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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
HEAVY Music Interviews
HEAVY Music Interviews
Divine Wickedness With MATTHEW GREYWOLF From POWERWOLF
25 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
Twentieth-anniversary milestones are generally accepted as being more a celebration of the past leading into a future of unknowns than a stepping stone on the path to greater success.
The old adage that you have paid your dues after two decades, coupled with the sense of personal achievement in staving off Father Time - albeit temporarily - can be enough to subconsciously force an artist into premature retirement, content with past achievements and notoriety gained.
But not so German metal leaders Powerwolf who have plunged into their twentieth year with one thought on their mind.
Continued worldwide domination.
That drops soon in the form of the band's latest album Wake Up The Wicked (July 26), the highly anticipated successor to the extremely successful previous studio album, Call Of The Wild (2021). Not content to rest on their laurels, Powerwolf have looked to elevate their music to yet another plane, showcasing a different facet of their deft musical and technical skills on album number ten.
HEAVY had the honour of spending some time with guitarist Matthew Greywolf to find out more.
"Absolutely," he affirmed without hesitation when we asked if he was excited about the impending release. "This is an album we wrote when we came back from the US tour, and we tried to deliver this atmosphere, this energy, this power to the album. When we started with the songwriting, the first song we wrote was Bless 'em With the Blade, and for us, it was a little bit like what are we doing here? Do we creating a monster or something like that (laughs). We had this feeling of this is an album full of madness, and this existed for the whole songwriting process and into the recording process. I dunno… I never had that feeling before. I mean, we had this pandemic situation where we wrote Call Of The Wild, and this situation was more feeling like now or never. We can only write new songs because we weren't able to play live. In this case, we had the power from the live appearances."
In the full interview, Greywolf discusses the music side of Wake Up The Wicked, how it showcases different facets of Powerwolf's sound, how it differs musically from Call Of The Wild, the temptation to rehash an albums winning formula for the next release, the single 1589 and its amazing music video, using Joost Van Den Brock as producer and what he brings to the band's sound, if fresh sounding music gets easier or harder to come up with the more you write, their upcoming tour and more.
Explicit
Into The Abyss With DAVE SMITH From IMMORIUM
21 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
Australian melodic death outfit Immorium have laid the groundwork and put in the hard yards since forming in 2011.
The very fact they are from one of this country's most isolated music playgrounds almost puts them behind the eightball from the start, but as the saying goes, build it and they will come.
And come they have.
Over two previous albums and one EP, Immorium have established themselves as one of the leading lights of progressive and melodic death metal this country has to offer. Not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, the band emanates an emotional rawness via skyscraper harmonies and enormous musical roller coasters that are further encapsulated in their lyrics.
But now, with album number three, shit gets real and Immorium have stepped up to the plate with Rose Water Black, which wil be unleashed on July 21. Cited as the band's 'most adventurous and intimate release to date', Rose Water Black promises to finally break the shackles and cast Immorium further into the great unknown.
HEAVY sat down with vocalist Dave Smith to find out more.
Dave discussed the upcoming release of Rose Water Black, expressing both excitement and nervousness about its reception. He delved into the personal and emotional inspirations behind each song on the album, revealing that the tracks are deeply rooted in his own experiences, including his battle with a lung disease during COVID and the loss of his brother.
The discussion also touched on the band's musical evolution, highlighting influences from other bands and the fusion of progressive and melodic death metal in their music. Additionally, Dave spoke about Immorium's upcoming Australian tour, where he shared details about the tour dates and locations and promised a mix of new and old songs in their live performances.
Explicit
Tangible results With BEN WARD From ORANGE GOBLIN
19 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
UK metal outfit Orange Goblin are a band who has had to work hard for everything they have. Bloody hard.
Formed in 1995 and born into a musical landscape already dominated by bands such as Black Sabbath, Trouble, Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Pentagram, Cathedral, Danzig, Monster Magnet and Kyuss, Orange Goblin spent many of their formative years deflecting criticism of their sound, defiant in the knowledge that while a sum of their many influences, they were also a force unto themselves.
Combining elements of hard rock, stoner rock, doom metal and more, comparisons to the legendary bands listed above were bound to be prominent, but over the course of nine previous albums Orange Goblin have left their indelible mark across the music world, in the process gaining the respect and level of acceptance they so rightfully deserve.
That growth and progression promises to continue on Orange Goblin's upcoming album Science, Not Fiction, which will be unleashed on July 19. Blending the aforementioned genres with some outside of the box, Science, Not Fiction is an aggressive, adrenaline-fuelled sonic journey of a band with one eye on the past but the focus firmly on the future.
