Interview by Kris PetersMusic lovers and fans of blackened death metal outfit Sinsaenum had their pain tempered somewhat earlier this year when Joey Jordison's drum tech and personal friend, Andre Joyzi, was announced as the drummer to fill the void left by Jordison in the band.It was a romantic and logical choice to not only continue Jordison's legacy, but also to carry Sinsaenum into the exciting future they have always been destined for. But amid the public scrutiny and acceptance, Joyzi suddenly found himself answering to demons of his own when personal doubts and the weight of public expectation quickly replaced the sense of loss and grief that had dominated both the musical landscape and the waking thoughts of a person who had lost more than a friend. He had also lost a mentor, a muse, and someone who had played a major role in his musical journey.Despite his best efforts to concentrate on the future, Joyzi found himself living in the past, unable to fully embrace the plethora of options and possibilities that had now attached themselves to his life. What should have been a time for celebration, Joyzi's newfound path left him feeling vulnerable, lost, and perhaps a little scared. His grief became a walking time bomb with no thought for rhyme or reason, while the world around him seemed to move on.Now, for the first time, Joyzi is ready to share his story with the world. Share his feelings, but more importantly, purge his grief. A long-time friend of Joyzi's, HEAVY found ourselves in the unique position of being one of the outlets for his pain. A pain that also affected fans as far out as Australia, and one which needed to be discussed openly. Needed to be discussed without judgment. And needed to be voiced out loud. The result was a deeply personal and emotional interview for both parties, and one which Joyzi has granted permission for us to share with you.Like most drummers of the modern generation, Andre Joyzi was heavily influenced by Joey Jordison in his formative years behind the kit. But, as fate would have it, Joyzi would one day get to do the unthinkable for many aspiring musicians when he got to not only meet the man who had helped forge his path in music, but also work with and alongside that same person. It was a journey that quickly transformed into a friendship, but looking back on the day that in many ways changed his future, Joyzi still has that same twinkle in his eye that must have caught the attention and trust of Joey Jordison when they first met back in 2018 after Joyzi accepted the highly sought after position as Jordison's drum tech in Sinsaenum."It was in France on the first pre-production day of rehearsal for Sinsaenum's tour," Joyzi recalled, his eyes smiling almost as brightly as his lips. "I arrived and the band was already in the rehearsal space. When I got there Fred (Leclercq, who Joyzi had worked previously with in Dragonforce) came out and looked at me. We never really talked too much about the factor as in, 'oh my God, you're going to work with Joey' (laughs). It was just like, okay, I'm going to go and do my job. I was the tour manager as well, so I couldn't really let Joey know that I was a huge fan. That was the top priority. I kept telling myself on the whole journey that, as the tour manager, Joey cannot know that you're a huge fanboy. So I got there and I'm outside the room with my bags and Fred comes out and he just looked at me and he said, he's over there.I'm nervous as fuck to meet my hero but thought all right, here I go, and then I just walked in. I started speaking to Joey like I didn't know who he was. 'Hey, man. So how's it going? Let's set up your drums', and he was just really nice and easy to do everything with. So, yeah, I perfectly remember. We started setting up his drums straight away, just him and I, talking like two normal people.This process took two or three hours, and I was already past the, 'okay, I've just met my hero part' so I was in work mode. I said, 'Joey, do you mind sitting there and trying it? Trying your kit?' And he did and I remember I was looking somewhere else and Joey hit the snare and immediately I felt like, holy fuck, this is the guy I've been listening to my whole life. This is Joey Jordison! I can try to hit the snare - anyone in the world, you can hit the snare - but you will not sound like Joey. So at that moment I was like, 'fuck, this is the guy from all the Slipknot albums!' That was a really, really special moment, just unique. I'll never not be grateful for this opportunity."From there the relationship between Jordison and Joyzi became more personal, an inevitable friendship of two kindred spirits forged by time spent on the road together and a common love for music. Which is what made Jordison's passing in 2021 so much harder for Joyzi who had lost more than a collegue. He had also lost a close friend, ally and confidant. Respectfully, we ask Joyzi to describe Jordison as a person and what having him in his life meant."When I met Joey he had already gone through a lot," Joyzi recalled, his gaze distant. "By the time I met him he had had his years in Slipknot and been on top of the world. He had already left Slipknot and done a few other things and he was in a different place than that period. But essentially, he was the most positive person you could you could meet. It was all about love and he was a really friendly person. He knew that a small gesture from him meant the world to me or to any of his fans, and so he did it all the time. I think it was the first thing on his mind, making sure that if he could do something to make someone's day, he would. He was a really, really, really good person and he was incredibly passionate about music.If you wanted to get Joey talking bring up a name of a band - like Morbid Angel - and away you go (laughs). As a person he was a funny guy, with a great sense of humor, and his musical knowledge was incredible. Just a really positive person, really easy to work with. A lovely guy with a great heart and it's a very sad loss."Joyzi found himself in the unique position of having the best seat in the house to witness the spectacle that was Jordison's professionalism night after night. While his drumming will mean many different things to many different people, Joyzi put a large part of Jordison's universal appeal down to one factor."Personality," he replied without hesitation. "I think that is part of what's lacking in modern drummers; everyone sounds the same. (But) Joey sounds like Joey. That's it. He has his style. First of all, he revolutionized the world of metal drumming. Sometimes younger people may not know that, but Joey was the drummer that everyone my age looked up to. He changed the world of drumming.I was a nu metal basic drummer before I first heard Slipknot and immediately the goalposts changed by hearing Joey - and not just for me, but millions of people around the world. On the Sinsaenum tour I got a glimpse of what Joey's life was like. Every day, hundreds of fans wanted to tell him that they started playing drums because of him. You just cannot compare Joey to anyone else. He was a revolutionary drummer that changed metal drumming. But yeah, it was that moment when I heard him hit the snare for the first time… I think what was more special about his drumming is that he still sounded like himself. You know, that's what it is. But at the time he revolutionized metal by incorporating loads of different styles and doing things that hadn't been done until he came out."With Jordison's passing came a time for not only grief, but also reflection. Reflection on the man, his life, his legacy, and his music. Little thought or discussion was initially given to finding a replacement for him in Sinsaenum, with the mere suggestion that life could continue quickly as a band being incomprehensible. Such was the respect shown - and deserved - for Jordison that, for