Interview by Kris Peters Topping their last self-titled album was always going to be difficult for Californian metalcore outfit The Ghost Inside after it was named one of Loudwire's Best Rock and Metal Albums of 2020. The accolade was richly deserved for a band who have been through more lows than most, but despite sometimes insurmountable odds have always let their music do the talking. Merging metalcore's proficiency with the frenetic urgency of punk rock, The Ghost Inside have always had an aura of familiarity mixed with chaotic schizophrenia that has allowed them to connect with audiences on a global scale. But on their new album Searching For Solace, the five-piece metal machine have raised the bar upwards once more. Blending definitive characters of their music - honesty, vulnerability, the message, and the melody - with darker themes and expansive sonic landscapes, Searching For Solace is the perfect footprint on the journey of a band who have already proved that passion, resilience and perseverance can guide you through any setbacks. With a little help from music, of course. HEAVY sat down with the whole band - vocalist Jonathan Vigil, guitarists Zach Johnson and Chris Davis, bassist Jim Riley, and drummer Andrew Tkaczyk - to chat about the new album and life within The Ghost Inside. "It's very exciting, man. We've been sitting on it for a while now," Vigil enthused about album release day. "So it's nice to see it come to fruition and see it out in the world and see people's reactions and stuff. It's exciting." We ask the band to tell us more about the musicality on Searching For Solace. "We feel like with the self-titled we really stuck with like The Ghost Inside formula," Riley answered. "(we) Didn't take any chances there. That record was very clear what the objective was, kind of like long before we went into it. It was going to be the band's comeback record. Lyrical themes were all there right from the beginning. And this time, I think we just felt a lot more freedom." In the full interview, The Ghost Inside discussed their newly released album Searching for Solace and the creative process behind it. They talk about collaborating with multiple producers to explore different creative avenues and avoid limiting themselves to one specific sound. The band members also expressed their excitement for the upcoming Parkway Drive arena tour in Australia, highlighting the line-up of bands and the significance of the tour for the Australian music scene. They discussed their determination to define themselves without external influence, and their eagerness to play for both existing fans and new audiences.

Interview by Kris Peters For the last decade and a half the name Flaming Wrekage has been synonymous with hard, thrashy and brutal Australian music. Since forming in Sydney in 2009 the band have raised the bar for touring and commitment in this country, constantly throwing themselves at the mercy of the metal Gods in countless trips around this country and beyond. Not content to live on past glory, Flaming Wrekage are about to unleash their hardest-hitting record to date in the form of Terra Inferna on April 26. Showcasing a more experimental side of the band that can only be borne from self-confidence and belief, Terra Inferna looks set to elevate Flaming Wrekage even further, with vocalist/guitarist Dave Lupton joining HEAVY to talk about the album. "It's all systems go at the moment," he began. "I just picked up some merch from the printers this morning, so we'll be going out with the pre-orders pretty soon. It's been really good. It's an intense process, but super rewarding, much like the recording of the album, I would say. We really jammed everything we could into the time that we had and I think we've got something really special with this one. We've had a couple of singles out already, so hopefully everyone's digging it, but I'm really looking forward to getting the whole thing out. It's going to be a cathartic experience to get the whole album out on the world." In the full interview, Dave spoke more about the upcoming album release, Terra Inferno, and the band's experimental approach to songwriting, including the use of synths, slide guitar, and percussion. He also reflected on the band's evolution and shift towards a more diverse and cohesive sound. Lupton shared insights into the band's decision to use vintage equipment for recording, emphasizing the desire to create a big, impactful sound reminiscent of classic metal albums. The conversation also touched on the band's upcoming exclusive album launch shows in Melbourne and Sydney, where Lupton shared insights into the band's approach to preparing the set list and announced a competition for fans to win a bar tab and early merch access. Additionally, Lupton explained the intentional decision behind the band's name without the letter "C," which has become a recognizable feature of their logo.

