Interviews
To date, we have conducted 1630 interviews. If your band is available for an interview, feel free to contact us and we'll see what we can do. Here are our latest:
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Band Photo: Dead Horse Trauma
Dead Horse Trauma Takes It To The Next Level
Des Moines' own Dead Horse Trauma has taken a huge leap forward in sound with the band's sophomore full-length "Tellus Hodiernus Caducus" (reviewed here), providing another ten tracks of headbanging, groove-laden sound.
After the release of the album, vocalist Eric Davidson, guitarist Seth Peters, and drummer Jason Handy corresponded with Metalunderground.com to get us up to speed on what's going on with the band. Below you can find the members of Dead Horse Trauma discussing their growth as a band, recording the new album, shooting a music video, and gearing up to hit the road with American Head Charge.
Interview with Jim Matheos of Arch/Matheos
John Arch and Jim Matheos have a history that dates back to the early eighties. Matheos’ guitar play and Arch’s vocals define the initial period of Fates Warning. While Arch stepped away from microphone duties for Fates—Ray Alder stepped in, his relationship with Matheos did not end. Along with long-standing Fates Warning bassist, Joey Vera and ex-Dream Theater drum legend Mike Portnoy; the two rejoined for John Arch’s solo project and released “A Twist of Fate” in 2003.
Fast forward eight years later and these renowned power/prog players once again step into the studio. “Sympathetic Resonance,” (read the review ) the first recording under the Arch/Matheos banner reveals chemistry cultivated through a relationship of nearly thirty years. The Fates Warning fans who have waited seven years for a new record will rejoice in “Sympathetic Resonance.” Matheos’ first three songs were originally written as Fates tunes, and the other positions are manned by Fates Warning, so in many ways this is a Fates Warning record, it just bears a different name and the group’s past singer.
With overtly positive feedback from press and fans alike, “Sympathetic Resonance” will surely go down as progressive metal necessity. Guitarist Jim Matheos spoke to Metal Underground on the phone about forming the group, recording the album and future live appearances.
Band Photo: Charred Walls Of The Damned
Richard Christy Discusses New Album, Horror Flicks
Drum god, horror aficionado, and prank caller extraordinaire Richard Christy is back with a sophomore effort from his Charred Walls of the Damned supergroup with Steve DiGiorgio, Tim "Ripper" Owens, and Jason Suecof.
With the new album "Cold Winds on Timeless Days" (reviewed here) out now, I spoke with Richard about the release from beginning to end: writing, recording, and the band's upcoming plans to tour in support of the new songs.
In addition to delving into the sound and lyrics of the album, Christy also discussed the Christian radio station that gave the band its name, his distaste for the remake of "The Fog," and his love of The Simpson's Treehouse of Horror episodes.
Interview With Joel Grind Of Toxic Holocaust
One of the most notable thrash revival bands is Toxic Holocaust. The nearly one-man band has made fans of original thrashers and young, curious on-lookers who will now be donning a denim vest and sewing on awesome, classic patches. Toxic Holocaust never misses one fast beat including the green and purple stage lighting, colored vinyl albums, and amazing, energetic throwback music. I quickly spoke to Joel Grind about incessant touring and Halloween plans.
Band Photo: Nightrage
Nightrage: Burning To Play Music
Future editions of dictionaries ought to display a picture of Nightrage as the definition for "determination." Built from scratch amidst the Swedish Gothenburg metal scene by Greek guitarist and songwriter Marios Iliopoulos, the band is his life's work - an ongoing passion project and a true labor of love. Their stunning fifth album "Insidious" (reviewed here) was released late last month to wide acclaim, just prior to their current North American tour with Firewind, Arsis, and White Wizzard. As the tour kicked off, Marios checked in with me over the phone about all things Nightrage.
Interview With Dixie Dave Of Weedeater
One of the heaviest, craziest bands is on yet another long tour throughout the South. North Carolina's Weedeater has been spreading pure southern sludge since the 90s and are stronger and nastier than ever. I caught up with notorious guitarist/vocalist Dixie Dave before their show in New Orleans to talk about constant touring, what you can do if you don't like their album, and many other plans for his bands in the forseeable future. A transcription is available below.
Band Photo: Katatonia
Interview With Anders Nystrom Of Katatonia
Katatonia has been tearing up stages the world over for twenty years now. They've built a big fanbase in Europe through lots of touring and festival slots, and are working hard to make American metalheads just as loyal, if so many aren't already. Currently touring with Opeth while playing headlining shows on off-dates, I talked with founding member guitarist Anders Nystrom about the 20th Anniversary celebration, getting close to the fans, and a new album.