once, the rumour mills and speculations that generally surround the replacing of a fallen comrade in a band were rightfully quiet, with the decision on even if to continue being left to his bandmates without media scrutiny.When the news came in June 2025 that Sinsaenum would continue, it also came with the announcement of a new album - In Devastation - and a renewed commitment to do Jordison's life and memory proud. The man named to fill the void? Andre Joyzi.While the official announcement was welcomed by fans and peers the world over, the process of getting to that point was not easy for Sinsaenum or for Joyzi. It was never a matter of finding a fill in or like for like replacement. It was more about finding someone who could continue the upward trajectory of Sinsaenum while still paying respect to the band's original drummer. While it was not a decision made lightly by either the band nor Joyzi, it was one which Joyzi embraced with both hands, determined to pay homage to Jordison and his drumming in every conceivable way."To me there was no decision to be made," Joyzi shrugged. "The second Fred asked… all he said was, 'I wonder what Sinsaenum would sound like with you on drums'? But it was very complicated for me because the band wasn't auditioning other drummers. It was just either I can do it or I can't. And that was worse. I would rather lose to someone who's a better drummer than have a chance that's all yours and then you fuck it up (laughs).So I think there was a lot more pressure, but for me there was no decision to be made. I got the message from Fred and I said to myself, you either accomplish this, or you give up and you're a piece of shit. You're a useless drummer. So that's the standard I set, you're either a shit drummer or you got this and you put everything into that. So that's what I did and I immediately changed my life around it. I had help from my family, because it was during the pBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali WilliamsIf you thought punk rockers lived only for chaos, let Joey Cape of Lagwagon shatter that illusion—with a story or two about lawn bowling and beer in the sunshine. In a recent HEAVY podcast sit-down with Ali Williams, Joey offered up vintage Lagwagon charm, plenty of self-deprecating wit, and a clear message: after 34 years on the circuit, he and the crew are still stoked to be heading Down Under for another round of Australian mayhem. Joey barely remembers his first Australian tour in the mid-90s—blame it on time, touring, or maybe just the volume of beers shared with local mates like Melbourne’s One Inch Punch. These days, he jokes, it’s less punk bars and more dinner with friends (and, yes, the occasional barefoot lawn bowl). Apparently, there’s nothing quite like sizing up a crew of retirees on the green and wondering if you’re officially “the young guy” again. Lagwagon is hitting the Australian summer hard in late January, with a run that includes the Froth and Fury Festival and a string of headlining shows, before popping over to New Zealand and—on brand—wrapping up with some R&R in Hawaii. Joey’s bringing his partner along for the ride, so expect extra stories and possibly a few more lawn bowling anecdotes at the merch table. This tour is something of a “31st Anniversary” bash for their classic album Hoss (punk math: book a 30th, play the 31st, still call it a party). But, as Joey laughs, “Old albums are 30 minutes long—so you basically play the album, then two times more music just to make it a set.” Setlists? Lagwagon’s “text thread democracy” means every show gets a different flavour, with Joey confessing that every band’s got “that one guy who refuses to play that song.” Still, you’ll hear the fan-favourite May 16th—immortalized in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater—plus deep cuts for the diehards. Ever wondered about the real story behind May 16th? Joey lays it bare: it’s the date of his best mate’s wedding… that he wasn’t invited to, thanks to an unimpressed bride. Fast-forward: Joey stumbles onto the ceremony from a stranger’s window after a night out and channels heartbreak into punk rock legend. Decades on, the couple is now are divorced, and they’re mates again, and Joey declares, “Stick around long enough, you always win.” If you catch Lagwagon this tour, don’t expect a bunch of solemn, over-rehearsed rock stars. Lagwagon’s vibe is about enjoying the ride, whether it’s smashing out classics or just soaking up the sun. “The shows are always great—the band’s playing better than ever—but honestly, that’s the least interesting part. It’s everything else you look forward to.” Lagwagon hits Australia in late January, headlining Froth and Fury Festival (WA and SA) and shows across the country, then heading to New Zealand. Check local listings for details, pack your sunscreen, and maybe a bowling hat. Confirming that perseverance, a bit of stoic attitude, and a good sense of humour are the secrets to making it this far—both in punk and in life, Lagwagon are guaranteed to not disappoint, fans of old and those of new can expect some top shelf shows from these sublime legends. Tickets and info: sbmpresents.com/tour/lagwagon-2026/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Eskimo Joe were always a great band, even though it took most people until their third album, Black Fingernails, Red Wine to realise it.After laying the sonic platform over a couple of EP's and albums, the Fremantle rock outfit decided to shake things up a little when it came to album number three, throwing caution to the wind by escaping the comfortable safety net they had built for themselves in favour of a more expansive sound that would translate even better onto the big stage.History will tell us that the decision was the correct one, with Black Fingernails, Red Wine considered by many to be one of the defining moments in Australian rock music. It also earned Eskimo Joe four ARIA Awards, including Single of the Year, and saw them sell out arenas across the country. The album’s brooding tone, ambitious self-production, and emotionally charged songwriting marked a bold evolution from the band’s earlier records Girl and A Song Is a City, and fast tracked Eskimo Joe to national identities who have continued to justify their rapid rise by touring relentlessly and keeping the music alive.But it shall always be Black Fingernails, Red Wine that stands as the defining moment of Eskimo Joe's career, and with the album turning 20 next year the only respectful thing for the band to do is tour the hell out of it, which is exactly what they plan to do! Guitarist and founding member Stu MacLeod joined HEAVY to talk about the tour and the enduring legacy of that still famous album."It's pretty surreal to think it's been two decades," he began, smiling cheekily. "I mean, a lot has obviously happened in that time, but it feels like it's just gone by in a flash, you know?"Eskimo Joe will be playing two sets each show, one stacked with fan favourites, and the other dedicated to the birthday album, so we ask Stu if it will be played in order of track listing or mixed up a little."Oh, no, definitely front to back," he stressed. "I think that's part of the joy of getting to play an album in full on stage. When we write a record, it really is a process where we try and map a journey for the listener. It's not just a bunch of songs, and we pick which ones sound good next to each other after the fact. We actually design the album as we go. If there's a gap somewhere of a particular tempo or style or feeling, then we'll say, all right, we've got to write a song to fill that gap. We're actually writing a song. We're actually writing songs to fit the album, as opposed to just playlisting a bunch of songs afterwards to make it sound good."In the full interview, Stu talks more about what to expect from the shows, the decision to space the dates out to