HEAVY Music Interviews

Jaksot

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  Spread The ASHES : Five Albums Deep TUNGSTEN Headline Europe Tour 14.10.2026 13min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsSwedish metallers TUNGSTEN have a busy October ahead, although releasing their fifth studio album and embarking on their first European headline tour is a pretty reasonable excuse for having very little spare time. Their latest offering, Ashes, arrived on October 9 through Perception, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music, coinciding with the band's biggest touring commitment as headliners to date.Vocalist Mike Andersson recently joined HEAVY's Ali Williams for a conversation about the new record, the band's musical ambitions and the considerable excitement surrounding a tour several years in the making. Since forming in 2016, TUNGSTEN have developed a distinctive approach to melodic metal, incorporating power metal, traditional heavy metal, industrial influences and elements of Scandinavian folk. The band features drummer Anders Johansson, formerly of HammerFall and Yngwie Malmsteen, alongside his sons Nick Johansson on guitar and Karl Johansson on bass and keyboards. With Andersson handling vocals, the four-piece have steadily built an international following through five albums and extensive European touring.Their latest release follows 2024's The Grand Inferno, with the band spending much of 2025 developing new material between live commitments before entering the studio towards the end of the year. Across eleven tracks, Ashes explores a broader collection of musical influences while retaining the melodic arrangements and substantial choruses familiar to their audience.Full interview and write up heavymag.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Spreading The Word Of Metal With BEN HOSKING From WHERE THE DEVIL 14.10.2026 10min

  If you like your music thick, volatile, and dripping with pure, unfiltered Aussie attitude, you need to stop what you're doing right now. We are sitting down with Ben Hosking, the powerhouse guitarist from Newcastle's own groove-metal wrecking ball, Where The Devil. If you haven't witnessed these boys live yet, you are seriously sleeping on one of the most punishing and exhilarating acts in the local underground scene right now.The main reason we’re spinning this yarn today is because the countdown is officially on for one of the most anticipated events on the heavy calendar: Hollowfest 2026. This absolute monster of a festival is gearing up to tear the roof off the Mansfield Tavern—a legendary staple of the Brisbane music scene—and Where The Devil are primed to deliver an absolute masterclass in sonic violence. Hollowfest has built a reputation for showcasing the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to local and national heavy talent, and throwing these boys into the mix is like pouring petrol directly onto a raging bonfire.In this chat, Ben and I dive into the band's mindset ahead of the festival, how they plan to step up their game for the rabid Hollowfest crowd, and what it means to share the stage with so many killer homegrown bands. We also get a bit of a cheeky sneak peek into what the band has cooking in the studio and why Australian heavy music is currently in the best shape it’s ever been. So, grab yourself a cold one, crank this up to eleven, and check out the full chat below. Hollowfest 2026 is coming to break some necks, and Where The Devil are leading the charge!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  The Ritual Cometh: MORTIIS Warns Australian Fans Of Impending Doom 14.10.2026 17min

