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 726 - 750 of 1,630 1 2 ... 28 29 30 31 32 ... 65 66 Last
Interview With Shane Mclachlan Of Phobia
Phobia has put the fear into grindcore since the early 80s. Phobia gained a reputation for having no problem discussing their views on politics and economics through their music; often having a controversial opinion. And although there is just one original member left, the band is still going strong and just about to release their latest album; almost a retrospective of the band's history. I caught up with founding member Shane Mclachlan to talk about why this album is so important to Phobia, the writing process, and why he just doesn't like gutterpunks.
Battlerage Talks New Album And Chilean Heavy Metal
The Chilean heavy metallers from Battlerage dropped their third full-length album "True Metal Victory" last year through Metal on Metal Records. After the release of the album, drummer Francisco Vera corresponded with Metalunderground.com to discuss the true metal horde's place in the world of heavy music and the overall metal scene in Chile. Check out the full interview below to find out about the creation of "True Metal Victory" and taking lyrical inspiration from the Robert E. Howard characters of Conan the Cimmerian and Thoth-Amon.
An Interview With Hung Bassist Sam Roon
Death metal has had a progressive sub-genre for decades. Back in the early ‘90s, bands like Cynic and Atheist were getting verbally abused for being something other than tough-guy, Satanic-loving filth. Nowadays, this sub-genre is much more accepted, and one of the best rising bands from this area of death metal is NYC’s Hung. With a technical spin, and a prominent violin acting almost as a second guitar, Hung’s self-titled debut is not what one would call a predictable affair. I had the chance to speak to bassist Sam Roon about the band’s first album, their long history together, and the effect of having a female violinist on their public image.
Krisiun Reflects On U.S. Tour
Following my interview with Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) at Higher Ground in South Burlington, Vermont, I seized the opportunity to speak with one of his Brazilian countrymen in death metal trio Krisiun. Guitarist Moyses Kolesne reflected on the extensive North American tour then nearing completion, spoke of near-term plans, discussed Krisiun's latest album "The Great Execution," [2011] and even managed to weigh in on a death metal-related controversy with a refreshingly different opinion.
Band Photo: Sepultura
Interview With Andreas Kisser Of Sepultura
Prior to Sepultura's headlining show at Higher Ground in South Burlington, Vermont, I was honored to sit down backstage with guitarist and songwriter Andreas Kisser for a discussion of the band's past, present, and future. A Sepultura mainstay since 1987, the classically trained Andreas has contributed vastly to the band's signature sound and handled lead songwriting duties since the 1996 departure of founding frontman Max Cavalera. Among the topics addressed was the persistent controversy over Max's replacement by current frontman Derrick Green, and what Andreas considers a stubborn unwillingness to move on from the past and accept Sepultura as it exists and thrives today.
A Conversation With Diecast
As Boston-based metalcore veterans Diecast embarked on their current tour (sponsored by none other than Metal Underground), I was dispatched to cover the inaugural gig at Mill Street Brews in Southbridge, Massachusetts (report here). Following the band's set, I sat down with guitarist Jon Kita, frontman Paul Stoddard, and bassist Eddie Barton for a casual chat. For half an hour, we discussed all things Diecast throughout their fifteen-year history and beyond, including a taste of new music to come. No topic was off-limits, and we even explored an intriguing new moshing concept involving a piñata, which I expect to see in a Metal Underground Pit Stories column any day now. The conversation lasted until we were kicked out as the venue shut down for the night. The full transcript follows:
An Interview With Occultation
There’s something very nasty hiding within the confines of Occultation’s debut album “Three & Seven.” Inspired by bands like Black Sabbath and King Crimson, this trio based out of NYC has a doom-inspired take on progressive rock. Comprised of vocalist/drummer V, bassist/vocalist MAL, and guitarist/organist/vocalist EMM (of Negative Plane fame), Occultation is heavy on the metaphors and occultist themes, though not in a blunt manner like Ghost and The Devil’s Blood. Occultation has done a great job of making these songs both evil to the core, and catchy to the ears. I was able to throw a few questions via e-mail to the band, and V and EMM were gracious enough to answer in detail about the recording of “Three & Seven” and recreating these songs in a live setting.
Interview With Aaron Smith Of 7 Horns 7 Eyes
7 Horns 7 Eyes' debut album has been creating quite a buzz already. The progressive death outfit is not unknown; it has already been around for five years. Throughout that time, the group got a deal with a big label, lost and gained members, released one E.P., and gained enough of a fanbase to make "Throes..." an anticipated release. I was able to talk to guitarist Aaron Smith about the lead up to this release, working with Nevermore's Jeff Loomis, and an upcoming tour.
