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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...
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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 upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
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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
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24 NOV 2024 · As the renowned band Batushka prepare for their final performance under this name in Melbourne, HEAVY had the chance to sit down with Monk Boruta and Bartek Krysiuk to explore the reasons behind the name change. Embarking on a new chapter, Batushka will be rebranding as Patriarkh, celebrating a new era with a groundbreaking concept album in January. Here's a glimpse into our conversation about their journey, the transformation of their music, and what fans can expect from their upcoming show.
"Why Australia for our last show?" Bart mused with a hint of humour. "It's actually a coincidence. We're also playing in New Zealand, and I joked that we're going to Mordor with the Batushka name. It's funny how it worked out!" This unexpected decision to end their journey as Batushka on Australian soil adds a unique layer to their farewell tour, thanks to a coincidence in touring logistics.
With the name change comes a new artistic direction. When asked if their upcoming album would differ from their previous work, Krysiuk stated emphatically, "It's a completely different album. RASKOL was more closed, more conceptual. This new work demands your full attention. It's complicated, but that was our intention - to create something that requires engagement."
The melding of Orthodox music with metal has generated considerable interest worldwide. Bart emphasised their uniqueness, saying, "We are something oriental in the whole world. Orthodox faith is not as commonly represented as Catholicism, and we are bringing something different to the table."
The band bubbled with excitement over returning to our shores; "We're thrilled to return to Australia after our last performance at Dark Mofo," Bart shared. "It's a festival like no other, and we can't wait to see what happens. Maybe we'll burn something on stage!" Both musicians laughed at the thought, recalling their theatrical performances that blend music with ritualistic elements.
One of the most intriguing aspects of their music is the use of Church Slavonic lyrics. "For me, it's not difficult," Bart explained. "I come from a region where this language is used. We also blend it with our regional dialect and other languages, creating a rich tapestry of sound and meaning." This commitment to authenticity deepens their connection to the cultural roots of their music.
The new name, Patriarkh, reflects a shift in their narrative. Krysiuk described it as a "sarcastic nod" to their evolution. "Batushka represents a regular priest, while Patriarkh is a higher authoritative figure in the Orthodox Church. It signifies our growth and seriousness as artists."(anyone who has followed Batushka is aware of the departure of a founding member and the subsequent legal battle for the Batushka name and likeness.)
When asked about the band's meaning in their lives, Monk Baruta articulated a blend of passion and pragmatism. "It's the biggest journey of my life. Touring the world and sharing our music is incredible, but it requires sacrifices - relationships, time, and mental strength." Bart echoed this sentiment, emphasising that music is their lifestyle and passion, and they are committed to it despite the challenges.
As we wrapped up, both musicians had heartfelt words for their Australian fans: "We hope you come out to our last show. Bring your icons, and let's make it a memorable night!"
Don't miss the chance to witness the last performance of Batushka in Melbourne on December 13 - an event that promises to be both a celebration and a profound farewell as they transition into Patriarkh, ready to unveil their new vision, cloaks and all!
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23 NOV 2024 · New Jersey rock outfit The Gaslight Anthem are experiencing somewhat of a new lease on life.
Grabbing the attention of a global audience with their 2007 debut Sink Or Swim, The Gaslight Anthem rammed the point home with their second album The '59 Sound the following year, becoming the first band in British music history to appear on the cover of Kerrang! magazine without the magazine having previously written about them.
Three more albums followed, with 2014's Get Hurt ultimately turning out to be The Gaslight Anthem's last new music in almost a decade when they went on hiatus the following year. As the years passed with only a fleeting one-off show and murmurings rather than rumblings greeting any talk of another crack at music, it seemed The Gaslight Anthem had fired their last shot in anger before announcing a second coming in 2020 which led to the band's sixth release History Books that made an emphatic statement that The Gaslight Anthem weren't just returning for the nostalgia.