Vallenfyre Discusses Old School Death Metal
Featuring members of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride, the newly formed Vallenfyre is taking death metal back to the days of old when tape trading was king and flawless productions weren't on the menu. The band's debut full-length offering will be "The Fragile King," an album originally conceived while front man Gregor Mackintosh was writing lyrics after the passing of his father.
I had the chance to speak with Gregor about the album to get his view on the formation of the band, composed of friends who have played together in various groups in the past, and to hear his thoughts on writing and recording the album.
In the full interview below Gregor discusses the way the death metal community handles lyrics about actual deaths instead of over-the-top tales of gore, as well as Vallenfyre's attempts to create a sound that transports the audience back to the early days of death metal.
A Discussion With N.J. Hardcore Act Ninety-Six
N.J.’s Ninety-Six is a hardcore band trying to bring a bit of an old-school hand to modern hardcore. Lacking the metallic edge of a lot of today’s hardcore, Ninety-Six uses the influences of bands like Madball and Sick Of It All to craft their sound. They are a young band, having only released two EP’s for free on Bandcamp. They have performed alongside Suicidal Tendencies and Sick Of It All, and have a show with Cro-Mags coming up later in October. I had the chance to speak to guitarist Pat DeFrancisci about how Ninety-Six started and the advantage of using sites like Bandcamp to distribute music.
Interview With Julien Of Glorior Belli
Glorior Belli of France has been mixing black metal with blues and sludge straight out of the American south, citing New Orleans bands as a big influence. With a new album released to the world, Glorior Belli is showing fans just how far their reach into the realm of myth goes, basing "The Great Southern Darkness" on an ancient creation story. I caught up with vocalist/guitarist Julien to talk about the new album, learn about Tiamat, and gush about my hometown's muscial nature.
Interview with Kyle Sanders Of MonstrO
Heavy rockers MonstrO released their first album earlier this year. On paper, the group is a newcomer. However, each member has a long resume, playing in numerous, recognized metal bands such as Danzig, Torche, Bloodsimple, Skrew and Jerry Cantrell. The group has a long-standing relationship with Alice in Chains. MonstrO used Chains vocalist William DuVall to produce their debut, self-titled album. Kyle Sanders opened for Alice in Chains on his tour with Bloodsimple, and drummer Bevan Davies sat behind the kit for Jerry Cantrell and with William DuVall in Comes with the Fall.
The vast experience each member brings surely played a role in MonstrO’s myriad sound. The group displays elements of stoner rock, psychedelic, heavy metal, hard rock and grunge. In an effort to describe the band without boxing it into a single sub-genre, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Kyuss are bands that come to mind. The group lists Kyuss as an influence, which makes their current tour with the renamed and revamped Kyuss Lives! all the more sweeter.
Before treading a path to the stage for The Sword and Kyuss Lives! (reviewed here ), arguably the stoner rock tour of the year, MonstrO founder and bassist spoke with Metal Underground from Stubb’s subterranean dressing room in Austin, Texas. The dreadlocked, deep-toned provider enthusiastically stated how grateful he was to open for a band of such admiration, while recalling the closing of a chapter in his life in Bloodsimple, and the opening of a new chapter with MonstrO.
Cryptic Age Talks Upcoming Album
With the debut "Homeland" EP (reviewed here) released earlier this year, female-fronted folk metal act Cryptic Age is already busy working on the new full-length "Sounds of Infinity."
While work progresses on the new album, Metalunderground.com got in touch with front woman Jenny Green to get an inside view of the band and what Cryptic Age has in store for fans of symphonic metal.
Black Tusk On "Set The Dial" And Savannah Metal
Savannah, GA based sludgsters Black Tusk are getting ready to "Set The Dial" with a third full-length album release this coming October 25th. With a string of imminent record release shows coming up for the band, I got in touch with the southern trio of Andrew Fidler, Jonathan Athon, and James May to discuss Savannah's metal scene, writing new songs, and the character of Agatha that repeatedly appears on Black Tusk cover artwork. You can find a transcription of our chat below.
Interview with Jeff Morgan of Rwake
Rwake has just released their first album in four years. The album is already getting great reviews to the delight of fans everywhere who have been waiting for this record for longer than the band intended. I had a chance to talk to drummer Jeff Morgan before Rwake sets out on a short tour to talk about "Rest" and how it relates to America today.
