a number of varying directions, with some past grievances still laying dormant and unresolved. But music is and always has been the great healer of wounds, and what started as a cool idea quickly transformed into an excellent one that opened up a number of potential new happenings and music that reignited the sense of danger that Frankenbok have always thrived on.
As happens with life, opportunities outside of Frankenbok presented themselves, with vocalist Dan McDougall torn between his love for the band and music and a growing need to solidify and consolidate his future. But instead of sweeping things under the carpet and causing inner turmoil and unrest, a band meeting led to a unanimous and amicable decision that would result in McDougall focussing on his business ventures, paving the way for a fairytale reunion that saw Hutchy returning to the band who he helped shape and mould more than 20 years ago.
With his return came the eclectic and experimental musical experiences that punctuated Frankenbok Mark I, but, most importantly, he also rekindled the fun, flippant side of Frankenbok's music that had all but evaporated over the last two decades. Things suddenly became unpredictable again, which in turn unleashed the blatant disregard for acceptable genre-specific music that was a feature of early Frankenbok.
But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding and today Frankenbok fans past, present and future get the chance to judge for themselves with the release of the first single with the newly old line-up, Demon Tantrum. An amalgamation of styles and genres that has more schizophrenic tendencies than a sanitarium, Demon Tantrum is a welcome step back to a time where there were no rules, no expectations, and no fucks given.
Which was Frankenbok's initial life mantra.
HEAVY sat down with Azza Bok to run the whole gauntlet of recent happenings and came out the other side still confused, but even more excited.
Explicit
Transcribed
31 OCT 2024 · Misha Mansoor and Spencer Sotelo of Periphery spoke to HEAVY recently about their creative journey, the evolution of their music, and the unexpected fate that led to their latest release, 2 Song Acoustic Single.
The discussion kicked off with an intriguing insight into the band's new acoustic single. Spencer shared how the project was born from a casual jam session during a U.S. tour with guitarist Mike Dawes. "It kind of came about as an accident really," he explained. "We were practising in a warehouse in Las Vegas and just started running over these acoustic versions of our songs. They turned out awesome!"
Misha highlighted his role in the project, "I contributed some layers and backing vocals, but it was really Spencer and Mike's baby. It was cool to take a back seat for a change."
The collaboration proved fruitful, as they received positive crowd responses during live performances. "After the tour, we decided to actually sit down and put together acoustic versions," Spencer said, emphasizing the organic nature of their creative process.
Reflecting on the band's beginnings, Misha discussed the challenges of forming a cohesive group. "Spencer is our fourth singer, but he's the only one who survived," he joked before adding, "Bands are tough. It's like being married to five people, and you have to get along."
Spencer acknowledged the tough early days, noting, "I wasn't the best singer in the world back then. We got a bit of hate online, but we never worried about it. If we were happy, that's what mattered." Misha admired Spencer's growth, stating, "He was very green at the time, but I saw immense potential. He always had the fire to improve."
The songwriting process in Periphery has evolved significantly over the years. "Every album has gotten more collaborative," Spencer noted, particularly referencing their latest work, PV: Djent is Not a Genre. "It was a huge group effort in music, vocals, and lyrics. We cut entire songs if someone wasn't happy with them."
Misha added, "It's about problem-solving and creating something we're all stoked about. The process is very sacred to us, and we've learned to follow the creative thread wherever it leads."
While Periphery's sound is rooted in metal, the band members draw inspiration from various genres. Misha admitted, "Metal music is the last thing I choose to listen to. I find inspiration in classical and jazz music, which allows me to focus without invading my analytical brain." Spencer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom. "Our music feels very honest. We write for ourselves, and it's amazing that it resonates with others."
As the conversation drew to a close, excitement bubbled over their upcoming tour, particularly the long-awaited return to Australia for Monolith Festival. "It's been seven years since we've been there, and I genuinely love it," Spencer said, looking forward to the beach and the summer vibes.
Misha humorously added, "I would enjoy Australia if it was real, but we all know it's not - just crisis actors!" This light-hearted banter showcased their camaraderie and passion for performing.
Periphery remains committed to their authentic vision in a world of ever-changing sounds and styles, continually evolving while honouring its roots. Their journey, marked by collaboration, experimentation, and a shared love for music, promises fans an exciting future filled with sonic exploration.
Explicit
Transcribed
30 OCT 2024 · Not many bands in the metal scene - or any other for that matter - can lay claims to being true flag bearers and essential ingredients in shaping the history of music. Sure, many can try, and just as many come off as ill-informed, but the ones that are, know, and those same ones don't ever brag about it.
Unless they're asked, of course.