only include weekends and having Alex Lloyd as national support.He reflected on the making of Black Fingernails, Red Wine and how they created a sound and record that has resonated on so many levels. He recalled some of the highlights of making the album, what the band initially thought of it, the exclusive 20th Anniversary Cab Sav range of wine coming out next year and more.Tour tickets www.eskimojoe.net/toursBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali WilliamsPrepare your necks and your livers, because Cryptopsy are barrelling towards Australia with all the subtlety of a freight train loaded with blast beats. In this HEAVY interview, frontman Matt McGachy drops in for a chat with our Ali Williams that’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and tour-warrior wisdom, as the band prepares to hit Aussie shores for their first tour down under since 2016.McGachy serves up the kind of charmingly blunt honesty only a death metal veteran can muster. He riffs about the pure madness of juggling jet lag, extreme humidity, and trying to deliver guttural vocals without spontaneously combusting on stage. As the band heads for Australia’s to celebrate over three decades of metal with four headline shows McGachy is equal parts fired-up and amused, promising that Cryptopsy’s live show will be an all-out assault, but with just enough Canadian politeness to (probably) avoid getting deported. The conversation is peppered with tales of culture shock (shoutout to Saudi Arabia’s “no moshing” rule), the band’s accidental foray into death metal history, and the awkward logistics of ageing in a genre that’s all about speed. McGachy laughs about getting older, likening band life to a bad marriage with four stubborn partners and swearing that Cryptopsy’s legacy will never involve “Ric Flair-ing” themselves into oblivion. Instead, he promises the band is tighter than ever, running on pure adrenaline, camaraderie, and maybe a few electrolyte tablets. For those craving the inside scoop: yes, the band is stoked for a long overdue return visit, yes, the set will be relentless, and yes, there may be some backstage chaos involving local support acts and sweaty gear changes. Expect tales of power outages, sonic carnage, and the kind of crowd energy that only Aussie metalheads can conjure. If you want a taste of what’s coming, McGachy hints at the band’s sharpened focus, a “no repeats, no half-measures” attitude, and a set list that’ll leave both new fans and long-timers in a state of delighted ruin. The whole chat is a perfect storm: fun, irreverent, and bursting with that raw energy only Cryptopsy can deliver. By the end, you’re left convinced that this tour will be the kind of glorious mess you’ll brag about surviving for years to come. Craving the gory details, band banter, and the full run of McGachy’s stories? You’ll have to catch the full podcast. This is just the opening riff... Tickets www.hardlinemedia.netBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali WilliamsHEALTH’s Jake Duzsik jumped on the mic with HEAVY Mags Ali Williams for a chat that somehow managed to zigzag between parenting woes, anime fandom, video-game virality, and a man chugging a can of chilli. Fresh off the release of their new single Ordinary Loss, and gearing up for their next record Conflict DLC, out December 11, Jake admits life is a whirlwind—not just because the band is deep in album mode, but because he’s also navigating the emotional rollercoaster of raising a five-year-old. From wiping his own butt (“a milestone worth celebrating,” laughs Jake) to nightly story time, his kid is in that fleeting golden stage where parents are still gods. Jake is already mourning the day he’s no longer the coolest human in the house. But don’t worry, he hasn’t gone soft. If you thought HEALTH’s promo stunts were wild, Jake confirms they used to be much worse. Their previous antics included: hiding golden tickets in vinyl copies, sending fans bags of their guitarist’s cat hair, signing test pressings in blood, and the ultimate? Flying a fan to the US to hang out and stay at their own home for a weekend and smoke sativa at Magic Mountain. They also had a guy chug a can of chilli like it was a shot of bourbon to announce previous releases. Jake says the band fully intended for Ordinary Loss to emotionally flatten listeners—in the uplifting, cathartic way HEALTH does best. Early reactions suggest it’s hitting fans right in the feels, which is the only metric that really matters in the algorithm-ruled hellscape of modern music discovery. Although HEALTH would love a viral hit (“it’s a lottery nobody understands,” Jake notes), they measure success by whether the die-hard fans feel it. And so far, they do. Their second-most streamed track on Spotify didn’t come from an album at all—it blew up thanks to a massively popular video game, then an anime adaptation on Netflix. The band has fully embraced their anime-gaming-nerd-culture fanbase, which Jake describes fondly as “amazing.” He even admits that this older track is still the most likely candidate for a future viral blow-up simply because it has so many cultural tentacles. While Conflict DLC doesn’t feature major guest vocalists, the band does keep one emergency contact on speed dial: Willie Adler of Lamb of God. When in need of a riff that could level a small city? They pick up the “red rock phone,” Willie answers, and the result becomes songs like the brutally heavy Vibe Cop.HEALTH will be back in Australia in September 2026, leading Jake to reminisce about the band’s last Aussie tour, which was equal parts magical and miserable. Thanks to our famously insulation-optional buildings, he discovered that Australian winter venues can be colder than a Seattle basement. He even booked a fancy Brisbane hotel with a rooftop pool—only to discover the pool was roughly the temperature of a soft-serve freezer. Lesson learned. Culturally though? Jake says Australia feels more like California than anywhere else in the world—laid-back, beachy, outdoorsy, and chaotic in all the right ways. For Jake, making music is still the only job he ever wanted. He’s grateful HEALTH has allowed him to live that life for most of his adulthood, and he hopes their songs continue to give listeners something meaningful—whether that’s emotional release, escape, or just a soundtrack for scrolling weird anime clips on TikTok. Tour info and tickets for their 2026 Australian tour can be found on the bands official website. Their new album release can be downloaded on all available platforms from December 11.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Angela CroudaceFrench guitarist and singer Laura Cox is entering a bold new chapter with her latest album Trouble Coming, what she describes as her most personal and creatively liberating yet. In our conversation, Cox explains that for the first time she wrote and composed entirely on her own, stepping away from the familiar team dynamic of her earlier releases. Partnering with French electro-rock duo No Money Kids, she embraced a more modern edge while preserving the blues-rock roots that first put her on the map.The album’s creation was unusually relaxed, unfolding over several months between home recordings and studio sessions, a process Cox says felt “smooth,” “natural,” and free from the pressure of rigid studio deadlines. This freedom seems to have reshaped everything, even her writing approach, with vocal melodies and guitar parts now arriving simultaneously rather than being built around riffs.From YouTube beginnings to major festival stages, Cox remains grounded, grateful for a fan base that continues to evolve, especially as she sees more women and young people discovering her music. With new songs built specifically for the stage and an ambitious touring schedule ahead, Cox is excited for what comes next and hopes Australia might finally be on the horizon!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
