HEAVY Music Interviews

Epizode

• 
  Making The Odd Seem Normal With DALE TANNER From OCEAN GROVE 14.08.2026 24min

  If you’ve got your finger anywhere near the pulse of the Australian metal/alternative scene, you know exactly what last night was. It was the official launch of the highly anticipated Oddworld Underground Australian Tour, and it all kicked off last night in Western Australia at the legendary Amplifier Bar in Perth.We are sitting down with the absolute kings of eccentric heavy tunes, the one and only Ocean Grove, with frontman Dale Tanner shunning valuable rehearsal time to bring us up to speed. These Melbourne nu-metal misfits have spent the last twelve months completely tearing up international stages, including a massive run across the UK and Europe supporting fellow Aussies Thornhill. After leaving a trail of beautiful destruction overseas, Ocean Grove are finally back on home soil for their first proper headline run in what feels like an eternity. Last night sparked a relentless nine-day, five-city assault that will see the band unleash captivating chaos through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle, before wrapping it all up with a massive final show at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane on Saturday, August 22.Ocean Grove aren't doing things by halves either; recruiting New Orleans metalcore heavyweights Cane Hill who mark their monumental return to Australian shores for the first time in a decade. If that wasn’t enough to push the boundaries of your local venue, Western Sydney’s hardcore-metal powerhouses Deficit are on the bill to provide absolute live spectacles, alongside the stunning cinematic shoegaze textures of Adelaide’s very own Blinder.This tour promises to be an absolute headline run for the ages; a full-throttle celebration of what makes the alternative heavy music scene in this country so incredibly unique. HEAVY caught up with Dale just hours before stepping onto the stage to talk about bringing the Oddworld universe back home, the absolute madness of touring with international heavyweights, and what fans can expect when the doors finally open.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Down the Garden Path with JOHANNES ECKERSTROM From AVATAR 13.08.2026 17min

  Interview by Angela CroudaceIf you like your heavy music served with a massive side of absolute, unadulterated chaos and a theatrical bite, then grab yourself a slice of the dance floor and brace your necks. The Swedish metal visionaries collectively known as Avatar are finally making their way back Down Under, and trust me when I say this is shaping up to be one of the absolute heaviest and most anticipated spectacles of the entire year.Renowned across the globe for their legendary performances, ludicrous levels of musical skill, and a seemingly endless catalogue of killer anthems, Avatar have long been your favorite metal band’s favorite metal band. We are talking about a group so highly respected that Iron Maiden routinely invites them out on tour, and the late, great Vinnie Paul once claimed that Dimebag Darrell himself would have been jealous of their monstrous guitar riffs.Ever since Avatar stormed their way onto the international circuit, these guys have refused to follow the traditional rules of engagement. They smashed their way onto the charts with the universally acclaimed Dance Devil Dance, and they are continuing that streak of pure creative madness with their latest dark masterwork, Don't Go in the Forest. Their single Death and Glitz is a perfect example of what makes this band so special. It is a track fueled by crushing grooves, hypnotic hooks, and a uniquely perverted, detached sense of storytelling that only Avatar can deliver.For Australian audiences, these upcoming live dates are not just regular rock shows; they are an invitation into an entirely different, beautifully twisted universe. This is a band that commands the side of the stage at every major European and American festival, with members of metal royalty standing by just to watch them work their magic. Now, it is Australia's turn to step inside the circus tent and experience the sonic violence firsthand.HEAVY grabbed the ultimate opportunity to sit down with the band's enigmatic, charismatic frontman, Johannes Eckerström. In true Avatar fashion, we went completely down the garden path to talk about the preparation behind their chaotic live assault, the creative evolution of their newest material, what it feels like to bring their signature blend of death and glitz back to local soil, and why Australian fans can no longer be denied.So turn the volume right up, check out the full chat below, and make sure you grab your tickets NOW before they vanish.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  CORELEONI Keep The Metal Moving With Generection 12.08.2026 22min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsCORELEONI have a new album on the way, Generection and guitarist Leo Leoni sounds exactly as you would hope somebody still making rock records after more than thirty years would sound: pleased to be there and keen to keep going. The album came together quickly. The band collected ideas, got together and worked through them while everyone was still fired up, and within a few months the record was finished. It was actually completed by the end of last year before switching record labels, which pushed the release back several times.Check out heavymag.com.au for the full interviewBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  TEMPLES ON MARS: Build It, Burn It, Keep Playing 12.08.2026 19min