The long and tumultuous path has led to the engaging four-piece set to make the long trek to Australia in less than two weeks as part of Good Things Festival 2024 alongside Korn, Electric Callboy, Sum 41, Mastodon, Kerry King and a stack of others. HEAVY spoke with guitarist Alex Rosamilia to get a better feel for what to expect, starting by asking if he is packed and ready to go.
"Um…. I'd like to say yes," he laughed. "But no. I'll be doing that last minute, as per usual." HEAVY points out that with the amount of time The Gaslight Anthem spend on the road, the temptation to drag your feet in your rare down time would win on most occasions.
"Sometimes I just leave them in the bag for the next one," he smiled, "but there was too much time in between this and the last tour."
This will be The Gaslight Anthem's first trip to Australia in almost a decade, so we ask what has changed with the band between visits.
"You mean aside from us all getting married and having kids and starting a family," he joked. "That's probably the biggest change, and it's a pretty big change to have (laughs). It's crazy to think it's been ten years since we've been over there."
In the full interview, Alex talks more about touring life and the atmosphere amongst bands at larger festivals like this. He spoke about The Gaslight Anthem's headlining side shows as well, and how the sets will differ for fans and the different dynamics between festival shows and club gigs.
Alex gave us a glimpse into what fans can expect from The Gaslight Anthem live, giving new listeners three songs to check before heading to Good Things. We looked behind the band's hiatus and reforming the band and how the long layoff might have affected their confidence and cohesion. That led to a chat about their new album History Books and how it was received by fans plus how it represents The Gaslight Anthem moving forward and more.
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23 NOV 2024 · As they say, there's no rest for the wicked, which is precisely why As December Falls are in the thick of things heading into the tail end of 2024, their tenth year as a band.
Following the breakout success of 2021's album Happier, As December Falls quickly capitalised on their growing momentum, releasing the follow-up Join The Club last year. That album has seen the band on a relentless touring schedule which culminates with As December Falls' first ever headlining tour of Australia over three dates in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane in February.
They also have a great new song out, Angry Cry, which kicks off the next album cycle for the Nottingham rockers, meaning As December Falls will enter their second decade with a plethora of opportunities and a growing, loyal fan base.
HEAVY caught up with Beth Curtis and Ande Hunter from the band to discuss their upcoming Australian tour and the themes in their latest single, Angry Cry, which signals a new chapter for the band and revisits the important topic of mental health.
"We may possibly be delving into some new genres," Ande explains, highlighting the evolution in their musical style. This track, described by both members as a departure from their previous work, embodies the raw emotions and struggles many have faced over the past year. As Beth puts it, "We're all dealing with shit still, so let's get that out." This candidness is a hallmark of As December Falls, a band that prioritises connection with its audience through relatable themes and honest lyrics.
Their recent live album, released last September, served as a celebration of the band's past work, a chance to reflect on their journey while setting the stage for what's to come. "We wanted the live album to be a line drawn under that period," Beth states, emphasising their desire to move forward creatively. The band has spent more time in the studio for this upcoming album than ever before, crafting a collection of songs that truly represent who they are as artists. "There's a little bit in there for everyone," Ande assures, suggesting that fans can expect an eclectic mix of sounds and styles.
What sets As December Falls apart is their commitment to remaining an independent band. They proudly run their own label, which gives them creative control and fosters a deep connection with their fans. "I'm so proud of us for getting this far as an independent band," Beth reflects. The duo acknowledges the challenges of independence, such as securing support slots or gaining industry recognition. Still, they choose to focus on the positives, celebrating the strong community they've built around their music.
Their upcoming tour in Australia marks a significant milestone for As December Falls, as it will be their first time performing in the country. "I'm so excited," Ande shares, looking forward to connecting with new fans. This tour, a blend of hard work and a well-deserved holiday, showcases their commitment to live performance - a cornerstone of their identity. As they gear up for this adventure, they're determined to make the most of every moment, both on and off-stage.
When asked about their musical influences and personal tastes, Beth and Ande reveal a wide range of genres that inspire them, from pop to rock. This eclecticism not only shapes their music but also resonates with their audience. "Our fans are genuinely the best," Beth affirms, emphasising the importance of community in their journey.