Band Photo: Untimely Demise
A Conversation With Untimely Demise
The Canadian metal scene has been strong for years now, and Untimely Demise is trying to make their mark on this new wave of Canadian thrash metal. Their first album, “City Of Steel,” was recently re-released on Sonic Unyon Metal and features production and guest solos by former Megadeth/King Diamond guitarist Glen Drover. The band has been working around Canada gaining a following, but are setting their sights on the U.S. next. I had a chance to speak to Matt and Murray Cuthbertson (guitarist/vocalist and bassist, respectively) about “City Of Steel” and working with Drover.
Stonehaven Talks The Black Metal Scene And More
U.S. black metal act Stonehaven recently released a new demo, and will be entering the studio again this winter to record a sophomore full-length album. With the band in-between releases, the members of Stonehaven caught up with Metalunderground.com to discuss avoiding current musical trends, the in-fighting between black metal groups, and the dream of being on stage covered in corpse paint with an erect bloody phallus.
To experience the terror of old world Europe through a black metal lens, head over to the Stonehaven Bandcamp page or check out the full interview with members Stephen Holdeman, Nick Van Walleghem, and Jackson Ferris below.
Darkwater Discusses Albums And Being A Badass
It’s more often the exception that international acts find they have a fan base in the United States, although it’s happening more and more. Luckily for Sweden’s Darkwater, they had a crowd of cheering fans to play for upon crossing the pond for ProgPower USA XII. On the first official day of the festival, Darkwater had the second spot on the bill.
Somewhere amid the chaos of that first day’s scheduling issues, lead vocalist/guitarist Henrik Båth found a few minutes to break away for a short interview. The band was particularly swamped during their signing session. Henrik almost lost his voice from his stage performance and yelling over the crowd during the signing session. We got to discuss the band’s first two dark melody-filled records as well as Henrik’s gear, influences, and busy life back home in Sweden.
Sabaton: The Interview
Few bands unleash such a high-octane blend of unbridled energy and earnest passion as Sabaton. For nearly a decade, this Swedish six-piece has been retelling the solemn history of war in poetic, musical terms - and the result has been a blazing heavy metal machine that recalls the most triumphant moments of Manowar, Grave Digger, and Nightwish. Prioritizing fact over fantasy, these camouflaged ammo-belt-clad troops have set themselves apart from their Dungeon Master peers in the power metal scene and created a distinct brand that has won them rabid fans all over Europe and now, across the pond.
After signing with the powerful Nuclear Blast label, Sabaton won wide acclaim for their fifth studio album, "Coat Of Arms," [2010] after which came a highly publicized North American tour with Germany's Accept. Following the recent release of their double live album "World War Live: Battle Of The Baltic Sea," Sabaton returned to support their fellow countrymen Evergrey on this, their second-ever run on this continent. Prior to their gig at Montreal's Les Foufounes Électriques (The Electric Ass), I caught up with talkative singer Joakim Brodén. He shared his thoughts and insights on songwriting, lyrics, history, and heavy metal in general - as well as some colorful and amusing touring stories.
Powerglove Talks "Saturday Morning Apocalypse"
Anyone who thinks video game music wasn’t cut out to be turned into metal obviously never played anything beyond PacMan. Video game and cartoon music alike both tends to lean toward grandiose styling and energetic delivery, which are two essential concepts of most heavy metal. It takes a special breed of band to really do the songs justice without being merely laughable. ProgPower USA XII recognized the talents of US-based band Powerglove, and gave them the opening slot on the kick-off day.
Before the show got rolling, I was able to catch up with Powerglove drummer Bassil Silver and bassist Nick Avila for an interview. I was able to pick their brains about their latest album, “Saturday Morning Apocalypse” (reviewed here), their favorite cartoons, their musical training, tips for noobs trying to make it in the music business, and their favorite video game music. They also gave a tease about their next album, citing Final Fantasy music as in the works.
Haken Explains Story Behind "Visions"
Progressive symphonic metal band Haken from the UK is on the verge of releasing its second bit of work, titled “Visions,” on October 25th. However, ProgPower USA XII attendees were able to pick it up a month ahead of time at the festival this last weekend. In one of the early set spots on day two of the festival, Haken was the perfect cure for the ProgPower hangover. The crowd largely greeted them with a good response.
The band was out and about with the attendees when not on or in the backstage, and made it a point to drink down at the local gastropub. In the pit area the night before their performance, bassist Thom MacLean and I had a good talk about his other band, To-Mera, which is also a critically acclaimed prog act. After their performance the next day, guitarist/keyboardist Richard Henshall, vocalist Ross Jennings, Drummer Raymond Hearne, and Thom met me in the vendor room for a more formal interview. We discussed the recording of “Visions,” the stories behind their two albums, the band’s musical training and formation, and the merits of the other ProgPower bands.