  Interview by Ali Williams There are bad weeks, and then there are weeks where the rehearsal studio you spent a year building burns for 4 days, TEMPLES ON MARS guitarist and vocalist James Donaldson joined HEAVY’s Ali Williams somewhat later than originally planned, although his excuse was considerably better than forgetting to check the calendar. Back in the end of June, the London building housing the band’s newly completed rehearsal space and studio went up in flames, bringing 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines to the scene and taking 4 days to extinguish. Nobody was hurt, which remains the only part of that story worth celebrating, but the timing was particularly brutal given TEMPLES ON MARS had only just finished creating the space in the first place. Building their own headquarters had been a practical answer to the expensive and restrictive reality of London rehearsal rooms. After spending the better part of a year getting everything operational, the band finally had somewhere they could rehearse and record on their own terms. After having a rehearsal there on the Wednesday night, by the following Friday , they were receiving photographs of the entire building burning.Full interview heavymag.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  NOIR ADDICTION: Pretty Things Don’t Last And Finding Comfort In The Dark 11.08.2026 25min

  Interview by Angela CroudaceFor Sonny Lanegan, frontman of Noir Addiction, music is about creating something authentic enough to pull listeners into its world.Speaking about the band’s latest EP, Pretty Things Don’t Last, Sonny explained that its songs explore love, obsession, addiction and the desire to escape life. While each track stands on its own, he believes the EP becomes connected when heard as a whole.The band’s sound blends electronic textures, industrial influences, alternative rock and pop hooks, with Sonny revealing that Money for the Honey began with a beat rather than a guitar riff. Inspired by the music he grew up listening to, the 1990s, he says he asks himself one question when writing: “Will I buy this album?”That authenticity is central to Noir Addiction, especially after Sonny stepped into the role of vocalist following the departure of the band’s original singer. Despite the pressure and anxiety of creating the EP under tight time constraints, he is proud of what emerged.With live shows receiving enthusiastic responses, Noir Addiction are now looking toward the future, and hopefully Australia. For Sonny, the goal is simple: to create music that gives listeners the connection and comfort he found in the bands he loved growing up.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Small Name, Big Noise With JESSE ATTARD From RUNT 07.08.2026 15min

  Brisbane has a fiercely proud history of producing world-class rock performers, with the production line rolling out yet another slab of excellence to continue the momentum. The newest addition is Runt, a powerhouse four-piece alternative rock and grunge outfit that refuses to play by the rules. Describing their massive sound as having an "underdog chip on its shoulder," this hungry local lineup strips away the facades of modern studio trickery, instead focusing on an unapologetic, face-melting assault built on huge riffs, hypnotic hooks, and visceral melody.The brainchild of singer, guitarist, and main songwriter Jesse Attard - who some would know as having played Angus Young with Accadacca across the world - Runt are a band born from the road and custom-built to survive. Attard quietly amassed a deep treasure trove of killer material while touring internationally as a hired gun, but realised these songs needed an assortment of like -minded, talented musicians to do them justice. Settling on guitarist John Dempsey, bassist Damian Bell, and drummer Robbie Wheeler, Attard had the foundations for success and took the next step as a fully fledged original band.The music industry is officially on notice. Runt’s highly anticipated, self-titled debut album drops like a bomb on August 7, 2026, through independent Australian powerhouse label XMusic. Moving completely away from predictable commercial trends, Runt approached their debut not as a lazy playlist, but as a lean, curated collection of stories where each track has its own distinct pulse, purpose, and attitude. Sonically, this record leans hard into the dark, atmospheric, and beautifully heavy territory carved out by 1990s grunge heavyweights like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots, but with a distinctly unique flavour that stamps a fresh take on the genre.HEAVY sat down with Attard to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Australia, Prepare For A Long-Overdue Dose of Sonic Brilliance With SOEN 06.08.2026 11min

