HEAVY Music Interviews

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to survive 30 years in an Australian band without a punch-up, a lawsuit, or at least a few costume changes, Quan Yeomans of Regurgitator is here to tell you—it’s mostly sweat, setlist amnesia, and just the right amount of “naive courage” to dive headfirst into the circle pit of life.Ali Williams catches up with Quan mid-tour, somewhere between a billion-degree beach day and Quan’s Melbourne “hoodie weather.” Regurgitator’s recent shows clock in at a marathon hour and 55 minutes, a feat even Quan admits is “too much for me.” The band briefly flirted with the idea of an intermission—abandoned after realising it just broke the groove. Audiences now get an uninterrupted slab of Gurge, and honestly, no one’s screaming for an encore after that much garage rock. As Quan puts it: “I played everything!”The current tour isn’t just another lap around the sun—it’s a madcap dive into the Regurgitator singles catalogue, dusting off tracks they haven’t played in years (thank you, Google, for those forgotten lyrics). There are over 50 singles, so no, they’re not playing them all (unless you fancy a three-hour endurance test). But the setlist is a living, breathing thing, evolving with every gig—much like the band themselves. Expect some surprises, and don’t get too comfortable: they change it up to avoid “getting bored” and keep the fans guessing.Forget the urban legend about meeting band members Ben Ely and Quan meeting on a Brisbane bus—turns out Ben first rocked up at Quan’s mum’s place to score weed. “He just happened to walk downstairs where I was tinkering with my 4-track,” says Quan, and the rest is history. Brisbane in those days was a tight little scene: cross a few one-way streets and you’d bump into half your future bandmates (or get hopelessly lost, if you’re Ali).Regurgitator’s music has always balanced piss-taking parody with actual substance—something Quan admits is often missed by casual listeners. “I’m amazed how many people don’t listen to the lyrics,” he laughs, despite the fact he obsesses over every word. These days, their songs show up on random playlists, introducing a whole new generation of fans (many thanks to TikTok and Spotify—“even if Spotify’s evil,” Quan quips). The band’s legacy now stretches from ‘90s moshers to 19-year-olds who think The Angels are edgy vintage.Despite three decades of gigging and a few legendary bust-ups (including one that almost ended in a lawsuit—cheers, Martin), Quan says the band feels more like a family than ever. New members like Sarah have slotted in seamlessly, proving sometimes a bit of stability trumps creative friction. That said, Quan reckons the secret to not going stale is “reinventing yourself—take a page from Bowie.” But these days, the wild competitive spark of youth has mellowed into something more sustainable: “Now it’s way easier to tour. It’s easygoing, it’s lovely.”Swerving into songwriting, journalism, and the perils of letting technology do all the heavy lifting. Quan’s not shy about the state of AI writing: “My god, the writing part is so bad. It’s terrible… it just messes it up every time. It’s such a slop.” For Regurgitator, the real art comes from putting in the work, not “pressing buttons.” So, aspiring artists—take note: it’s called a work of art for a reason.As Quan wraps up, he drops the essential plug: “You can catch us playing at a rural town near you, and probably a big city as well, so please come along. We’d love to see your face. It’ll be a good time.” So, whether you’re an OG Gurge tragic or a TikTok kid who thinks Polyester Girl is a deep cut, Regurgitator’s Jukeboxxin’ tour is your chance to see living legends in the flesh.Check out Regurgitator’s upcoming Jukeboxxin’ dates—from the Top end to Tassie and everywhere in between. Expect singalongs, sweat, and possibly a history lesson in Aussie music, all delivered with Regurgitator’s signature sideways grin. Tickets available now—don’t sleep on it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Italian metal icons Lacuna Coil are set to return to Australia for their first full headline tour in nearly a decade, and according to bassist Andrea Ferro, the timing couldn’t feel more right.Following a standout appearance at Good Things Festival 2022, the band are eager to reconnect with their dedicated Australian fanbase while showcasing material from their latest record .While Andrea only learned through our interview that their Good Things set was hailed as one of the festival’s best, he says the decision to return was driven by a mix of unfinished business and excitement around new music. “We don’t come there so often because of distance and cost,” he explains, “but we know we have a very solid fan base, so we couldn’t wait to be back” .The tour also marks a rare opportunity for the band to fully immerse themselves in Australia again, something Andrea describes as uniquely special compared to touring Europe or the US.“When we’re there, I really feel I’m somewhere else,” he says, noting the landscapes, cities, and wildlife that make each visit memorable .With new songs primed for the live stage and long-awaited headline shows ahead, Lacuna Coil’s Australian return promises to be a powerful start to the year.Tickets:  https://www.destroyalllines.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

For Thrice drummer Riley Breckenridge, returning to Australia is never just another tour stop, it’s a highlight etched deep into the band’s history. From their earliest visits alongside Hot Water Music and Alkaline Trio to their most recent run in 2023, Australian audiences have consistently left a lasting impression. “The crowd response blew our minds,” Breckenridge recalls, noting that no matter the venue size, the enthusiasm has never faded.This upcoming tour sees Thrice bringing Horizons West to Australian stages for the first time, a record shaped by reconnection both musically and physically. Unlike Horizons East that was written remotely, West was crafted together in the same room, allowing the band to focus on how songs would translate live. The result, Breckenridge says, is some of their strongest live material in years.That sense of evolution also extends to Thrice’s legacy. Revisiting The Artist in the Ambulance has given the songs new life, refined by decades of growth