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InterviewsTour Interview
October 30, 2024
Midnite Mitch

Interview with Simon Dower (Abramelin)

Arguably the pioneers of death metal in Australia, Abramelin have completed their fourth full length studio album, ‘Sins of the Father’, available now, and released through internationally renowned label Hammerheart Records. Following on from their very well-received 2020 release, ‘Never Enough Snuff’, ‘Sins of the Father’ is an all-out brutal death metal assault on the senses; while lyrically, it continues to push the boundaries of horror and depravity.

Vocalist Simon Dower comments on the new album: ‘Sins of the Father’ is not a themed album, but rather a collection of grotesque tales inspired by massive amounts of extreme horror literature that I devour. We are very happy with the way that ‘Sins of the Father’ has come out; both musically and packaging overall. A lot of time and effort has gone into the Sins artwork to give the fans something special for their collections; something fresh and innovative that we feel no one else has really gone to such lengths before to do. We are also super excited to belt out some tracks from Sins at the forthcoming Pestilence tour, which will also double-up as our East Coast album launch shows.
 
The majority of the tracks on ‘Sins Of The Father’ were written by Matt Wilcock (Ackercocke, Werewolves) with all beats from the legendary David Hayley (Psycroptic). Long time member (in various guises), Rob Mollica (Earth, Butterfly) has even chimed with a song ‘Last Rite’ which brings some great variety in the musical arrangement of the new album. Inspired by 40+ years of horror fiction & film, lyrics by Simon Dower, as they were with ‘Never Enough Snuff’, are a deep exploration into all things grotesque and horrific in nature. With influences drawn from a variety of splatter punk and extreme horror authors, the lyrics, in usual Abramelin style, are not for the faint of heart.
 
ABRAMELIN on tour this November supporting Pestilence!
Nov 6th – Brisbane, The Triffid
Nov 7th – Sydney, Crowbar
Nov 10th – Melbourne, Max Watts
Tickets from www.swdpresents.com

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InterviewsTour Interview
September 19, 2024
Nikki Eenink

Interview with Jordan Dreyer (La Dispute)

Post-hardcore band LA DISPUTE commemorates the 10th anniversary of their acclaimed 2014 album “Rooms Of The House”, with a one off Australian show in Sydney this November as part of their exclusive global tour which will see the band perform the album in full, along with selections from their catalog. The Michigan five-piece band will perform at Sydney’s Roundhouse on Friday 22nd November, marking the final night of their ‘2024 Five Nights Only Tour’ which includes stops in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Grand Rapids. These shows will mark not just their only “Rooms of the House” anniversary shows, but their only remaining headlining shows for the entirety of 2024, as they continue preparations for a new album. 

My Live Nation members can secure tickets first during the exclusive pre-sale beginning Wednesday 20th March at 10am concluding on Friday 22nd March at 9am.

For complete tour and ticket information visit livenation.com.au.

La Dispute is a five-piece from Grand Rapids, Michigan responsible for some of the most uncompromising, experimental post-hardcore music of the last two decades. Through four full length records—Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair (2008), Wildlife (2011), Rooms of the House (2014), and their most recent PANORAMA (2019), released by Epitaph Records, as well as its on-going Here, Hear EP series—La Dispute have continued to push themselves stylistically release to release, evolving through the incorporation of new sounds, themes, and approaches while remaining unmistakably La Dispute in the process.

Lyrically, PANORAMA serves as a return to early form, trading the fictionalised characters of their previous two albums for a personal meditation on life, loss, and recovery in the form of a half-dreamt, half-real drive along an important stretch of highway in their hometown. Instrumentally, PANORAMA is their most diverse effort, using layers of additional production and instrumentation to create an ethereal yet still intense accompaniment to the vision-filled car ride the lyrics discuss. 

Following successful tours in 2022 and 2023 revisiting their seminal album Wildlife, the band has begun the process of writing their fifth as-yet untitled full length album and looks forwards to playing more shows and connecting with fans worldwide along the way. After nearly two full decades crafting inventive post-hardcore, La Dispute remains driven by their passion for art, live performance, and for the community that surrounds it.

Don’t miss their Australian show as they perform for one night only in Sydney this November.