HEAVY caught up with founding member and vocalist Ben Ward to find out more.
"This one's different," he measured. "Obviously, it's our first album for Peaceville Records and the whole campaign has been far more hands on than we've ever had before. In the past we might have just delivered the record to the label and said right, you get on with that, but with this record the label have been really proactive and enthusiastic in getting us to be involved in the marketing. It's been a really strong campaign. There's been three singles released so far and all had videos for them. We've got another video and single coming just prior to the release. We're doing some album launch shows here in London and Leeds in the UK and we've got a summer of festivals lined up to promote it. It's all go at the moment. We're definitely not sitting back and letting it happen. We're all very proactive."
In the full interview, Ben discussed Orange Goblin's upcoming album release more, including the musical influences, proactive marketing campaign, and impact of a new band member. He provided insights into the album concept, highlighting the significance of science, spirituality, and religion. The discussion also touched on the balance between imitation and inspiration in creating an album, with Ben emphasizing the band's commitment to creating music that is interesting to them and their belief in the importance of honesty in their music.
Explicit
The Abrasive Nature Of Music With TOMYE & ASH From THIS POINT FORWARD
15 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
Three songs into their career, and Melbourne post-hardcore outfit This Point Forward are already making an impression. Generally newer bands aim to stick to one market and/or specification in the early stages, wanting to serve up enough quality - yet safe - material to establish a fan base then build from there.
Following their more catchy, pop driven debut single Unstill, This Point Forward chose to go down a darker passage on song number two Famine, which dealt with the battles of addiction, and now, on their third single release, the band have ramped things in another direction by going far heavier while still leaning towards the catchiness of universal appeal with Corrosion.
With a self-confessed ethos to strive to create a different tone, feel and sound with each release, This Point Forward are throwing caution to the wind early in their career, but in doing so have also announced they won't be tied down by conformity, nor will they bend to musical rules and expectations.
Drummer Tomye and vocalist Ash sat down with HEAVY recently to discuss Corrosion - which premieres via HEAVY at 5pm, July 16 - and their intent and vision for the future.
The interview involved the pair discussing various topics related to their music and upcoming projects. The band members also talked about their recent travels and upcoming tour plans, as well as the challenges of coordinating band members.
They shared their passion for post-hardcore music and their goal of reviving its old-school sound while incorporating new elements. The band discussed their release strategy, opting to release singles initially to attract attention and cultivate an audience before presenting the songs as part of an EP and more.
Explicit
Family Values With BRENNAN & AUSTIN MILETO From SISTERS DOLL
15 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
While the term family is often bandied about in the world of music, it is generally used as more of an affectionate term when used to describe the bond that develops between band members.
Not often is it used in the literal term. But when it is, you can be sure that you are in for something special.
Think Angus and Malcolm Young from AC/DC, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, and Tim Farriss (INXS), Eddie and Alex Van Halen to name but a few, but while the natural chemistry of siblings is a powerful force when harnessed by verse, it is an all too rare occurrence.
Looking through that list, there are a few bands with three family members spread here and there, but I have yet to come across a band from the rock persuasion that is made up of four members of the same family. Until now.
Australia's own Sisters Doll, (Brennan, Austin and Bryce Mileto) have expanded their numbers by one to include younger brother Sage as part of their line-up moving forward, with the newest devotee to rock and roll showcasing his wares on the new track Don't Give Up On Us, with the music video announcing his addition to the band's legions of fans.
Brennan and Austin both sat down with HEAVY to talk about the new song and… well, family.
"It's done really well so far," Brennan enthused of the new track. "We did a bit of a livestream before the video dropped to build the suspense and build the hype, because we really believe in this song. It's kind of been one of our favourites from the album. It is more of the ballad from the album, but so far we've got a great response. A lot of good responses on the video too, which is exciting. Obviously, it unveils our new bass player, which is kind of the talking point at the moment. Having Sage in there has sparked a few more people to jump on and have a look - especially people back home. Compared to the last one Change, which we did last year, it's probably doing a little bit better."
In the full interview, the boys discussed a range of personal and professional topics. They talked about the positive response to their new album's ballad and the unveiling of their new bass player, Sage. They also discussed the strategic decision to release the audio before the video to boost streaming numbers and create anticipation for the music video.
Additionally, they highlighted the need to strategically unveil Sage to maintain the surprise for the show. They also delved into the meaning behind their new song Don't Give Up on Us, highlighting its dual significance related to relationships and the band's perseverance.