  When you think of the ultimate chameleons in the global extreme music scene, one name consistently rises from the shadows to claim the crown: Mortiis. From his early days forging the fires of Norwegian black metal on bass for Emperor to completely reinventing himself as the grandfather of dungeon synth, Håvard Ellefsen has spent more than three decades refusing to play by anybody else’s rules. He’s an artist who doesn't just push boundaries—he completely obliterates them, evolving musically, visually, and conceptually with every single release.Now, the enigmatic mastermind is preparing to bring his legendary, dark sonic landscapes back to our shores for a highly anticipated Southern Ritual Australian tour. This isn't just another standard run of shows; it marks a monumental moment for local fans as Mortiis brings a full live band to the region for the very first time. Audiences can expect a massive, immersive journey into dystopian despair, with the setlist heavily diving into the iconic sounds of The Smell Of Rain alongside a curated selection of his most atmospheric and industrial-tinged masterpieces.To make this dark pilgrimage even more essential, he’s not coming alone. Sharing the headline billing are Siberian pagan folk innovators Nytt Land, who are set to mesmerise crowds with traditional throat singing and handmade instruments, alongside Turkish dungeon synth outfit Tir. It is shaping up to be an absolute masterclass in live atmosphere, visual theatre, and raw sonic intensity.HEAVY caught up with the man behind the mask to get the full story on what it takes to bring this massive production Down Under. We chatted about the logistical chaos of transporting a full-band show across the world, what it feels like to revisit tracks from The Smell Of Rain in a live setting, his excitement to finally give his Australian fans the uncompromising, full-throttle theatrical experience they have been craving for years and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Generations Deep And Still Loud: SKUNKHOUR Hit The Road  13.10.2026 23min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsLong before Australian playlists started happily throwing funk, rock, hip hop, soul and heavy groove into the same digital bucket, SKUNKHOUR were already doing the hard, sweaty version of it onstage. No algorithm. No tidy marketing lane. Just real instruments, an MC, big rhythm, bigger nerve, and a refusal to flatten themselves into something easier to explain.  Now the band are taking that history back out on the road with the Back to Basics Tour, a title pulled from one of their earliest songs and a pretty cheeky understatement for a band with this much behind them. Speaking with HEAVY's Ali Williams, Aya Larkin says the tour is about “getting to some places that we haven’t been for a long time.”For northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland, that sentence has some proper bite. SKUNKHOUR play Cooly Hotel on Thursday October 15, Norton Music Factory in Caloundra on Friday October 16, CrowBar in Brisbane on Saturday October 17, and Arts Factory in Byron Bay on Sunday October 18, before heading through Sydney, Melbourne, Coffs Harbour and Pacific Palms.  That Byron Bay date carries extra local flavour. SKUNKHOUR have often played The Great Northern, but the return to Arts Factory reaches further back. “We haven’t played since the nineties,” he says.Full write up and interview heavymag.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Nouvelle Vague Return to Australia for Three Exclusive Shows 13.10.2026 12min

  French collective Nouvelle Vague are set to return to Australia for three exclusive shows, bringing their unmistakable reimaginings of iconic new wave and post-punk classics back to local audiences.For singers Melanie Pain and Phoebe Kilde, the upcoming dates offer an opportunity to experience the band in a different setting, with intimate club performances promising a more rock ’n’ roll atmosphere than their previous Australian appearances.“We’ve been doing festivals, big outdoor afternoon events,” Pain explained. “I’m really glad we’re coming and doing proper night gigs in proper clubs.”With an impressive catalogue of interpretations spanning artists including Joy Division, The Cure, The Clash and Depeche Mode, Nouvelle Vague have built a reputation for transforming familiar songs into something entirely their own.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Weaponising The Chaos With CHRIS ZUHLKE And CHRISTOPHER HESSE From HALF ME 13.10.2026 10min

  Few bands manage to weaponise raw, unadulterated musical chaos quite like Germany’s Half Me. Bursting onto the heavy scene with a catastrophic blend of modern metalcore, nu-metal bounce, and visceral post-hardcore, the Hamburg five-piece have rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s most formidable sonic juggernauts. Following the massive success of their devastating debut Soma, the band has refused to take their foot off the throat of the genre. Now, they are back to deliver another absolute masterclass in sonic violence with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Dogma.Dogma is a savage, uncompromising step forward that captures Half Me at their most venomous, combining razor-sharp technicality with an oppressive atmospheric weight. It is an album born from friction, exploring the claustrophobic constraints of societal expectations, personal belief systems, and the internal rot that comes with them. It doesn’t just demand your attention; it violently grabs you by the collar and drags you through the dirt.But the tracking room is only half the battle. The true test of heavy music lies on the live stage, and Australian fans are finally about to get their taste of the carnage. To celebrate the release of Dogma, Half Me are packing up their gear and heading Down Under for a highly anticipated Australian Tour. For a band built on high-octane energy and intense crowd reciprocity, bringing these brand-new tracks to Aussie crowds—renowned globally for being some of the most unhinged and passionate in the world—is a mouth-watering prospect. This run promises to be nothing short of a sweat-drenched, pit-spinning exorcism.Ahead of the tour and the album dropping, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with vocalist Chris Zühlke and guitarist Christopher Hesse to dig deep into the messy, beautiful reality of making Dogma. We yarn about the intense pressure of backing up a landmark debut, the creative breakthroughs that defined their new sonic identity, and how they plan to survive the brutal Australian heat while delivering the most explosive live shows of their career.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Fearless And Unstoppable: Inside The World Of DANCE GAVIN DANCE 13.10.2026 16min