With their new single and upcoming tour, As December Falls is poised to continue making waves in the music scene, inviting fans along for the ride. As they put it, "We're still the same thing as you are," proving that connection and relatability are at the heart of their mission.
With their sights set on the future, the band is ready to take on new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that every note resonates with the people who fiercely and loyally support them, their "little group of weirdo's" as Beth put it. We're all too happy to be a part of that group of 'weirdos' when a band like theirs remains honest, raw, and grateful to their fans.
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23 NOV 2024 · Summoning the most brutal elements of Floridian death metal and combining it with the coldest permafrost of Scandinavian black metal, emerging Canadian deathcore outfit Angelmaker are making huge waves on the international metal scene.
By confronting listeners with furious, focused, and violent extremity, Angelmaker create deathcore of the highest order - injected with blackened thrash, a smattering of power violence, and the urgent ferocity of underground hardcore. They are a band who let their music do all the talking, raw, confronting and in your face.
With new vocalist Ian Bearer strengthening the band, Angelmaker are poised for the debut Australian tour earlier next year, supporting Sylosis for a run of shows in February. To find out what all the fuss is about, HEAVY sat down with Bearer and Angelmaker's other vocalist Casey Tyson-Pearce to find out more.
We start by asking why the band have neglected us here in Australia for so long.
"We've been trying," Casey laughed. "(but) Nothing has really aligned for us. We just did our first European tour a year and a half ago, so we've been working our way into more international markets. For us, we're Canadian so it makes a lot more sense for us to just tour in North America, but now we've got a good foothold to actually make our way over there. We got this opportunity, and it was like, there's no way we're saying no. We need to see koalas. We need to see kangaroos."
In the full interview, Angelmaker discussed their upcoming tour in Australia, starting in Perth on February 11 and ending in Brisbane on February 16. They expressed excitement about the tour and their anticipation of experiencing Australian culture. The band also mentioned their new song, Relinquish, and their plans to play a mix of old and new songs during the tour.
We discussed the band's unique sound and their approach to songwriting, explaining that the band members write their own parts, which are then integrated together to create a cohesive sound. They also discussed the addition of a new vocalist, Ian, who has brought a powerful presence to the band and the dynamics at play with dual vocalists and more.
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23 NOV 2024 · At the end of the day, music and the creative arts is all about expression and having fun. In the modern age of entertainment that sense of enjoyment has slowly eroded due to the complexities of the current global climate and the incessant wish to not offend anybody which has resulted in a terser, more rigid sprinkling of bands and musicians that seem void of life because of their over-complicated approach.
And what better way to enjoy your craft and have fun than play around with someone else's music? Which is exactly what …And We All Die did with their recent four-track release Static Age.
Essentially just two Misfits songs reimagined - Static Age and TV Casualty - the EP sees both songs performed in vastly different fashions, with neither bearing much more in common with the original than by virtue of the song title.
Not that the two classic songs have been bastardised beyond recognition - some bands you just don't mess with - but both versions have been afforded the respect they deserve while maintaining just enough of …And We All Die's musical DNA to make the songs their own while still paying homage to the original recordings.
The release is a heavy blend of hardcore, post-punk, noise-rock and industrial influences, centred around covers of the two Misfits’ tracks alongside two industrial-infused reworkings of the songs featuring Metal Blade synthwave artist Gost.
HEAVY recently caught up with the man behind the music, Raymond Estes, to find out more, starting with how the EP has been received.
"It's been great," he enthused. "So far it's been the best reception we've had for any release. It's hard to say why that is, maybe Spotify is actually working for us this time (laughs), but we can't really complain. Really, the project is me, but it's everybody who contributes and the drummer Walter and guitarist Guillermo are excited about the volume of people that are checking out the tracks and the amount of streams we've been getting. Who knew?"
We press Estes on the choice of songs to cover, specifically why choose the Misfits as a band to start with, and also why those particular two songs.
