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By Andrew Bansal

In the last three years, classic metal veterans Queensrÿche have enjoyed a resurgence like no other, rekindling the energy and exuberance with which they started out in the early ’80s and recreating that same impact on audiences worldwide all over again. The introduction of Todd La Torre as the singer has been one of main reasons for the metamorphosis of Queensrÿche, specially as a live band. But they are equally motivated as a creative force as well, following up the 2013 self-titled effort, the first to feature La Torre, with their 15th full-length studio album ‘Condition Hüman’ which was released on October 2nd 2015 via Century Media Records. The band also wrapped up a successful US arena tour as Scorpions’ sole support act, and have now announced the onset of the ‘Condition Hüman’ touring cycle with the first run of US headline dates set for January-February 2016. I recently spoke to Todd La Torre to discuss his journey with the band so far, the new album, the Scorpions tour, his opinion on shows versus festivals, the acoustic set they played at the Rainbow, and the possibility of him giving vocal lessons. Enjoy the conversation below, along with a taste of the new material. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Queensrÿche Singer Todd La Torre”

By Andrew Bansal

French atmospheric post-metal band Alcest released their latest full-length album ‘Shelter’ in 2014, and nearing the end of the touring cycle for it, they recently concluded a September-October 2015 North American headline tour with support act Emma Ruth Rundle, a run of dates that started in Mexico and included a Los Angeles stop at the Regent on October 7th. Before the show and straight after soundcheck, I sat down with Alcest mastermind Neige to discuss his first impressions of the Regent, the tour, the band’s experience in Mexico, the support act, his love of the sea, and the status of the next album. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “Alcest Mainman Neige Discusses Touring, ‘Shelter’ & More”

By Andrew Bansal

San Diego-based classic heavy metal band Monolith formed in 2013 and first caught Metal Assault’s attention with an incredible live performance in 2014, which they followed up with a stellar debut full-length album ‘Against The Wall Of Forever’ in 2015. The album deemed Monolith one of the most promising young clean-singing metal bands. Now with the introduction of new singer Keith McIntosh, Monolith are ready to take the next step. A few days ago, I had a detailed conversation with guitarist and principal songwriter Doug Walker, to talk about the lineup change, and lots more. Check out the interview below, along with a glimpse of the new singer talents through his cover of Iron Maiden’s ‘Purgatory’. Continue reading “In Conversation With Monolith Guitarist Doug Walker”

By Andrew Bansal

In 2015, hard rock power trio The Winery Dogs have proved themselves to be far above and beyond just another spur-of-the-moment supergroup, and have shown that their 2013 self-titled effort was by no means a one-off. The release of their chart-conquering second full-length album ‘Hot Streak’ solidifies The Winery Dogs as a real band, and they are currently out touring North America in support of the album. The trio of Mike Portnoy (drums), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Richie Kotzen (guitar and vocals) are all set to rock California this week, with shows in San Jose, Anaheim, Agoura Hills, San Diego, and a return to the lovely Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills on Friday November 6th, which is where Metal Assault will see them on this tour. I spoke to Mike Portnoy last week to discuss the tour, the new album, the status and future of The Winery Dogs, his other projects, and more. Enjoy the conversation below: Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Mike Portnoy”

Interview by Jason Williams

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers At The Gates returned to the forefront of the genre with the release of their fifth full-length album ‘At War With Reality’ in 2014 via Century Media Records. Their first LP in 19 years, it has put the band firmly on the global metal map, as they’ve garnered heaps of praise and critical acclaim for the album itself and have toured worldwide in support of it. The touring cycle included a North American headline run for the annual Decibel Magazine tour, and just prior to announcing a limited US run for February 2016, At The Gates visited the States for a one-off gig at Knotfest in San Bernardino, California on October 24th 2015. Our man Jason Williams caught up with vocalist Tomas Lindberg for an interview. Enjoy the conversation below: Continue reading “At The Gates Vocalist Discusses Knotfest, ‘At War With Reality’ & More”

Interview by Jason Williams

Los Angeles-based group Abysmal Dawn have been a longstanding death metal juggernaut, with four crushing full-length albums consistently strengthening their arsenal over the past 12 years. Abysmal Dawn released their latest album ‘Obsolescence’ in 2014 via Relapse Records, and following a run of dates in the US and Europe, took a brief break before returning to obliterate the stage, as part of the lineup for Knotfest at San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California, on October 24th 2015. After their set, our man Jason Williams had a detailed conversation with guitarist/vocalist Charles Elliott about Knotfest, touring, ‘Obsolescence’, Death To All, future plans and more. Enjoy the conversation below: Continue reading “In Conversation With Abysmal Dawn Frontman Charles Elliott”