  Australian progressive metal fans, it is finally time to stop pinching yourselves because the wait is officially over. Sweden’s undisputed kings of cognitive, emotionally driven heavy music, SOEN, are finally hitting our shores this October. For a band that has spent the last decade and a half redefining the very boundaries of modern prog with their intoxicating blend of crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms, an Australian tour has been a glaring omission on their map. But thanks to The Phoenix, the group is making the long trek downstairs for their highly anticipated Reliance Tour.Led by the rhythmic powerhouse Martin Lopez and the fiercely captivating vocals of Joel Ekelöf, SOEN has built a reputation as a band that doesn’t just play music; they craft worlds. Ever since their groundbreaking 2012 debut album Cognitive, they have consistently evolved, layering their sound with deep atmospheric tension, crushing sonic weight, and a level of melancholic beauty that few can replicate. They possess that rare live alchemy that turns a standard metal gig into a borderline religious experience.Starting Friday, 16 October at 170 Russell in Melbourne, before moving to Sydney’s Manning Bar on 17 October and wrapping up at Brisbane’s beloved heavy haven, the Crowbar, on 19 October, this run promises to be an absolute masterclass in live performance. Adding absolute fuel to the fire, Aussie homegrown instrumental progressive royalty The Omnific are jumping on as special guests, celebrating their monumental 10th anniversary.HEAVY caught up with the mastermind himself, Martin Lopez, to get the absolute lowdown on what took them so long to get here, how they plan to condense a massive, career-spanning discography into a single, explosive headlining set, what Australian fans can expect when Sweden’s premier sonic architects finally unleash their live show on our stages and more.SOEN + THE OMNIFIC October 2026 Australian Tour DatesFriday 16th October MELBOURNE, 170 RussellSaturday 17th October SYDNEY, Manning BarMonday 19th October BRISBANE, CrowbarTickets thephoenix.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Finding Your Niche With KYLE BLOKSGAARD From BARRIERS 06.08.2026 7min

  Brisbane is about to get hit by an absolute wall of sonic destruction. The third annual Necrosonic Festival is locking and loading for its most brutal ritual yet, taking over the legendary Mansfield Tavern on Saturday, August 22, 2026. We are talking 12-plus hours of pure, unadulterated musical chaos spread across three massive stages. While the international heavyweights in Rivers of Nihil and local tech-death royalty Psycroptic are rightfully drawing plenty of attention, it is the deeper, darker corners of this stacked Australian lineup where the real magic happens. Enter Barriers.Hailing from the southern heavy hotbeds of Adelaide and Melbourne, this crushing four-piece outfit does not just play heavy music—they manipulate it. They have engineered a sonic identity that stands defiantly apart from the standard cookie-cutter template. By blending the progressive complexity of Meshuggah, the expansive, atmospheric dread of Cult of Luna, and the sheer, mid-paced tectonic groove of Gojira, Barriers have created a monster. It is raw, minimal, and completely unsettling.If you have spun their debut EP, Decay, you already know the band relies heavily on dark contrasts. They masterfully balance suffocating doom with sudden, violent bursts of death metal intensity. Frontman and producer Kyle Bloksgaard injects a vocal dynamic that handles deeply personal torment just as easily as it spits socio-political venom. At HEAVY, we love throwing down a challenge. We sent out our traditional Q&A sheet to the entire Necrosonic lineup, warning every band that a failure to reply meant buying the HEAVY crew a beer at the venue. While we were quietly hoping to score a mountain of free pints, the Barriers boys ruined our plans by being some of the very first to get back to us! They are hungry, they are focused, and they are ready to lay waste to Brisbane. Do not sleep on this set.HEAVY spoke with Kyle to get the lowdown.Necrosonic tickets and more information: https://necrosonicfestival.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Owning Your Legacy With ZOLTAN BATHORY From FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH 31.07.2026 22min

  Five Finger Death Punch are back with absolute chaos on their tenth studio album, Legacy. Formed in Las Vegas, the multi-platinum metal titans are marking their 20th anniversary by delivering an aggressive masterclass in modern hard rock. If you thought 2022's AfterLife pushed their boundaries, this new record proves that 5FDP are actively evolving without losing their signature, in-your-face snarl.The record kicks off like a sledgehammer to the jaw with the fierce album opener, Legacy, instantly setting a thunderous tone for the ten tracks that follow and showcasing guitarist Zoltan Bathory's striking, original guitar punches alongside Andy James’ technical precision. Frontman Ivan Moody sounds completely possessed here, teetering his vocals between pure desperation and soaring, melodic, hook-laden possibility.What makes Legacy work so fabulously is its relentless, structured information density; the songs are succinct, intentional, and strip away all unnecessary filler. Coinciding with their massive 2026-2028 world tour, the album masterfully captures heavy themes of exhaustion, frustration, and ultimate artistic survival. HEAVY sat down with Bathory to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  The Shadows Of Death With ROHAN STEVENSON From SUNK LOTO 22.07.2026 10min

