Interviews

SETYØURSAILS made not only blending genres look like a walk in the park, but their raw, kaleidoscopic delivery and unabashed subject matter showed they had a place within the genre among the best. Now, SETYØURSAILS has stepped up its game since being signed to Napalm Records by expanding its sound lyrically and instrumentally with their new release Nightfall.

It’s hard to think that Animals as Leaders forged its legacy only 10 years ago. The trio of musical geniuses still reigns today, but we can’t forget about the band’s powerful self-titled debut that will perpetually leave its mark on both metal and instrumental music history.

Norway’s multi-instrumental, bandleader, and composer Sylvaine, born Kathrine Shepard, is releasing her fourth album, Nova, on Season of Mist and is preparing for extensive tours throughout the US and Europe. We spoke with her about the music and intensity of creating Nova, family, live performances, and what is next.

With their latest album, Bleed the Future, Archspire has carved out breathing room within tech death’s confines by upping the melody and infectiousness. We caught up with bassist Jared Smith and guitarist Dean Lamb to talk about musical catchiness, the relationship between cooking shows and tech death, and how Jason Momoa makes them nervous.

Richmond, Virginia’s crossover thrash newbies Enforced are in pretty good company. Home of GWAR, Municipal Waste, Iron Reagan, and Lamb of God, the band has kept up the hometown tradition of creating pulverizing extreme metal. On Enforced’s second full-length album, Kill Grid, the band’s sound has steadily progressed compared to its early demos and its 2019 debut album At the Walls. On Kill Grid, the ferocious quintet is in full attack mode on its nine blistering tracks.

While taking a brief break from recording his new Ellefson solo album, bassist David Ellefson was rummaging through his vast record collection one night and thought it would be a great idea to re-record some of those classic tracks. Thus, No Cover was born. Ellefson recently spoke with us about picking the tunes to cover for the album, the recording process, the significance of the album cover art, and much more.

Just like every musician, artist, and band during this pandemic, melodic hard rockers Alter Bridge had to get creative with its normal band activity after the cancellation of their entire 2020 touring schedule. Mr. Kennedy spoke with us about the new EP Walk the Sky 2.0, his upcoming solo release, his appearance in the 2001 Mark Wahlberg starred movie Rock Star, his writing sessions with Led Zeppelin, and more.

Azusa is a special and unique band. Featuring Extol drummer David Husvik, former Extol guitarist Christer Espevoll, ex-Dillinger Escape Plan bassist Liam Wilson, and Sea + Air vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Eleni Zafiriadou, there is obviously no shortage of talent and experience comprising the Azusa’s lineup.

With so many fads and trends coming and going in heavy music, it’s not always easy to keep your integrity and stick to your guns while maintaining a fan base. In August Burns Red’s case, this has never been a cause for concern. Remaining true to its core sound while progressing naturally with each record, the band has built up one of the most admirable catalogs in contemporary metalcore.

When we catch up with Bloodbath’s gurgling and growling frontman Ol’ Nick [aka Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost fame], it should be a time for reminiscing about the band’s triumphant return to North America and the good time he and his bandmates had at the 2022 edition of Maryland Deathfest. Instead, we’re talking about his wonky back and zombies.