  Get your dancing shoes polished and your neck muscles thoroughly warmed up, because post-hardcore royalty is finally heading back down under! That’s right, heavy music lovers—the absolute icons of progressive, chaotic, and infectious math-rock-infused bliss, Dance Gavin Dance, are gearing up to storm Australian shores for what promises to be an unforgettable run of shows. For years, this band has been rewriting the rulebook of alternative music, blending soulful melodies with face-melting riffs, and their upcoming tour is set to be one for the history books. Ahead of this massive trek, we sat down for a chat with the band’s drummer Matt Mingus and clean lead vocalistAndrew Wells.If you’ve been living under a rock, Dance Gavin Dance has spent the last two decades solidifying their status as one of the most innovative and resilient forces in the scene. Navigating line-up shifts, genre evolutions, and the sheer chaos of the modern music industry, they’ve continually emerged stronger, sharper, and more creatively fearless. With Andrew stepping up into a defining vocal role alongside Matt’s legendary, intricate drumming, the band is entering a brand-new, electrifying era. This upcoming Australian tour isn't just a standard run of dates; it is a triumphant celebration of survival, reinvention, and pure musical adrenaline.In this candid interview with HEAVY, Matt and Andrew open up about everything. We dive deep into what it takes to bring their notoriously complex studio sound into a live Australian setting, the unique energy that Aussie crowds bring to the heavy scene, and how the band's internal dynamic has shifted as they push into bold new sonic territory. From the logistics of long-haul flights to the raw excitement of connecting with fans who have waited years for this moment, the duo pulls back the curtain on the life of Dance Gavin Dance in 2026.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Riffs, Halloween, And Resurrection With FRACTURE From WE THE HOLLOW 09.10.2026 15min

  The Australian heavy music landscape is littered with the carcasses of short-lived festivals, but every now and then, a beast rises from the underground with enough grit and staying power to change the game. Enter Hollowfest.Masterminded by the chaotic minds behind groove-metal juggernauts We The Hollow, this rogue gathering has evolved from a passionate local showcase into a mandatory calendar fixture for the nation’s riff-worshippers. It is raw, it is unapologetic, and it represents the exact kind of DIY defiance that keeps our scene breathing.At the epicenter of this beautiful madness is Scotty (A.K.A Fracture), a man who lives and breathes the culture. Balancing the dual roles of a punishing frontman and a stress-hardened festival promoter is a task that would break lesser men, but Fracture wears the chaos like a badge of honour. Ahead of this year’s massive iteration, HEAVY sat down with the guitarist/promotor to dissect the blood, sweat, and beers required to pull off an underground metal festival in the current climate.In typical fashion, Fracture doesn’t pull any punches. We dive deep into the gruelling logistics of curating a killer, genre-defying line-up, the sheer terror of watching the budget fluctuate, and the unmatched euphoria when the first chord strikes and the pit finally erupts. He opens up about the sonic evolution of We The Hollow, how the band's bruising ethos influences the curation of the festival, and why community will always trump commercialism in the heavy music underworld.This isn't just another gig; it's a testament to the strength of our community and a middle finger to anyone who says rock is dead. Grab a cold one, crank the volume, and check out our full chat with Fracture to get the ultimate inside word on Hollowfest.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Honesty Is The Best Policy With BEN STEWART From SLOWLY SLOWLY 09.10.2026 17min

