By Andrew Bansal

Assyrian black metal band Melechesh released their fifth studio album ‘The Epigenesis’ via Nuclear Blast Records in late 2010, and following two previous North American tours to promote the album as a support act to bigger bands, Melechesh have returned to North American shores for a two-week headline run of their own. The tour began at the Joint in Los Angeles last Sunday June 16th 2013, and prior to the show I caught up with mainman Ashmedi for a chat about what to expect from this tour, plans for the next album, his thoughts on metal bands using unconventional instruments, and other topics. Listen to the 10-minute interview below, and read a review of the LA show or visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading →

By Andrew Bansal

Even though Norway is famously known in the world of heavy music for its black metal scene, there are certain bands based in that country that do not follow the rule book set by the generations of bands before them. Vreid, led by bassist Jarle Kvåle, happens to be one such band. They started out in 2004 and have been releasing one solid album after another, the latest being ‘Welcome Farewell’, their sixth studio effort and one that sees Jarle’s creativity expand further. Last Sunday June 16th 2013, they visited the Joint in West Los Angeles to begin their current North American tour as main support act to Melechesh. Before the show, I sat down with Jarle to discuss the band’s recent travels, the latest album, lyrical inspirations, and more. Listen to the 9-minute chat below, and read my review of that show or visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading →

By Andrew Bansal

Los Angeles-based extreme metal band Lightning Swords Of Death have had an interesting musical journey through the ten years of their existence so far. They have released three studio albums and done multiple high-profile tours till date, the latest album ‘Baphometic Chaosium’ which came out via Metal Blade Records in January 2013 seeing them progress naturally with their musical creativity and finding a more focussed sense of direction. A couple of days ago, I saw them start a North American tour in support of Melechesh and Vreid at the Joint in West Los Angeles, and prior to the show I had the pleasure of talking to vocalist Farron Loathing a.k.a Autarch about tours present and past, the new album and lots more. Listen to the 13-minute conversation below, and check out my review of that show or visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading →

By Andrew Bansal

During the course of their last two gigs, at the Joint on June 14th and as part of Thrasho De Mayo at the Vex on May 11th, Orange County CA-based thrash band Madrost has truly impressed one and all with their musicianship and on-stage energy. Their brand of music is a salute to the old-school thrash, not only in terms of the musical style itself but equally importantly, with the attitude as well. Despite the resemblance to the old-school, their music is still unpredictable and dynamic in a way that makes the listener take immediate notice. Even as they played in front of the very hard-to-please LA crowds at those two shows, they managed to win over a majority of them with their sheer intensity, led by frontman Tanner Poppitt on vocals and guitar. The day after that Joint show, I caught up with him at the Century Media event in Hawthorne and did a detailed interview about all things Madrost. Listen to the 15-minute chat below, and check out their facebook page at facebook.com/madrost to keep up with their show announcements and all other updates.  Continue reading →

By Andrew Bansal

Finnish melodic death metal band Children Of Bodom have released their eighth studio album ‘Halo Of Blood’, which came out on June 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. Longtime fans of the band have been much underwhelmed by the previous two albums ‘Relentless Reckless Forever’ and ‘Blooddrunk’, but would be delighted with how this new one sounds, a throwback to Bodom’s earlier days. Recently, I caught up with bassist Henkka ‘Blacksmith’ Seppälä to discuss the album and lots of other things including the upcoming Mayhem Festival and their recent India show. Read the conversation below, and pick up the new album from a physical or digital outlet of your choice. Continue reading →