Interview by Kris Peters Tumbleweed have been a mainstay on the Australian music scene for over three decades, having lasted through a plethora of music cycles, phases and periods of revolution. Throughout all they have steadfastly stayed true to their music, refusing to conform nor bow to the powers that be, instead rightfully deciding to forge their own path in music and thus create their own identity. It is a move that sees Tumbleweed as one of the last remaining rock icons from that era, with the band not only surviving through good times and bad, but also coming out stronger because of it. While Tumbleweed have earned the right to pick and choose their live shows, public demand for their music is still high, ensuring they are invited to perform at many Australian festivals as a major drawcard. So far this year, Tumbleweed have seldomly graced the stage, so much so that this weekend's headlining set at Sonic Rendezvous Record Store Day will be their first - and at this stage their only - gig in their hometown of Melbourne for 2024. To be held at Welcome To Thornbury on High Street, Northcote this Saturday, April 20, Sonic Rendezvous Record Store Day is a sonic celebration of live music and vinyl records on one of the most important days of the year, Record Store Day. Other bands appearing include Grinding Eyes from Sydney, acclaimed all-girl rockers Hot Machine, and a cast of other celebrated bands and DJ's. There will also be a record fair happening from 12pm to 4pm with 15 of Melbourne's best vinyl venders, food trucks, cold beers and countless other tasty delights, and all for the modest amount of $20. To find out more about the show and what has been happening in the Tumbleweed world, HEAVY tracked down frontman Richie Lewis for an entertaining chat. "It'll be great," he enthused. "My daughter's band is playing as well, Private Wives, they're on the bill so they will be really cool. They played with us down in Melbourne a couple of years ago, but they've gotten heaps better, so that will be amazing to see them doing their thing. Grinding Eyes, I've always been a big fan of. We actually did a 7" single with them a couple of years back, and we did a cover of an old 60s song called Pathway through The Forest, which is a wonderful song by a band called The Factory. We did a bunch of shows with Grinding Eyes a couple of years ago as well, and they are amazing live. I'm looking forward to seeing the other bands as well. I know of them. I've checked them out, but it will be the first time to see Hot Machine. It's gonna be pretty awesome. Twenty bucks? I mean, twenty bucks is a 1993 price (laughs). The whole vibe of Record Store Day is a good one. I'm a big fan of records. I like vinyl. I'm not a big fan of Spotify and digital stuff." In the full interview, Richie discussed a variety of topics related to music and their personal experiences. He talked about the upcoming music event where Tumbleweed will be performing alongside other bands, expressing enthusiasm for the line-up and sharing past experiences with some of the bands. He also discussed the appeal of Record Store Day and the resurgence of vinyl records, expressing a strong preference for the tactile and communal experience of vinyl over the convenience of digital streaming services like Spotify. The conversation also delved into the ethical considerations of supporting artists and the growing interest in vinyl records, ultimately emphasizing the positive and inclusive atmosphere of Record Store Day events, which cater to music enthusiasts of all ages. Additionally, he discussed the promotion of Richie's solo album and more.

Interview by Kris Peters On the surface, Swedish outfit Quantum can be best categorised as a progressive metal band, but as you start to peel back the layers a deeper, more eclectic personality emerges. Blending elements from various genres, including prog rock, metal, late romantic era classical music, and jazz, Quantum's music output transcends just prog, diving into a more all-encompassing sonic landscape that is as captivating as it is expansive. After the favourable response to debut EP Next Breath Of Air… Quantum are on the cusp of delivering their first full-length offering titled Down The Mountainside which draws from the above genres and more to provide a glimpse into the ever-evolving world that is Quantum. Frontman Anton Ericsson joined HEAVY to take us deeper. "It's an album with lots of things happening," he promised. "There's lots of heavy riffs, there's great grooves, longer chords and beautiful melodies." We ask Ericsson to take us further into the musical nature of Down The Mountainside. "We wrote… when I was writing the songs - they've been around for a long time some of these songs - you have some of the riffs and some of the songs done," he offered, "and you realise a lot of these songs fit together nicely so you start writing some of the other songs to fit in with those. I think one of the general sounds of this is like rock with a lot of electric elements of metal and a lot of electric elements of prog and a lot of electric elements of some jazz and some classical music as well." In the full interview, Anton discussed their highly anticipated debut album Down The Mountainside in more depth, shared details about the album's musical influences, sonic diversity, and thematic elements as well as the deep and intense lyrical themes that explore the concept of wearing masks and alter egos in dealing with life's challenges. He also explained the rationale behind inviting Richard Henshall and Tom MacLean from Haken to contribute guitar solos to the album, detailing their previous collaboration and the transformative effect of their solos on certain tracks. Anton's eclectic music style was attributed to his diverse musical influences and intuitive writing process, and he explained that the recording process involves starting with the band, adding layers, and sometimes envisioning specific sounds from the beginning, aiming to keep the band's sound at the forefront.

