HEAVY Music Interviews

Interview by Kris PetersThis August, Tasmania's finest export, extreme metal pioneers, Psycroptic join like-minded-and-saxophone-wielding US progressive death wizards Rivers of Nihil for a co-headline tour that brings together two elite bands operating at the highest tier of modern death metal.For Psycroptic, the timing couldn’t be stronger. Off the back of relentless global touring alongside the likes of Dying Fetus, Ne Obliviscaris and Six Feet Under, the recently released singles, Architecture of Extinction and Falling, plus their ninth studio album set for a mid year release via Metal Blade Records, the band continue to prove why they remain Australia’s most respected technical metal export more than two decades in.Fellow Metal Blade label mates, Rivers of Nihil arrive riding the momentum of their 2025 self-titled release, a record that tightened their sound without losing the scope that has defined them since Where Owls Know My Name. Now fronted by bassist Adam Biggs, the band’s current form is more potent than it ever was.Joining them on all dates are Melbourne’s psychologically charged Growth who are on the eve of releasing part two of their highly anticipated album trilogy, Under The Under, and Sydney’s uncompromisingly brutal, Slaughtercult, rounding out a bill that is equal parts precision, atmosphere and outright savagery.HEAVY caught up with Biggs to find out more, starting with what has changed with Rivers Of Nihil since they were last out here in 2023."Since then we've put out a new record that we did last year," he measured. "It's our fifth studio album and a self-titled record, and is the first one with yours truly on on vocals alongside our new guitarist, Andy Thomas, also providing his soaring clean vocals and such like that. So it's a mix up in the lineup of the band, but I think we've put together a strong cluster of songs, especially to bring to the stage."With the tour being billed as a co-headline event, we ask Biggs if that means themselves and Psycroptic will alternate playing last each night or whether it means something else."I think we're playing the same length set," he replied, obviously unsure himself. "I can't remember if we are alternating or not, but I'm fairly certain it's Psycroptic closing the show for the most part. I mean, we're on on their home turf and they're the national Australian death metal band so it's hard to argue with that (laughs)."In the full interview, Adam spoke more about the tour and what to expect, including having the final date at Necrosonic Festival in Brisbane. We talked about what fans can expect, as well as his recent transition to frontman and how easy that move was for him.Their latest self titled album was mentioned, including which album song was the most challenging to learn to play live and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than two decades as one of metalcore’s most respected bands, August Burns Red are finally heading back to Australia this September, and drummer Matt Greiner says the excitement from fans has been overwhelming. Speaking ahead of the tour, Greiner revealed Australia will be the first country to experience a full headline run celebrating the band’s upcoming album Season Of Surrender.Greiner admitted the response to the announcement caught him off guard, comparing it to the excitement the band experienced when first touring internationally in the late 2000s. “It felt like that level of excitement again,” he shared, reflecting on the flood of messages from Australian fans eager to welcome the band back after such a long absence.The veteran drummer also opened up about how surreal it feels to still be connecting with audiences after 23 years. These days, Greiner is not only performing to longtime supporters, but also teaching drum lessons to the children of fans who grew up with August Burns Red. He described it as both humbling and rewarding to see the band’s music continuing to inspire a new generation of heavy music fans.Family was another major topic during the conversation, with Greiner speaking warmly about balancing life on the road with being a father. He praised his wife for supporting the demanding touring lifestyle and shared how much it means to have his family behind him while continuing to chase opportunities around the world.Matt also expressed excitement about touring alongside rising Australian acts Bloom and I Promise The World, explaining that helping younger bands grow is something he deeply values. Looking ahead to September, he promised Australian crowds energetic shows, genuine fan interaction and a celebration of the connection that has kept August Burns Red thriving for more than two decades.Check out the full interview for plenty more...