  There are few bands in the modern Australian rock landscape that capture the raw, bleeding pulse of human emotion quite like Melbourne’s indie-pop-punk heavyweights, Slowly Slowly. Led by frontman and master songwriter Ben Stewart, the band has carved out an untouchable reputation for turning vulnerabilities into massive, stadium-sized anthems. They don't just write hooks; they craft sonic confessionals that force you to look in the mirror and reckon with whatever you find there.Today, Slowly Slowly announced their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Everybody Tells The Truth, an album that already promises to push their signature emotional urgency into bold, uncharted territory. Following the massive success of Forgiving Spree, which comfortably debuted at number eight on the ARIA charts, Everybody Tells The Truth steps under the microscope to dissect honesty, facade, and the friction of the modern world. Led by the explosive new single Parallel, the upcoming record strips back the layers of polite comfort to expose the gritty realities of our shared human experiences. It is a record that demands your full attention, delivering massive rock melodies balanced by Stewart's razor-sharp, poetic lyricism.But a spectacular new record isn't the only massive milestone on the band's immediate horizon. This December, Slowly Slowly will step back onto the main stage as they gear up for the massive Good Things Festival 2026 circuit. Sharing a loaded summer bill alongside rock and metal heavyweights like Limp Bizkit, Alexisonfire, and Polaris, Slowly Slowly will officially cement their status as true festival royalty. In a historic feat for the domestic alternative scene, they will move level with Make Them Suffer as one of the only acts to secure three appearances at the massive travelling mini-fest. It's a testament to the undeniable, high-octane energy of their live sets, which have become a benchmark for what modern Australian rock music should feel like in the flesh.Ahead of what is bound to be a monumental summer of deafening singalongs and festival triumphs, HEAVY caught up with frontman Ben Stewart to dive deep into the creative fire behind Everybody Tells The Truth. We talk about the sonic evolution of the band, the terrifying beauty of absolute lyrical honesty, and what it feels like to join the legendary three-timers club at Australia's premier alternative music gathering. Grab a cold drink and settle in, because Ben Stewart is laying it all on the line.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Slamming It Down Under With ERIK OHLSSON From MILLENCOLIN 08.10.2026 15min

  When you talk about skate punk royalty, few bands hold a candle to Sweden’s finest musical exports, Millencolin. For over three decades, these absolute legends have been providing the ultimate high-octane soundtrack to our lives, blending lightning-fast riffs, infectious melodies, and a relentless sonic energy that simply refuses to age. Now, the boys are gearing up to cross the hemisphere once again to blow the roof off Australia, landing a highly coveted spot on the massive Good Things Festival 2026 lineup, alongside a string of highly anticipated headline sideshows.Aussie punks have always shared a deep, almost symbiotic love affair with Millencolin. From the golden early days of Same Old Tunes and Pennybridge Pioneers to their explosive modern anthems, their tracks have been permanently etched into the very DNA of the local alternative music scene. Every single time they step foot on our shores, it’s not just another standard rock concert; it’s a chaotic, beautiful reunion of the extended punk rock family, complete with sweat-soaked mosh pits and deafening crowd singalongs.HEAVY caught up with Millencolin’s iconic guitarist Erik Ohlsson to dissect the upcoming festive madness, their enduring bond with the passionate Australian crowd, and what it feels like to return to one of the premier heavy music festival formats in the southern hemisphere.With a killer festival lineup stacked completely to the brim with international heavy hitters and alternative rock icons, Millencolin are primed to show the younger generation exactly how true punk rock is done, playing Pennybridge Pioneers in full at all shows. But it’s not just the festival main stages they are targeting; their Melkbourne and Brisbane exclusisive club sideshows promise to deliver that intimate, sweaty, no-barriers intensity that hardcore fans crave. In this unfiltered chat, Erik opens up about the secrets behind the band's incredible longevity, the complex art of curating a flawless festival setlist, and why Australian hospitality keeps drawing them back. We also take a classic HEAVY trip down memory lane, finding out exactly where he was the first time they ever heard their own music blast through the radio speakers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  UNPEOPLE: The Most Beautiful Chaos in Modern Heavy Music 08.10.2026 12min