while retaining their emotional urgency. “A lot of it has aged like a fine wine,” he reflects.With a setlist spanning over two decades, Breckenridge promises a cohesive, dynamic journey that honours the past while celebrating where Thrice are now. As always, Australia remains central to that story. Riley even shared that he'd move here if he could and if he does you can thank me for encouraging him to do so, so that his family can witness kookaburra's first hand.Tickets: https://sbmpresents.com/tour/thrice-2026Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Set to bring their monstrous headline show to Australian shores next month, Michigan metalcore titans We Came As Romans return to Australia in support of their new album All is Beautiful.. Because We're Doomed, joined by very special guests Caskets (UK) and Headwreck. They will also be performing at Life’s A Beach, the first-ever curated summer event by Polaris will take place at the Riviera Beach Club in St Kilda, joined by a stacked array of talent.Stepping into view in 2009 via their debut album To Plant a Seed, We Came As Romans have remained a powerful force of sharp melodies, thick guitars, grooves and unwavering positivity in the face of an uncertain world. Between countless sold out shows, over 250 million streams, seven studio albums and ongoing critical acclaim, We Came As Romans relentlessly forge ahead with a sonic blend that spans metalcore, post-harcore, electronic hues at times and an urgency that captivates in any and every live setting.Traversing tragedy and tenacity along the way, the band returned with gusto in 2025 with the recent release of their seventh studio album All Is Beautiful…Because We're Doomed; the band's second studio album since the tragic passing of their brother Kyle Pavone, and a collection of tracks that wrestles with the highs and lows of humanity.In a live setting, We Came As Romans have spent their storied career touring with some of the giants of the scene, spanning Bring Me The Horizon, I Prevail, The Used, Sleeping With Sirens, Parkway Drive and countless others, with WCAR performing down under most recently in 2023 which marked their first Aussie performances since 2015.HEAVY sat down to chat with frontman Andrew Glass ahead of this months tour to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Melbourne’s high energy rockers, XCalibre release their brand new album, X, today! Born from grit, fire, and raw emotion, XCalibre are a powerhouse rock trio from Melbourne, Australia, blending hard-hitting riffs with cinematic energy and heartfelt storytelling.XCalibre channel life’s chaos, resilience, and redemption into every note, crafting songs that hit as hard emotionally as they do sonically. Their music fuses modern hard rock intensity with classic influences, creating a sound that’s both anthemic and deeply personal.To celebrate the release of X, the band have released their most touching yet enormous song to date. Lights and Sound. With a feeling evoking the epic melodies of Lanterns by Birds of Tokyo, Lights and Sound is, as frontman Dan Marazita explains, "inspired by a big chapter from earlier in life and the need for closure. The song explores what it feels like to stand at the edge of change. Looking back on a meaningful connection, recognising that people grow in different directions and stepping forward without bitterness.It’s reflective, emotional and grounded in respect. Sonically, it strips back the big riffs but holds onto Xcalibre’s emotional core and melody. Even without the heaviness, it still feels massive.”HEAVY's Angela Croudace spoke with Marazita to find out more.X also features the unstoppable House Of Pain and Gravity (Through It All), which features DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) and Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.), and was recorded at Matt Sorum’s studio in Los Angeles. X is out now via XMusic: https://lnk.to/HHI9cxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

COPPERHEAD are a three-piece heavy rock/metal band from North-West Tasmania, delivering a powerful no-nonsense sound that punches well beyond their years.Fronted by Charlie Wicks (15) on guitar and vocals, alongside Nate Starkey (16) on bass and Charlie Williams (19) on drums, Copperhead already show the chemistry and focus of a band built for bigger stages. Despite their young age, their sound is confident, aggressive, and unapologetically heavy and wearing their influences like a badge of honour, unashamedly drawing from the power and grit of bands such as Metallica, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and even flashes of early Silverchair.After travelling to Melbourne to record with producer Tyson Fish (Mammal, Vance Joy), the band went on to dominate at the Rock Challenge in Tasmania, the state’s elite school band competition, taking out both their heat and the state finals in the high school division.Their debut single Mortal Souls delivered hard-hitting riffs and relentless energy and quickly racking up thousands of streams across Spotify, establishing Copperhead as one of Tasmania’s most exciting emerging heavy acts.Now gearing up for the release of their new single Public Indecency, Copperhead continue to push an old-school rock/metal sound with a modern edge. Early listeners have already described the track as something that “could fit perfectly on Metallica’s Black Album.”Both songs have been co-written with Australian punk band Captives and Public Indecency is shaping up to be a defining moment, not just for the band, but for the next generation of Tasmanian heavy music.HEAVY caught up for a chat with all three band members ahead of Friday's release and start by ask how they are feeling just a couple of days out."We're extremely excited," drummer Charlie Williams exclaimed. "We've had this song in the files for months now and we've just been so eager to it out to the world. And now it's finally happening and it's going to be out next week."Public Indecency follows Copperhead's debut single Mortal Souls, and we ask the boys what their thought process was when deciding which song to lead with."We released Mortal Souls first because we thought it was just a good way to really show people who we are," Williams replied. "But Public Indecency is our favorite out of the two songs. We kind of wanted to hold off on releasing the better song because people are going to be surprised on how different it is musically. Mortal Souls is just a thrash it out, fucking just go hard all the time, and Public Indecency is also that in a way, but it's a lot more like… I don't even know how to describe it (laughs)."In the full interview, Copperhead spoke more about Public Indecency and how it represents them as a band. They talked about the title and subject matter, emphasing the need to have fun with your music whenever possible.The band spoke about their youth and love for old school rock and metal, recording in Melbourne, co-writing both songs with Captives, album and tour plans and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Words and Interview by Kyra JadeThis is NOT a drill. Karnivool has gifted us a new album - In Verses - after a cool 13 years carefully curating each song. Spoiler alert, it’s every bit as magical as you are imaging!  