Rising from the infamously riotous city of Newcastle, England, in 1974, Raven predated even the massive New Wave Of British Heavy Metal period that spawned some of the legends of heavy metal. The trio went on to release three of the most influential metal albums of the NWOBHM, inspiring every band of that era and beyond. Basically, without RAVEN you just would not have thrash/speed metal…. after all, the band did give Metallica and Anthrax their first tours!
And, as all good things do, Raven are the gift that keeps on giving, still powerful and influential half a century after their birth. Still consistently releasing new albums, Raven are also still a formidable force on the live circuit, attacking their craft with the same energy and take-no-prisoners attitude that saw them quickly touted as one of the best bands to grace a live stage.
Period.
After a five-year absence, Raven return to Australia in early November for a select number of shows, with frontman and bass player John Gallagher forcing HEAVY to arise at the crack of dawn just to have the pleasure of 20 odd minutes of his company.
Was it worth it? Fuck my oath it was… One of the topics of discussion was the popular affirmation that Raven, to this day, are still one of the best live bands in the world. A statement we challenge will be hard to live up to.
"Not really," he responded confidently. "It's what we do. Go watch some videos. We'll put bands who are teenagers, 20-year-olds, we'll put them to shame because we go out to kill 100% every night. It sounds like bluster or BS, but it's not. It really isn't. Come to the show and that's what we do. We have a hell of a good time, and we get everyone in on the act. We grew up in a time where the bands we saw were performers. And entertainers. And they reached out, and they grabbed. The first band we ever saw was Slade and the opening band was The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Imagine being a 14-year-old kid seeing The Sensational Alex Harvey Band? That changed our lives. Because there you've got a guy who literally reached across everyone's face and freaked them out. Initially, it was 'Who's this band? I don't care, I wanna see Slade. Who are these guys?' And by the end everyone in the place was screaming for them. They were amazing. That's the kind of thing that went in our head. That's how you do it."
In the full interview, John discussed Raven's recent activities and their upcoming tour in Australia. John mentioned that the band has been touring since the release of their new album, All Hell's Breaking Loose, and that they are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
We talked about the challenges and fun aspects of playing in a band. He also talked about the musical climate in the 1970s, which inspired him and his brother Mark to form Raven, citing their influences such as Slade, Sweet, Gary Glitter, Status Quo, T-Rex, Deep Purple, and Montrose. John emphasized the importance of learning from other bands and adapting to audience reactions.
We discussed their experiences with the early 1980s NWOBHM scene. John shared his involvement in the Newcastle music scene, describing the competitive yet supportive atmosphere among bands. He recounted the band's rapid rise to fame, from playing pubs to opening for Iron Maiden within three months. John also shared instances of competition and sabotage among bands but emphasized the overall camaraderie and respect among musicians.
HEAVY highlighted Raven's influence on thrash metal and their contributions to the music industry. John shared that they were one of the first bands to rev up the genre, and their energy and cutting of "fat" riffs were groundbreaking. He also mentioned their influence on German bands and how they inspired many musicians. He emphasized the importance of creativity and the joy of creating new music, even after 50 years as a band. He also mentioned the band's resilience in the face of changing music trends and personal challenges, plus more.
Explicit
Transcribed
30 OCT 2024 · For three decades Devin Townsend has become a part of the audio furniture in our homes and lives! In 2024 the incredibly prolific and brilliant great man that is Devin reaches into to his beautifully profound heart and mind, telling enlightening us about the journey of creating what was initially a simple thank you to his fans in the overall purpose of Powernerd to a diary journal of realising and then scripting an entry that would encompass a multitude of emotions that we all have at some point in our adulting lives, experienced and chosen to either repress or express to a wider forgiving and loving group of those around us willing to hug us compassionately and without judgement. Like always, if you listen to the full interview podcast with "The Dev", you’ll hear further profound insights and meanings behind other songs on the upcoming ‘Powernerd’ album as well as tracks from his past.
Explicit
Transcribed
29 OCT 2024 · Combining the haunting sounds of dark symphonic metal with the lovelorn energy of gothic rock, Blue Mountains music machine Carmeria have upped the anti significantly with their recently released sophomore album Tragédie D'amour.
While their 2021 debut album Advenae announced the arrival of Carmeria it was also somewhat of a tease, showcasing a sonic temperament and direction that was fresh and vibrant without tipping its hand too far in any given direction. As such, the follow-up album was especially important for the band. They could either deliver more of the same - which would have been an acceptable outcome - or they could continue to traverse a more diverse path on the open highway of musical ability.
They chose the latter, with the sound on Tragedie D'Amour taking on a more energetic gothic rock approach than its predecessor.
