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:
Displaying records 926 - 950 of 1,630 1 2 ... 36 37 38 39 40 ... 65 66 Last
Band Photo: ikillya
A Chat With IKILLYA Vocalist Jason Lekberg
New York City is home to bands from all genres, every one of them looking to be the next breakout group. IKILLYA (web site) has been slowly gaining a fan base and recognition, having played several big shows around the area and gotten support from various blogs across the Internet. Their groove metal sound hits like a old-school Lamb of God tune, though with a melodic sheen. After years of fine-tuning and rehearsing their material, the group just launched their debut album “Recon.” I had the chance to speak to vocalist Jason Lekberg about “Recon” and the difficulties of being a screamer without sounding monotonous.
Unearth Guitarist Discusses New Album, Tour Plans
Heavy metal? Metalcore? Mosh metal? Such questions matter little to Unearth shredder Buz McGrath, whose influential Massachusetts band has defied strict categorization for over a decade. After nearly three years since the last studio offering "The March," Unearth is set to drop their new album "Darkness In The Light" on July 5th and embark on a whirlwind of festival and headline touring. Here, I check in with McGrath for his thoughts on the album, subgenres, the subtle dynamics of a live performance, and more.
A Conversation With Morbid Angel's David Vincent
Every year, there seems to be that one metal album that incites vicious debates and extreme opinions. 2003 had Metallica’s “St. Anger;” 2008 was the year of Cryptopsy’s “The Unspoken King;” 2009 was all about 1349’s odd turn with “Revelations of the Black Flame.” This year is only halfway done, but the metal world has already found their whipping boy with Morbid Angel’s eighth album “Illud Divinum Insanus.”
The backlash on this record has been swift from metal fans. The album is split between more traditional fare and industrial/electronics monstrosities. This is the type of album that is meant to get a reaction out of the fickle metal community, and so far, it has done just that. Bassist/vocalist David Vincent rejoined Morbid Angel in 2004, and with “Illud Divinum Insanus” being the first Morbid Angel album with his involvement in over 15 years, the anticipation was off-the-charts for the “I” record.
I was offered the chance to speak to Vincent and grabbed the opportunity quickly. During our 40-plus minute interview, he was insightful and willing to answer every question I threw his way with no hesitation. Check out Vincent’s thoughts on the experimental nature of “Illud Divinum Insanus,” his reaction to all the criticism the record is getting, and a status update on Pete Sandoval.
Abysmal Dawn Talks North American Tour
Abysmal Dawn is currently on the road for a Metalunderground.com sponsored tour, slaughtering the masses with its own breed of death metal alongside other genre heavyweights Hate Eternal, Origin, and Vital Remains. As the band continues its trek across North America, front man Charles Elliot took out some time from the madness of touring to discuss the shows so far and how the crowds have reacted to each of the performing bands.
In the interview below you can find Charles' thoughts as he delves into the writing process for the band's latest album "Leveling the Plane of Existence," Abysmal Dawn's plans for upcoming material, the controversial new Morbid Angel album, and his new band Bewilderbiest.
Destrophy Frontman Speaks His Mind
Destrophy is a flat-out rock band in the most powerful, assured sense of the term. Their latest album "Cry Havoc" strips away the metallic bombast of their previous self-titled release and zeroes in on the straightforward, unpretentious emotional core of lively, melodic hard rock - proving that a great song is a great song, fashion police be damned. In the second installment of my series of interviews during the recent Victory Records promotional stop at Jaxx in Springfield, VA, my brother (and fellow fan) Will Smith and I chatted with Destrophy's founder, frontman, guitarist, and songwriter Ari Mihalopoulos.
Blackguard Is "Ben Roethlisberger Of Metal"
Paul “Ablaze” Zinay, frontman for Montreal-based symphonic metal quintet Blackguard, certainly lives up to his nickname. The highly caffeinated, hyperdriven shrieker radiates an exuberant zest for life, onstage and off, that never seems to ebb. With his hardworking band currently on a promotional tour for the group's new label, Victory Records (starring Otep and also featuring Destrophy, Sister Sin, and One-Eyed Doll), we crossed paths at Jaxx Nightclub in Springfield, VA. Paul agreeably took some time away from his pre-show workout ritual to answer some questions and discuss, among many other things, Blackguard’s adventurous touring versatility.