  If you like your heavy music served with a side of absolute, unadulterated chaos, then grab a cold beer and brace yourself. Gold Coast alternative metal titans Sunk Loto are officially heading back out on the road this August for their highly anticipated Dead Shadows Tour. Trust me when I say this is shaping up to be one of the absolute heaviest and most intense runs of the year.For those who need a quick history lesson, Sunk Loto dominated the Australian heavy music landscape in the late '90s and early 2000s, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with international giants like Korn and Deftones. Their seminal 2003 masterpiece, Between Birth and Death, became a gold-standard textbook for Aussie metalcore. Then, they abruptly vanished into the ether for fifteen years.When they burst back onto the live circuit in 2022, they didn't just play shows; they absolutely decimated venues across the country to a multi-generational, bloodthirsty crowd. Last year, they threw even more fuel on the fire by welcoming guitar wizard Rohan Stevenson (from I Built The Sky) into the fold, instantly locking in an explosive new creative energy.Now, the boys are back to unleash their brand new single, Dead Shadows, tracked alongside the legendary producer Forrester Savell. To celebrate, they are completely ditching the sterile festival barriers and massive production rigs. Instead, they are opting for the sweaty, high-octane violence of intimate, grassroots rooms.This brief, relentless East Coast trek will see the band tear through the Coolongatta Hotel on August 7 before two shows at Brisbane’s Crowbar on August 8 and 11, Sydney’s Crowbar on August 13, and finish by ripping the roof off Melbourne’s legendary Corner Hotel on August 14. Tickets are already flying out the door, and if you know anything about a Sunk Loto mosh pit, you know the band actively instigates absolute madness from the barrier to the back wall. Fans can expect a massive, curated setlist packed with deep cuts that haven't seen the light of day in decades, mixed with the crushing weight of their new material.HEAVY sat down with Stevenson to chew the fat over the creation of Dead Shadows, navigating their brutal new lineup dynamics, and exactly what kind of beautiful insanity they plan to bring to Australian stages next month.Tickets https://teamwrktouring.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  PARADISE LOST: GREG MACKINTOSH Finds Ascension In The Ashes 22.07.2026 22min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsPARADISE LOST have spent close to four decades making misery sound magnificent. While countless bands have shuffled through genres, line-ups and ill-advised creative awakenings, the UK veterans have built an entire legacy from heaviness, melancholy and the endless human capacity to stare into the void and find a decent guitar melody lurking inside it. After almost a decade-long absence, Paradise Lost are finally returning to Australia. Guitarist and songwriter Gregor Mackintosh joined HEAVY’s Ali Williams to discuss the band’s long-awaited visit, their latest album Ascension, the record he threw away before writing it properly, and why owning an album once required commitment, patience and occasionally forcing yourself to enjoy something because the record shop refused to take it back. The Australian dates arrive at the end of a substantial journey through Japan and China, opening their Downunder at Brisbane’s The Triffid on October 18 before heading to Sydney’s Factory Theatre on October 19 and Melbourne’s Max Watt’s on October 20. Understandably, Mackintosh is eager to return, although asking him for the exact itinerary produced the kind of uncertainty normally reserved for musicians who have sensibly chosen not to examine how many airports stand between Yorkshire and Brisbane. “I don’t know how my itinerary works,” he admitted.  Probably best. Nothing good comes from learning too early how long you will be sitting upright while crossing continents. Check out the full interview for more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Total Annihilation With GRAVEMIND 21.07.2026 8min