HEAVY Mag’s Ali Williams sits down with Jesse and Ben from Stellar Circuits for a wide-open deep dive into the band’s next chapter—one built on evolution, experimentation, and a whole lot of beautifully unhinged studio energy. What unfolds is a refreshingly candid chat that shows a band not just levelling up, but completely reshaping their creative DNA. Band members Jesse (bass) and Ben (vocals) dive into how they’ve pushed themselves into sharper, heavier, more emotionally charged territory—balancing precision with instinct, layering expansive melody over crushing groove, and building songs that feel bigger and bolder than ever. Opening up about refining their workflow, the unexpected twists behind the writing sessions, and the tight chemistry that keeps everything firing even when the studio turns into beautiful bedlam. Phantom Phoenix is the brand-new album that dropped on November 14, a release they describe as their most fully realised statement yet. With fresh material ready to tear the roof off, they tease early-2026 touring plans and promise a live show that brings all that density, detail and wild energy onto the stage.It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a band levelling up—sonically, creatively, and collectively—right as they unleash their biggest release to date. The guys unpack how their sound has shifted into fiercer, bolder territory: thicker riffs, cleaner melodic contrast, and songwriting that feels more intentional without losing the raw edge fans connect with. They describe the ongoing challenge of balancing brute force with emotional vulnerability, and how leaning into that tension has become a defining feature of their new material. From the studio, we get stories of organised chaos, last-minute re-writes, and the kind of hyper-focused intensity that only comes from a band locked in and hungry. They joke about the hair-whipping mania of their live sets, the internal battles over tiny sonic details, and the weird rituals that somehow keep everything on track during the most demanding recording sessions. Phantom Phoenix is described as their “most complete, most deliberate, and most aggressively honest” body of work to date. They touch on its themes, its tonal shifts, and the creative risks that set it apart from anything they’ve done before. It’s a release that marks a clear milestone: the moment Stellar Circuits fully step into who they are as a modern heavy act. Rounding things out, the band tease early-2026 touring plans, promising a live show designed to translate the album’s depth and weight directly into the crowd. Expect bigger dynamics, wilder performances, and the kind of immersive atmosphere that turns a gig into an experience. In short: this is Stellar Circuits at their most ambitious, most dialled-in, and most unapologetic. If the interview is any indication, the next era of the band is set to hit with force.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali WilliamsUK’s powerhouse Architects are gearing up for a massive return to Australian shores and fans are in for something fierce. In a raw, witty and refreshingly honest chat with HEAVY Mag’s Ali Williams, drummer and principal songwriter Dan Searle pulls back the curtain on the emotional and creative engine powering the band’s new era — just as they prepare to bring their latest evolution to stages across Australia.Speaking from a fog-laden UK morning, Searle dives into everything from sonic reinvention to the rediscovery of joy in writing heavy music after years of pressure, burnout and relentless expectations. He explores why the band refuses to stay static, how vulnerability thrives inside heaviness, and why evolution isn’t just an artistic shift — it’s a survival instinct.Its been 6 long years since the bands been here on tour in full, drawing on the eagerness of themselves to return and for fans to see them again, we get insight and introspective, as Searle's rifs on touring life, fan energy, and the tightrope between catharsis and chaos that has become Architects’ trademark.With their Australian tour on the horizon, Searle hints that fans can expect that same creative fire — sharpened, recharged and more explosive than ever. If this interview is any indication, Architects aren’t just returning to Australia. They’re returning transformed: heavier in spirit, freer in intention, in all the best ways.Tickets and full Australian tour details are available now via the band’s official channels and authorised ticketing outlets.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Sunshine Coast rock outfit Dellacoma are a promotors dream. Brash, skilled, confident and passionate, Dellacoma embody the spirits of rock through the ages, delivering it in a hard rocking package that is fuelled by the silky smooth vocals of frontman Dellacoma Rio.Formed in mid-2014, lead vocalist and namesake, Dellacoma Rio assembled a team of high voltage road warriors to bring his rock n roll vision to the stage. Hitting the road almost immediately the band has now amassed over 500 shows across the USA, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. With many miles beneath their feet and a wealth of experience in the live arena, it is no surprise that playing live is their strong suit. So far they have played countless clubs, bars and venues as well as sharing larger stages with the likes of Def Leppard, Korn, Linkin Park, Five Finger Death Punch, Noiseworks, Skid Row, Styx, Tesla, Black Label Society, Buckcherry, Winger, Saliva, Drowning Pool and Saving Abel to name a few.And that touring has paid off, driving Dellacoma in a fresh, yet familiar sonic direction that can be heard on the band's third studio album Searching For You In The Darkness which is out today. Having recently returned from yet another successful international assault, Dellacoma have just started a mini run of Australian shows to promote the album, with their enimgmatic frontman joining HEAVY from the road. We start by asking how he is feeling about the release."Yeah, pretty good, man," he enthused. "It feels really good to actually finally have it out. It's definitely been a process and there's been… In hindsight, I probably wish I would have given myself a few more months, but that's always the way. I think you get down to deadline day and there's always bits and pieces that have to be done last minute (laughs)."We ask Dellacoma to dive deeper into the musical side of Searching For You In The Darkness."In writing this album, it was the first time I think that I really approached it from the perspective of, I guess, writing just songs rather than thinking about songs that I necessarily wanted to play live," he measured. "Not saying that I won't play these songs live. I will play as many as I can, but the thought had occurred to me, you know, as I was early in the writing phase, that with this being my third album there's now more material between all three albums plus a few surplus singles than I'm ever going to be able to play in one show.And that kind of unlocked something in my head. It felt like it took off some blinders almost, which was really cool. So we've got a couple of different tracks on here. We've got more of an acoustic-y style ballad in there. We've got probably one of the heavier tracks we've ever done as well."In the full interview, Dellacoma spoke more about the new album, including the different approach to songwriting and how it translated in the music. He talked about the album title and the underlying theme of the music, highlighting the bands musical growth over the three releases.We also talked about life on the road, the current run of dates and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