Just like Karnivool I’m from Perth myself and have always carried this sense of pride and connection to the band through their music. Sometimes it feels like you are isolated away from the rest of the world in W.A so to see a band from there successfully take on the rest of Australia and then the world is nothing short of amazing.  Now, nothing really gets me more excited than a message from my boss Kris at HEAVY MAG that says ‘You’re a big Karnivool fan, right?’. Whatever it is, yes count me in. Before I knew it, I was locked in for an interview on my lunch break from my work ute the following Monday. The makings of a true interviewer I've since been told… thus starting the first of my His-Vis interview series.Monday rolls around and it's time to dig in and see what’s been going on in the Karnivool camp! What was the moment they decided it was ‘time’ to put it all together and release the music that’s been burning a hole in their pocket for so long? I'll take the chance to fire away all the questions that have been burning a hole in my pockets for years too! Lucky for me the man with all the answers, frontman Ian Kenny, just entered my Zoom and I couldn't be more excited to hear what he has to say.We took a walk down memory lane and reflected on releasing their 2001 debut EP Persona. Mostly I was curious to know if they would, or have, played it live cover-to-cover and Ian's reaction was pretty much 'Shut it down' 😂 - deeming it an 'interesting conversation' at most'. Does this mean Persona has become the ugly step kid put in the corner? Fade off the EP was my gateway drug to Karnivool and as far as debuts go, they smashed onto the scene with songs that were humbly created in their parent's back shed without the young lads realising that they have just started to build the foundations on which they stand on today.Karnivool's lyrics are deep and I wanted to take the opportunity to peak into the creative process and what it looks like building a song. Has the formula changed from their last album? Ian's answer was a great insight into harnessing his creativity to navigate his wonderful & intellectually complex mind. He confessed 'I find writing challenging because the music is so obscure I get lost and have to pull myself out again‘. I couldn’t help but think to myself, ‘Well, that’s fitting, because when I listen to Karnivool I find myself in an almost trans like state - lost in the music too.'Although sometimes the lyrics that came through didn't exactly make sense to Ian at the time, as the years went by he began to resonate and connect with their intended meanings. Music is such a powerful tool and for musicians, it's pretty much being their diary. It's a beautiful journey of discovery that I can only imagine would feel like a gift from the 'past you' patiently waiting to reveal it's true meaning when the time is right.‘Trying to find pure flow state where you would unearth things from your subconscious and some of that shits important because you don’t know what it means most the time and then after the fact it really comes to how you are living or what are you doing, and you think... how does that line up now?’ This interview was so much fun. I can’t thank Ian Kenny enough for having a good laugh with me and being open to sharing his personal experiences and stories from over the years. You always hope that your hero's are everything you want them to be in 'real life' and I feel so lucky on this occasion to be greeted by a friendly face that seamlessly gave way to a conversation I wish could have gone for hours. Hope you enjoy the full interview. Until next time, legends!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Live Nation are bringing iconic Canadian band The Tea Party back to Australia next month (February), bringing a unique live experience to our shores with the Elements Tour, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the band.Performing five shows in Australia, The Tea Party explore a new live musical theme around Elements, with Symphony shows in Melbourne and Sydney aligned to wind, and rock shows in Thirroul, Brisbane and Adelaide aligned to fire. In both formats, The Tea Party will be playing a set that features their greatest hits.The Fire shows will feature the three-piece tour de force fans are very familiar with, while the Wind show will bring a new dynamic to the live shows with The Tea Party accompanied by a fifty-piece Orchestra. Conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams, Hamer Hall in Melbourne will play host to The Tea Party with Orchestra Victoria, while the iconic Opera House in Sydney will feature a performance with The Metropolitan Orchestra and mark the rock outfit's first performance at the famed Opera House.HEAVY sat down with frontman Jeff Martin to discuss the intricacies of the tour, starting with a breakdown on the two differing shows."Well, the fire part is basically…" he measured. "There's going to be three standalone rock shows where it's just the three of us on stage doing what we do best. If you've ever seen the Tea Party live, it's a very, very powerful experience. It's very emotional because the roller coaster that we take the audience on. It can be some of the heaviest music and then some of the most romantic, gentle moments as well.So it really travels the whole kaleidoscope of the emotional spectrum. But then there's the wind elements of the tour as well. We are going to be playing one of the seven wonders of the world, the Sydney Opera House, with the symphony. And we're also doing the home of classical music here in Australia at Hamer Hall in Melbourne with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. We've done symphonies before, and it's always been a great success, but it's an honour to play one of the most iconic iconic buildings in the world."In the full interview, Jeff talks more about the opposing musical forces of nature with the Wind and Fire elements of the tour, taking us deeper into the mechanics of playing with an orchestra and the level of commitment required to make it work and how different the set lists will be between elements.He highlighted the different emotions he gets from playing a full rock show as opposed to an orchestral performance, 35 years of The Tea Party and his personal journey, future plans and more.Tickets for all shows: https://www.livenation.com.