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By Andrew Bansal

Swedish power metal band Sabaton have been in successful existence for the past 15 years but have really captured the imagination of American audiences over the past three years, making a strong impression on their first ever tour in these parts in 2011, and never looking back since. Now, they are ready to embark on yet another North American tour as main support to American metal stalwarts Iced Earth, and are also gearing up to release their seventh studio album ‘Heroes’ via Nuclear Blast Records on May 27th. A couple of weeks ago, I had a detailed conversation with singer Joakim Brodén about the new album, upcoming tours, the band’s rise in America, and just about all other things Sabaton. Enjoy the interview below. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Sabaton Singer Joakim Brodén”

By Andrew Bansal

German progressive metal band The Ocean released their latest concept masterpiece ‘Pelagial’ via Metal Blade Records last year, and after a touring run across the world they’re back in North America finally able to do what they aimed to with this new album right from the get go, to play it live in its entirety. Currently on a tour here with co-headliners Scale The Summit and support acts The Atlas Moth and Silver Snakes, The Ocean have been blowing minds and satiating fans one city at a time. On their off-day in Florida on March 20th, I spoke to guitarist and mastermind Robin Staps over the phone to discuss the tour and lots more. Enjoy the conversation from the always insightful Staps below. Continue reading “Robin Staps Of The Ocean Discusses Playing ‘Pelagial’ Album On Current North American Tour”

By Andrew Bansal

Los Angeles-based progressive rock band Cynic recently released their long-awaited third studio album ‘Kindly Bent To Free Us’ via Season Of Mist, their first full-length effort since the 2008 release ‘Traced In Air’, and as has been the case with every Cynic release so far, this one also sees the band push musical boundaries and successfully carry on their exploratory creative path. A couple of weeks ago, I did a 2-part interview with frontman Paul Masvidal. The first part below discusses the making of the album, Cynic’s fan base, and Paul’s current musical tastes. And check out Part 2 on Guitar World using the link at the bottom. Continue reading “Cynic Frontman Paul Masvidal Discusses New Album, Musical Tastes & More”

By Andrew Bansal

Swedish progressive metal band Opeth have never been one to shy away from making bold moves creatively, and their latest album ‘Heritage’ was a classic example of just that, receiving mixed reactions from their fan base but an album that vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Mikael Akerfeldt and his band mates enjoyed making. Now, Opeth are putting the finishing touches to their eleventh, as yet untitled studio album, and once again, it’s something fans are looking forward to with great curiosity. A few days ago, I spoke to Mikael Akerfeldt for a 2-part interview to discuss this new album in detail. Check out part 1 below, and part 2 on Guitar World using the link at the bottom. Continue reading “Opeth Mainman Mikael Akerfeldt Discusses New Album, Artwork & More”

By Andrew Bansal

Longstanding New York-based hardcore/metal band Earth Crisis are ready to release their seventh studio album ‘Salvation Of Innocents’ on Tuesday March 18th, their first release on Candlelight Records. Always lyrically themed on topics surrounding animal and environmental injustice, Earth Crisis not only delivers on the musical front but also gives the listener food for thought. A few weeks ago, I spoke to guitarist Scott Crouse in detail about the making of this new album, the production, the comic book tie-in, touring plans, genre labels, lyrics and lots more. Check out the conversation below. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Earth Crisis Guitarist Scott Crouse”

By Andrew Bansal

British extreme metal legends Carcass made a triumphant comeback in the year 2013, with the release of their long awaited and overdue sixth studio album ‘Surgical Steel’, their first since signing to Nuclear Blast. To celebrate and promote the new album, Carcass played a few gigs in various parts of the world, including two intimate back-to-back sold-out shows at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. Now, they are gearing up for a full North American run, the Decibel 2014 Tour featuring Carcass as headliners along with support acts The Black Dahlia Murder, Gorguts and Noisem. A few days ago, I spoke to guitarist Bill Steer to discuss the tour, ‘Surgical Steel’, gear, his short stints in radio and Angel Witch, negative reviews, and more. Check out the conversation below. Continue reading “Carcass Guitarist Bill Steer Discusses Upcoming North American Tour + More”