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Ali WilliamsMetal legends Andy La Rocque (King Diamond) and Nils K Rue (Pagans Mind) hooked up with HEAVY Mag's Ali Williams to chat about their new project Lex Legion and their new album. Joining La Rocque and Rue are Pete Blakk (King Diamond), Mikkey Dee (King Diamond, Scorpions, Mötorhead) and Hal Patino (King Diamond). Lex Legion’s debut album is set for release on June 12, and while the band may be newly announced to the world, the machinery behind it has been grinding away for years. What began as riffs and ideas between Andy and Pete back in 2008 was left sitting in the heavy metal vault for a while, not forgotten so much as waiting for the right moment to come stomping back through the door wearing boots. That moment arrived during the pandemic, when the world had been forcibly unplugged and musicians, like the rest of us, suddenly found themselves staring at time like it was an unfamiliar household appliance. Pete started writing again, played some material for Mikkey Dee, and the wheels began turning. Mikkey heard something worth chasing, Andy was pulled back into the fold, and what had once been a half-shelved idea began growing teeth. From there, the lineup expanded with Hal Patino joining the project, before the search began for the right voice. There were names considered, big ones too, but Andy already had someone in mind. Having worked with Nils K. Rue years earlier, he knew the Pagan’s Mind vocalist had the right kind of power, range and character to carry what Lex Legion were building. Mikkey agreed fairly quickly, apparently needing only to hear Nils before deciding that, yes, that was the bloke for the job. Convenient, really, when the singer turns out to be the missing piece instead of another three-month committee discussion.The result is a band that may be fresh on paper but is hardly operating on beginner settings. These are players with serious history behind them, but Lex Legion has no interest in being a nostalgia project or a backdoor continuation of King Diamond. Andy was clear that while the connection between members is obvious, the intention was never to clone the past. King Diamond is its own beast. Lex Legion, he explained, needed to be something separate. That distinction matters. The album carries the spirit of late ’70s and early ’80s heavy metal, the kind that still had grease under its fingernails and a pulse you could feel through the floor, but it is not trapped in a museum cabinet. Andy described the material as less complex and less progressive than some of the old King Diamond work, with more emphasis on flow, melody and straight-up heavy metal punch. In other words, it knows where it came from, but it is not standing there waving a faded flag and yelling at clouds.Lex Legion does not sound like a file-sharing experiment held together by Wi-Fi and optimism. It sounds like musicians who know each other’s instincts, know when to push, and know when not to smother a song under unnecessary cleverness. The first single, Sleep Eternally, has already landed with a response that surpassed Andy’s expectations, and with another single due before the album, the early signs are strong. The band is not rushing straight onto the road, though. Mikkey’s commitments with Scorpions keep him busy through much of the year, so touring is more likely to become a serious discussion for next year. Importantly, Lex Legion is not being treated as a studio-only side quest. Andy made it clear that live shows are part of the plan when the timing lines up, and there are already ideas forming for a second album. Ambitious, yes. Reckless? Maybe a little. But metal has never exactly thrived on sensible office planning. As for Australia, Andy admitted he has never made it down here with King Diamond, though other members have done the trip with their respective bands. The prospect of Lex Legion eventually making their way Down Under was warmly welcomed, and judging by the appetite here for heavy metal with roots, weight and actual identity, there will be no shortage of people ready to greet them with raised horns and mildly concerning enthusiasm. Lex Legion now stand at the beginning of their own first chapter, albeit with a few veterans at the wheel and absolutely no need for learner plates. The debut album arrives June 12, Sleep Eternally is already out in the wild, and if the early reaction is anything to go by, this is not just a side project shuffling politely into the room. It is old-school heavy metal with fresh intent, built by people who know exactly what they are doing and, mercifully, are not interested in polishing all the bite out of it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Kris PetersFor over two decades now, Escape The Fate have been one of the most recognisable names in modern hard rock, building an incredible catalogue packed with stadium-wrecking hooks, ferocious riffs and the kind of jackhammer heaviness that has kept fans coming back since their breakthrough record, 2008’s This War Is Ours. The bands latest release, 2025’s Redefined, once again showcases a band that comfortably moves between crushing heaviness, soaring choruses and anthemic rock moments like true masters of their craft.Australia has always held Escape The Fate close to their hearts with the bands fanbase being one of the most loyal in the world, patiently waiting three long years for their return. That patience will be rewarded with a live show packed with fan favourites, massive singalongs and the kind of explosive energy that has defined Escape The Fate’s reputation as one of the greatest live acts of their era.HEAVY sat down with drummer and founding member Robert Ortiz to find out more, asking him what has changed with the band since their last visit three years ago."I can't believe it's been that long," he almost apologised. "That's insane. Mainly it's just the dynamic that