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Simon Russell-WhiteVideography and editing by Rashid AlKamraikhiMetallic hardcore punk band Better Lovers are currently in the country for their Aussie live debut tour, joined by special guests Split Chain and Blind Girls. After tearing it up around the world for the last two years, and dropping the absolutely killer 2024 album Highly Irresponsible, the legends are finally hitting Australia for some massive shows and HEAVY had the pleasure of chatting with the band before the first show of the tour in Brisbane.But first, have a read of part of reviewer/interviewer Simon Russel-White's thoughts after the show..."Collectively Better Lovers crushed Crowbar, and having no barrier made for an all out old school crowd surfing bonanza, having positioned my 42 year old self in front of bassist Stephen Micciche I was soon reminded of the roughness that had already ensued, as a result my left eye now has a Frank-N-Furteresk look about it, but no complaints here as I will wear this ‘shiner’ with pride as it’s a small price for admission for what was witnessed."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Simon Russell-WhiteVideography and editing by Rashid AlKamraikhiThere’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly when in the company of Split Chain: “The Chain does what it wants”. As mantras go, it’s used by the Bristol, UK quintet as a means of encapsulating the broad-minded, unconstrained creative freedom with which they approach their art, as well as a means through which to try to make sense of the sky-rocketing trajectory the band have found themselves on.Call it instinct, fate, divine intervention, whatever – the whims of ‘The Chain’ have led to a moment where one thing is abundantly clear: Split Chain are one of the hottest, zeitgeist-capturing new bands in the world.In Australia right now on tour with Better Lovers, this is Split Chains first ever trip Down Under, and this is what HEAVY reviewer and conductor of this interview, Simon Russell-White, thought of their live performance in Brisbane..."It’s currently 6° Celsius in Bristol, UK, this being the hometown of English rockers Split Chain. If the hot and humid weather in Queensland bothered anyone on stage, then they sure didn’t show it. Split Chain delivers a heavy and emotive set, emotive in the way of musical notation and all out deep feels. Singer “Bert” Martinez-Cowles voice sails through the PA system as the band cruises through their eclectic tracks including stand out (for me) ‘who am i?’ drawing serious attention and crowd participation.It’s been a whirlwind two plus years for the lads, from playing small hometown shows, to signing with Epitaph soon after now Bert, Jake, Oliver, Tom and Aaron have embarked on their first ever Australian tour, and tonight’s show along with Better Lovers is their first here in the land of Oz. It was special, and the reception the quintet received will surely see them return very soon!"With three shows left in Melbourne, Belgrave and Adelaide be sure to catch this epic line-up for yourself.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Hailing from the city of Bergen, Norway, Slomosa channel the sprawl of their surroundings through a sweeping signature hybrid of revved-up stoner rock riffage, grungy hooks, and a concentrated punk wallop. As if holding up a sonic mirror image to the landscape, an avalanche of distortion tumbles into valleys of massive melody, teeming with tectonic force. Dubbed Tundra Rock, Slomosa love the term so much they named their most recent album after the title.“‘Tundra Rock’ is ‘Desert Rock’ in our terms,” frontman Benjamin Berdous observes. “A desert doesn’t have to be warm. If you think about it, the biggest desert in the world is Antarctica. In this respect, the tundra is our desert. We thought it would be cool to coin a genre, and it’s stuck to us. You could certainly say the grandiosity of nature is evident in the songs.”Nearly ten years ago, Ben planted the seeds for Slomosa as a “casual excuse to drink beer, smoke, and play rock music with friends.” Without pressure or expectations, songs naturally took shape under the influence of everyone from Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and Sleep to Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Soundgarden. The band’s 2020 eponymous debut, SLOMOSA, has piled up over 10 million streams fueled by Kevin, In My Mind’s Desert, There Is Nothing New Under The Sun, and Horses. With Tundra Rock further cementing Slomosa amongst rocks elite, HEAVY felt it was time to have a chat with these legends in the makings ourselves. We start by asking if Tundra Rocks was received as well as the band had hoped."Yeah, and even more," Benjamin smiled. "It's the hard second album, the difficult second album. So I mean, it was excitement around it. And you never know. You never know what the reception will be like, And we released it on some new labels as well. So, yeah, it was all not nerve wracking, but of course, excited. But after a day or two, it became pretty clear that the reception was good. And yeah, I'm very pleased with how it went."Whispers have been circulating of late about Slomosa finally making their way to Australia, so, attempting to put rumours to rest, we ask Benjamin straight out if they are true."It might be…" he grinned. "We definitely want to come to Australia and New Zealand. We get a lot of