"I love the Misfits," he shrugged, "and have for a long time. I like horror punk and all that Danzig has done, but for …And We All Die we don't really do horror songs. We do more conceptual songs or songs about the human condition and as a hardcore guy I thought what would be more interesting to do than take songs that are dark and have these more science fiction themes based on the perils of technology and make those fresh. That is more exciting to me than singing about ghouls or zombies."
In the full interview, Estes explained the thought process behind covering the same song twice, with the second version being more industrial and featuring contributions from Ghost and William Faith. He mentioned that the band was conscious of not going too far with their covers, as they were aware of the special meaning these songs hold for many people. The early reception of the EP has been positive, with the industrial versions receiving the better response.
We talked about deconstructing the songs and then recreating them in their image and any difficulties they faced. The conversation turned to future new music, with a rock album, collection of covers from The Cure, other projects and more. Estes discussed why …And We All Die is currently a studio project only and how he plans to potentially expand that into a touring outfit down the track plus a host of other things.
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23 NOV 2024 · Sydney rock outfit RedHook have been making a nuisance of themselves all over the world in recent years, playing with The Smashing Pumpkins and Janes Addiction as part of The World Is A Vampire Tour and at Good Things Festival alongside Bring Me The Horizon, Gojira, Soulfly, Jinjer and more in their home country, as well as international festivals Rock AM Ring, Download and others.
Their relentless touring schedule and work ethic is showing dividends, with debut album Postcards From A Living Hell (2023) asserting the band's authority after a six-year wait, setting RedHook up for the next phase of their career which gained traction last Friday with the release of their sophomore album Mutation.
"Mutation is an audacious, genre-bending second album that is unblinking in its lyrical honesty, ambitious sonic production, and infectiously memorable songwriting, read the press release. "Incorporating influences ranging from alt-pop, future bass and hip-hop to metal, punk and post-hardcore, RedHook are wholly unafraid to be uniquely themselves, combining layers of intricate synths, brass, heavy guitars, samples and dynamic drum work to create an intoxicating 11-track cocktail that hits like a Molotov.'
Put simply, it is a step-up in everything RedHook is known and loved for, and then some.
To celebrate the album's release, HEAVY recently conducted a video review/interview with vocalist Emmy Mack where we read the interview out to her track by track and ask if we are on the right path and find out more about each song. It offers a unique glimpse into the music from the perspective of the people who wrote it.
Check out what Emmy had to say about the track Breaking Up With.
"I love that, nailed it!" she smiled at HEAVY's assessment of the song. "I suppose that song is very mischievous (laughs). Breaking Up With to me… I always see it as kind of either a sequel, or I guess it's the antithesis to Bad Decisions, which is our biggest song. I was in a very different headspace when I wrote that song, and Bad Decisions is revelling in feeling like a complete and utter piece of shit. Breaking Up with is more about being like, you know what, I'm not going to do that any more. I'm gonna be nicer to myself, so breaking that cycle of self-loathing and self-destructive behaviour and be less of a shit cu%t (laughs)."
Watch/listen to the full interview to go into Mutation deeper than ever before.
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22 NOV 2024 · While Crossbone Skully may be a new band to some, they are definitely not a fresh band when it comes to pedigree. Frontman Tommy Henriksen is an integral part of both Alice Cooper's band and the Hollywood Vampires, earning his stripes multiple times over through countless tours and live performances.
But with Crossbone Skully the landscape has shifted considerably. This is Henriksen's own band. His creation. His baby.
And today the world gets to share in his vision when Crossbone Skully unleash their debut album Evil World Machine on the world.
A vicious, snarling slab of rock music brilliance, Evil World Machine is an emphatic statement of intent, executive produced by the legendary Mutt Lange with just enough finesse to draw comparisons with some of the bigger artists in his resume.
HEAVY had the pleasure of catching up with Tommy and guitarist Anna Cara to talk more about the album and the rise and rise of Crossbone Skully.
"It's been a long time coming," Tommy smiled when asked about the album. "It's been quite a while since it's been finished, and to me, it feels like a bunch of excitement and relief. Finally, people can hear this."