  Brisbane’s Mansfield Tavern is locking its doors and bracing for total structural failure. The third annual Necrosonic Festival is descending on Saturday, August 22, 2026, delivering 12-plus hours of unrelenting extremity across three stages. While international powerhouses Rivers of Nihil and homegrown technical death metal legends Psycroptic are set to co-headline, the middle tier of this massive bill holds some of the most devastating weapons in the Australian heavy music arsenal. If you want a band that will completely tear the skin from your face with clinical, heavy precision, look no further than Melbourne deathcore juggernauts Gravemind.These guys have spent years mastering a sound that functions like a well-oiled killing machine. They don't just write breakdowns; they engineer sonic earthquakes that blend punishing, technical riffs with vast, cinematic atmosphere. Following the massive success of their critically acclaimed sophomore album Introsphere, released via Greyscale Records, Gravemind have proven they are not content with sitting safely inside the boundaries of traditional deathcore. They weaponise melody, injecting dark progressive layers and experimental dynamics that keep listeners totally off-balance before delivering a swift, blunt-force trauma to the jaw.HEAVY sat down with vocalist Bailey to find out more about what to expect at Necrosonic.Tickets to Necrosonic and more information https://necrosonicfestival.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Waging War Down Under With CODY And BRITON From WAGE WAR 21.07.2026 7min

  If you call yourself a fan of heavy music and your pulse isn't already racing, you need to check your vitals right now. The absolute masters of Floridian metalcore, Wage War, are officially gearing up to bring their massive, unrelenting It Calls Me By Name world tour down under. This isn't just another casual standard run across the ocean, folks; this is a full-blown, sonic assault that is set to completely decimate every single venue it touches.The demand out there is already completely mental. We have already seen the Melbourne show get a massive venue upgrade to The Forum because Aussie heavy music fans simply cannot get enough of what these guys bring to the table. Brisbane and Sydney are staring down the barrel of selling out entirely. If you are sitting on the fence waiting to grab your tickets, you are going to miss out on one of the most essential heavy packages of the entire year.What makes Wage War such a beautiful, brutal force of nature is their incredible ability to balance sheer, unadulterated chaos with absolute melodic perfection. They throw down some of the most bone-shattering, snarling breakdowns you will ever hear in your life, but they seamlessly back it up with these infectious, soaring hooks that just get completely buried in your head. Tracks from their brand-new EP It Calls Me By Name, alongside their massive back catalogue, are built specifically to ignite the mosh pit.And let’s talk about the supports, because this line-up is completely stacked from top to bottom. Sharing the stage on this absolute monster of a tour are Nashville hardcore legends Orthodox, who bring a filthy, aggressive edge, and Melbourne's very own rising heavy juggernauts Heavensgate.HEAVY caught up with vocalist Briton Bond and guitars/clean vocals Cody Quistad to chat more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Returning To Take Care Of Unfinished Business With MARC ZELLWEGER From PALEFACE SWISS 17.07.2026 15min

  Interview by Kris PetersIf you like your heavy music served with a side of absolute, unadulterated chaos, then grab a cold beer and brace yourself, because Swiss deathcore juggernauts Paleface Swiss are heading back Down Under. After completely decimating venues across the country on their sold-out 2025 run, the Zurich four-piece have just announced a massive seven-date Australian headline tour for January and February 2027. Trust me when I say this is shaping up to be one of the absolute heaviest and most anticipated tours of the year.Ever since they detonated onto the global metal scene, Paleface Swiss have earned a formidable reputation for unleashing some of the most volatile and relentlessly aggressive live shows on the planet. Led by the maniacal vocal delivery of frontman Marc "Zelli" Zellweger, the band has been steadily conquering the heavy music world, a fact proven by their latest record, Cursed, smashing its way into the top ten of the Spotify Global Charts. Now, armed with a brand new EP, The Wilted, and a hunger to tear our rooms apart, they are ready to level up the aggression for Aussie crowds.But they aren’t coming alone. To ensure maximum sonic devastation, they are bringing Canadian metalcore powerhouses Counterparts - fronted by the unfiltered Brendan Murphy - and Colorado’s crushing hardcore-groove outfit Fox Lake along for the ride. The tour kicks off at the Astor Theatre in Perth on Wednesday, 27 January, before hitting Adelaide’s ferocious Froth & Fury Festival, Melbourne's iconic Forum, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and wrapping up in Townsville. It is a massive, comprehensive lap of honour that proves just how much these Swiss heavyweights love the insane energy of the Australian metal community.I had the absolute pleasure of pulling up a virtual barstool with the main man himself, Marc "Zelli" Zellweger, to find out exactly what the band has in store for us. We chatted all about the chaotic memories from their last Australian visit, the intense sonic evolution behind their latest brutal material, and what it feels like to lead one of the fastest-growing forces in modern extreme music. Zelli is always one of the most passionate, down-to-earth guys to speak to in the business, and his excitement for this upcoming run is completely infectious. So, turn the volume up to eleven, check out our full chat below, and make sure you secure your tickets before they inevitably vanish!Tickets www.thephoenix.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Balance In Artistic Evolution With CHRIS MOTIONLESS From MOTIONLESS IN WHITE 16.07.2026 11min