LA DISPUTE

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER – ROUNDHOUSE, SYDNEY 

TICKETS ON SALE 10AM AT FRIDAY 22ND MARCH

Live Nation pre-sale: Wednesday 20th March at 10am – Friday 22nd March at 9am

 For complete tour and ticket information, visit livenation.com.au     

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InterviewsTour Interview
August 22, 2024
Nick Faulkhead

Interview with Stix Zadinia (Steel Panther)

Heavy metal legends set to thrill Aussie 'Fanthers' with tongue-in-cheek musical anthems and
signature humour when they hit the shores later this year.

“Panther Panther Panther, Oi Oi Oi!!!  It’s that time once again, Steel Panther have stolen their mom’s credit cards and bought flights to Australia. On this tour Down Under, we are planning on rocking you so hard, that you will need to make a doctor’s appointment to fix all of the organs that will explode from the deep, penetrating joy of partying with these American heavy metal legends and world-class athletes.”   

The planet’s most notorious, hilarious, and downright outrageous metal band, Steel Panther, are
excited to announce the Australian leg of their riotous On The Prowl World Tour. After a monumental
run of US and European dates, America’s greatest musical export will bring their live show to
Australian cities this October.

With a reputation for over-the-top performances and bawdy humour, the band are set to deliver a
series of epic shows kicking off at Metro City in Perth on October 18, before hitting AEC Theatre in
Adelaide on October 21, Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on October 23 and Brisbane’s Fortitude Music
Hall on October 24, rounding off the tour in Melbourne at Margaret Court Arena on Saturday 26
October.

‘Fanthers’ can get their hands on presale tickets on Thursday 13th June at 10am local time at
steelpanther.com, and general sale is from Tuesday 18th June at 12pm local via teglive.com.au.
For the uninitiated – Steel Panther was formed in 2000. Hailing from Los Angeles, the epicentre for
rock n’ roll in all its debauchery and glamour, they have established themselves as the world’s premier
party band, melding hard rock virtuosity with parody and criminally good looks.

Steel Panther have released six full-length studio albums, sold out shows across the world, achieved
platinum-level YouTube status, and appeared on high-profile television appearances such as Jimmy
Kimmel Live, Larry King Now, Fox NFL Sunday and as semi-finalists on the 2023 Season 18
of America’s Got Talent. The quartet — Michael Starr (lead vocals), Satchel (lead
guitar), Spyder (bass), and Stix Zadinia (drums) — reach another level altogether on their sixth
full-length album. Released in 2023, On the Prowl is a self-produced record, and namesake of their
world tour, that includes singles “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pussy Tonight), “On Your
Instagram,” Friends with Benefits” and the German chart topping smash, “1987.”
Steel Panther’s On The Prowl World Tour has been a runaway success globally, currently making its way
through Europe and heading back the US for final dates before trekking down under for Australia to
join the fun. With their unique blend of humour, musicianship, and lowkey controversial presence,
Steel Panther continues to redefine rock. Get ready, Australia – Steel Panther is coming, and it’s going
to be one wild ride!

Sign up for early access tickets here, and more information and tickets can be found at
teglive.com.au/events/steelpanther/ 

TICKETS FOR STEEL PANTHER’S ON THE PROWL AUSTRALIA TOUR GO ON SALE
AT 12PM (LOCAL TIME) ON TUESDAY 18 JUNE VIA TEGLIVE.COM.AU

Presented by TEG MJR
STEEL PANTHER
AUSTRALIA TOUR 2024

Friday 18 October – Metro City, Perth
Monday 21 October – AEC Theatre, Adelaide
Wednesday 23 October – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Thursday 24 October – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Saturday 26 October – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

TEG MJR & TEG Live Pre-Sale

Monday 17th June 2024 10am to Tuesday 18th June 2024 – 9am AEST
arep.co/m/steel-panther-early-access
General On Sale

Tuesday 18th June 2024 –12pm AEST
teglive.com.au/events/steelpanther/

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InterviewsTour Interview
August 17, 2024
Cassandra Hale

Interview with Josh Franceschi (You Me At Six)

YOU ME AT SIX are one of the most beloved British rock bands of all time, having delivered multiple number 1 albums, dominating charts, racking up hundreds of millions of streams, selling out arenas and headlining festivals; and along the way crafting some of the catchiest pop-rock anthems of their generation. ‘Bite My Tongue’, Take on the World’, ‘Underdog’, ‘Beautiful Way’, ‘Room to Breathe’… the list of classics seems almost endless. The band’s revival of infectious and spirited pop-rock earned them a mass of fans worldwide, seeing them sell out show after show across the globe.