In the full interview, Tommy and Anna expressed excitement and relief at finally releasing their album, which they had been working on for a long time. They acknowledged the frustration of waiting for the right moment to release it, but believed it was the universe's timing. The group discussed the diverse musical influences in their album, including AC/DC, the Sex Pistols, and The Who. They also mentioned the various singles released from the album, and hinted at some powerful tracks that hadn't been released as singles yet.
Both discussed their desire to create music that transcends genres, rather than being pigeonholed into a specific sound. They mentioned their inspiration from various artists such as The Who, Queen, David Bowie, and Motley Crue and also talked about their approach to featuring guest artists on their songs, with Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue and Phil Collen from Def Leppard being mentioned as examples.
Tommy spoke about the thought process behind the album's opening track, which was inspired by David Bowie and Motley Crue plus the involvement of legendary producer Mutt Lange, who was executive producer on the album. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Alice Cooper's band and emphasized the importance of conveying a message of survival and doing the right thing in their music. The band also discussed their upcoming live shows, with a tour kicking off in Hollywood, and expressed interest in touring in Australia plus more.
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22 NOV 2024 · Wardruna is a Norwegian music constellation dedicated to weaving together the ancient sounds and traditions of the North into a modern soundscape using a broad selection of both traditional and historical Nordic instruments. The band utilises non-traditional instruments and other sources of sound such as trees, stones, bones, water and fire to enhance the nature of the theme being ‘portrayed’ in each case.
Over five previous albums, Wardruna have captivated audiences on a global scale with the sheer majesty of their music, breathing life into tradition by way of sonic inspiration like never before. For album number six, Birna, Wardruna - particularly main composer Einar Selvik - chose to focus on the bear, an animal which has great power and respect amongst many societies, including Norwegian.
HEAVY spent some time with Selvik to speak about Birna, which will be released on January 24, 2025, and Wardruna's debut Australian visit that same month.
"It's a musical project dedicated to creating music using a wide selection of the oldest instruments we have from predominantly the Nordic region," he explained of the band. "It's not recreating music from any specific time period, it's more about taking something old and creating something new with it. We just finished up in studio hibernation, finishing our sixth studio album entitled Birna - Birna meaning she bear. It is set for release in January next year, so basically when we are Down Under!"
In the full interview, we discussed Birna in greater detail, including the cultural and historical significance of the bear in various societies. Selvik explained that bears often play a significant role in myths and traditions, being seen as teachers, wardens, or shepherds of the woodlands. Einar also mentioned that bears are associated with celestial beings, such as the Greek star sign named after the bear.
We spoke about the different instruments used and their impact on the music, blending ancient ideologies and instruments with modern soundscapes, the live DVD/Blu-Ray release from the world heritage site Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis, Athens, touring Australia for the first time, what we can expect and more.
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13 NOV 2024 · Guitarist Ronnie Simmons has spread his talents far and wide over the span of his playing career, travelling as far away as LA to play with Faster Pussycat and Richie Ramone before settling on a permanent gig with Australian rock royalty Angry Anderson and Rose Tattoo.
While travelling the world doing the thing you love may seem like the pinnacle of musical achievement, Simmons had one more peak to conquer.
Fronting his own band.
And what better way to launch into that next phase of your career than to record a collection of tunes, utilising the help of former bandmates and good friends to herald your arrival?
Rather than jumping the gun with a product that has obvious potential but nothing by which to test that mettle, Simmons decided to commit a bunch of tracks to disk for future release before making his Australian assault, recording what would become his debut EP Bite! Part 1 at One More Time Recording in Los Angeles with the backing of Richie Ramone (The Ramones) and the late Chris Moye on drums, Johnny Martin (LA Guns) on bass, backing vocals by Danny Nordahl (Faster Pussycat) and Scott Churilla (Reverend Horton Heat).
With this assortment of punk-fuelled rock numbers safely recorded, Simmons returned to Australia to start gigging with his new band Ronnie Simmons & The Redback Spiders, confident in the knowledge he had a viable product to sell.