messages from people down there. So that's definitely something that we have to do. And yeah, it does look like there might be some news on the horizon, but I can't say much more than that."In the full interview, Benjamin reflected more on the success of Slomosa's second album, Tundra Rock, released in September 2024, noting the challenges of following up a successful debut and the evolution of the band's sound over the years. He introduced the term "Tundra Rock" to describe their unique musical style, influenced by desert rock bands, and discussed the balance between touring and songwriting.He highlighted how the band aims to innovate while maintaining their identity, with plans for future projects, including a sludge album. We discussed the blending of genres in Slomosa's music and how they get the balance right in the creative process, the early days of the band, touring Australia and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Gold Coast hard rock outfit Hammers have always been a band who put themselves and their music first, even to the point of possible self harm. They have steadfastly refused to follow convention or fall into the mass-produced assembly line of artists currently making up the fringes of major record labels, instead lurking further back in the shadows and biding their time.The release of their debut EP Homeblokes in 2018, and a sophomore 2020 EP Kicking Goals, saw Hammers entrench themselves in the ears and minds of a faithful following, but despite a chorus of concerns about capitalizing on their growing momentum Hammers continued to let their back catalogue of music and their volatile live performances steer their path. In a world where content was rapidly becoming King, Hammers again resisted the temptation to rush out a new release, toiling away in the background and nurturing the seeds that were to become their first full collection of songs to catapult Hammers into the next phase of their career.Not that rising through the proverbial ranks was, is, or ever will be top of Hammers agenda. It was more about taking the time to get things right for themselves. Give them something to set loose of the world free of burdens and expectations, or simply put, something that was good enough for them. And if its good enough for them then…HEAVY spent some time with Lucas Stone (vocals + guitar) and Ryan 'Ruckus' Lucas (drums) to dive deeper into the creation of their album Death Wobbles, which will be out on January 23. We start by asking if they still felt nervous going into the release of their debut full-length Death Wobbles, despite the fact Hammers have already built themselves a solid name and fanbase."I think I'm always, no matter what I do, an equal parts nervous and don't give a fuck what people think kind of person," Stone laughed. "As a writer I've been doing this a long time and Hammers haven't released a full-length album yet, but we did that strategically so we could grow as a band and become what we are. I think I'm excitingly nervous, bro. Essentially, as a band, the way it should be is you do it for yourselves. As much as you pass it on to the fans and whoever comes into your camp, over time you are essentially doing a selfish thing. So we're excited about what we've done, and we can't wait to get it out, but it's like just handing your kids over to a babysitter you don't know (laughs)."In the full interview, Stone and Ruckus highlighted Death Wobbles as a reflection of Hammers growth from their touring experiences and previous EPs. The discussion emphasized their commitment to authenticity and a desire to create unique music that challenges listeners. We spoke about not playing by the rules and the risks of alienation, as well as the burdens of expectation and commitment.The boys talked about their sound and finding the sonic balance to it, the opening track Apeshit and how it represents the full album, upcoming tours and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Rock stars in their homeland of Finland since their first album, Peep, went Gold when they were just 16 years old, The Rasmus have built a legacy that stretches across 11 albums. Their music and engaging approach to life have won them legions of fans the world over, but it was with last years chart topping release, Weirdo, that things came full circle for the band.Weirdo was a blast back to the roots of The Rasmus, tapping into the psyche of the underdog which has been the band's hallmark throughout. Underdogs, outcasts, and perceived weirdo's themselves, The Rasmus have stood up for the underdogs their whole career, even when the band became far from that themselves.The fact their have never set foot in Australia has not been lost on them or their fans. It is something that will be remedied later this month, as The Rasmus touch down in this country for three select shows. Frontman Lauri Ylönen joined HEAVY to talk more. We start by asking if he is packed and ready to go."No," he laughed. "I always pack like one hour before I leave, so I'm pretty used to doing that. But yeah, it's exciting. You know, the first time can always happen once. And now, after a couple of decades, we are coming over to play there, which is kind of sad that it didn't happen before. But, you know, it's happening now, and we're happy. We're going to play quite intimate shows in these rather small clubs, so I'm expecting that to be really good. We've been playing this tour with this album for three months now, and the band is in really good shap,e and we're having an incredible feeling within the band, and now hitting smaller clubs… it's gonna be really intense. And it's going to be really interesting to finally meet these fans that have been writing and contacting us on social media for years and years. It's going to be so emotional."In the full interview, Lauri spoke more about the tour and what to expect. Reflecting on the band's three-decade journey, he noted that themes of individuality and feeling like a "weirdo" remain central to their music. Lauri also mentioned the positive reception of their latest album, "Weirdo," and confirmed plans to enter the studio for new music after the tour, aiming to evolve while remaining true to their roots and more.Fri, Jan 30: The Triffid, BrisbaneSat, Jan 31: Manning Bar, SydneySun, Feb 1: Max Watts, MelbourneTix: https://thephoenix.au/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT has jumped headlong into 2026 with the January 16 release of their first-ever live album, LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY via Better Noise Music. To coincide with the album, the band is bringing the track Stay Weird to cinematic life as well.