has changed. The vision, the devotion, the hard work, the dedication, as Floyd Mayweather always used to like to say. We're very excited about the new album. We spent the majority of the last two years writing, recording and relaxing a little bit. There's been some stuff where, personally, I had to deal with a couple of things with my family and some loss and things like that, but I spent time with my daughters and all that kind of stuff while working on new music, which we're so incredibly excited for."In the full interview, Robert emphasized Escape The Fate's energetic, authentic live presence and praised guitarist Matty's musicianship, contrasting current purpose-driven touring with earlier, less focused periods. He recounted recent touring with Lacuna Coil and audience engagement varying by market. He also summarized the band's origins in the Las Vegas scene and how regional club touring shaped their development.Robert described their most recent single Deja Vu as lyrically focused on vocalist Craig's sobriety and recurring fears and musically introducing a darker digital element. He said the single signals the album's direction but does not represent the whole record. The album is characterized as the band's most cohesive to date while stylistically diverse, containing a full thrash song featuring blast beats and double bass, some pop-leaning tracks that retain dark tones and plenty more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Kris PetersRising rock force Bailey Spinn is casting a spell with her hypnotic new single, “Voodoo,” out Friday, May 15. Dark, addictive, and laced with attitude, the track leans into a moody rock soundscape built on pulsing production, gritty guitars, and Bailey’s signature bite. Co-written and produced by Jon Lundin (FEVER 333, State Champs, Senses Fail), “voodoo” captures the intoxicating push-and-pull of parasocial relationships. With its haunting atmosphere and cathartic chorus, the track feels tailor-made for late-night drives and scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs moments alike. “Voodoo” follows Bailey’s biting anti-Valentine’s Day anthem “Homicide,” along with standout singles “Critical” and “Fear Of Going Out,” which earned praise in the press and showed the artist venturing into heavier sonic territory. Artists such as Bailey Spinn are pivotal in bridging the divide many younger listeners find between pop music and the heavier elements, with their deviations into heavier landscapes lessening the blow felt by some growing musical tastebuds when it comes to rock and metal. Bailey is perhaps at the forefront of the current transition, mixing pop, punk, rock and attitude into an easily digestable sonic experience that acts as an ideal stepping stone between a plethora of genres.HEAVY sat down with Bailey to discuss her new single Voodoo and her shift into heavier territory."I definitely like to do a little bit of metalcore," she smiled. "I like to get as close to a metal song as I can, but I also don't know how to scream so I love to teeter on the line of how far can I go without screaming (laughs). There's a really heavier, breakdown bit - as I love to do - and I really wanted to do something dark and a little bit scary. A lot of my imagery for the song was haunted and a bit scary, kind of based around a voodoo doll."Voodoo continues Bailey's recent flirtation with heavier music, leading HEAVY to ask if it is a conscious shift towards such elements, orif it has been more of a natural progression."I think it definitely was a conscious shift," she nodded. "I had tried to put some heavier songs on the past album and they didn't really feel like a good fit at the time. When I was writing the new stuff, I kept trying to do pop rock and it just wasn't sitting with me as much as it used to. I had been really diving into listening to heavier music and going to a lot of heavier festivals myself, and what I was inspired by was very different from what I started out being inspired by. Avril Lavigne and Paramore moved to (bands like) Bring Me the Horizon and Pierce the Veil and Motionless In White and started veering more heavy than poppy. So I decided I wanted to try heavier and I loved it. The first song, I just felt right when I did it. I was like, I think this is the right step for me."In the full interview Bailey discusses Voodoo in greater detail as well as her gradual shift into heavier music. She describes her influences and how they have impacted her music, including the use of breakdowns in her songs.Bailey addresses the potential for younger, existing fans to be confused at her shifting between genres, as well as the importance of staying true to yourself and inviting listeners to experience such changes with you. She discussed her new album and how the three singles released so far reflect the overall sonic structure of the album, as well as the personal nature of her lyrics and how they connect with her fanbase.Her transition from TikTok personality into cover songs and ultimately original music was discussed, including different demands each platform can create and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Kris PetersKnown for redefining genre boundaries, Prompts have built a reputation for masterfully fusing elements of nü-metal, mathcore, djent and deathcore, crafting a sound that