  Every now and then, a band bursts onto the alternative landscape with such violent, genre-shattering momentum that they force you to sit up, put down your beer, and take notice. Ladies and gentlemen, meet unpeople.The fast-ascending UK four-piece has been absolutely tearing up the rulebook over the last year. They have systematically evolved from a fiercely buzzed-about underground secret into an absolute juggernaut destined to conquer arenas. They refuse to be pigeonholed by standard sonic definitions. Instead, they weaponise a beautifully chaotic cocktail of heavy riffs, theatrical flair, and massive, addictive melodies that get completely stuck in your skull.Now, the band is poised to unleash their definitive statement of intent upon the world: their highly anticipated debut full-length album, we are unpeople, dropping on October 9 via the heavy hitters at SharpTone Records. It’s a record that takes their core philosophy of unity through shared human dysfunction and transforms it into a towering, uncompromising piece of modern sonic warfare. Ahead of the album's massive release, HEAVY Magazine caught up with the band to dissect the madness, the meticulous craft, and the sheer audacity fueling this record.This isn’t just another debut; it is a phenomenal gateway into a completely fresh era of heavy music. Turn the volume all the way up, check out our full chat with the band below, and prepare to join the masses—because unpeople are taking over.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  The Pioneers Return: PARADISE LOST’s Nick Holmes Chats With HEAVY 08.10.2026 11min

  G’day heavy music lovers, Kris Peters here for HEAVY Mag, and boy, do we have an absolute cracker of an interview for you today! If you call yourself a fan of the dark, melancholic, and crushingly heavy, then you better buckle up because the undisputed pioneers of gothic metal are finally making their long-awaited return down under. That’s right, the legendary Paradise Lost are bringing their gloomy majesty back to Australian shores this October, and the excitement across the local metal community is already reaching a fever pitch. It has been a hot minute since the British heavyweights last graced us with their presence, with their last Australian run taking place way back in 2017. But don't think for a single second that they’ve been sitting idle. Since they last stepped foot on Aussie soil, the band has kept the creative fires burning incredibly bright, delivering two spectacular releases to their faithful flock: Ascension and the critically acclaimed Obsidian. Both records have further solidified their status as absolute masters of the genre, proving that even after three decades in the game, Paradise Lost is still operating at the absolute peak of their musical powers.The band is rolling into town with some serious momentum, hot off the heels of a massive, star-studded show in London this past August where they shared the stage with none other than fellow progressive titans Opeth and the dark masters Katatonia. If that monumental gig was any indication of their current form, Australian punters are in for an absolute masterclass in heavy music when the band lands here in a few weeks.To get the full rundown on what we can expect from this highly anticipated tour, I had the absolute privilege of jumping on a chat with the enigmatic frontman himself, Nick Holmes. We dove deep into the band's excitement about returning to Australia, how it feels to finally bring these new tracks to life on the other side of the world, and sifting through 17 albums worth of music when choosing a set list. Nick also opened up about the band's evolving live dynamic, revealing to HEAVY that he probably enjoys hitting the stage now more than ever before. So, grab yourself a cold one, crank up the volume, and check out our full chat with the one and only Nick Holmes below!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Prayers Turns Personal History Into A New Spanish-Language Chapter 08.10.2026 36min

  For Prayers, inspiration has never been something that can be forced. His latest Spanish-language EP, Oraciones, arrived almost by accident, after a session in his friend Alfonso’s Chicago kitchen turned into four songs written in a single day.“I captured lightning in a bottle with these four songs,” Prayers explains, describing the pressure-free process as his favourite way to create. What began with electronic beats eventually evolved into something more deeply connected to his Mexican heritage, with cumbia rhythms helping shape the EP’s direction.While Oraciones represents a new chapter, Prayers says it remains connected to everything he has created before. His music continues to explore identity, conflict and the duality at the heart of his self-created Cholo Goth world.The EP also became a way for Prayers to reconnect with his Mexican roots. Its artwork features a childhood photograph with his parents, while he deliberately built a Mexico-based creative team around the project.After years of feeling caught between cultures, Prayers says his recent trips to Mexico have helped him reconnect with a part of himself he had never fully known.Ultimately, Oraciones is both a tribute to his heritage and another example of Prayers turning lived experience into art.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Fuzz, Filth, And MUDHONEY: PRIMITIVE RING Prepare To Tear Australia A New One 05.10.2026 17min