By Angela CroudaceWith their ninth studio album Another Miracle landing on November 14, Of Mice & Men are stepping boldly into their next era—one defined by emotional depth, creative freedom, and an unshakeable bond with their fans. Drummer Valentino Arteaga speaks about the record with a mix of pride and awe, describing it as a “journey” built on layered soundscapes, soaring melodies, and crushing heaviness. It’s an album meant to be absorbed front to back, not just thrown on a playlist.Self-produced and richly textured, Another Miracle reflects a band continually pushing their own boundaries. Valentino compares its intricate sonic layers to “ten wedding cakes stacked on top of each other,” each one representing experimentation, growth, and the group’s ever-expanding musical vocabulary. Songs were crafted during a period of major life changes, including frontman Aaron Pauley discovering he was about to become a father, which brought a new emotional dimension to the writing.Valentino’s current favourite track, Troubled Water, mirrors the album’s dynamic energy with groove-driven drumming and bold performances. Yet he insists each song offers something different: “With Of Mice & Men, there’s something for everybody.”Despite their evolution, one thing remains firmly intact; their connection to fans. Community is at the heart of their legacy, and it’s something the band is determined to honour. “When you come to an Of Mice & Men show, you’re there with family,” Valentino says. That spirit will follow them to Australia in May 2026, where they’ll tour with genre-blurring heavyweights Crystal Lake for what promises to be an explosive run of shows.With Another Miracle, Of Mice & Men aren’t just reinventing their sound, they’re reaffirming why their music continues to resonate so deeply after 16 years: honesty, passion, and a commitment to constant elevation.OF MICE & MEN + CRYSTAL LAKE May 2026 Australian Tour DatesTuesday 5th May - PERTH, Magnet HouseThursday 7th May - ADELAIDE, Lion Arts FactoryFriday 8th May - MELBOURNE, 170 RussellSaturday 9th May - SYDNEY, Manning BarSunday 10th May - BRISBANE, The TriffidTickets: Pre-Sale: Friday October 31st @ 1:00pm LocalGeneral Public On Sale: Monday November 3rd @ 9:00am LocalFrom: https://thephoenix.au/of-mice-and-men-2026-2/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
While many people and critics hail certain albums as being pivotal or defining in terms of musical genres or movements, the reality is that, while undeniably a great album, whatever they are referring to was just that. A great album at a time where a musical genre was earning its stripes.But every now and then - usually with the test of time - an album stands out in their particular field of metal. An album that really did help shape and refine a movement that was later to become a genre. An album that, decades after its release, is still hailed as a masterpiece and rightfully so.One such album is Broke from HED (PE). 25 years ago an up and coming rap/metal outfit called HED (PE) had already announced themselves with their self-titled debut album, but it was the release of Broke in 2000 that really catapulted the band up the rankings. Featuring Serj Tankian (System of a Down) and Morgan Lander (Kittie) as guest artists, Broke spawned the singles Bartender, Killing Time, and Feel Good, fusing rap, funk, hip hop and metal like never before and playing a huge part in the early development of nu metal.The album has resonated with fans the world over for the last two and a half decades, and Australian audiences will get the chance to share in the beauty of Broke when HED (PE) head to this side of the world next February to celebrate the album's anniversary.HEAVY sat down with frontman Jahred Gomes to get up to speed. One of the questions was if it was difficult learning the whole album, taking into account when it was written it wasn't done with the intention of playing the whole album in the future."No, it wasn't difficult," he recalled, "but you know, at PE, we've got some really long songs. So sometimes in the live setting, we do more medleys so we can play a bunch of shit. I imagine when the show comes out there'll be some songs played in full, some songs that we just touch on, but we want to make it exciting for people. We've got some tricks that we're going to be doing. It's different. It's 25 years later, so it's got more of a straight-ahead, thrashy punk rock vibe now than it did back then."In the full interview, Jahred discussed the significance of Broke, reflecting on its themes of financial and emotional struggles, its impact on the band's rise to fame, and the evolution of their songwriting. He acknowledged some lyrics he now finds regrettable but expressed comfort in performing the older songs. He also shared his excitement about touring with Nonpoint, highlighting the importance of supporting friends in the music industry and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali WilliamsLA Outfit BLVD OF EYES have just released their latest single We Are Human, and are about to kick off their Australian Tour on November 21 in Melbourne to coincide with the release of their EP on the same day.Founder and leading lady of the band Chloe Trujillo caught up with HEAVY Mags Ali Williams on the weekend to talk about their upcoming tour and new album drop, amongst other things. Having formed during the pandemic, BLVD OF EYES is the collaborative brainchild of Trujillo and fellow artist Mark Dalbeth. Chloe, who is also the wife of Metallica’s Rob Trujillo, is already in Australia supporting her husband as he tours with Metallica, in the lead up to her own tour. She shares that she has a genuine love for Australia and our people. Having formerly collaborated with other Australian companies such as The Guitar Strap Co, Chloe has formed an instant bond with the place since coming here in support of her husband band tour, Her Aussie connection doesn’t just stop there as her fellow band member and founder Mark Dalbeth is probably best known for being a founder of the Australian band Bellusira.Other band members of BLVD OF EYES alongside Trujillo and Dalbeth are Kevin Hicklin on guitar, and on drums, Lullah Trujillo daughter of Rob and Chloe. Although not joining them on this current tour, their daughter has been drumming for the band since they started back in 2021 and the tender age of 15. See the full interview at the HEAVY channel on Youtube. We Are Human is available now on all streaming platforms and for tour, tickets and event info for BLVD OF EYES go to https://www.blvdofeyes.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
With their ninth studio album, Another Miracle, landing on November 14 - and an Australian tour commencing May 7, 2026 - Of Mice & Men are stepping boldly into their next era—one defined by emotional depth, creative freedom, and an unshakeable bond with their fans. Drummer Valentino Arteaga speaks about the record with a mix of pride and awe, describing it as a “journey” built on layered soundscapes, soaring melodies, and crushing heaviness. It’s an album meant to be absorbed front to back, not just thrown on a playlist.Self-produced and richly textured, Another Miracle reflects a band continually pushing their own boundaries. Valentino compares its intricate sonic layers to “ten wedding cakes stacked on top of each other,” each one representing experimentation, growth, and the group’s ever-expanding musical vocabulary. Songs were crafted during a period of major life changes, including frontman Aaron Pauley discovering he was about to become a father, which brought a new emotional dimension to the writing.Valentino’s current favourite track, Troubled Water, mirrors the album’s dynamic energy with groove-driven drumming and bold performances. Yet he insists each song offers something different: “With Of Mice & Men, there’s something for everybody.”Despite their evolution, one thing remains firmly intact; their connection to fans. Community is at the heart of their legacy, and it’s something the band is