Furthermore, they provided insights into their plans for the album launch show at Max Watts on January 25 next year, indicating that it will feature a mix of new and existing songs, with a focus on gauging audience reception for future performances. They also discussed the evolution of their performances, emphasizing their dedication to delivering high energy shows and their commitment to creating a memorable experience for the audience. The conversation also covered the band's upcoming plans, including the release of their new single, pre-orders for the new album, and their upcoming shows and tours, showcasing the band's excitement for the future.
Explicit
Suffer No More With ED HARTWELL From BURY TOMORROW
15 JUL 2024 · After selling out their own headlining tour of Australia just last year, British metalcore giants Bury Tomorrow have wasted little time in delivering on their promise to return.
They will arrive back to these shores in August and September, playing alongside Spite, Bloom and Make Them Suffer as part of the Suffer Forever Australian Tour. Their last tour was to promote then new album The Seventh Sun, but, according to rhythm guitarist Ed Hartwell, this time Bury Tomorrow are coming just for the fun of it.
"It's funny, because I think we got offered this tour when we were in Australia last year," he smiled. "So we were out there doing that tour when the offer came through - of course it didn't get announced until much later - but we're just happy to be back. It's a really good time. I'm not a huge fan of flying, so it's quite a big thing for me to go so far away from home. Last year was the first time I have been to Australia, and it was such a good time. It's definitely worth any anxiety I get from flying over there (laughs)."
Given the fear of flying is a major detraction, we press Ed on what it is about Australia that makes it so appealing.
"It's just the people; the environment… there's just so much novelty about it that's really beautiful," he offered. "Driving through… we had some very, very long drives on that tour - like 10, 12 hour drives - but because you are just driving through, at no point does it really feel like England. It has that novelty of this is really cool. We're in Australia! When you see a kangaroo on the side of the road, you're just, like, wow (laughs)."
In the full interview, Ed talks more about the tour and what to expect, the strength of The Seventh Sun to allow two tours on one album cycle, the new sound for Bury Tomorrow on that album and if it will continue over future releases, how he is settling into the band after joining in 2021, how much he knows about the other bands on the line-up and where Bury Tomorrow fit in, what to expect from their live show, writing set lists for different countries and more.
Explicit
Strength In Vulnerability With ZARZ From WHITEFORD
13 JUL 2024 · Whiteford deliver raw, passionate rock songs with a narrative of the ups and downs of love, celebration, loss and life, weaving elements of modern and classic rock with blues, layered with energy, emotion and delivered with soul. Having many years of on stage and in studio experience, they are ready to break out of the local scene and onto the festival circuit and larger stages. Their energetic and emotional driven live show is something not to be missed.
Emerging in 2016 with their debut EP, Whiteford quickly earned a reputation as one Sydney’s most exciting up and coming rock acts. In 2018 the band released their self titled album which featured live favourites “She Joins Love” and “Words Like Bullets” both of which scored airplay on radio stations across the country and received high praise from global rock media. In late 2022 the band released The Acoustic EP featuring the single, She’s Amazing, which is their first release through their new home at Australian rock label, XMusic.
2023 saw more local shows & headline spots for Whiteford such as, the Convoy For Kids truck convoy and fair day to a crowd in excess of 2000 people & the sell out show for the launch of their latest video for the single, “ I'm Alright (Speedball mix)" which is also the theme song to Savage Speedball, a new cue sport game & upcoming TV show.
Recently Whiteford played sold out shows with Reece Mastin, Electric Mary & the legendary Spy v Spy along with their own headline performances.
The band are currently in studio recording their second studio album.
Explicit
Finishing With A Bang According To BILLY SHEEHAN From MR. BIG
12 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
Mr. Big have been captivating music lovers since their inception in 1988 with an irresistible blending of rock and blues music that is as infectious as it is beautiful to hear.
After releasing their self-titled debut album in 1989, Mr. Big - (vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert and bassist Billy Sheehan) achieved universal breakthrough success with the follow-up Lean Into It, an album that spawned the smash single To Be With You that set Mr. Big on a collision course with destiny that has continued unabated ever since.
A combination of musical brilliance, integrity and genuine love for their craft has allowed Mr. Big to perform for over three decades, but, sadly, all good things must come to an end and for Mr. Big that ending is delivered in the form of The Big Finish touring extravaganza that has wound its way around the world at select destinations from last year, winding up - at this stage - in Romania on August 27.