The Black Dahlia Murder Enacts A New "Ritual"
Detroit metallers The Black Dahlia Murder have just dropped their fifth full-length album "Ritual," which has already garnered its fair share of rave reviews across the web (you can also check out Metalunderground.com's review here.)
Prior to the album's release, bassist Ryan Williams spoke with me about the band maintaining its core musical direction while trying to throw in new elements as well. In the interview below, you can find Ryan's thoughts on working with Jason Suecof, the ritualistic theme of the album, the band's upcoming tour with Cannibal Corpse, and even find some insight into why front man Trevor Strnad always seems to be missing his shirt.
A Chat With Nephrolith Vocalist Nerthag
Nephrolith brings elements of thrash and heavy metal into their crippling black metal sound. Unlike a lot of traditional black metal acts, Nephrolith is not afraid of letting their melodic side show. Their recent album, “Xullux,” best suits this description. The band can get down to gritty and raw blackened vibes, yet are willing to incorporate wild solos and acoustic guitars in copious amounts. The band has a lot of potential, which should be interesting to watch evolve in the near future.
I had the chance to forward a few questions via email to vocalist Nerthag to get a clearer idea of the band and what they bring to the table. His answers are concise and short, avoiding rambling or going off on tangents; just an articulate musician who knows how to pick the right words.
Jungle Rot: "We Ended Up With Our Best Recording"
Wisconsin-based quartet Jungle Rot is dropping a new devastating metal release on the world today, titled "Kill on Command." The long running death metal act signed to Victory Records earlier this year, and is currently lining up new tour dates to bring "Kill on Command" to the legions in a live setting.
Before the album dropped, vocalist Dave Matrise spoke with Metalunderground.com about writing and recording the album, as well as about working on the "Rise Up and Revolt" music video. Below you can find Dave's thoughts on the album's lyrics, what has changed in the music since the last release, and why the band changed direction for this album's artwork.
Band Photo: Hate Eternal
Erik Rutan Says Hate Eternal Is Near Perfection
Guitarist, songwriter and producer: Erik Rutan is an infamous name in the death metal industry. Rutan began his legacy of brutality in 1987 as the guitarist for Ripping Corpse. In 1995, he left Ripping Corpse to join the ranks of legendary Morbid Angel. Although he played with Morbid Angel during the time of their greatest popularity, providing tour support to such monolithic acts as Pantera, Rutan soon longed to focus on his own creations.
Rutan left Morbid Angel around the turn of the century. Although he still accompanied the group on subsequent tours throughout the early part of the ‘00s, now Rutan set his gaze to his band Hate Eternal and producing albums in his Mana Studios. As a producer, Rutan has recorded such vaunted acts as Goatwhore, Cannibal Corpse, Soilent Green, Six Feet Under and Malevolent Creation.
Playing a style similar to Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal has become a standout group in the sordid world of death metal. Rutan’s compositions reveal music that encapsulate violence, speed, technical brilliance and bruising groove. His albums have featured a who’s who of the metal world. Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse), Doug Cerrito (Suffocation), Tim Yeung (Divine Heresy), Derek Roddy (Nile) and Jared Anderson (Morbid Angel) all have immortalized their names on the inserts of Hate Eternal recordings.
“Phoenix Amongst the Ashes” is Hate Eternal’s fifth recording. The group put behind many of the negative factors that marred the last recording “Fury and the Flames,” resulting in what Rutan feels is his most focused effort. While on the first date of a headlining tour featuring Origin, Vital Remains and Abysmal Dawn, Erik Rutan detailed why he feels this lineup and recording are the closest to perfection.
Band Photo: Accept
Interview With Udo Dirkschneider
Udo Dirkschneider shouldn't need an introduction, but here's one anyway. Coming from the legendary band Accept ("Metal Heart" was my first tattoo), Germany's powerhouse vocalist Udo Dirkschneider has just released his band U.D.O.'s thirteenth masterpiece "Rev-Raptor."
Just before U.D.O. sets off an a huge European tour, I got a chance to talk to the legendary Udo Dirkschneider about the new album, constant touring, and just how you make a set list with thirteen albums of material to choose from.
Interview With The Sword
Hard rockers The Sword have quickly climbed their way to the top with their brand of seventies-inspired rock n' roll. The Sword tours non-stop and packs the house every time with a wide-range of fans clamoring to see their favorite band. I caught up with the band before a show in New Orleans for a quick talk about the act's recent set at Bonnaroo and the last album "Warp Riders."