“‘Stay Weird’ has always been our love letter to the beautifully strange souls who’ve supported this band from day one,” declares frontman Lee Jennings. “Hearing The Coffin Crew scream it back at us in Atlanta during our Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting was unreal. That night captured everything we stand for—individuality, belonging, and the freedom to be exactly who you are. I’m beyond excited that this live album lets the world feel that energy.”On LIVE FROM SUFFOCATE CITY, fans are invited to step inside the chaos and catharsis of THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s first-ever Suffocate City Town Hall Meeting, captured live from their sold-out hometown show at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA in 2025. The exclusive Blu-ray documents the band’s legendary performance in front of a packed house of diehard fans. It’s a thrilling night of raw emotion, high-energy theatrics, and fan-favourite anthems.Frontman Jennings joined HEAVY to tell us more. We start by asking why now is the right time to release a live album."I don't know…," he measured. "I think I just wanted something… I wanted something when we were ready, right? Because a lot of bands don't even do live records any more, and for me, growing up, that was such a big thing. I wanted that. I wanted to see a band live. And especially our band, we're very, very theatrical and over the top. So I wanted to bring that on stage and show it to everyone."In the full interview, Lee discussed the upcoming release of Live from Suffocate City in greater detail, highlighting the challenges of producing a live record that authentically captures the atmosphere of their performances, including audience interactions and background sounds. He expressed a desire to evolve the set list by focusing on songs that resonate with his current emotions, despite potential backlash from fans regarding the removal of older tracks.The conversation also covered plans for an upcoming concert where they will perform the album in its entirety, accompanied by a Blu-ray release featuring dynamic footage filmed with 12 cameras. Lee shared insights on the band's success following the release of Greetings from Suffocate City in September 2024, mentioning plans for a potential tour in Australia and the challenges of touring while emphasizing their commitment to engaging with fans and expanding their international presence and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Kansas City atmospheric prog-rock band A Light Within returned late last year with their haunting new single Dying Clock, marking their first new single since 2024’s Identity and the next step in their slow-burning creative evolution. Known for their dark, atmospheric soundscapes and cinematic songwriting, the band remains a must-listen for fans of Porcupine Tree, Failure, Katatonia, Tool, and Pink Floyd.Dying Clock arrived as the band continues rebuilding after a turbulent few years. A Light Within carefully crafted the track throughout 2025 and enlisted Failure drummer Kelli Scott to add his signature sound during the session. The song, clocking in at just over nine minutes, wastes no time and takes the listener on an auditory journey with an ending that even the most discerning post-rock and metal fans will appreciate. Bass on the track comes courtesy of Madelyn Robertson. Their last full release, Epilogue in 2018, concluded a conceptual trilogy built from transcribed diary entries and was recorded by respected engineer Paul Malinowski (Season to Risk, Shiner, The Life and Times) and mastered by Acle Kahney of TesseracT.Kyle Brandt (vocals, keys, production) and Jeff Irvine (guitar) joined HEAVY to bring us up to speed."It's been well received so far, and I'm glad to hear that," Kyle smiled when we asked how the new single was received. "That keeps the motivation strong and healthy. Even though mainly we make music for ourselves, when anybody else enjoys it, it's like icing on the cake, so to speak."We ask the boys to take us deeper into the musical side of Dying Clock."It kind of started as a jam in the room, and then it got to not very far," Jeff laughed. "And Kyle took that room recording and made a really killer demo out of it, like fully structured it out. We had an idea of wanting it to be two songs in one song type thing, a song with two parts, if you will. And he did that, and it was really cool. I came over and did some demo guitar recordings on it, fully digital, which I had never done. He had me kicking and screaming to pull me into that direction. But I did it. And some of those guitar tracks are still on the demo or on the song now."In the full interview, Jeff and Kyle shared insights into the creative process behind their songs, highlighting the contributions of drummer Kelli Scott (Failure), whose unique style transformed their sound. They emphasized a shift towards a more independent writing approach, with a focus on emotional expression rather than technicality, resulting in a blend of post-rock and melodic prog rock influences. The conversation also touched on the challenges of adapting to remote recording during the COVID-19pandemic, as well as the transition from analogue to digital production methods. Kyle discussed his previous work, a conceptual trilogy inspired by the album Posthumous Silence, and shared personal anecdotes related to his songwriting and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Melbourne-based rockers Sisters Doll have always been a band who value their support base. From driving 30 hours to play a handful of shows in Far North Queensland to playing on the open waters of America as part of the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, Sisters Doll have never lost sight of who they are and where they come from.Which is why it came as a bit of a surprise to hear the band have not toured here in their own backyard on a larger scale for a couple of years, but that is about to be rectified when Sisters Doll hit the road for the Good Day To Be Alive 2026 Tour, starting in