Interviews

Triptykon has just released the band’s live performance of Requiem, a project that has been in the works for over 30 years. Performed at the Roadburn Festival in 2019 with the Metrople Orkest, this recording brings Requiem to life and is released in memoriam of Martin Eric Ain and HR Giger. Requiem (Live at Roadburn 2019) consists of three tracks: “Rex Irae,” which was released on Celtic Frost’s Into the Pandemonium, the newly written “Grave Eternal,” and “Winter,” which appears on Celtic Frost’s Monotheist album.

“It started as an internet project with all kids from Connecticut.” After going through lineup changes and unplanned sound adjustments, the band Half Hearted from Hartford has finally found its voice. They have gone from a local band to being streamed all over the country. Their short career has been quite a journey, but every part of those experiences is what makes them who they are today.

From the unique presence of three vocalists to their multigenre, aggressive yet honest approach to the band’s latest album, Otherness, their gold and platinum status has led to countless accolades. Vocalist Wade MacNeil reveals that while he appreciates everything they have attained throughout their career, growth is still the most important thing to the band. 

Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton steps outside of his day job with his second solo effort Ether. Known for his extreme metal style of playing with Lamb of God, Morton strips the music down with five acoustic songs, including covers of The Black Crowe’s “She Talks to Angels” and Pearl Jam’s “Black.”

Since 2011, metalcore band Fit for a King has had a glorious run since they emerged out of Texas with their signature style of hardcore and metalcore colored in with hypnotic hooks. Their 2019 release Dark Skies not only brought out some of their heaviest material but also the most intense heading up towards their new release, The Hell We Create.

This summer sees the release of World War X, the seventh and most ambitious outing yet from San Diego’s Carnifex. Delivering all of the neck snapping riffs and pulverizing tempos that have become the band’s calling card, World War X sees the death metal five piece conceiving a war themed modern metal epic that’s as emotional and evocative as it is brutal. We caught up with vocalist Scott Ian Lewis to get the story behind the new record.

ManiaCult has all of the usual traits of an Aborted album—brutality, technicality, and absolute craziness. Even with some newfound diversity, Aborted is still a classic gore and guts band. We spoke with Sven de Caluwe about writing and recording the album during the pandemic, the sound behind ManiaCult, and his best music business advice.

The band’s status has been surging, especially with the help of its 2019 full-length album, Macro. During a recent phone interview from her home in Kiev, the charming introvert, Ms. Shmayluk, spoke with us about Jinjer’s new live album, Alive in Melbourne, the band’s early days, and the friendship between its band members.

Baroness’ growth has been astounding. Latest album Stone is rife with typical Baroness intricacy, care, depth, and songs melding the past and present. We caught up with John Baizley for an extensive chat about intensive creative processes, significant changes, and skipping out on the color spectrum.

Polish classic heavy metal band Crystal Viper has released its eighth full-length album The Cult. Mrs. Gabriel spoke with us about the new record, Crystal Viper’s musical inspirations, the band’s future plans, and more.