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Interview by Tilo Lopez

Norwegian black metal legends Mayhem are currently in the midst of a North American headline tour wherein they are performing their 1994 debut full-length ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’ in its entirety, along with support acts Inquisition and Black Anvil. As part of this run, they performed to a packed house at the Observatory Orange County in Santa Ana, California last Tuesday February 7th 2017. Black metal fanatics, many of whom first gravitated to the genre because of the early works of bands like Mayhem, turned up to the gig and raised hell as one of their favorite bands revisited their dark past. After a successful show, vocalist Attila Csihar spoke to Metal Assault about all things Mayhem and more. Get to know him in this candid, no-holds-barred chat. Continue reading ““I’ve Always Sought Music that Deals with Darkness”: Getting to Know Mayhem Vocalist Attila Csihar”

By Andrew Bansal

Very few metal bands are successful in pushing the envelope of their creativity and expanding their repertoire while still maintaining their essence and core. Swedish group Katatonia can truly be heralded as one such band, starting as an extreme metal entity in their early years and continually blending melodic and atmospheric elements as they went along their career path. Their tenth and latest album ‘The Fall of Hearts’, released in 2016, comes across as a delightful blend of atmospheric and progressive rock, and now, Katatonia are gearing up for a March-April North American headline tour in support of the album, plus, of course, to present material from the rest of their discography. Continue reading ““We’re Still Comfortable Exploring Our Sound and Identity”: In Conversation with Katatonia guitarist Anders Nyström (audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Greek guitar virtuoso may have come into metal mainstream prominence upon getting recruited in Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band in 2009, but the extent and depth of his talent and repertoire goes far beyond. It was as far back as 1998, when he started Firewind, initially a solo project but soon morphing into a full-on band playing epic shred-centric power metal. Formed in 2002 as a group, Firewind went on to release studio albums and play shows on a consistent basis, gaining a widespread audience in Europe but all the while also growing their fan-base in the rest of the world, including North America. In 2012, the band celebrated their tenth anniversary, and following longtime vocalist Apollo Papathanasio’s departure, was briefly put on hold, after which Gus launched his solo career. Continue reading “Immortal Shred: Gus G discusses New Firewind Album, Solo Career, Signature Guitars & more (audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Finnish group Battle Beast was formed in 2005 with one mission: to specialize in catchy old-school melodic heavy metal. They’ve done exactly that in their career thus far, and extending their fan-base with each of their first three albums, ‘Steel’ (2011), ‘Battle Beast’ (2013) and ‘Unholy Savior’ (2015), they are now getting ready to release their fourth full-length album ‘Bringer Of Pain’ on February 17th 2017 via Nuclear Blast. This new effort of theirs clearly draws inspiration from the ’80s, and takes only one listen to make an indelible impact. Battle Beast is also gearing up for their first ever North American tour this Spring. Vocalist Noora Louhimo recently spoke to Metal Assault about the making of the album, the major lineup change, her pre-Battle Beast days, and her love of ‘Scarface’ (the movie) and W.A.S.P (the band). Enjoy the chat below, along with a taste of ‘Bringer Of Pain’, and catch Battle Beast at a show soon! Continue reading “From Janis Joplin to Heavy Metal: Battle Beast singer Noora Louhimo talks New Album, Pre-Metal Days & more”

By Andrew Bansal

New Jersey thrash legends Overkill are about to release ‘The Grinding Wheel’, a whopping 18th full-length studio album that comes as the newest offering in their highly admirable career spanning nearly four decades and showing no signs of ending any time soon. While some of their more popular peers that are no longer worthy of being deemed thrash bands still garner more attention with their sub-par new material, Overkill continually and unfailingly do what they do best, fly under the mainstream radar and keep it real and honest, with new music that strives to be contemporary with the modern era, yet retaining the classic style and vibe the band is loved for. ‘The Grinding Wheel’ is exactly that and more, and vocalist Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth recently spoke to Metal Assault to discuss the album in detail. Enjoy the conversation below, along with three new tracks, and be on the lookout for Overkill to conquer a stage near you real soon! Continue reading ““There’s Never Been an Identity Crisis regarding Who We Are”: In Conversation with Overkill frontman Bobby Blitz”

By Andrew Bansal

Based out of Yonkers, New York, Immolation have been nothing less than absolute pillars of death metal for nearly three decades since their 1988 inception. Still going as strong as ever with the same quartet of members that have represented the band for more than 13 years now, Immolation are getting ready to release their tenth full-length studio album ‘Atonement’, on February 24th via Nuclear Blast. Vocalist/bassist Ross Dolan recently spoke to Metal Assault to discuss the making of the album, the band’s upcoming US tour as support act to Max & Iggor Cavalera, and lots more. Listen to the conversation below, watch a 360 degree video of the song ‘Destructive Currents’ off of the new album, and check out the US tour dates below. Continue reading “Death Metal Atonement: Immolation Frontman Discusses New Album & More (audio)”