  Interview by Kris PetersWhen American metal titans Motionless In White announce a new record, the heavy music community stands up and takes notice. Celebrating two decades of sonic devastation, Chris Motionless and his gothic-metalcore troupe are poised to unleash their highly anticipated seventh studio album, Decades, on July 17. It is a monstrous, career-defining release that effortlessly honours their dark history while forcefully kicking down the doors to the future.  From the industrial venom of the lead singles to the monumental collaborations featuring massive names like Slipknot's Corey Taylor plus Skylar Grey, Decades is a masterclass in survival, raw passion, and artistic evolution.HEAVY sat down with frontman Chris Motionless to find out more."It's an exciting time," he enthused when asked how he is feeling about the new album. "We have been working for what feels like literally forever on the record, (laughs) so it's still very weird for me to think that we even have singles out… It's just a very different shift in life, but it's really cool because finally the music gets to see the light of day."We ask Chris to tell us more about Decades musically."This one was definitely - as every band's gonna tell you (smiles) - trying to go above everything we've ever done," he replied. "Catchier. Heavier, blah blah blah, but it's true. We definitely wanted to make sure that everything that we do, that I think the fans love the most, was considered heavily on this one. We really wanted to try and make sure that their feedback was listened to and that we were integrating what fans love the most and then what we love most about the band, and I think that's maybe the reason why things feel pretty positive so far."We bring up the heavier aspect alluded to on Decades, asking what he means specifically by heavier."I would say it's a mixture of everything," he measured. "I think the music may not be so much heavier all around, but there's definitely much more energy. There's so much more fast-paced, or more… just much more energy in every way. There's only one sad, emotional song, per se. Usually, we have three or four, but this one's only got the main one, and the rest is constant rolling energy that I think really helps the album feel different from any other Motionless record. The lyrical content, yeah. Some of it's heavy, some of it's fun. It's a good mixture of everything. I wouldn't say that there's too much, like, you're gonna hear and go (exhales deeply) I need a break from that. It's more meant to be an exciting and uplifting experience."In the full interview, Chris dives deeper into the musicality of Decades, including the well-documented writer's block he had early in the process, what snapped that and how it impacted the rest of the album. He talked us through the opening track, Decades, and why it was chosen to introduce the album, as well as the momentum shift between songs on the album and how Motionless In White allow for a smooth transition.We talked about the different genres expressed in Motionless In White's music, and how they find the balance in the creative process, the first time he heard one of their songs on the radio and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Teaching Old Bulls New Tricks With LINK MEANIE 16.07.2026 14min