determined to honour. “When you come to an Of Mice & Men show, you’re there with family,” Valentino says. That spirit will follow them to Australia in May 2026, where they’ll tour with genre-blurring heavyweights Crystal Lake for what promises to be an explosive run of shows.With Another Miracle, Of Mice & Men aren’t just reinventing their sound, they’re reaffirming why their music continues to resonate so deeply after 16 years: honesty, passion, and a commitment to constant elevation.OF MICE & MEN + CRYSTAL LAKE May 2026 Australian Tour DatesTuesday 5th May - PERTH, Magnet HouseThursday 7th May - ADELAIDE, Lion Arts FactoryFriday 8th May - MELBOURNE, 170 RussellSaturday 9th May - SYDNEY, Manning BarSunday 10th May - BRISBANE, The TriffidTickets: https://thephoenix.au/of-mice-men-2026/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Sometimes a band comes along that manages to transcend the normal parameters of heavy music. A band who has all the elements to be labelled as such, but also displays enough emotional resonance and accessibility to allow their music to seep through into other markets as well.With a self coined phrase calling their music 'sad rock', Southern Californian outfit Dayseeker have proudly evolved from post-hardcore upstarts to a band whose sound sits somewhere between that genre and many more, defiantly allowing their emotions to dictate proceedings but still spicing things up with moments of heaviness that in lesser hands would work against them.Having recently released their sixth full length album Creature In The Black Night, Dayseeker have grown musically once more, delivering their most immersive and intentional record to date — eerie, cinematic, and threaded with a dark emotional current. It is a deeply personal experience for vocalist Rory Rodriguez, but one which he feels is essential in his own personal development as well as that of the bands. Dayseeker will be bringing their music to Australia early next month for all three Good Things Festival shows, as well as two select sideshows in Melbourne and Brisbane. HEAVY sat down with Rodriguez recently to talk about the new album and their upcoming Australian shows. We start by asking if the band is packed and ready to go with the Australian tour looming large."I think so," he smiled. "It's a little nerve wracking because we unfortunately parted ways with our guitar player very recently. We have a good friend of ours who is gonna be filling in for us, so these are our first shows with him. We're trying to get rehearsed and make sure that everything's good and that our live show stays intact. We really care about our live show being good, so other than that, we are really excited about coming to play."We mention there's no pressure at all having a debut gig in front of 50,000 people, to which Rory lets out a laugh. "Yeah. I feel worse for him. I think we get a warm-up show for a side show in Melbourne so he will get to play to 900 people and then jump times fifty for the festivals (laughs). He's a pro, though, He's gonna do great."In the full interview, Rory talks more about their live shows and what we can expect, highlighting the differences between outdoor and indoor gigs. He ran us through three songs Good Things punters can listen to if they aren't that familiar with Dayseeker, plus the diversity of the line-up and how that is a good thing for festivals.We talked about the just released Creature In The Black Night and the early response, what Dayseeker were going for musically on album number six and how it is their most immersive album to date. He dove deeper into the lyrical content of the album and whether it is an album of hope or despair, how singing about his problems has worked over time and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Armed with undeniably some of the heaviest riffs known to mankind, DYING FETUS have established a reputation for uncompromising integrity with a slew of classic albums, and today ride a resurgence of respect and esteem with a new generation. After 12 horribly long years since their last tour in Australia and in only their second appearance in New Zealand since 2009, DYING FETUS are well overdue to lash us unmercifully this December with their savage beat downs and earth-moving grooves and grunt, equally designed to pulverize and mesmerize. And smash us they shall, but to find out just how they plan to do that, HEAVY sat down to chat with bass player Sean Beasley. One of the things we ask about is the well-known ferocity of Dying Fetus's mosh pits and what it looks like from stage."Yeah, it's always different," Beasley smiled. "You never know with big festivals or whatever. That's when you see it, like, oh shit, somebody might get hurt out there. Usually, people get hurt when they fall over the railing instead of being in the pit, you know?"We also address the fact that the band have not toured Australia for well over a decade, and ask cheekily why they have neglected their fans here for so long."I don't know, to tell you the truth," he replied, laughing. "It just hasn't worked out. We haven't been back to Southeast Asia either, so for some reason that hasn't worked out. It's been this long, which is really surprising to me. I had to look it up and was, like, damn, when was the last time we were there (laughs), and then I had a look and realized it's been that long!"In the full interview, Sean talks more about the tour and what we can expect from Dying Fetus. He runs through what has changed with the band in between visits, including new albums and how much attention they will be getting in the set list.We praise him on the selection of 200 Stab Wounds as support, talking about this being their first tour of Australia and how they will adapt. The excellently graphic tour poster is discussed, along with more on the mosh pits in the crowd, new music and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Entering album number ten, the all-encompassing sonic realm inhabited by Swedish musical enigma Avatar looked set to face the band's biggest personal hurdle to date. Very much a band who have proudly proclaimed their intention to maintain musical growth from day one, Avatar were forced to confront the critical and commercial success of the wildly entertaining album Dance Devil Dance. While most bands would welcome such success, it also forced Avatar to take stock of their music and career.This is a band who have steadfastly refused to become a parody of themselves, forsaking convention and expectation in pursuit of their own musical vision from where the sonic Garden Of Eden would forever bunker down. But the temptation would surely have been there. The temptation to possibly rehash whatever winning formula was at the core of Dance Devil Dance's success and squeeze that metaphorical cash cow while the milk was still fresh and creamy.So what did they do on their recently released follow-up, Don't Go In The Forest?They did exactly what long-term fans of the band and the band themselves would have expected and basically raised their middle fingers in the air in an act of defiance to the Metal Gods, who felt they had paved the way for Avatar to continue their journey unabated to the upper layers of the global music empire.While understandably retaining certain elements of what was created on Dance Devil Dance, Avatar more took the challenge of continuing their sonic evolution, exploring new and unchartered ideas personally. Maybe not outwardly, but certainly in the dark recesses of their brain, the band vowed to stick by their word. Stick by their mantra, their fans, but most importantly themselves. What they created was pure musical genius of unrestrained creativity that is perfectly represented by the intentionally sporadic and unexpected turn taken over the very first few songs on Don't Go In the Forest and only gets more disturbed from there.HEAVY was given the