Band Photo: Katatonia
Katatonia Checks In From The Recording Studio
Getting ready to release more melancholy darkness from Sweden upon the rest of the world, the guys from Katatonia are nearing the end of the recording process for a new album to follow "Night is the New Day" (reviewed here).
With only vocals on two songs left to record, I got in touch with front man Jonas Renkse to find out what fans can expect from the upcoming, as-yet-untitled release. During our chat, Jonas discussed how the new album will be more eclectic than the last few offerings, the expected release date, and working with Travis Smith to make the perfect accompanying artwork.
Read on to also find out what's happening with Bloodbath, how Jonas saw the change of pace in Opeth's latest album "Heritage" coming long in advance, and to discover how Per Eriksson ended up with the nick name "Sodomizer."
Band Photo: Opeth
Opeth’s Martin Axenrot Weighs in on “Heritage”
Opeth has tamed its savage beast on its latest album “Heritage.” The placidity of said album has rubbed off on the band’s live performance, which is currently on display throughout America on their “Heritage Hunter” tour. Although subdued for the moment, Axenrot believes this ferocity will be released once again. However, he is fine with the prospect of never again playing death metal with the Opeth camp.
Opeth’s progressive brand of metal keeps Axenrot from becoming bored. Even without growls and drilling kick drums, Opeth still conveys a massive amount of heaviness and darkness. Although he’s content with playing in a band bereft of these characteristics, Axenrot still LOVES to play death metal. Having played in many of Sweden’s most renowned extreme metal acts since 1995, he has literally made a career out of producing fast and barbaric drum beats.
Before the modern masters of progressive metal took the stage in San Antonio,Texas, Metalunderground.com boarded Opeth’s bus for an interview with the band’s rhythmic backbone. We discussed Opeth’s current direction, where they are headed and how the fans perceive Opeth in the year 2012. We also dove deep into Axenrot’s time before Opeth and his inception into the band. Read on further to learn more about one of Sweden’s most prolific metal drummers.
Band Photo: Behemoth
Behemoth's Nergal Speaks
It's not a stretch to say that Adam "Nergal" Darski is by far one of the most important frontmen in metal today. Between his fight with cancer, his prosecution under Polish blasphemy laws and his headlining of the controversial Decibel Magazine Tour few can manage to stay in the headlines so consistently. Metalunderground.com had the opportunity to meet with Nergal in Chicago to discuss the very essence of what makes Behemoth the juggernaut it is today.
Interview With King Buzzo Of The Melvins
The Melvins are the longest running band of their kind, which is probably because they are the only band of their kind. Since the early 1980s, Melvins has been influencing metalheads with their heavy riffs and intriguing the avant-garde with jazzier sections and not one, but two very talented drummers. It's difficult to put them in any one genre, and their collective sense of humor likes it that way. I was able to talk to vocalist King Buzzo, his friend and artist Brian Wallsby, and drummer Dale Crover about their albums, the Melvins Lite, and other strange stuff. You can watch the interview below.
Interview with Dave Chandler of Saint Vitus
Dave Chandler has had thirty years to jump on band wagons to keep Saint Vitus relevant in the eyes of the ever-changing metal consumer. Being trendy and selling out was never part of the plan, though. He hates it when a band puts out a reunion disc that doesn’t live up to its namesake. “Lillie: F-65,” their first full-length in seventeen years, shows the band’s guitarist and mastermind still being guided by Black Sabbath’s hand of doom.
Not only has Chandler returned to the apocalyptic tri-chords and noisy guitar effects that characterize his cerebral style, he has rekindled a working relationship with vocalist Scott “Wino” Weinrich. Wino last played on the group’s 1990 effort “V,” and has since become one of the most prolific and traveled vocalists and guitarists in stoner rock and doom metal, playing with groups such as Shrinebuilder, The Hidden Hand, Place of Skulls, Spirit Caravan, Premonition 13, Probot and many others.
At the time of the interview, Wino was in Amsterdam at the Roadburn Festival preparing for a special show with “The Church Within” lineup of The Obsessed. Roadburn was to hold a special CD listening party for “Lillie: F-65.” Said album may prove to be the best seller of the band's career. As seen by many other groups, the absence of Saint Vitus has led to greater interest. Doom metal also seems a hot commodity these days. It is the perfect time for a band like Saint Vitus to reform.