  Every now and then a band bursts out of the underground circuit with the kind of pure, unadulterated sonic swagger that leaves your jaw firmly pinned to the floor. If you haven't yet been introduced to the auditory demolition that is Los Angeles power trio Primitive Ring, then pack your bags, turn your speakers up to eleven, and prepare to have your ears left properly ringing.Born from a collective state of what they call "high-functioning de-evolution," this formidable outfit is a rock and roll brotherhood comprised of Bert Hoover, Jon Modaff, and the guitar-wielding madman himself, Charles Moothart. You might recognise these blokes from their stellar work in heavy hitters like Fuzz, Ty Segall’s band, and Frankie and the Witch Fingers, but Primitive Ring is a completely different beast altogether. This is a band that completely bends the knee to the primal instincts of melody and rhythm, fusing a retro '70s fuzz, proto-metal grit, and heavy psych-rock into something that hits you right in the chest like a runaway freight train.After dropping a series of killer 7-inch singles, they unleashed their monstrous, self-titled debut album via In The Red Records earlier this year, proving that real rock and roll belongs to everyone and absolutely no one. It is loud, nasty, and beautifully uncontrolled. And the absolute best news for Aussie rock fans? Primitive Ring are making their highly anticipated Australian debut this October, landing on our shores as the special guests for none other than the legendary Mudhoney.Ahead of what promises to be an absolute clinic in rock and roll debauchery, HEAVY sat down with Charles Moothart to get the full story. We dive deep into how this phenomenal brotherhood first collided in a garage session, the sheer chaos of taking these monolithic tracks onto the live stage, and what it’s like to tour Australia alongside grunge royalty. Charles doesn't mince words about the upcoming madness, giving us a taste of the pure, unfiltered energy they are about to unleash on unsuspecting crowds down under and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  SHONEN KNIFE: Cutting Their Way Back From Osaka To ZED51 02.10.2026 12min

  Interview by Ali Williams Forty-five years into SHONEN KNIFE, Naoko Yamano can still describe the band in three words: “pop, fun and punk.” It is remarkably efficient for a group whose history stretches from Osaka’s early-’80s underground to major-label releases, international festivals and enough world touring to make airport carpet a recurring feature of adult life.  Australia has occupied a sizeable patch of that history. SHONEN KNIFE first toured here in 1997 and have returned repeatedly since, but their October visit is considerably more ambitious than a quick lap through the eastern capitals. The Lets Knife: Re-Cut Australia/NZ 2026 tour gives Naoko, Atsuko and Risa more than two weeks on Australian roads, two festival appearances, regional dates and several cities the band has never played before. It also arrives with Let’s Knife Re-Cut freshly released in Australia and New Zealand through Valve Records. The album returns to Let’s Knife, the 1992 record that marked SHONEN KNIFE’s major debut, with the current line-up recording its 15 songs again more than three decades later. The sessions were recorded at GCR Audio in Buffalo, with Goo Goo Dolls bassist Robby Takac serving as executive producer. Familiar material including Riding On The Rocket, Twist Barbie, Cycling Is Fun and I Am A Cat has been put back through the band as it exists now, and Naoko confirms those songs will be well represented when they reach Australia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  Into Oblivion Down Under: MARK MORTON From LAMB OF GOD Warns Australia To Be Ready 02.10.2026 13min