Rose Funeral Discusses "Gates Of Punishment"
If any band has gotten an unfair rap over the last few years, Rose Funeral would be at the top of the list. Maligned and tormented for the last album, “The Resting Sonata,” the deathcore act went through a well-publicized “Uno” incident and a line-up that revolved through members almost every month.
The death metal crowd turned their noses up at them, but the band is fighting for their attention with “Gates Of Punishment.” Guitar solos, symphonic ambience, and better incorporation of breakdowns may give the band the ability to appeal to both the deathcore and death metal audiences for the first time. I had the chance to speak to vocalist/guitarist Ryan Gardner about all the criticism Rose Funeral has gotten, pleasing the metal community, and taking over vocal duties for the band.
Band Photo: Leprous
Leprous Talks About Gear, Recording In A Church
The five talented Norwegian lads backing Ihsahn at ProgPower USA had actually played at the previous year’s ProgPower already. Vocalist/keyboardist Einar Solberg, drummer Tobias Ørnes Andersen, bassist Rein Blomquist, guitarist Øystein Landsverk, and guitarist Tor Oddmund Suhrke comprise the daring anomaly known as Leprous. Now returning sophomores of the festival, the band found themselves playing a whirlwind of black and prog metal behind the former Emperor frontman.
In MetalUnderground.com’s previous interview with Leprous, we tackled their latest CD, “Bilateral (reviewed here,)” and the band’s connection to Ihsahn. Because we were at the ProgPower festival, I thought it’d be nice to pick the band’s collective brain about progressive music, music gear, and some other things. As we sat down at the Artmore hotel courtyard down the street from the venue, I could sense that the band was eager to get back on stage, having just played the night before. They were also quite eager to talk. The interview is below.
Oh, Sleeper Explains New Album "Children Of Fire"
Oh, Sleeper has already given fans a chance to snag the new album "Children of Fire" through digital retailers, and the physical release of the band's latest devastating metalcore assault is just around the corner.
More than just another slab of melodic metal, "Children of Fire" is a composed of songs that tell a complete story, detailing the journey of a priest and his atheist daughter. Oh, Sleeper guitarist James Erwin recently shared his thoughts on the album and its progression from earlier material with Metalunderground. Talking about what fans can hear on the new release, Erwin commented, "With Children Of Fire we really set out to push boundaries, both lyrically and with our sound. We loved elements of our past albums that were just super heavy and we wanted to take it a step further." Erwin also touched on the imagery and artwork found on the album, as well as the band's Christian convictions and how fans tend to hold the band to a higher standard because of those beliefs.
The full interview is available below, or you can also check out the "Children of Fire" title track by navigating over here.
Evergrey Tells All, Reveals Plans for Vinyl
Evergrey likes to frequent the ProgPower USA festivals. This year, they decided to play and throw in two special exclusive sets along with a third set of songs that they will be playing on the upcoming US tour. The Swedes were in high spirits after sound check when I dropped in backstage to interview them in their dressing room on Thursday afternoon. Guitarist/Vocalist Tom Englund, keyboardist Rikard Zander, drummer Hannes Van Dahl, guitarist Marcus Jidell, and bassist Johan Niemann were all pretty eager to talk, and while they were joking all the time, they did have some serious things to say.
Along with being the most relaxed and genuinely happy band I’ve interviewed, they finished each other’s sentences quite a bit and looked to be personally in tune with each other. For a half hour, we discussed their newest album, “Glorious Collision,” new ‘directions’ for the band, the recording process, inspiration behind the songs, vinyl records, and their personal music interests. We also nearly died of laughter as the band discussed their ideas for alternatives to illegal downloading and Spotify towards the end of the interview, which is below.
Creation's End Reveal Favorite Prog Albums
New York-based progheads Creation’s End weren’t shy in revealing their music interests in the interview we did during the ProgPower USA XII festivities. Their music is similarly descriptive and transparent, which is telling of the band’s clear and well-defined vision for their sound. Their first record, “A New Beginning,” produced with John Macaluso and featuring renowned guitarist Marco Sfogli (of James Labrie fame,) landed the band a nice reception in their home country of the USA – enough to make it onto the lineup of this festival.
Guitarist Rudy Albert, drummer Dario Rodriguez, bassist Joe Black, and vocalist Mike DiMeo sat down with me to discuss at length their musical upbringings, the first record, their next record, and their favorite progressive records.
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