With the EP set for release on November 22, HEAVY sat down with Simmons for a chat about the new band plus anything else that seemed relevant.
"I'm excited," he enthused when we asked how the nerves were. "I was listening over the masters this morning and I'm really psyched to release this into the world."
We point out that Ronnie is used to releasing music with other bands, but with this being his first out the front of a project, the pressure is on possibly more than usual.
"Yeah, this is the first time in a long, long time I'm out the front doing my own thing," he affirmed. "It's a very new experience for me, putting myself out there like that. A lot of these songs are straight from the heart, so it's very different to slotting into an already existing band. I'm enjoying it. It's a lot to think about, and it's a new experience, but I think I've got enough gigs and experience under my belt to give it a solid crack (laughs)."
In the full interview, we discussed Bite! Part 1, with Ronnie explaining the sound is a mix of his various musical influences, including punk, ska, and rock. We spoke about the two singles released so far and how they represent the EP, as well as the decision to record in LA. He ran through his musical journey from LA back to Australia and the advantage of playing in bands of differing styles and genres.
Talk turned to the band's upcoming run of shows, with Ronnie telling us what to expect from the band live and who is in the outfit full time plus more.
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13 NOV 2024 · Interview by Angela Croudace
As the iconic Dropkick Murphys gear up for their long-awaited tour in Australia, HEAVY had the pleasure of sitting down with Tim Brennan, the band's talented multi-instrumentalist. We discussed the upcoming shows, the band's musical journey, and the unique influences that shaped their sound.
We kicked off the conversation about Dropkick Murphy's long-awaited return to Australia. When asked if Tim was excited about the long journey, he responded, "Yes, super excited about the long flight," he joked, despite the reality of being six and a half feet tall in cramped airplane seats. "It's going to be top-notch, but I'll tell you, all joking aside, the flight is the worst." However, the anticipation of touching down in Australia quickly outweighed any discomfort. "At least once we get off that plane, we're in such an amazing place."
This time round, the tour features Alkaline Trio as the support act, a decision that Tim enthusiastically explained. "The last time we did anything with Alkaline Trio was in Australia… getting to see them and hang with those guys was a pleasure," signalling the eagerness of both bands to reignite on stage.
As we dove into Tim's musical background, he shared his early experiences with traditional Irish music. Although his parents weren't particularly musical, his mother's love for the genre and his grandparents' influence laid the foundation. "Traditional Irish music was on a lot. For whatever reason, I took to it; I always liked it as a kid." This early exposure blossomed into a passion, especially after an inspiring encounter with his English teacher, who introduced him to The Pogues. "It sounds like hyperbole, but it totally changed my life."
Tim's journey into the Dropkick Murphys began when he connected with Mark O'Rell during their teenage years. After a few years apart, Mark invited him to join the band on the Warped Tour in 2003. "I was 20 years old… I had a great time. That led me to joining the band full-time."
As the conversation turned to their Australian tour set list, Tim was excited to reveal what fans can expect. "We've put out three records since the last time we were in Australia… we've got stuff from the very first things we ever did up until our latest album." The blend of new and classic songs promises an unforgettable experience for fans.
Tim started his musical journey as a drummer, playing in various bands and selling merch for Warped Tour before having the opportunity to play with Dropkick Murphys, which saw him expand his instrumental repertoire, learning the tin pipe and banjo, amongst other instruments.
Lately, Tim's been listening to The Pogues, especially as the season evokes nostalgic memories, "Always in November, December, I'm always heavily listening to The Pogues." He also shared his appreciation for the new Nick Cave record, which has led to him revisiting Nick Cave's entire discography, an excellent choice if I do say so myself.
Tim had a heartfelt message for their Australian fans as we wrapped up the interview: "We're so looking forward to coming down and seeing everybody. Come out to the shows, and we're going to have a great time."
With an unforgettable journey ahead, the Dropkick Murphys are set to deliver a show that celebrates their anthemic tunes while reconnecting with their loyal Australian audience.
Supporters Club
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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 |
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