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By Andrew Bansal

New Jersey thrash veterans Overkill recently concluded a co-headline North American run with progressive metal band Symphony X, also from New Jersey, bringing an undeniably unique package to metal masses through the continent. On this tour, the duo made a stop in downtown Los Angeles for a gig at the Regent Theater on October 6th 2015, and before the show, I caught up with Overkill frontman Bobby ‘Blitz’ Ellsworth, to talk about the then ongoing tour, the worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast and the impending ‘HistoriKill’ box set, plans for the next album, and more. Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “Overkill Frontman Discusses Touring With Symphony X, ‘HistoriKill’ Box Set & More”

By Nathan Hernandez

Watain is a Swedish black metal band hailing from Uppsala. They formed in 1998 and have been touring and pumping out albums ever since. Touring with bands such as Dissection and in Europe heavily has solidified Watain as a force to be reckoned with. Watain in recent years have been able to tour the U.S. successfully. In January 2015, the Black Metal Warfare tour with Mayhem and Revenge came through the States. Now, in November they are kicking off the Black Metal Warfare Tour Part 2, showing America how Watain does black metal. This being the last phase of the touring cycle for their 2013 Century Media Records full-length release ‘The Wild Hunt’, it is going to be a tour fans of the band and genre wouldn’t want to miss. Earlier this week, I did an interview with frontman Erik Danielsson to discuss the upcoming tour, . Enjoy the conversation below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Watain Frontman Erik Danielsson”

By Andrew Bansal

Raleigh, North Carolina veteran heavy music perpetrators Corrosion Of Conformity have enjoyed a unique reputation of marching forward in their career with a variety of member lineups playing completely different-sounding incarnations and crushing trends as a result. The four-piece version of C.O.C., with Pepper Keenan fronting them on guitar and vocals, reunited in early 2015, and are now all set for extensive touring, following which they will enter the studio to record a new album for Nuclear Blast Records with whom they have just signed a worldwide deal. In the leadup to their US touring run, C.O.C. participated in Motörhead’s Motörboat cruise from September 28th to October 2nd 2015, and emerged triumphant as arguably the best-sounding band of the entire cruise. After playing their two sets on days #1 and #2 of the cruise, they were relaxing and soaking in the experience for the remainder of the cruise, and on day #3, September 30th, I caught up with drummer Reed Mullin for an in-depth chat. Delve into the conversation below for some great stories from the past, Reed’s thoughts on concert cruises, the various C.O.C. lineups and more. Continue reading “Corrosion Of Conformity Drummer Discusses Motörboat, Four-Piece Lineup & More”

By Andrew Bansal

British classic heavy metal legends Saxon are in their absolute prime as a live band and in the studio, keeping a 35-year old career going strong and marching on with no signs of slowing down. They are getting ready to release their 21st full-length studio album ‘Battering Ram’ via UDR Music on October 30th 2015, and on the recently concluded North American tour as main support to Motörhead, including some headline dates with support act Armored Saint, Saxon gave audiences a taste of the brand new material by performing the title track every night. I spoke to frontman Biff Byford in the midst of this tour, to discuss ‘Battering Ram’, touring with Motörhead, and other things. Enjoy the conversation below, along with a taste of the new music. Continue reading “Saxon Frontman Talks About Touring With Motörhead, New Album ‘Battering Ram’ & More”

By Andrew Bansal

San Francisco doom/sludge duo Black Cobra have been destroying eardrums and marauding stages for nearly 15 years, and even as a mere two-piece, have developed a reputation as one of the most devastating bands in the metal underground. Black Cobra signed to Season Of Mist in 2015, and will be releasing their long-awaited fifth full-length album ‘Imperium Simulacra’ on February 26th 2016, their first since the 2011 effort ‘Invernal’. Maintaining what’s been a rigorous touring schedule for several years, comprising headline runs as well as support slots for a variety of bigger acts, Black Cobra are now raring to invade North American ears and minds once again, on a tour with Yob. Recently, they also did a short West Coast run and played a headline gig at Complex in Glendale in late August. Before the show, I spoke to drummer Rafael Martinez for an interview. Enjoy the conversation below, and catch them on tour with Yob (dates included). Continue reading “Black Cobra Drummer Discusses Touring, Next Album & More”

By Andrew Bansal

San Francisco-based doom-infused rock ‘n roll trio Castle have been consistent, relentless and prolific in the six years of their existence thus far, with three full-length albums and countless tours already under their belt. Their latest album ‘Under Siege’ was released in May 2014 via Prosthetic Records. It was on one of their West Coast runs as part of the touring cycle for this album that I got to experience Castle as a live band for the very first time, at Complex in Glendale in March 2015. The band made an indelible impact and has been on my radar ever since. I attended their headline show at Loaded last August, which also happened to be their first ever gig at that venue, and had a candid chat with guitarist Mat Davis. Enjoy the conversation below, and catch them on their next US tour in November (dates included). Continue reading “In Conversation With Castle Guitarist Mat Davis”