But in true Mr. Big style, the band was not content to leave their fans with only the memories of their final live performances, but also announced their tenth studio album - appropriately named Ten - would be unleashed with a strong nod to the entire history of the band in a musical farewell that promises an eternal gateway into the sonic sensibilities of a band who may never be rivalled.
With the release of Ten rapidly approaching its global birth on July 12, HEAVY had the honour of sitting down for a one-on-one with founding member Billy Sheehan to talk about the album, Mr. Big's legacy and more.
"It's our 10th studio record," Sheehan proudly affirmed. "There have been a lot of other records. The first time we played in Japan, we had a wonderful time. And they knew we wouldn't be coming back until the next record - which was going to be a cycle that happens - so they wanted a live record. And we didn't really have the facilities because we were on tour with Rush in America, and so the sound man took a DAT tape, a digital audio tape that they don't have many more that cost $7.95, and put it in and hit record on our show with no multi-track, no fixes, no overdubs, no nothing. So our recording budget for the whole show was $7.95 (laughs). That tape became the first Raw Like Sushi. I think in Korea it's sold like 350,000 units. I don't know how many in Japan, but I hope we recouped our investment (laughs). But it was kind of cool that it was completely real and no fixes, no turning the audience up or any of those cheaters that you can do. So we've done a lot of records. And there's a million bootlegs, too. There was a great bootleg store in Japan - I think they're long gone now - selling CDs, and they had the most amazing set of bootlegs you could imagine. I got the Band of Gypsys, Jimi Hendrix demos and rehearsals. I got Genesis', The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway demos. It's the most amazing thing, the Montrose first record, all the demos, Boston demos that led up to these iconic records. And so we'd go there after our show, and they'd already have our record with artwork for sale (laughs)."
We ask Sheehan to tell us more about Ten musically.
"We took a break on a tour and were able to go in and record," he explained. "I was super busy and couldn't make it for the writing sessions, so I came in and just played bass and that was kind of cool. I just could go, what do you got? Okay, maybe this will work and I would put a little bass line down. The songs were very together, but it was nice to be able to just come in and create a baseline that just came from nowhere, just from my first impression of how the song went. I didn't have a lot of time to even rehearse the songs. So in a way, that was kind of good, too, because it was spontaneous and came right, I didn't think it through. Thinking often… thinking will ruin a song pretty easily. And that happens with writing a lot. You just come up with a part and like it (but) the next day you think maybe we should hold on a second. Wait a minute. We had it. And now you're changing your mind? So that was a cool way to approach it. I just went in and played bass, and we came up with some cool stuff."
In the full interview, Billy discussed a range of topics related to music production and performance. He talked more about Ten and its significance as their 10th studio record. Billy provided a detailed account of the recording process for the singles Good Luck Trying and Up On You, emphasizing the value of spontaneity and avoiding overthinking when creating music.
The conversation also touched on the art of song arranging and hit songwriting techniques, exploring the concept of motifs, key changes, and song structures. We discussed the deliberate use of songwriting mechanisms to create hits and the intentional avoidance of radio-friendly song titles by bands like Led Zeppelin. Additionally, he explored the importance of live performances and spontaneity in music production, emphasizing the raw energy and genuine feel that it brings to recordings, plus heaps more.
Explicit
Laying Down The Gauntlet With SAM BEAN From WEREWOLVES
10 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
If you used only the sheer brutality of their music as a guide, it would be easy and highly probable to imagine Werewolves to be a serious metal band. Their music is soul-destroying and intense, pummelling your senses from every angle before regrouping to smash you in places you didn't even know existed.
No shit.
But when you listen to or read an interview with any of the three members - or even read the quotes in their press releases - then it becomes blatantly obvious that there is a plethora of riches simmering just below the surface that generally manifest themselves by way of humour or self-depreciation.
Because Werewolves are not a by-the-numbers, regulated behemoth, They are a formidable force of nature with a laconic, Australian sense of humour who actually give little fucks to what is happening around them as long as they get to immortalise the problem in verse.
Ten years ago a fresh and ambitious death metal outfit featuring three well-known musicians of the Australian heavy scene - Sam Bean (The Berzerker), Matt Wilcock (The Berzerker, Akercocke) and Dave Haley (Psycroptic, Ruins, Blood Duster) - boldly declared their intent to release one each year for the next decade.
Fast-forward to today and Werewolves are about to successfully hit the halfway point with their fifth entry Die For Us, which will be released over several platforms starting with Bandcamp on July 12 then everywhere else from July 19.