is entirely unique to them that feels both experimental and refined. With members hailing from both Japan and South Korea, the band’s dual heritage continues to shape their distinctive sound - a melding of contrasting influences and cultures.Continuing to prove themselves as one of metals most exciting up and coming acts, Japan-based metalcore outfit Prompts tread new ground on silky smooth new single "Death of Me", out now via Greyscale Records in partnership with Papercut Records (US).Leaning into a more subdued and atmospheric direction, "Death of Me" sees the band trade thrashing undercurrents for a slow-burning sense of yearning. The track lingers and aches, built around a deeply human contradiction - the kind of love where wanting the best for someone means convincing yourself to walk away. "One part of you swears letting go is the right thing to do, while the most honest part of you is quietly begging for the exact opposite," says the band. Ultimately, "Death of Me" unfolds as a confession confronting vulnerability and embracing softer truths. "It is about finally facing the softer, weaker parts of yourself you were trying to hide, and admitting that all you really wanted was to stay close to the person who never left your heart.”HEAVY sat down with frontman PK while he was in Australia as guest vocalist for Crystal Lake to find out more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Ali WilliamsIf there’s one thing metal fans adore, it’s passion — and talking to Yoth Iria’s Nikolas and Jim (the legendary Jim Mutilator, no less) proves the Greeks have it in spades. Despite what might be the most lag-ridden Zoom call in human history, we all the patience of monks and the enthusiasm of headbangers at their first gig. And managed to have a conversation bursting with humour, honesty, and riffs of wisdom about their latest album, the evolution of Hellenic metal, and why live music is the truest form of human connection. Yoth Iria’s sound is best described as new wave of Hellenic darkness— unmistakably forged in the fires of the Greek black metal scene — continues its ascent with new album which was unleashed late last week. Jim describes it as “the new wave of Hellenic black metal”, but with experimentation that stretches far beyond borders. The record blends everything from gothic metal and thrash to traditional Greek folk motifs and the odd splash of punk — a sonic gyros with a side of dark melody. Nikolas adds with a grin that the secret to their evolution lies in balance: “You have to keep your identity but explore new worlds. You can’t just replicate yourself forever — that’s not art, that’s photocopying.”There is undeniable chemistry behind the chaos, and artistic chemistry, seems to be their real superpower. Jim and Nikolas compose like siblings who occasionally disagree but always end up laughing about it over beers. “We’re different in style,” Jim admits, “but that’s our secret to success. It’s the difference that makes the music breathe.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

Interview by Kris PetersSydney's genre-defying rock titans, HELLIONS, are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their ARIA-nominated, career-defining album, Opera Oblivia, with a massive Australian tour in May 2026. Full details below.Opera Oblivia is the album that smashed expectations, redefined the boundaries of Australian heavy music, and delivered a phenomenal #4 debut on the ARIA Charts. Declared a "genre great" by the wider music community for its sheer theatricality and ambition, Opera Oblivia cemented HELLIONS's reputation for innovation and audacious songwriting. From the explosive, anthemic hooks of 'Quality of Life' and 'Thresher' to the intricate, dramatic beauty of its theatrical movements, this record is a modern classic.HEAVY sat down with frontman Matthew Gravolin to talk more about the album and tour. One of the things we ask is if the band had any difficulties learning the whole album to play live, given that when they wrote it initially chances are there was no plan to ever have to reproduce the entire release."We have done it once before," he measured. "I think it was in 2016 at the Oxford Arts Factory in Sydney, from memory. We did that record front to back. Obviously, it was a very long time ago now, so I can't remember how it went. From a vague memory it felt good, and obviously it has been a very long time now, and there were some things that we hadn't anticipated playing live so there are a couple of little challenges in there. But for the most part what we have rehearsed at the start of the year and at the end of last year felt really good."In the full interview, discussion covered rehearsal timing and technical challenges reproducing older material live: identifying a few passages that present "little challenges" when translated to the live performances. The conversation also addressed Opera Oblivia's career impact on Hellions, with Matt describing how the record's unexpected success expanded opportunities, increased pressure, and contributed to burnout that factored into his 2019 departure. The reunion was characterized as a revitalized era built on long-standing bonds and renewed creative energy, and the band intends to continue writing new material after the tour.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.