Band Photo: Marduk
Marduk Shares A "Serpent Sermon"
The kings of Swedish black metal in Marduk will be unleashing another diabolical foray into the darker side of music this coming June with the new full-length album "Serpent Sermon."
With the new release on the horizon and Marduk gearing up to storm the world for another bout of live rituals, I connected with guitarist Morgan "Evil" Håkansson to hear how the band works its own breed of macabre sonic magic.
A full transcription of our chat is available below, in which Morgan discusses the band continuing the spirit of its core sound into a twelfth studio album, releasing the three song "Iron Dawn" EP, and working on a music video of the new track "Souls For Belial."
A Conversation With Clement Mauro Of Outcast
There was a time a few years ago that French technical metal band Outcast would get good natured ribbing from some metal fans, asking them if they composed "Hey Ya" or "Ms. Jackson." They took it in stride and even laughed back, knowing that their band name conjured up images of another entirely different group. These days, the comments are quite different. The metal community has taken notice of Outcast for the incredibly talented lot of musicians that compose this band.
Since "Self-Injected Reality" was released a few years ago, this French band is slowly gaining momentum with fans of progressive, dissonant metal. Fans of Gojira or Chimp Spanner, who like to be challenged when listening to heavy music, are taking notice of Outcast. Now with the release of "Awaken the Reason," Outcast has set out to prove they have the technical skills and chops to set the metal scene on its ear. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with the congenial bass player for Outcast, Clement Mauro, and this is what he had to say about the new album and Outcast's music in general.
An Interview With Eye Drummer Brandon Smith
The progressive rock band Eye takes a trip to the “Center Of The Sun” on their new album. Highlighted by the massive four-part, 20-minute title track, these guys are keeping to the spirit of some of the greats from the ‘70s, like Rush, King Crimson and Pink Floyd. Heavy jamming, floaty vocals, and spacey keyboards are all distinct characteristics of Eye’s sound. If you like long solos and psychedelic overtones, “Center Of The Sun” might be worth digging into. I spoke to drummer Brandon Smith about the new album and how these songs come off in a live environment.
Band Photo: Kataklysm
Interview With Maurizio Iacono Of Ex Deo
It takes vast reserves of endurance and determination to attain worldwide relevance in the extreme metal genre - much less retain it for two decades - and Montreal's Maurizio Iacono is one of a relative few with the scars and success to prove it. The job is never done, however, and rather than cool his heels as Kataklysm officially celebrates its twentieth anniversary, Maurizio has chosen to plunge forward with his personal passion project Ex Deo. Comprised of a modified Kataklysm lineup with extra personnel, Ex Deo in 2009 released "Romulus," (reviewed here) a lyrical history of the foundations of ancient Rome set to rumbling, melodic, epic metal anthems. This year, the saga continues.
On Sunday, April 1st, Finnish Viking metallers Turisas boldly led the vaunted Paganfest tour to Montreal's Club Soda. Originally booked for the entire tour, Ex Deo had been forced to cancel all but a handful of dates in order to focus on perfecting the highly anticipated sophomore album "Caligvla." Tonight, surrounded by friends and adoring hometown fans, they were ready to rock. I caught up with Maurizio shortly before showtime, and he brought me up to speed on a host of topics concerning both his bands, his lyrical inspirations, his passion for history, and more.
Antton Lant Discusses Def Con One
When speaking to drummer Antton Lant, it is obvious one is dealing with a musician who has an extensive background in the metal community. He commands respect with his decade playing for Venom and other groups and brings a certain element of heaviness to any project he's been involved in. But Antton is not a musician who is content to rest on his past laurels. He created his band Def Con One years ago to be involved in a group where he could bring his own ideas of what a heavy metal band should sound like.
Def Con One is the group he always wanted to be a part of, and is now doing that full-time. He feels that a group should be fun and not some routine job, and that is what he and the members of Def Con One convey - pure energy. As the band plays countless gigs in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and other cities in his native Britain, Antton took to time to dish with me about his involvement in Def Con One and other areas of his past projects in metal bands.
Demon Hunter Talks "True Defiance"
Christian metal favorite Demon Hunter, which was recently named Best Christian Hardcore Band in the About.com 2012 Readers' Choice Awards, is today dropping the band's latest effort "True Defiance," which explores themes of going against the flow in the heavy metal world.
A handful of days prior to the release I got in touch with front man Ryan Clark to get an inside look at what went into "True Defiance," how the band has changed over its now decade long run, and the new music video for "My Destiny." Read on to see what Ryan had to say about the band's recording process and what the group does to stay busy in-between recording and touring.