Melbourne on January 31. It is being touted as their biggest Australian headline tour to date, and promises to reinvigorate the Doll Army, who have been waiting patiently for a fresh dose of one of the finest rock acts currently touring this country.With the tour only a matter of weeks away, HEAVY spoke with frontman Brennan Mileto to find out more."We haven't done an Australian tour for so long," he almost apologised. "We've been overseas a lot of times. We've been to America. We had our first UK tour last year. Obviously, we've gone up to Sydney occasionally and done the odd Sydney show, but we haven't actually gone to all of the other states since 2023. So we kind of thought it's time, you know, we probably should have done it last year when the album dropped, but obviously logistically it just didn't happen."In the full interview, we discussed the upcoming Australian tour, which begins in Melbourne on January 31, emphasising the band's excitement to reconnect with fans after an unusually long hiatus. Brennan highlighted the positive reception of their re-released song Good Day To Be Alive and the success of their last album, Scars, while hinting at a heavier sound for their next project.The conversation also touched on fan dedication, with Brennan sharing stories about fans getting tattoos of their favourite artists and his own memorable experience performing with his idol, Ace Frehley. We talked about Sisters Doll's live show and what to expect, how it has changed over the years, the 16th anniversary of the band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Archspire vocalist Oliver “Oli” Alleron is clearly excited about returning to Australia, with the band set to tour in January. From his love of Australian crowds to his unexpected obsession with The Block, Oliver speaks warmly about the country, its food, and its famously outgoing fans. He recalls being blown away by the sheer number of shoeys happening on stage during their last visit, and hints they may make a return. With a new drummer joining the line-up and a freshly self-produced album funded largely by fans, Archspire are entering an exciting new chapter. Oliver admits perfection isn’t the goal live; having fun, staying relaxed, and connecting with the crowd matters most. Check out everything he had to say in the full interview.Archspire - Return To Prison Island Australian Tour  with Aborted and OrganectomyJan 24 - Froth & Fury PerthJan 27 - The Croxton, MelbourneJan 28 - The Triffid, BrisbaneJan 29 at The Baso, CanberraJan 30 - Liberty Hall, SydneyJan 31 - Froth & Fury Adelaidehttps://swdpresents.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

With the worldwide excitement around the recently completed European tour, GRAMMY®-winning, progressive music titans Dream Theater have announced their 40th Anniversary Tour 2026 leg for Australia. The tour will be An Evening With Dream Theater and will be the first tour of Australia since drummer Mike Portnoy’s return to the lineup, joining vocalist James LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci, and keyboardist Jordan Rudess.Simultaneously, these five old friends enter a bold new era fuelled by some of the most focused, formidable, and fiery music of their career. They’re harnessing the memories of the past and the promise of the future in order to make the most of the present. Ultimately, the group’s sixteenth full-length album, Parasomnia [Inside Out Music/Sony Music], represents both where they came from and where they’re going as not only bandmates, but as brothers. HEAVY spent some time with Rudess to find out more.In the interview, we spoke about the band's upcoming Australian tour in February 2026, marking their first tour with Mike Portnoy on drums in 15 years. Jordan highlighted Portnoy's significant contributions to the band's sound and described how his return has enhanced their live performances with his unique skills as a drummer and creative director. The tour will kick off in Adelaide on February 10 and conclude in Brisbane on February 15th, following a year-long world tour.Jordan discussed joining Dream Theater after playing with John and Mike in Liquid Tension Experiment, initially declining the offer before later accepting it. He described the transition as a significant life change, noting the differences between Liquid Tension's open creative style and Dream Theater's structured approach, as well as the band's international fan base and media presence. He discussed the challenges of joining Dream Theater, a band known for its distinct sound and brand identity. He acknowledged that while the band is not strictly limited to three-chord rock, there is an expectation to remain true to the established style that fans appreciate. Jordan noted that while the band has evolved over time, there is a balance between innovation and respecting the band's heritage.Jordan explained that Dream Theater's appeal lies in their ability to combine technical virtuosity with emotional depth, creating music that appeals both to serious musicians and general audiences. He noted that the band's shows often feature accessible melodies that engage fans, as demonstrated by their experiences performing in Italy where audiences sing along and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Ali WilliamsIf there were a Frequent Flyer program for alternative rock bands visiting Australia, Anberlin would have Platinum for life. In this sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud podcast throwdown, HEAVY's Ali Williams checks in with Anberlin’s resident rhythm wizard, Nate Young—straight from muggy Florida to the Gold Coast—about their upcoming Aussie invasion, a band that keeps dodging retirement like it’s a game of whack-a-mole, and why their passports deserve a spot in the ARIA Hall of Fame. Anberlin are rolling in with a brand-new frontman, a rebooted classic album, and a fan base that’s as loyal (and occasionally unhinged) as a Queensland summer. With headline shows locked in, for An Emo Extravaganza presented by Destroy All Lines, Anberlin aren’t just making another comeback—they’re turning it into an art form. It’s official: Anberlin is heading back to Oz in February 2026, and if anyone knows how to party like it’s 2005, it’s these guys. After racking up at least a dozen prior Australian jaunts, “I keep throwing around 12 or 13,” Nate confesses, they’re still genuinely excited—borderline addicted—to our beaches, weather, and, let’s be honest, fans who go harder than the humidity in a long hot Oz summer. On this tour, Anberlin will be hitting Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, with a power-packed line-up including Cartel, This Wild Life, and Hot Chelle Rae. Yes, they’re headlining, and yes, it’s going to be loud. Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, they’re also landing at the Froth and Fury Festival, so get ready for an emotional, sweaty sing-along with thousands of other kids who still pretend they’re 22 at heart. What’s a reunion tour without a twist? This time, Anberlin’s dusting off their classic album Never Take Friendship Personal—but giving it a fresh coat of paint thanks to new frontman Matty Mullins. After re-recording the album with Matty's pipes - “just to give fans a way to hear what these songs are going to sound like with him singing” - Nate admits the switch wasn’t exactly easy street—“switching out a singer is not easy and usually just doesn’t work… but we’re thankful fans seem to be cool with it.” And if any hardcore purists complain? Well, that’s just part of being a band with a pulse. Mullins isn’t just a newbie, either—he grew up a genuine Anberlin fan. Nate grins, “He’s an absolutely ripping singer and just a good frontman, really positive energy for us.” The new era isn’t just a reboot—it’s evolution, and for Anberlin it’s proof you can keep relevant by daring to change (instead of fading into permanent hiatus, or, worse, nostalgia-bloated obscurity). The pair get real about age, confidence, and what it means to be an “alternative rock” band in a post-genre world. For Nate, growing up in the spotlight since he was 14 means he’s learned not to sweat the small stuff (or the labels). “Time is a construct,” he deadpans, “so none of it matters.” Emo, alt-rock, post-hardcore—whatever you call it, Anberlin’s brand of high-octane anthems and gratitude-fuelled stage presence hasn’t aged a day. From message boards to TikTok, Nate reflects on the perks (and weirdness) of being able to actually connect with fans now—sometimes for better, sometimes for audacity that’s usually… for sure, or respectfully if you will. Still, he wouldn’t trade the chaos of social media for the pre-Internet “mystique” of old: “It’s given us a connection with our fans that’s really special.” Anberlin are back in Australia in February 2026, headlining shows in the main capitals, a big set at Froth and Fury Festival, and an all-new take on Never Take Friendship Personal that’ll remind you why this band has lasted the distance. And in true Anberlin fashion, they’re not slowing down or growing up quietly—just growing better, louder, and a hell of a lot wiser. Tickets and event info at official outlets—don’t snooze, or you’ll be stuck watching old clips on TikTok, wondering why you missed the reunion of the year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Ali WilliamsIf you think the wildest part of touring is the fans, you’ve clearly never tried to drive a truck through an American winter. HEAVY caught up with Matty Mullins—frontman, ice-road survivor, and Memphis May Fire’s resident optimist—while he was holed up in Salt Lake City after some “eventful” /white-knuckle drives that would’ve had most people praying to whatever rock gods they believe in. Turns out, touring with Memphis May Fire is less “luxury tour bus” and more ‘Frostpunk on wheels’. Memphis May Fire will be returning Down Under with BLESSTHEFALL in April 2026. Matty’s racking up more frequent flyer miles than your average travel vlogger, but in his words, “we owed our Australian fans a proper return after too long away". As a regular coming to Australia so often, he might as well apply for citizenship and start calling Vegemite “delicious” with a straight face. Whilst he assured me there will be no pyrotechnic awesomeness or indoor fireworks this time—(insurance companies everywhere just collectively sighed in relief), the band’s packing a new setlist, bigger production, and some mates from Blessthefall. The only thing going up in flames will be the crowd’s energy and maybe a box of your possessions you left at an unhinged ex’s place. Matty laughs off the chaos, proving he’s either a genuinely chill dude or just totally numb to tour madness at this point. “I never, ever know what day it is,” he laughs. Touring sounds glamorous, right up until you’re living out of a suitcase and arguing with the GPS about which patch of ice to die on next. For Matty, it’s been night after night of long, snowy drives and just enough adrenaline to keep things interesting. What keeps Memphis May Fire alive after years of this chaos? Stubbornness, a refusal to quit, and the knowledge that some maniac on the internet will have a hot take on whatever you do anyway. Matty’s refreshingly honest about the ups, the downs, and the sheer weirdness that comes with being in a band in 2025. There’s no pretending it’s all sunshine and sold-out shows—but there’s a hell of a lot of laughter along the way. Every touring band has wild stories, but Matty’s “unhinged moment” takes the cake (and probably an earlobe). He tells of a band trip to a South African wildlife preserve, one overly friendly baby leopard, and a bass player who learns the hard way what “bite force” means. The aftermath? Paper towels, disinfectant spray, and a new story to explain at airport security. Scar stories: not just for mosh pits. He gives a few hints about what’s in the pipeline for Memphis May Fire—new music, surprise setlists. He doesn’t spill everything, but has promised that they're bringing something new and exciting the second time around, and those who saw them recently won't be disappointed because it's not going to be just a repeat of their last shows, so watch this space! Memphis May Fire are still out there, still grinding, still finding new ways to laugh at the madness. Get to a show, bring the good vibes, and maybe offer to drive the van if it snows. Tickets for Memphis May Fire’s next Australian tour are going fast—for all the details and your backstage pass, head to https://thephoenix.au/memphis-may-fire-2026/, and maybe, just maybe, send Matty a warm pair of socks. Catch you in the pit, or over at the bar.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.