To celebrate the recent release, Carmeria are preparing to hit the road for a run of dates with melodic death metal masters Orpheus Omega dubbed the Embers Of Tragedy Australian Tour. HEAVY spent some time with frontman Jordan Von Grae to get more information, starting with last-minute preparations before hitting the road.
"Really it's just rehearsals and tweaking bits and pieces of the performance," he offered. "So coming up with specific set lists for each show, things like that. Obviously, with these kinds of shows and tours, you have different set lengths for the different shows. One of the sets is 40 minutes and I think another is 50 to an hour, so you're kind of picking and choosing which songs you feel would fit best and of course having to axe some that you might not wanna axe (laughs), But the last couple of weeks before a tour is really about tightening everything up. There's been a bit of work. We've pretty much only had one rehearsal (smiles) so far since being back, and we've got two more planned for the next week. Off the back of that it will be just about tweaking little production things and coming up with some additional ideas for additional performance pazazz."
In the full interview, Jordan discussed the release of each band's new albums. He expressed relief and satisfaction with the positive reception of Tragédie D'amour, which took on a more energetic Gothic rock approach. Jordan explained that the change in sound was a deliberate choice to explore different themes, such as love and loss, and to delve into influences like bands like HIM and Lord of the Lost.
Jordan discussed the lessons learned from making the band's debut album, which they carried over into album number two. He mentioned that the process became more streamlined, allowing them to produce the second album in half the time. Jordan also talked about his role as producer for this album, stating that it allowed for a more natural sound to the songs but also required him to learn temperance to avoid overdoing it. He expressed excitement about the upcoming tour with Orpheus Omega, stating that they both appreciate each other's work and are looking forward to playing together.
We also surprised him with our new Photo Bomb segment, plus plenty more.
Explicit
Transcribed
29 OCT 2024 · West Australian metal outfit Make Them Suffer found themselves at an important crossroads just a short couple of years ago.
With the turmoil of COVID still echoing in the rear vision mirror, Make Them Suffer found themselves beset by more line-up changes, which, coupled with a high level of external expectations, cast an increasingly large, dark shadow over the possibility of a productive future.
Tracing its origins back to 2022, the new Make Them Suffer era was first set in motion by the announcement of Sean Harmanis (vocals), Nick McLernon (guitar), Jaya Jeffery (bass), and Jordan Mather (drums) releasing the blistering single Doomswitch as well as joining forces with Alex Reade taking up the role of backing vocalist and keyboardist, aka Make Them Suffer’s trademark Fifth Member.
Following on with singles Epitaph and Ghost Of Me, Make Them Suffer ultimately crafted their forthcoming self-titled new album in between an exceedingly busy international touring schedule as live music opportunities continued to rise in the post-pandemic landscape.
Harnessing that confusion and uncertainty, Make Them Suffer have fearlessly stepped into new creative terrain that embraces yet boldly expands upon the group's foundational symphonic, progressive, and blackened textures.
With the new album less than two weeks from being unleashed on the sonic landscape, HEAVY caught up with guitarist Nick McLernon to dig deeper.
"I'm gonna be honest with you, I don't feel a thing," he replied solemnly when asked about the looming release date. "The last two years we've been through many ups and downs - a lot of downs. We've struggled through adversity, rather, many adversities to be here, so I think that's desensitised us - or at least me. I'm not sure if I'm speaking on behalf of the rest of the band, but I certainly feel desensitised to everything with the lead-up to the record coming out. I might feel different… I'm sure it's all going to catch up to me when the record actually does come out, but right now… this is the first time in two years I have actually gotten to relax and not think about music. We've been touring and writing since Doomswitch was released and since Alex joined the band. So this is the first time I actually don't have to think about music."
In the full interview, Nick discusses why now is the right time to name an album after the band, the sound of the album and what the band were going for musically, the singles released and how they represent the full album, Alex's addition for the album and what she brought to the creative process, self-producing the album and the pros and cons of keeping it in house, balancing genres successfully, future plans and more.
Supporters Club
Explicit
15 SEP 2021 · The Hard-Ons are almost more Australian than Vegemite.
Almost.
For just shy of 40 years guitarist Blackie and bass player Ray Ahn have punked and rolled themselves into Australian music folklore with their blending of punk tempos, hardcore attitude, heavy metal riffs and surf-pop melodies, coupled with a dry and laconic sense of humour, catapulting them into the hearts and eardrums of generations of fans.
The recent announcement of You Am I frontman Tim Rogers to The Hard-Ons was met in some quarters with surprise, but most with excited anticipation, with the amalgamation of two of this countries most loved bands a recipe for success.