Interview by Kris Peters At thirty-three years young, doom/death metal outfit My Dying Bride still bite with the ferocity of a stallion, with a kick twice as ferocious. While many would be slowing down entering this stage of their careers, My Dying Bride give the impression they are only just getting started. Which is a frightfully sensational prospect. With their 15th album A Mortal Binding set for release on April 19, My Dying Bride are promising fans something fresh and enticing, adding yet another chapter to the band's musical output that has seen them dominate the genre for so many years. Featuring a revamped line-up of now-permanent guitarist Neil Blanchett and the return of drummer Dan Mullins, A Mortal Binding is signature My Dying Bride. Only better. Guitarist Andrew Craighan joined HEAVY to tell us more. "To be fair, I'm quite relaxed," he measured. "I'm a little bit apprehensive because we… I don't do a lot of social media. I don't see a lot of the reactions that are happening to it, and we didn't send the album out to our friends and family and that sort of thing. So I don't really know. I'm relatively confident that we've created something that's okay, but there's a little bit of apprehension on that because I don't really know what people are gonna think. Also, I'm relieved… is probably the word, because to get an album right - I don't think you ever get an album right. You finish when you run out of money type thing and hope they're right enough, so it's been hard work. There's been a lot of hard work and a lot of blood, sweat and beards and all that kind of thing. It's kind of like… it's dead space, if you know what I mean, where you're sat with a pregnant pause; the bride is quite literally… (laughs). You've got this strange time where you can't say anything about it because you don't want to oversell it. You can't push it out and you can't send it out - you're certainly not allowed to do that - so you're just sat waiting and thinking what's next? Thankfully April 19 isn't so far away, so we'll soon see." In the full interview, Andrew talks more about A Mortal Binding, if it's what fans would expect from the band, the singles released and how they sonically represent the album, what has changed with My Dying Bride since their last album The Ghost Of Orion, coming up with new material a

Interview by Kris Peters Australian self-proclaimed metal diva Billie-Jade is counting down the days until the release of her debut EP XI:XI, an album both raw and unapologetically honest full of attitude and spunk while still maintaining an air of vulnerability. After releasing her first single Horror Haus not long after electing to perform as a solo artist back in 2016, Billie-Jade has hardened and refined her sound over recent years with the help of Grammy-winning producer/mixer Mitchell Marlow (New Year’s Day, In This Moment, Stitched Up Heart). Since tasting earlier success with Hatchet Dawn and Diamond Noir before going solo, Billie-Jade knows what it takes to be heard in the music industry and has channelled all of that rage and experience into her first solo outing XI:XI which will be released on April 19. HEAVY caught up with Billie-Jade to find out more. "I'm so excited," she enthused. "This has been a long time in the making. I did try to go over (to L.A.) for another writing session during COVID and got sent back (laughs). It's been a long time, and I'm just so excited to put out the ideas. There was one track I wrote in a writing session with Mitch when I first met him, which is Scream. That's the first track on the EP, and the rest I wrote with him later on. I'm just so excited to get all those ideas out together as an EP." In the full interview, Billie-Jade discussed her upcoming debut EP XI:XI in greater detail, providing insights into the creative process behind each song and the personal significance of the title. She emphasized the empowering themes of her music and the importance of working with a producer who understands her vision and more.

Interview by Kris Peters After the disappointment at having to postpone their debut Australian tour in 2023, US death metal outfit Jungle Rot have stuck true to their promise of making it out here as soon as possible with the news they managed to find suitable dates with German black metal pioneers Rotting Christ this May. While Rotting Christ will be celebrating 35 years of servitude to the Metal Gods, Jungle Rot will be savouring the opportunity to showcase their music to a new audience, with a plan to capture the attention and support of as many of their Australian fans as possible. Frontman Dave Matrise joined HEAVY recently to discuss the rescheduled tour and more. With the tour just two weeks away we start by asking if he has already packed and readied himself for the long trip Down Under. "I'm gonna start tomorrow, actually," he smiled. "We're running down the list tomorrow, and we're gonna start doing it, and I'm gonna start mentally preparing myself. That's the hardest thing, mentally preparing myself for that flight (laughs)." Once here Jungle Rot have a brutal schedule, playing the whole run without a day off, which beckons the question does someone in their booking team dislike the band for some reason? "No, that's how we like it," he grinned. "We'd rather be playing every night, man. When you're on tour you wanna be playing every night because if you're not, you're going to spend money, so we'd rather try and make some money and work every night (laughs)." In the full interview, Dave discussed the band's upcoming tour in Australia, shared details about the tour schedule and his preparations for the shows and expressed his excitement for the band's first tour in Australia. The conversation also delved into the band's preference for playing shows every night and their determination to make the most of the tour. Matrise provided insights into the band's musical style, emphasizing their old-school death metal roots and the intense, raw energy of their live performances. The chat also revolved around Jungle Rot's music and career evolution, with a focus on their songwriting process and commitment to their sound. Additionally, they talked about their 11th studio album, A Call To Arms, and outlined their plans for future tours and new music, emphasizing their continual dedication to their craft.