opportunity to journey into the creative mind of Avatar frontman and mastermind Johannes Eckerström and relished the chance to put some sense to the engulfing madness."The first couple of weeks is transpositional in the sense that you are a writer; you're a performer, we're a bunch of stuff, right?" he more stated than asked the question. "And release, as in putting something out, that word has a double meaning. Because release also means letting go. And as far as the writer in us goes, it's done. It's gone forever. It doesn't belong to us anymore, it belongs to everybody."We mention that it must be hard to emotionally let go of a body of work that has dominated their world for such a large period of time."There's a thing I do for myself...," Johannes measured, choosing his words carefully. "Ever since going back to the Black Waltz, because that album started an... I don't know... a quarter-life crisis kind of place in our lives, at least speaking for myself and John (Alfredsson, drummer). We had a powerful moment of that around that time, which, long story short, led to us really thinking, 'okay, this is the last album. Fuck it.' And that mindset of this is the last album, fuck it, I've tried to keep that ever since. I mean, I have some kind of confidence in that we will get to do another one (laughs), but it's always that question. If this were to be the last album, would I be okay with that? Did we achieve what we want to achieve here? If the world hates it, did we do enough to be at peace with that? And yes, I am. So, yeah, I have that little mental exercise or whatever you want to call it to deal with exactly that."In the full interview, Johannes spoke deeper about the musical side of Don't Go In The Forest, including the deliberately eclectic nature of the music and the way they approached the order of the songs on the album. We discussed the singles released and the thought process that goes into their selection, and the ways in which Avatar go against usual industry practices when it comes to everything about their music.Johannes explained the creative vision of Avatar and the importance of continual progress and experimentation within their music, their place in the sonic universe, creating an all-encompassing music experience for themselves and the listener and Avatar's perpetual quest for musical enlightenment.We explored the importance and meanings behind the album title and took a look inside the theatrical nature of the band and their music, discovering even more layers and complexities in Avatar and their quest. As if we needed to go down that rabbit hole…Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
The main common thread that ties music and comedy together is timing, not that it works every time. While there and many - some would say the majority - of musicians out there who THINK they are funny, once the alcohol and/or adrenaline wears off, what they thought funny 20 minutes ago is suddenly now lame at best.But occasionally the transition between two very different forms of artists' works seamlessly. Artists like Weird 'Al' Yankovic, Stephen Lynch and Jack Black spring immediately to mind when talking about people who have performed at high quality across both professions, but there have also been some riotous failures - but we won't go into that for fear we, too, might be accused of overstepping the line.If you had have asked me a couple of weeks ago how I thought Five Finger Death Punch's bass player Chris Kael would go on the stand-up comedy circuit, I may have mumbled alright, but that would only have been to save my ass if word had got back to him. Then, if you had have suggested an admittedly famous comedian by the name of Craig Gass, who is best known for voicing cartoon characters, chances are I would have tuned out and failed to clock back in.Ask me the same question now after having spent a night interviewing then dining with the pair of them, and you would get an entirely different response. So I guess even the black sheep of the world are not immune to judging a book by its cover…What Kael and Gass may lack aesthetically as a star comedy pairing, they make up for with impeccable timing that has its foundations in mutual respect. The fact that they have lived similar lives in and around the music community definitely helps to keep the conversation flowing, but together this mismatched pair are more like the Golden Goose of the comedy circuit. Their jokes are hilarious, their banter even better, but above all else, both are humble and inspiring people who just happen to have a somewhat concerning panache for a side hustle referred to as DCP. What is DCP, you may ask? Well, have a listen to our conversation, and you will find out the meaning of that unexplained wonder of the world, plus heaps more that you may or may not be emotionally prepared for at this stage of your life. HEAVY sat down for an engaging and entertaining chat with Kael that covered everything from comedy to music to shin chins.We start by asking how the tour has been so far."It's been incredible," Kael purred in his gravel-stained Viking voice. "We had a very short time to be able to promote these shows, so the amount of support that we've had and the amount of people we've got in there in only a week of promoting the show is awesome. We did the stand-up comedy show in Melbourne at The Comics Lounge on Friday night, and then we went to see Metallica on Saturday. That's basically all we're doing. Just funding the Metallica vacation (laughs). I have found ways to make money to be able to travel while off the road with Death Punch. I saw that Metallica was playing over here, so… I am a marketing aficionado. What better way to go out and see my old friends in Metallica? Because we toured with them the last couple of years, going all around the world, but we're working on a new record right now, so this gave me the opportunity to come over, see Metallica and get the comedy show going. We had those two shows in Melbourne, and then on November 11 here in Brisbane, we are playing at the Good Chat Comedy Club, doing a show at 7 o'clock and at 8.30 pm. Me and Craig - Craig Gass is a stand-up comedian. An actual stand-up comedian. Not a bass player who is basically telling stories about life on the road. He's been doing it for about 25 years and has been on The King Of Queens and the Howard Stern Show. A funny story about Craig - well, I don't know whether it's funny or not because it's his story - but when he was growing up, he was the only person in his family who could hear. His entire family is deaf, except for him. So I'm helping him with his acting these days. We're both gonna be doing some stand-up comedy here at Good Chats. 7 o'clock and 8.30 on November 11, and we're just having a really good time with it. This has been nice for me. The whole thing started when Craig gave me the opportunity to do some stand-up shows with him. I was originally going to write stories. I wanted to be either a musician or an author when I was growing up. The musician part… I get paid to play bass, so I guess that makes me a musician… but that's already happened, so I was gonna write a book about growing up in Kentucky and being able to come up from Lexington, Kentucky, to these worldwide stages. I mean, I'm right next to where Metallica is playing, and we have toured the world with Metallica. All my favourite bands. Judas Priest. We've been out with those guys. So, just coming from a small town in Kentucky, all the stuff that had to happen to get me where I'm at, that I am able to do all this stuff, and then all the craziness that's gone on behind the scenes, being in a hard rock/heavy metal band… I was gonna tell those stories in a book, but now I'm just doing it on stage because I like being able to have that automatic response. I'm an entertainer. Musician, yeah, I guess. But entertainment. That's where I thrive."And that's just the first couple of minutes of our conversation. Over the course of the next 20 minutes, discussion ranges from Shin Chins to Double Comedy Penetration to Gene Simmons to Five Finger Death Punch and pretty much anything and everything in between. If you are reading this in time to make one of the two shows in Brisbane tonight, do yourself a favour and make it happen. But if not, keep an eye out for when next Craig and Chris visit Australia. You won't want to miss them a second time.Tickets and more information www.getgass.