Choosing to bring such a storied 20-year career to an end cannot be easy. Doing so with your original line-up, on your own terms, and with the band members remaining best of friends is unheard of. But as the saying goes, go out at the top of your game and You Me At Six are certainly doing that.

Having shocked the rock world recently by announcing their imminent demise, the band are setting out on their greatest tour, delivering a career-spanning 2 hour set and determined to leave the fans with a truly special performance to remember them by. “We’ve got a plan to play songs from every single album and make it a real victory lap. And everyone feels like that. We’ve looked at the setlists and gone, ‘Cool – those five can stay, the rest is going to be stuff we haven’t done for years. We want to have 50 songs ready to go so that each night we can constantly mix it up and make it special.”

“When we started YMAS we were kids. We only ever wanted to travel and to experience life as a group of friends. We feel like on the eve of our 20th anniversary as a band, now is a good time to call time. “We’re in a fortunate position where our fans still want to see us live and come celebrate the life of this band. So that is what we will do for 2024 and 2025. We can’t wait to see our fans on the road.” explains frontman Josh Franceschi.

 

Joining You Me At Six for this monumental tour, as their very special guests, are Holding Absence, the band British rock bible Kerrang! labelled  as British rock’s “new leading light”. Loudwire proclaims the Cardiff natives to be “the UK’s most exciting new rock band’’.

Known for their emotive lyricism and powerful soundscapes, Holding Absence will bring their own brand of thoughtful intensity to the tour, riding high on the back of their critically acclaimed latest album The Noble Art Of Self Destruction. The album brims with a level of energy, excitement and a sheer weight of feeling almost unparalleled in contemporary alternative music. The Guardian, in their 9.5/10 review of the album declared them “one of Britain’s most underrated bands” and predicted that “it is only a matter of time” before they are playing arenas and headlining festivals.

The tour promises to be a celebration of music and camaraderie. Emotion will be high in the room as You Me At Six bid us farewell one last memorable time and signing off on a stellar career, whilst Holding Absence take another step forward to cement their position as leaders of their genre.

YOU ME AT SIX and HOLDING ABSENCE January 2025 Australian Tour Dates:

Friday 24th January BRISBANE, The Tivoli

Sunday 26th January SYDNEY, Enmore Theatre

Monday 27th January, MELBOURNE, The Forum

Wednesday 29th January, ADELAIDE, The Gov

Friday 31st January PERTH, Astor Theatre

 

Tickets:

Pre-Sale: Wednesday 15th May at 9:00am local

General Public on Sale: Friday 17th May at 9:00am local

From: https://thephoenix.au/you-me-at-six/

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February 26, 2024
Midnite Mitch

Interview with Ben Ward (Orange Goblin)

Click above to see Mitch chat with Ben Ward ahead of Orange Goblin Australian Tour!

Cut from the same beer-stained cloth as the greats, UK stoner rock metal act ORANGE GOBLIN are still riding high and leading the pack in 'balls to the wall' heavy metal thunder. Emerging amid the exhilarating melee of the mid-‘90s stoner rock and doom explosion, ORANGE GOBLIN immediately endeared themselves to a generation of metal fans by simply going for it at full, beer-swilling pelt and some twenty five plus years later, nothing has changed! Moving towards 2024 it’s all hell for leather with the release of their tenth studio album, the first one since 2018's 'The Wolf Bites Back' and the first for new label Peaceville Records.

 
Being 11 years since their last trek to Australia, ORANGE GOBLIN are way well overdue for a bone jarring jaunt and have promised to pull out all the stompers for an intense and intoxicating atmosphere that will truly show the power and might these British heavyweights are armed with.
 
Earning a unique place in Australia’s heavy scene is Simpsons themed doom-rock band DR COLOSSUS. Brandishing low tuned guitar riffs and melodically driven songs that then manage to turn the genre on its head by presenting lyrics and an aesthetic based entirely on episodes of The Simpsons. A gimmick as it may be, DR COLOSSUS have earned a reputation as one of the one of the country’s most dynamic heavy acts who wield a dynamic palette of doom infused rock stomping grooves within well crafted, fun and riotously catchy material.
 
Leading the charge of mountainous riffage is Sydney’s two piece feed ASTRODEATH. Possessing a furious and intimidating sound, at a titanic reverberation that far exceeds the sum of its twin parts, ASTRODEATH belt out sludge ridden slices of heaviness that pack a devastating punch.
 