Band Photo: Barren Earth
Barren Earth Explains "The Devil's Resolve"
The Finnish metal heroes of Barren Earth have now released a second opus in which prog rock violently collides with extreme death metal, titled "The Devil's Resolve" (reviewed here). Now that the metal masses have had time to digest "The Devil's Resolve," I got in contact with guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö to see what he had to say about the band's latest output, how the overall fan reaction has been, and what Barren Earth has in store for the metal world in the future.
Mpire of Evil Recaps Making "Hell To The Holy"
Jeff Dunn has over thirty years experience as a heavy metal guitarist. Although metal heads know him best as Venom’s original guitarist,” Mantas,” Dunn has lent his scorching six-string talents to other groups such as Dryll, Warfare and Scooter. Most recently, he reunited with past Venom mates Antton (drums) and Tony “The Demolition Man” Dolan (bass/vocals) to form Mpire of Evil.
Mpire of Evil’s debut full-length “Hell To the Holy” is accessible to old and new metal fans, alike. Mpire’s members sprung out of the early metal scene. They helped shape the attitude, speed and sound of thrash and black metal. Venom coined the term “black metal,” so one would expect an obvious nod to the old school, but this recording is no constantly-skipping, worn-grooved record. A modern production and contemporary elements such as the occasional blast beat has propelled the group forward into the new millennium of extreme metal.
With new drummer, Marc Jackson replacing Antton on tour (it’s unclear if he’s a permanent member), the venomous troupe explained to Metal Underground the need to create an album that defies sub-genre classification.
Band Photo: Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost Talks New Album "Tragic Idol"
The British legends in Paradise Lost are set to inject the music world with another dose of gothic metal this coming April 24th, 2012 with the new album "Tragic Idol." As the release draws closer, I had the pleasure to speak with Nick Holmes from Paradise Lost to find out what he had to say about the coming opus and how the band is doing after being together for more than 20 years.
Check out the full interview below to see what Nick had to say about how coming from the vinyl generation affects their choice of artwork, how the band records, and his love of the occult rock band Ghost.
Band Photo: Prong
Prong Comments on New Album "Carved Into Stone"
Prong has another album on the horizon. “Carved Into Stone” hits retail outlets on April 24th, 2012 (hear the new track "Eternal Heat"). Vocalist/guitarist/founder Tommy Victor stated it’s the quintessential Prong album, which covers a lot of ground. Their down tuned guitar grooves and pseudo-hardcore vocals are unmistakable. One facet of Prong’s music that makes the unique is they are hard to pigeon hole into any one sub-genre. From thrash to hardcore to alternative and on to industrial—Prong records are a cornucopia of styles.
Prong’s output in the ‘90s played a pivotal role in the direction metal would take in the 1990s, especially the band’s groove. Singles such as “Prove You Wrong,” “Broken Pieces” and “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck” became staples on MTV’s “Headbanger’s Ball,” leading to tours with Pantera and Sepultura.
Prong’s discography has been fragmented since releasing “Cleansing,” the album that produced “Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.” Much of this can be explained by looking at Victor’s time in Danzig and Ministry. He can’t devote the time to Prong that he could in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. Currently, Victor has set his sights on promoting and touring with Prong, his own creation. Metal Underground spoke to Victor about managing his time between bands, an upcoming tour with Crowbar and why “Carved Into Stone” is the definitive Prong record.
Band Photo: Corrosion of Conformity
Interview With Reed Mullin Of COC
Back to the lineup they performed with for the 1985 album "Animosity," Corrosion of Conformity has been tearing up the world and strengthening their place as one of the best loved hardcore fusion bands with the release of a new self-titled album. I got to talk to drummer Reed Mullin about coming back together with his longtime bandmates to release "Corrosion of Conformity," how the three musicians met, and what he would do (or not do) if the band takes a break again.
Band Photo: 3 Inches Of Blood
Interview With 3 Inches Of Blood's Cam Pipes
For over a decade, Vancouver's 3 Inches Of Blood have been walking a precarious, thinly stretched tightrope. On one side lie their rich influences in the fabled New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, which they've hailed loudly enough to be heard on the other side - where testosterone and aggression rule, and the most brutally current band wins. An unlikely success with metal fans young and old, 3 Inches Of Blood's signature formula has reached perfection on their fifth album, the self-explanatory "Long Live Heavy Metal." On the Montreal stop of this year's Metal Alliance tour (led by DevilDriver), inimitable vocalist Cam Pipes took some time to discuss his band's latest and greatest work.
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