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Angela CroudaceHalf a century on from his Rabbit days and even longer since fronting the very first line-up of AC/DC, Dave Evans hasn’t slowed down one bit. Celebrating 50 years of Rabbit with the new album Defenders of Rock, the self-proclaimed “King of All Badasses” still lives by the mantra: every song a killer, no song a filler.Speaking to us from Mexico, Evans radiates the same unstoppable energy that’s defined his career. “I’m lucky I went solo years ago,” he says. “I can record with anyone, anywhere in the world. If someone gives me the shits, I just say, ‘See ya later!’” That autonomy, he explains, keeps his fire burning and his fans around the globe ready to rock.Evans credits his longtime collaborator and Rabbit guitarist Mark Tinson, “the king of all riffs,” for the new album’s punchy sound. “Rabbit’s a party band — sexy and tough. The world needs Rabbit right now,” he grins. “No doom and gloom. Just rock and roll, baby.”Reflecting on the early Aussie rock scene, Evans recalls when “getting signed was like being touched by God.” Yet, even as times change, he believes the secret to survival is simple: energy, hooks, and happiness. “I still go out there to make people happy,” he says. “When they leave my show, they’re smiling and that’s what it’s all about.”At 50 years of Rabbit and counting, Dave Evans proves that real rock ’n’ roll never dies — it just keeps getting louder!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
For a man who has been there and pretty much done it all in the Australian music industry, Mark Lizotte - or Diesel to his friends - is one hell of a humble guy.First snapping necks with Johnny Diesel & The Injectors in the mid to late 1980s, the 90s saw Diesel launch a solo career that has seen his career progress in a steady trajectory that is a testament to the workman-like way in which he goes about his business. Singer, guitarist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Diesel has mastered all aspects of his craft with a youthful exuberance and genuine love for music that is as infectious as it is rare.After releasing his 17th studio album Bootleg Melancholy in 2023, Diesel could be forgiven for being a touch pickier about where, when and how he plays, but by talking to the man, you get the feeling such thoughts are barely a whisper in his subconsciousness. Instead, Diesel has spent much of this year on the road, culminating with his current By Request Tour, which sees fans and audience members choosing his nightly set list in a performance where it is guaranteed no two shows will be alike.But rather than hang his guitar on the rack at the completion of this successful run of shows, Diesel recently announced his intentions to fire it back up again for round 2 early next year, with another 21 shows added from January through to April. And seeing how it is blatantly obvious Diesel doesn't know what to do with his spare time, HEAVY jumps at the chance to keep him busy by accepting the invitation to have a yarn about life on the road. We start by pointing out that he must be a glutton for punishment to basically turn straight back around and head out for another run of shows."I hope it's not punishment," Diesel laughed. "No, it's been really fun, I have to say. I've really enjoyed these ones. I think in the back of my mind, I was always like, well, if we're going to do regionals, let's do some cities too. Take it to the big smoke."We get a bit cheeky and ask if the songs for each night's set list are 100% as voted by the fans, or if he sometimes takes liberties with what he feels like or doesn't feel like playing."I try to attach a person's story or name to every song," he smiled. "I've got the analytics come to me in a document, and it's all very… It's great, actually. They've got graphs of songs and which ones have been chosen, and I can see which ones are more popular than others on particular nights. It's a lot of information for me to digest. And along with that, I think the thing that is most usable and intangible are the comments that people write about why they want that song."In the full interview, we ask Diesel if there have been many surprise requests, any that he has seen come up and cringed, and if he can see any trends between different eras of his career. We ask how he remembers so many songs on demand, the range of songs people can draw from, and the personal nature of these particular performances.We look back on his career and ask Diesel if he ever has time to reflect on his achievements, next year's run, which starts in Tasmania and ends at the Sydney Opera House, the prestige of playing there, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
Interview by Ali Williams90’s alt-rock legends Everclear are heading back down under in November, ready to kick off their 30-year Anniversary tour of their debut album Sparkle and Fade. HEAVY Mag's Ali Williams caught up with frontman and founder Art Alexikas to chat about the tour, their huge success in Australia and what fans can expect when they swing through in a few weeks.Hailing all the way from Portland, Oregon, Everclear started making a name for themselves in the early 90s when their debut, independently released album World of Noise (1993) would gain them credit on the home front and East Coast Alt Rock scenes. But that was nothing compared to the epic surge they felt after signing to Capitol Records. In 1995, Sparkle and Fade was released, and in what felt like overnight, the world fell in love with them.Australian audiences couldn’t get enough, with the album going platinum soon after its release and reaching 9th place on the ARIA charts of the same year. Their music has that Cali Coast grunge vibe and lyrics that struck a chord with those who could relate.Singing about growing up left of centre, trying to make it in the world, overcoming childhood trauma, teenage angst, underwritten by the influence of recreational drug use and powered by the sex drive of a young adult in top gear still learning the road rules, seemed to resonate with young listeners, and their following albums had the same effect.For many Australians who were teenagers in the 90s, Sparkle and Fade was the soundtrack to their misspent youth, cassette tapes played on repeat, driving along the coastline, windows down, the summer heat thick, mixed with the distinct pungent odour of leaded petrol and dank kush being choofed in another bong hit billowing out of their prized Datto 120Y in clouds of fury. Life was good.Art recalls the moment he realised that their track Local God had become an anthem in Australia when the head of EMI Records asked him before a show why it wasn’t on the set list. He couldn’t believe it and from then on says “we can’t come to Australia and not play Local God,” surprised that a song written as a soundtrack for Baz Luhrmann's remake of Romeo and Juliet had struck such a chord with Australian audiences.Alexikas also shares some insight into what it’s like still touring and battling MS, a debilitating, lifelong chronic illness. At 63, Art is definitely showing no signs of slowing down, although he admits he’s a little slower than the fast pace he’d once lived. Tickets for Sparkle and Fade are available from www.ticketmaster.com and www.everclearmusic.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.