  If there is one band that knows how to completely tear the roof off a venue and leave the crowd begging for mercy, it’s Virginia groove metal powerhouse Lamb of God. For over two decades, these absolute legends have been consistency personified, delivering some of the most punishing, riff-driven, and neck-snapping metal on the planet. Aussie heavy music fans are currently losing their collective minds because Lamb of God is heading back down under for a massive, stadium-sized 2026 co-headlining tour with long-time brothers-in-arms Trivium. It is the kind of dream-ticket tour line-up that doesn’t come around often, and with Scottish metalcore heavyweights Bleed From Within rounding out the bill, things are guaranteed to get chaotic.Sitting at the very eye of this sonic hurricane is guitarist and founding member Mark Morton. Alongside Willie Adler, Morton has forged one of the most iconic, razor-sharp twin-guitar attacks in modern metal history, blending brutal thrash aggression with a signature, heavy-footed southern groove. Fresh off the release of their lethal latest record, Into Oblivion, the band is leaner, meaner, and ready to unleash hell. This isn't just another casual run of dates for the boys; it’s a full-scale metal celebration that kicks off tonight in Perth before absolutely decimating Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.Here at HEAVY we love nothing more than diving headfirst into the dirty details of how the heavy music magic happens. We recently caught up with the legend himself to chat all things decibels, live dynamics, and Australian chaos. In this massive, unfiltered chat, Mark pulls back the curtain on the delicate creative chemistry and ego-checking required to keep a legendary band firing on all cylinders for 20-plus years.We also geek out heavily on the gear side of things, getting the scoop on his stunning, sold-out Gibson Les Paul Modern Quilt Artist Series signature guitar, how he feels about the untouchable uniqueness of the Lamb of God sound, and exactly what kind of absolute madness he expects when the band steps out on Australian soil. So, grab a cold beer, lock in your neck braces, and check out our full conversation with the riff master himself!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  THE CRIBS: This Was Never Supposed To Be A Proper Job  01.10.2026 21min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsInterview by Ali WilliamsTHE CRIBS are bringing ninth album Selling A Vibe to Australia this October, and Ryan Jarman is considerably happier about the shows than the long-haul flight. It will be their first national tour since 2018; the pandemic prevented an Australian visit for 2020’s Night Network. Ahead of the return, the guitarist and vocalist caught up with HEAVY to discuss a new recording approach and the spontaneity he refuses to give up.  Ryan, bassist and vocalist Gary Jarman and drummer Ross Jarman still write together in the rehearsal room, working out the songs before recording begins. For Selling A Vibe, they favoured compact arrangements and strong hooks. Ryan describes the material as more pop-structured than Night Network and their earlier work with Steve Albini, while retaining the energy that comes from the three of them developing ideas together.Full write up and interview heavymag.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  KÜNTSQUÄD: Open Air Annihilation At DARK DOWN SOUTH 01.10.2026 21min