ORANGE GOBLIN with DR COLOSSUS and ASTRODEATH performing at:
 

April 9th – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory

April 10th – Canberra, The Basement
 

April 11th – Brisbane, The Zoo

April 12th – Sydney, Crowbar
 

April 13th – Melbourne, The Croxton

 

TICKETS ON SALE at:

ADELAIDE – www.moshtix.com.au
 

CANBERRA, BRISBANE, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE – www.oztix.com.au

 
 

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February 9, 2024
STM

Interview with Hugh Cornwell

Click above to see Casper chat with Hugh Cornwell on announcement of Australian Tour!

When future historians of music draw up a list of the movers and shakers who changed the modern musical landscape, there will be no doubt THAT HUGH CORNWELL’s name will be prominent amongst them. As a pioneering musician, songwriter, and performer his pervasive influence persists in the record collections of music aficionados, across the globe’s radio waves and on stages around the world, Hugh’s presence is unquestionable.

As leader of THE STRANGLERS, Hugh was the main songwriter of all the band’s most memorable songs across ten stellar albums all of whom consolidated Cornwell’s stature as a unique songwriter and musician. His lyrics to ‘Golden Brown’, from the La Folie album, and their multiple meanings, is a songwriting masterclass.

Widely regarded as the poet laureate of punk, Hugh Cornwell has also built a substantial and singular body of impressive solo albums.

Don’t miss this British Music Legend as he Performs Iconic Stranglers Hits and Classic Solo Songs with a Full Band!

“His solo work is a joy to listen to, great lyrics and wonderful guitars, and The Stranglers numbers stand the test of time, still sounding great after all this time” (Scottish Music Network)

“Cornwell’s voice is spiky or smooth as required” (Norfolk Rocks)

HUGH CORNWELL August 2024 Australian Tour Dates

Thursday 1st August The Great Club, SYDNEY (Marrickville)

Friday 2nd August Blue Mountains Theatre, BLUE MOUNTAINS (Springwood)

Saturday 3rd August The Croxton, MELBOURNE (Thornbury)

Sunday 4th August Memo Music Hall, ST. KILDA

Thursday 8th August The Triffid, BRISBANE

Friday 9th August The Gov, ADELAIDE

Saturday August 10th Rosemount, PERTH

Tickets

Presale:  Tuesday 13th February, 9am Local time

General Public: Friday 16th February, 9am Local time

From: https://metropolistouring.com/hugh-cornwell-2024/

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InterviewsTour Interview
October 20, 2023
Casper

Interview with Tony “Nail” Vincent (Devilskin)

Get ready to rock and roll at LAGERFEST 2023, the ultimate fusion of heavy metal and Oktoberfest revelry! Presented by Kegstand Productions, Music Management Inc., and Wall of Sound, this extraordinary music festival is set to take Australia by storm. Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience as we bring you world-class bands, delicious beers, and an electrifying community atmosphere like never before.

The lineup is nothing short of legendary, featuring THE HALO EFFECT, a powerhouse composed of past members of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity. This will be their first-ever performance in Australia and New Zealand, making it an absolute must-see event! Their raw yet melodic performance will leave you breathless and craving for more. Joining them are BEYOND THE BLACK, the German symphonic metal shooting stars who have taken the world by storm with their chart-topping albums and awe-inspiring live performances. And let's not forget DEVILSKIN, hailing from New Zealand, and featuring the incredible vocal prowess of Jennie Skulander, whose unerring gift for melody will captivate you from the first note.

But that's just the beginning of the epic lineup! Prepare to be blown away by LAGERSTEIN, the Australian party pirates who have taken their unique and fun stage show to an astounding 22 countries. With a reputation for delivering an explosively energetic and debaucherous live performance, this will be the 6th time they host LAGERSTEIN, and it promises to be the wildest and most unforgettable yet!

Mark your calendars for the following dates:

11/11/2023 – Auckland – The Powerstation

12/11/2023 – Christchurch – The Ngaio Marsh Theatre

15/11/2023 – Brisbane – The Triffid

16/11/2023 – Sydney – the Manning Bar

18/11/2023 – Adelaide – Froth & Fury Festival

19/11/2023 – Melbourne – The Northcote Theatre

Tickets from: https://www.lagerfest.net/

Secure your spot now and be a part of the Lagerfest legacy! Tickets are available exclusively at www.lagerfest.net. And remember, this year's festival will also feature a thrilling competition where fans can compete for 'The Lagerfest Cup.' So don't miss out on the metal mayhem and epic party vibes—grab your tickets today and let the countdown to Lagerfest 2023 begin!