  The Meanies are absolute legends of Australian punk rock, and they are tearing through 2026 like a runaway train. Formed in Melbourne back in 1988, these sonic maniacs have spent nearly four decades delivering chaotic, high-energy pop-punk packed with hooks and bruises. Fronted by the indestructible Link Meanie, they are a band that leaves everything on the stage - literally - known for chaotic live sets that frequently end with broken gear or broken bones. After surviving decades of rock 'n' roll storms, they are still one of the most vital, loud, and uncompromising underground bands in the country.If you think these veteran punks are slowing down, you are dead wrong. The rest of 2026 is completely packed with heavy riffs, interstate chaos, and killer new wax. The band is currently crisscrossing the country on a huge national run. They are teaming up with their longtime brothers-in-arms, Spiderbait, acting as the main support on the massive Ivy & The Big Apples anniversary tour. This means they are bringing their blistering noise to huge venues like Adelaide's Hindley Street Music Hall on 25 July and Canberra's legendary venue The Baso on 30 July.Right after the arena-sized rock shows, The Meanies are jumping straight back into the sweaty club trenches. They have joined forces with Queensland punk unit Dad Fight for a brutal split 7-inch vinyl release featuring fresh tracks from both bands. Dubbed "the old bull and the young calf, together at last," they are launching the wax with a lethal East Coast tour. HEAVY caught up with Link Meanie to find out more, asking how the body is holding up these days."Oh, pretty shit," he laughed. "Yeah, I was just rueing selling the comfy chair that I had here, and now I'm just sitting on a drum stool. My back's fucking killing me! I've done so much damage over the years that I knew it would come back and bite me at some stage."We follow up by asking Link if he finds the need to do more stretches and warm-ups now before hitting the stage."The only time I was ever fit in my life was probably the turn of the millennium when I was doing Kung Fu, and I was actually quite fit then," he smiled. "God, I'm a couch potato now (laughs)."In the full interview, we chat more about life on the road and the perils of ageing. We discussed still touring with Spiderbait and Link's memories of the very first time they played together, as well as a list of upcoming shows this year.The run of shows with Dad Fight was discussed, including the nurturing role The Meanies play when hitting the road with the next generation of bands. We talked about the 7" split single release between The Meanies and Dad Fight and where to get it, as well as the possibility of a new album in the near future and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Manifesting Your Desires With PLINI 14.07.2026 13min

  Sydney six-string maestro Plini has just unleashed his monumental third studio album, An Unnameable Desire, and it is a certified masterpiece. For a musician who already operates in the absolute stratosphere of technical guitar playing, this new record pushes his sonic boundaries into completely uncharted territory. It is heavier, prettier, more complex, and utterly brilliant.If you thought his previous masterpieces like Handmade Cities or Impulse Voices were the pinnacle of modern guitar music, prepare to have your mind completely blown. An Unnameable Desire is a cinematic rollercoaster that perfectly balances jaw-dropping polyrhythms with celestial jazz-fusion soundscapes. Plini has reunited with his powerhouse rhythm section—bassist Simon Grove and drummer Chris Allison—to create something truly magical. The album also features mind-melting guest spots from Polish guitar icon Jakub Zytecki and experimental harpist Emily Hopkins. It is an ambitious, beautiful sonic journey that demands your full attention from the very first note.But the masterclass doesn’t stop in the studio. Plini is about to take this new material on the road for the massive An Unnameable Desire Australia and New Zealand Tour this August. This isn’t just your standard run-of-the-mill club shows. Plini is promising his biggest, most immersive live production to date, complete with an incredible international and local lineup. Joining him on this epic trek are UK math-rock heavyweights Delta Sleep, Melbourne progressive newcomers Nightdive, and the phenomenal solo project Cenobia. It is a dream bill for anyone who loves their riffs complex and their melodies massive.The tour kicks off on August 6 at Brisbane's Princess Theatre, before tearing through Sydney's Liberty Hall, Melbourne's Northcote Theatre, Adelaide's Lion Arts Factory, and Magnet House in Perth. Today, we are diving deep into the creative madness behind the new record, the pressure of evolving his sound, and what fans can expect from this monster live show. Grab a cold one, settle in, and check out our full chat with the man himself, Plini!"I will be playing a lot of the new album and a lot of the older stuff that people seem to love," he revealed. "It's going to be really fun. We just did it in Europe for about four or five weeks, and the new stuff was especially fun to play."We ask Plini how different it is playing to audiences overseas compared to those in Australia."It depends on the place," he measured. "I think in general, everywhere they get into it as much, but their way of showing it can be different. The music I make… some of it is energetic, but it's not always so there will be a lot of people just standing and watching, and they could be having an amazing time, but it's not necessarily the same feedback as seeing a circle pit (laughs) or people moshing."In the full interview, Plini talks more about the tour and what we can expect, overseas crowds and how they relate to his music, connecting with fans on different levels, his new album and what to expect, plus more.Tickets https://www.plini.co/anztourBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  YOU AM I Pull Some Strings To Give New Life To Some Old Loves 13.07.2026 8min