Interview with Sherwood Webber of Skinless
Skinless has been playing some brutal metal for over twenty years. After splitting up, then reuniting, the band announced that they are finally disbanding and they played their last show at this year's Maryland Death Fest. The show went amazingly well, but ended with disappointed fans when they realized this would be the last they would see of Skinless. I got to talk to vocalist Sherwood Webber after the set to talk about the demise of Skinless and his future plans. A transcription is below the video footage.
Band Photo: Seven Nines and Tens
Seven Nines & Tens Discuss Its History And Future
Bassist Earl Heath and Guitarist Dave Cotton from Vancouver, Canada's up and coming progressive metal act Seven Nines and Tens recently sat down with Metalunderground.com to discuss a variety of different topics. From the band's beginnings, coming up in the local scene, to its inspirations and most importantly the impending release of its debut full length album "Habitat 67," Seven Nines and Tens offered in depth insight into its musical realm. A band known for being as heavy as it is adventurous Seven Nines and Tens are preparing to take its unique brand of instrumental progressive metal out on the road by the end of the year to anyone willing to listen.
Band Photo: Bloodbath
Anders Nyström Discusses New Bloodbath DVD
Swedish supergroup Bloodbath may not have dropped a proper album since back in 2008, but the masters of death have now unleashed the “Bloodbath Over Bloodstock” DVD to satisfy their fans craving for aural destruction.
Gutiarist Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström (also of Katatonia) took out some time to discuss the DVD and the future of Bloodbath with Metalunderground.com. In the full interview below, Anders talks about the direction of a possible fourth Bloodbath album, stating "...one thing we haven't touched upon at all is that real gritty sludgy low-fi death metal school pioneered by bands such as Autopsy. We wanna make a truly rotten and ugly album next time and keep things organic and as analogue as possible. Expect the next Bloodbath album to be the antithesis of a modern technical deathcore album."
During our discussion Anders went on to cover topics such as switching gears between drastically different bands, the difficulty of lining up Bloodbath tours with each member involved in different projects, and even briefly touched on Katatonia writing new material for an upcoming album.
Band Photo: LoNero
Interview with Instrumentalist Bill LoNero
I have to assume Bill LoNero does not like Yngwie Malmsteen. And that he’s not much into the ‘core that comes with breakdowns and all sorts of vocalist cops running around and all that. But he’s certainly found his niche as an instrumental metal band. After releasing his second full length, titled “J.F.L.,” on May 23 (reviewed here), Bill has a lot on his mind, including why he’s not a fan of widdly-widdly guitar playing, what equipment he used on the album, what the album title “J.F.L.” stands for and why you should give him a chance!
Fortunately for us here at Metal Underground, he took the (presumably quite a bit of) time to write fantastically deep answers to our email interview. So do Bill a solid and go grab your favorite Killswitch Engage album (kidding!) and enjoy!
USX Talks Nature, Channeling Music, And New Album
Where precisely does heavy metal end and some other style of music begin? Without blast beats or hellish screams or showy solos, can an album still hold a metal fans attention? That's a question music lovers of many stripes can explore freely with "The Valley Path," the new 40 minute long single-track album from genre benders U.S. Christmas (USX).
The odd name may raise eyebrows, but the journey the music takes is far more serious than the title may lead on, and is well worth exploring by fans of heavier music. A song of mammoth (and trance-inducing) proportions, "The Valley Path" is a slowly winding and deliberate excursion into both nature and many different layers of music.
To explain the band's new album, vocalist and guitarist Nate Hall spoke at length with me about how the release ending up being one single track. Commenting on the recording of "The Valley Path," Nate expounded "It’s kind of hard to describe it but we’re driven by something that’s not entirely me or us. There’s something with music that’s kind of mysterious and you just sort of channel it sometimes and that’s how I felt with this. It’s real natural, like it’s supposed to happen that way." Below you can find a transcription of the entire conversation, in which Nate also discusses the geography that inspired the album, working with Neurot, his new solo album, and the "Slow Southern Steel" documentary.