HEAVY caught up with vocalist/bass player Sam Bean last night to find out just how brutal album number five is going to be.
"This one's a little bit different," he measured when we asked how he was feeling about Die For Us. "It's a self-release this one, so there's been a lot of moving parts. Whereas with the other ones, we'd just roll up to each album release basically in a carriage with horses and the red carpet treatment (smiles), this time around there was a lot of moving, spinning plates that we were having to keep spinning. Normally, we'd already be on our victory lap even before the album is released. Now we're very much just staring at that date and crossing the fingers that all goes well. We're quite a bit more nervous this time around that everything happens as it should.
As for the response for the album, we don't worry about that. We never worry about that. We've got a pretty heinous slab of death metal that we know is absolutely stupendous, and that the title track - the very first thing that anyone will hear when listening to the album - is just gonna knock both their socks off and then some. We're not worried about that. We're worried about the boring bullshit out back of house (laughs)."
In the full interview, Sam talks more about the musical side of Die For Us, the brutality of their music and how the band gets that tough exterior, having Rok from Sadistik Exekution guest on one of the tracks, keeping up with their promise of one album a year for ten years, the pros and cons of releasing an album yourself, the term Caveman Death Metal that has been thrust upon them, maintaining the rage and more.
Explicit
Devil's In The Detail With SKINNY From MUSHROOMHEAD
10 JUL 2024 · Interview by Kris Peters
There are very few bands in the world of music that push themselves to the extremes like Mushroomhead.
Their music draws from pretty much all genres of metal known to man, with sprinkles of punk, hip/hop, electronica and God knows what else thrown in for good measure. And what's more is they make it work.
While not unique in their amalgamation of musical influences, Mushroomhead are streets ahead of the pack in terms of cohesiveness that defies logic given the eclectic nature of their delivery. But, again, it works.
If you want proof take a listen to the band's upcoming studio album Call The Devil, which will be unleashed on the world on August 9. Loosely described in promotional material as an album that covers everything from bangers to ballads, Call The Devil is much more than that. So much so that it would be quicker to list the musical landscape NOT covered than the ones explored over the journey.
To put things in perspective and delve deeper into the musical psyche of Mushroomhead, HEAVY sat down for a one-on-one with founding member Skinny that proved to be not only engaging but also more in-depth than expected.
We start by asking how he is feeling about the impending release of Call The Devil.
"Oh man, really excited," he enthused. "Album eight was A Wonderful Life, and we released it in June 2020 and COVID came in and had its way with the world and definitely had its way with all the entertainers. I definitely felt first-hand how non-essential heavy metal drummers were at the time (laughs), so we all had to knuckle down and dig down in our spirit and say 'hey man, we wanna do this. Of course we're gonna keep doing this. It's our livelihood. It's who we are. We create music no matter if there's a world left to create for or not. We'll just do it until the day we die'. So it feels really good to be able to release an album and get out there and perform it on stage."
With the continual evolution of both Mushroomhead and their sound, it only seems natural to press Skinny on what to expect this lap around the sun.
"On this one, album number nine, it was just another 'let's let the music take us where it may. Let it lead'," he said. "The album's very diverse. There's a lot of doom and gloom. There's a lot of super aggressive, heavy stuff, and there's a lot of stuff in between. Super creepy, dark, typical stuff that ends up coming out of us. Whether we intend it or not, everything ends up with a creepy, heavy, dark vibe. It's just what ended up being the Mushroomhead sound. So there's plenty of that, and then we definitely stayed out of our comfort zone - if there really is one with Mushroomhead - but we tried to stay out of our own comfort zones and play with tempos and play different keys and play with non-traditional arrangements and let the music guide us. Some of it was straightforward and put together specifically for a heavy metal song and some of it is straight art that turns into dark art which we love."
In the full interview, Skinny discussed Mushroomhead's music, production insights, and upcoming tours. He delved into the band's unique fusion of metal, hip-hop, punk, and electronic influences, and their commitment to authentic and diverse songwriting.
Skinny also shared details about the production of the latest album, Call the Devil, including the return of guitarist Dave Felton after 10 years and the challenges of balancing male-female vocal dynamics. He also discussed the band's approach to producing their own music and the collaborative process of working with multiple drummers on the album, as well as the early days of Mushroomhead and their media-led feud with Slipknot, plus more.
Explicit
Supporters Club
Growing The Family, HARD-ONS Style
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
BLACK RHENO Bring the Noise
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 |
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