  Interview by Ali WilliamsThere are few bands in Australia who can announce they are taking a string quartet on tour and not have the nation immediately clutching its pearls in fear of acoustic violations. You Am I, thankfully, are not most bands. When HEAVY’s Ali Williams caught up with bassist Andy Kent, the news was as unexpected as it was oddly perfect: You Am I are heading into theatre territory with a string quartet in tow, giving selected songs from across their catalogue a more considered, cinematic, and potentially spine-tingling treatment. And no, before anyone starts picturing a heritage rock band gently apologising for distortion, Andy was quick to make it clear this is not about turning You Am I into something polite, sleepy, or suspiciously beige.Check out the full interview for more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Returning To Your Roots With HORST TESSMANN From STORMHAMMER 13.07.2026 16min

  Interview by Angela CroudaceGerman power metal veterans StormHammer are embracing a heavier, more aggressive direction on their upcoming album Wrath of the Hammer, due for release on July 17, while still staying true to their melodic foundations.Bassist Horst Tessmann revealed the album marks a deliberate shift back towards the sound of Welcome to the End after the more melodic approach of Seven Seals. Following years of lineup changes and delays, he said the band is finally where they want to be creatively."The title track represents the new album and the style of the band quite well," Horst explained, describing it as the perfect introduction to StormHammer's evolved sound.Rather than drawing from any single influence, Horst credited guitarists Phil and Christos for naturally blending classic heavy metal, thrash, progressive and punk elements into the songwriting. He also praised producer Alexander Krull, whose experience as a vocalist helped push singer Manuel into delivering more emotionally charged performances.Although Australian fans may have to wait for a live appearance due to touring costs, Horst said StormHammer hopes strong support for Wrath of the Hammer could eventually make it happen, but the band are already looking ahead, with work on their next album underway and a planned release targeted for autumn 2027.Check out the full interview for more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
• 
  Prepare For Annihilation With DAVE HALEY From PSYCROPTIC 12.07.2026 13min

  Let’s be honest: when you talk about Aussie heavy music, you cannot look past the absolute legends in Psycroptic. For over twenty-five years, these boys from Hobart have been wave-makers. They show the rest of the world that Australia doesn’t just do metal; we master it. Led by the unstoppable Haley brothers - Dave laying down machine-gun drum beats and Joe ripping absolute shred-fests on guitar - Psycroptic have built a reputation on sheer, relentless hard work.Now, they are gearing up to unleash their ninth studio weapon, The Pulse of Annihilation, landing July 17, 2026. And it gets better. They have officially signed with the absolute giants at Metal Blade Records, proving that true Australian grit always cuts through on the global stage.The album is heavy, it is experimental, and it is exactly what the scene needs. This isn’t a band resting on its laurels. They are pushing boundaries, raising bars, and fixing to hit the road this August with Rivers of Nihil for what will easily be the tour of the year. Get your pre-orders sorted, lock in your tickets, and support local metal.HEAVY sat down with drummer Dave Haley to get the lowdown, asking how he is feeling with the album release imminent."It's pretty good," he smiled. "We're all very excited in the band. We feel like we're in a creative hotspot at the moment, and we're definitely not tired of the band or over it. It feels like… at least over the last couple of years, it's been a new lease on the band's life. We're nervous but happy."We ask Dave to dive deeper into the musical side of The Pulse of Annihilation and what Psycroptic were going for this time around."We never really know how an album's going to turn out until it's finished, to be honest," he measured. "It sounds pretty cliché, but we just let the songs write themselves. So by the end of the process, when we sat and listened to it, I noticed it was a bit more of a mid-tempo, mid-paced album than previous albums. Maybe a lot more catchy on the first listen as well. With anything Psycroptic, we just try to build on what we've done before or try to move into some new territories for us. There are definitely some fun songs to play. It's hard to appreciate the songs until you've had a bit of a minute and sat back from the recording process."In the full interview, we explore the musical side of The Pulse of Annihilation in more detail, including the singles released and how they reflect the album overall. We talked about entering a new sonic chapter with the band, highlighting the growing chemistry between the dual vocalists Jason Peppiatt and Jason Keyser, who are on their second album together now.Dave told us about the album cover art and what it represents, and also spoke about signing with Metal Blade Records and what it means for Psycroptic moving forward. Their upcoming home town shows were discussed, as was the August tour with Rivers Of Nihil, plus more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.