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Or Discover Lagerfest 2023 VIP Tickets 🎟🤘:

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Elevate your Lagerfest experience at www.lagerfest.net! 🎸🍻

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InterviewsTour Interview
May 22, 2023
Mike L Photography

Interview with Tommy Emmanuel

(STM) What is your process and criteria for selecting and developing new songs to add to your live repertoire?

(TE) With my live repertoire, I'm always trying to add as many of my own songs in there, or choose a cover that I can put my own slant on and make it fun or entertaining and unexpected to the crowd! The importance of starting the show with the right songs cannot be underestimated!

Are there any songs you wish you could have included to your live/studio repertoire, but perhaps they didn’t translate exactly as desired?

Not all songs work as instrumentals, and I have to be really certain of it's integrity and muscle when I put it in my shows! Playing something in a concert situation is THE acid test!

Do you have a favourite collaboration that sticks out in your mind?

I have had so many wonderful Collaborations over my life,, “Burn for You” with John Farnham stands out as a great duet.. Nobody sings like HIM!

Who, past or present would you most like to collaborate with, and why?

I wish my brother Phil was back so we could launch our Duo on the world!!

You’ve recently performed some of Jeff Beck’s music live. Did you have a relationship with the late guitar legend?

I never got to meet Jeff Beck, but I have loved his playing since my brother gave me the “Blow by Blow” Album… He astounds me still.. What a tone!! RIP JB

Is there anything new you were surprised to have taken away and learned from your guitar camps over the years?

I've learned that there's no point in sugar-coating any part of the process of learning / practising / achieving … when it comes to playing, there IS no easy way, there's work, DEDICATION and a lot of determination to get any good at anything in music. I tell it like it is, life is too short to waste any time ! GET TO WORK!

Hypothetical curveball – you have to play without the use of your middle or index finger – which do you choose?

ooooo Bad situation??? … Middle finger, because I can make my index finger do things my middle finger can't ! TE

You can still catch Tommy Emmanuel at the following dates

Tickets available here: tommyemmanuel.com

Tues 23 May – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane 

Wed 24 May – Festival Theatre, Adelaide

Fri 26 May – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart

Sat 27 May – Country Club, Launceston

Sun 28 May – Arts Centre Melbourne Hamer Hall, Melbourne

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Album InterviewsInterviews
April 5, 2023
Casper

Interview with Bobby Blitz (Overkill)

For more than forty years, OVERKILL has been leading the way in creating some of the most iconic moments in the world of metal music. On April 14th, the legendary New Jersey thrash band will unleash their twentieth studio album, Scorched, through Nuclear Blast Records, delivering a brutal assault on your senses.

The group recently offering their fans a sneak peek of the upcoming album with the release of their first single, 'The Surgeon'. 'Wicked Place'. The track offers undeniable blues elements that give off old-school Rock N Roll feels.

OVERKILL Bobby Blitz comments, “One of my favourite rides on the record, a big thick groove reminiscent of days gone by, with a modern punch in the snoot! Get Wicked!“

The recording of Scorched introduced a fresh recording approach, with each member having the ability to record independently. The mixing of the record was overseen by Colin Richardson and Chris Clancy, while Johnny Rodd provided vocal production and Maor Appelbaum undertook mastering and other final touches. For the album's artwork, the band once again collaborated with artist Travis Smith.

Despite expanding their musical horizons, OVERKILL has not abandoned their trademark sound as gutter thrashers. Fans can rest assured that the band will continue to deliver the same raw and aggressive music that has won their hearts.

Pre-order Scorched in the format of your choice here: https://bfan.link/Overkill-Scorched

Below is the track listing for Scorched: 1. Scorched 2. Goin' Home 3. The Surgeon 4. Twist OF The Wick 5. Wicked Place 6. Won't Be Comin Back 7. Fever 8. Harder They Fall 9. Know Her Name 10. Bag O' Bones

Below is the track listing for Scorched:
1. Scorched
2. Goin' Home
3. The Surgeon
4. Twist OF The Wick
5. Wicked Place
6. Won't Be Comin Back
7. Fever
8. Harder They Fall
9. Know Her Name
10. Bag O' Bones

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