Band Photo: Marduk
Interview with Morgan Håkansson of Marduk
One of the most prolific black metal bands in the land just headlined Day 2 of Maryland Death Fest. Marduk has been rocking the corpsepaint for decades now. Having released and E.P. called "Iron Dawn" the day they played the fest and with all of their loyal minions in complete frenzy at the show, Marduk proves they are the true kings of black metal. A transcription follows the video.
Interview With Butch Balich of Argus
Bursting on the scene with a mindset to wreak havoc, Pennsylvania's Argus has strived to make everyone hear its brand of metal. Argus has just released a second full-length entitled "Boldly Stride the Doomed" on the Italian label Cruz del Sur, and has some dates scheduled to make ears bleed live. I caught up with vocalist Butch Balich to discuss the new album, touring, and the quality of recorded music today.
Interview With Dylan Carlson Of Earth
Veteran drone-doom outfit Earth released the first half of its double album, “Angels of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1,” back in February of 2011 to very positive critical acclaim. This shouldn't surprise anyone, as Earth is revered in many circles; take, for example, the reputable-in-their-own-right Sunn O))) - which formed as a tribute to Earth and even have a song named after Earth's founder, Dylan Carlson!
As it happens Dylan generously made some time for Metal Underground to chat via phone about both halves of “Angels of Darkness, Demons Of Light,” Earth's currently relentless touring schedule, major label bands, his own musical philosophies, and some other hidden gems. He was very cheerful and easygoing, and after the initial greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, the interview went something like this...
Interview With Mechina
Steve Amarantos is one of the hardest working men in the Chicago underground. Between gigs and recording with both Apocrypha and Mechina, Steve manages to do what few musicians are capable of. Having not only managed to open for some of the biggest names in the underground metal scene but also joining an established Chicago underground staple, Steve Amarantos has become one of the most recognized names in the Chicago metal scene. Metal Underground was able to reach Steve online to ask him about his current projects and what's new to come.
Interview With T. Roy Medlin Of Sourvein
Sourvein is one of the roughest, doomiest, sludgiest metal bands out there. For decades the band has been trekking across the world bringing along its brand of slow, heavy music. On the eve of a new full-length release, the first in nine years, the band is touring to let everyone know that Sourvein is alive and revealing their "Black Fangs." I had a chance to talk with front man T. Roy Medlin about the new album, another one already on the way, and Sourvein's touring schedule.
Scar Symmetry Talks "The Unseen Empire"
Diving head first into tales of secret governments and even alien intelligences, Swedish metal act Scar Symmetry continues to provide both melody and extreme death metal with the latest conspiracy theory themed album "The Unseen Empire."
Guitarist Per Nilsson recently corresponded with Metalunderground.com to explain the interesting ideas behind the album and discuss where it lands in Scar Symmetry's discography. Speaking on the idea of secret reptilian intelligences and how the band approached the lyrics, Nilsson stated: "We don't tell people the point where fact transcends into fiction, that is for each and everyone to decide for themselves. A lot of people actually believe in the theories of David Icke, and I don't know if that's more absurd than believing in the first book of Moses, or believing that the God Vishnu came riding on the giant snake Ananda with the God of creation, Brahma, emerging from a lotus flower in his belly button!"
Below you can find the complete discussion, which also includes Nilsson covering the band's split with former vocalist Christian Älvestam, the recruitment of two new vocalists, and how the band has evolved over time.
Ipsissimus On "The Way of Descent"
In the wake of the release of "The Way of Descent," black metal band Ipsissimus discusses the concepts behind the brutal, nihilist new album. Recently signed to Metal blade Records, the band talks about working with "sonic alchemist" Jeff Weed on the production of their album, and whether black metal can be understood as a musical style or all encompassing frame of mind.
The band members also shared their thoughts on the Coptic language, ritual imagery, and other sleaze-rock and black metal projects members are currently collaborating on.
Read on to hear Ipsissimus on black metal, blasphemy, and the aesthetic of Satanism.
An Interview With Keep Of Kalessin
Keep of Kalessin is one of the most interesting and original bands in metal today, managing to still gain an audience despite ignoring every contemporary trend and emerge stronger for it. After the success of the band's fourth-place single for Norway's selection for the Eurovision Song Contest last year, the band has managed to gain much more publicity and has remained in the spotlight ever since. Metal Underground was lucky enough to catch up with the band's founder Obsidian Claw at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago during the group's tour with Sepultura.
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