That anticipation was justified with the release of the bands first single with Rogers, Hold Tight, satiating long term fans and silencing the doubters with its fresh approach to The Hard-Ons sound without overhauling the finer points that endeared the band to many.
Rogers and Blackie joined HEAVY for a fun chat recently to discuss the next phase of the Australian juggernaut that is The Hard-Ons and their new album I‘m Sorry Sir, That Riffs Been Taken, which is out on October 8.
We start by welcoming Rogers to the band and asking how it came about.
"The call came - and I thought it was a wind up - but Ray's always been straight up with me," he began. "For thirty years he told me how bad we've been when we've been bad in my other band, and he's been so generous, so I decided to take it seriously and sobered up a bit and then drove up to Sydney and had two rehearsals and it was so much fun and terrifying. I've never rehearsed harder in any situation. "
"You found it terrifying, but fucken hell, it was a pleasure," Blackie cut in, laughing. "So your suffering was my pleasure (laughs)."
"I think I turned up the second rehearsal," Rogers continued, "and I was a bit more relaxed and had more fun because the band said 'hey Tim, why don't you just choose a set list' and I thought well, I've got a wishlist of about 97 songs and I whittled it down to about 20 something, and apart from songs on the record they were 95% songs from the last six records. My purpose at the moment is to get people that haven't heard those records to hear them, as well as the one we just recorded. After the initial terror, it was just joy. And the recording... I did all my vocals in a day and a half, and I was really shocked to find out that Pete and Ray and Murray had done the tracking similarly, like a day and a half, and I couldn't believe it. I thought this is like trying to cage a tiger or jump onto it."
In the full interview the chemistry of Tim and Blackie is evident as they bounce off each other, talking more about Tim joining the band, the upcoming album, why they chose Rogers as singer, how, if at all, The Hard-Ons will be different musically, humour in music and why it's important, what Tim brings to The Hard-Ons and more.
Supporters Club
30 SEP 2019 · Black Rheno are one of those bands that everybody should have heard but too many have not. They are a hard-working, hard-touring excitement machine and after introducing themselves to the world with their debut E.P Let's Start a Cult in 2016, are finally ready to unleash their first full-length album, with the appropriately titled Noise Smasher set for release on October 25
"We're ecstatic!" blurted drummer Dougy "We're very excited (laughs). There's a big tour coming up for it too but we've all been waiting for the right time to drop it and I think now is that time. Let's do it!"
After completing the album some time ago and with anticipation around the country now threatening to boil over, Dougy admits that sitting on the album before releasing it has been frustrating to say the least.
"Oh man, you have no idea," he laughed "It's been pretty crazy. The E.P came out a couple of years ago now and we've been sitting on this for a while waiting for the right time to bring it out. We have worked insanely hard on it. It's a good mix of everything. You've seen us play and I think its a good adaption of what we do live. We go crazy, we can make you dance and go nuts, and hopefully it all works out. Very excited is an understatement.
Musically Noise Smasher follows a similar path to the music on Let's Start a Cult, but Dougy says that for their second release Black Rheno tapped a little more into their personal influences - more subconsciously than thought out - with the resulting collection of music the definitive sound of a band at peace with their craft.
"Other artists talk about where most of their influences have come from - usually their personal favourite artists - but I have never really thought like that," he deliberated. "But when I think about it this album pretty much sounds like all of our individual favourite bands (laughs), with all those genres smashed into one. It's great. You wouldn't pick it but I'm an avid fan of most genres. I grew up with just death metal and that was it, but I'm also a big fan of the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss or stoner stuff, but fuck I also like Sting and The Police - there's nothing of that on the album of course (laughs) - but it's a big mix of different genres which is great. It's not just death metal, death metal, death metal. It can pick you up at some points and you get all groovy and start dancing, or you can start banging your fucken head and start smashing things if you like. There's something for the whole family if you will."
Tour Dates
Thursday 7th November
Badlands, Perth
Friday 8th November
Enigma, Adelaide
Saturday 9th November
Max Watts, Melbourne
Sunday 10th November
Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
Monday 11th November
The Basement, Canberra
Wednesday 13th November
The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Thursday 14th November
Crowbar, Sydney
Friday 15th November
Crowbar, Brisbane
All the latest music interviews from the team at HEAVY Magazine. HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music. We will...
show more
All the latest music interviews from the team at HEAVY Magazine.
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
show less
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
Information
| Author | HEAVY Magazine |
| Organization | HEAVY Magazine |
| Categories | Music Interviews , Music Commentary , Entertainment News |
| Website | heavymag.com.au |
| kris@heavymag.com.au |
Copyright 2024 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