  If you haven’t crossed paths with Melbourne’s premier unholy crusty death metal outfit Küntsquäd yet, then honestly, what the hell have you been doing with your life? Led by the ferocious, guitar-wielding frontwoman Paula VC Damnzal, this four-piece wrecking crew has been absolutely tearing the Australian heavy scene a new one with their toxic blend of blackened grime, extreme death metal, and crust punk aggression. Fresh off dropping their latest devastating sonic assault, Satan's Cock, they are gearing up to take their chaotic live ritual across state borders.And where better to unleash that unadulterated musical pummelling than at Western Australia’s ultimate heavy metal proving ground? That’s right, the legends are packing up their gear and heading over to Kirup for Dark Down South III Open Air. Taking place at the iconic Jim McDonald Oval this November, Dark Down South has rapidly earned a massive cult reputation as one of the last remaining true European-style camp-on-site heavy metal festivals left standing in the country. With so many events falling by the wayside lately, this is a pure, old-school, family-friendly, BYO-but-absolutely-no-glass metal haven that connects the absolute best of our homegrown underground with fanatical punters who live and breathe the heavy riff.For Küntsquäd, this isn't just another standard interstate gig; it's a full-blown mission to leave the regional WA landscape entirely scorched and begging for mercy. Joining a massive, stacked lineup featuring international headliners Demente alongside a killer bill of national heavyweights, the band is primed to deliver a set that will teach the local metal groms exactly how a proper mosh pit behaves. It’s about unity, respect, and a shared love for the most extreme corners of music—all served up under the open skies.HEAVY caught up with the absolute bloody legend Paula VC Damnzal and guitarist Nik to chat all things Dark Down South. We dig deep into what the band has in store for the Kirup crowd, how they plan to adapt the crushing, down-tuned production of the new record for an open-air environment, and why supporting independent metal festivals is more critical now than ever before. So, crack a Jack, crank the volume, and prepare yourselves for the incoming pummelling. Küntsquäd have spoken!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  KATATONIA: Nightmares Worth Leaving Home For With NIKLAS SANDIN 01.10.2026 22min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsKATATONIA return to Australia this October with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State and crowds that can span several generations. The Australian run starts at Crowbar in Brisbane on October 7, with Atticus Chimps and PARHELION supporting. Released on June 6, 2025, the record is the thirteenth studio album from the Stockholm band whose music has expanded from death/doom into gothic and progressive music. When bass player Niklas Sandin spoke with HEAVY even he acknowledged the demands of saying the album title aloud. “It’s kind of a tongue twister,” he laughed. The group remain enthusiastic about touring the album, with Australian listeners next to hear the songs after the Japanese and New Zealand dates. Those listeners cover a considerable age range. Sandin describes crowds stretching from people only just old enough to attend through to fans in their seventies and eighties. “It’s a big, big variety, and a lovely mix of people,” he says. Decades can separate their birthdays without anyone needing to explain why they are still going to gigs.  He appreciates how concerts allow people with different values and backgrounds to enjoy something together, and extends that observation across live music. A shared interest gives people who might never otherwise meet a reason to talk. Sandin is amused by the reverse situation in sport, where people who get along perfectly well can suddenly fall out over the team someone supports. Enjoying a band together seems a considerably more pleasant way to spend the evening.Full interview and write up heavymag.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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  The Allfather Awakens: JOHAN HEGG Unleashes AMON AMARTH’s New Sonic Warfare 01.10.2026 20min

  If there is one undeniable certainty in the heavy metal universe, it is that when Sweden's premier Viking metal juggernauts Amon Amarth decide to unleash a new record, you drop everything, grab your drinking horn, and prepare your neck for an absolute beating.For over three decades, Amon Amarth has been the gold standard for sonic warfare, delivering monumental, slab-heavy melodic death metal that lands with the subtlety of Thor’s hammer. But just when you thought they couldn't possibly raise the stakes any higher, the band has returned with their massive thirteenth studio album, The Allfather Awakens, out October 2 via Metal Blade Records.To say this record is a definitive masterwork is a massive understatement. Recorded across two separate, high-intensity sessions at Jacob Hansen’s studio in Denmark, The Allfather Awakens sees the band step completely out of their comfort zone. Instead of locking themselves away in a traditional writing room, they began crafting these ten crushing anthems right in the middle of touring life, tracking songs one by one to ensure every single piece of music received undivided attention. Sonically, they’ve even ditched their modern digital setups to plug straight back into classic Marshall amps, resulting in a raw, organic guitar tone that absolutely roars with unbridled aggression.The tracks themselves are nothing short of devestating. From the opening furious blast of lead single Gjallarhorn to the thunderous battlefield epic Eight Legs of Thunder, Amon Amarth sound completely revitalized. Yet, the true wild card on this record arrives in the form of Upphaf—a translated stanza from the prophetic Norse poem Völuspá that stands as the first-ever purely acoustic offering in Amon Amarth’s legendary catalogue. It is an introspective, dynamic shift that adds a beautifully haunting layer to their trademark shield-wall violence.Ahead of the highly anticipated release and their massive 2026 world tour, HEAVY sat down for a chat with the iconic man behind the mic himself, Johan Hegg. Armed with one of the most distinctive, bone-rattling guttural voices in metal history and a legendary 35cm beard, Johan was in fantastic spirits. We dove deep into the unique, fragmented recording process behind the new album, the creative nerves of stripping everything back for an acoustic track, the timeless inspiration of Oden, and exactly what fans can expect when they bring these brand-new, historically charged battlefield tales to life on the global stage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.