Interview by Kris Peters NSW industrial punk project Schkeuditzer Kreuz are premiering their new single Ratchet via HEAVY this Monday, capitalising on the momentum built from previous releases Joy and Second Life. All three tracks are taken from Schkeuditzer Kreuz's album No Life Left, which came out in the last part of 2023, with Ratchet being the most diverse and eclectic representation of an album full of moods and atmospherics. Kieren Hills, the creative force behind Schkeuditzer Kreuz, joined HEAVY this afternoon to chat about the new music. "It's probably the most upbeat and poppier kind of songs, which is not really saying much," he smiled when asked about Ratchet. "It's all heavily distorted synth of various different kinds with industrial percussion and drumbeats. Lyrically, it's another song about how fucked in the head I am, basically (laughs). In the full interview, Kieren runs us through Ratchet in greater detail, talks about the creepy but awesome music video, how Ratchet differs to the previous two singles, how they represent No Life Left musically, the term Industrial Synth Crust and what it translates to, upcoming shows and more.

Interview by Kris Peters With a cross pollination of varying metal genres including sludge, death, gloom, black metal and hardcore, UK heavy outfit Conjurer are one of the few modern metal bands to walk that balancing tightrope of styles without imposing too much in any direction. Their willingness to experiment and push themselves outside of their usual comfort zones has seen the band traverse new sonic landscapes with each album, the most recent of which, 2022's Pathos, seeing the band expose their music to a wider global audience and open the musical minds of a whole new legion of fans. After visiting Tasmania as part of Dark Mofo that same year - and absolutely slaying it from all reports - Conjurer return to this side of the world for their debut tour of mainland Australia when they start a run of shows with Lo! and Botch in Brisbane from May 15. HEAVY sat down recently with singer/guitarist Brady Deeprose to find out more. "We are coming on tour in Australia - which sounds insane to say out loud - (and) we're playing three headline shows and a couple of shows supporting Botch," Deeprose enthused. We ask if he is already packed and ready to go, still one month out from the tour. "I moved house three days ago, so I'm not even unpacked at this point," he laughed. "Last time we were in Australia we were down for Dark Mofo in Tasmania and I spent four out of the five days sick as a dog in bed, so I'm ready to get back out and actually experience some of the country. It's one of those bucket list tours that you see bands go to Australia, and it never feels like it's going to be you. We're just so thankful to have the opportunity and to be getting back out there." We point out that it is a brutal run of five shows in five days and ask if he ever gets the feeling someone in their booking team doesn't like them. "It's all of them, for sure," he laughed. "We're playing nine shows in ten days and then flying directly to Australia off the back of that, so we're like… I was saying to the guys I'm obviously really excited about this, but it's going to the most brutal month of touring we've ever done. We're gonna be absolutely shagged by the time we get there (laughs). We're so lucky to be able to do this. You get up, drink a couple of Red Bulls, and you make it happen. The shows are gonna be amazing." In the full interview, Brady talks more about the tour and what to expect, visiting a country on tour for the first time and how he prepares, Conjurer's influences and where they come from, knowing how much of each genre to mix through new music and how to tell if they go too far, their status as a 'non-specific' metal band in terms of genre, new music and more.

Interview by Kris Peters U.S progressive metal outfit Exodus Rising have been making a stir on the music scene following the release of last year's debut album The Book Of Life. Armed largely with a DYI approach and a firm desire to take their music to a global audience, Exodus Rising first grabbed the attention of HEAVY just prior to the release of The Book Of Life, and we have been listening with a keen interest for more advances from the band ever since. That came recently with the arrival of the third album single The Fallen, accompanied by a visually stunning music video that captures the intense spirit coursing through Exodus Rising's musical veins. HEAVY caught up with the band late last week to discuss The Fallen and other developments with Exodus Rising. "Everybody's been receiving the music - and the video especially - very, very well," vocalist JSlate began. "We included two songs from the album initially, and we included our Overture because it added a lot more depth into it, and then we decided to throw in an extra interlude and put an anime-style type of feeling to breathe a lot more life and a lot more modernity." Exodus Rising have previously released the singles Blazing Love and Paradise Lost, so we press the band on how The Fallen showcases another side of their sonic structure. "For Paradise Lost, that was a power metal song," JSlate replied. "That was definitely full power metal and included everything within our diverse repertoire within the album. Which showcased symphonics, theatrical elements and then the classic power metal elements. For Blazing Love, that was more of a ballad - a heavier ballad - and one that was showing love in a different side of that; keeping it a bit more in tempo to prepare people to manoeuvre throughout the remainder of the album. For The Fallen, we included two songs with that. It's very theatrical and cinematic. It includes the cinematic aspect of how we want to approach our music… We want it to feel like a movie, and you're in a story and a place of space and time. For The Fallen, as a single itself, it's metal, but it's more leaning towards the hard rock elements of everything." In the full interview Exodus Rising discuss The Fallen in greater detail, the music video and what it took to put together, which of the three singles best represents the band's sound, Christianity and heavy metal, how their faith enhances their music, the general accessibility of music and how it transcends barriers, future plans and more.