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By Andrew Bansal

Symphonic power metal band Kamelot did a North American headline tour last month in support of their latest album ‘Silverthorn’, and played at the Grove Of Anaheim on September 21. They put on an excellent show, presenting a diverse selection of material from their discography and for a change, the size of the venue allowed them to bring their full stage production. Before the show, I had a chance to interview guitarist, founding member and principal songwriter Thomas Youngblood to talk about this tour, new singer Tommy Karevik, songwriting approach, gear setup, and more. Listen to the 8-minute chat below. Continue reading “Kamelot Guitarist Discusses Touring, Songwriting & More (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

French atmospheric rock band Alcest is the creation of Neige, who writes and records all of the material but plays on stage with a live band. Besides their three studio albums, they’ve impressed one and all with their live performances, and I got to witness that first hand when they opened for Enslaved at the Troubadour in 2011. Just recently, they came back on another US tour, this time co-headlining with British band Anathema. They played the Los Angeles show of the tour at the very appropriately chosen El Rey Theatre on October 3rd, and before the show I had a conversation with Neige to talk about the current tour, the making of the upcoming new album ‘Shelter’, the musical direction, live shows, acoustic arrangements, and more. Listen to the chat below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Alcest Mastermind Neige (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Portland, Oregon-based stoner doom/sludge band Lord Dying. These guys keep it simple and heavy, and for them it’s all about riffs, which resonates with audiences wherever they play. They released their debut album ‘Summon The Faitheless’ via Relapse Records, toured with Howl earlier this year and immediately followed it up with another run, with Valient Thorr and Ramming Speed. This tour visited the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood CA on September 17th, and before the show I had an opportunity to talk to drummer/vocalist John Reid about the band’s recent travels, future plans, endorsements and more. Listen to the chat below. Continue reading “Audio Interview With Lord Dying Drummer John Reid”

By Andrew Bansal

Based out of Austin, Texas, hard rock quintet Scorpion Child are bringing a classic sound back to life but at the same time are injecting it with a freshness that can clearly be felt upon listening to the music. The band signed to Nuclear Blast Records this year and released their self-titled debut album on the label, one of the most compelling albums of the year thus far, without a doubt. They then jumped on the Mayhem Festival and stuck out as the most unique band on an otherwise watered-down mainstream lineup, and just recently concluded their own headline North American tour with some great support acts Kadavar, Gypsyhawk, Wilson and Mothership. This tour came to the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood on September 24th, and before Scorpion Child’s set, I got a chance to speak to vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black. Listen to the chat below. Continue reading “Interview With Scorpion Child Singer Aryn Jonathan Black (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Detriot, Michigan-based party-crashing rock band Wilson have been a very hard-working band in their short career thus far, almost forever on the road and playing shows literally everywhere. Their new album ‘Full Blast Fuckery’ showcases the band’s musical traits to the fullest, and their music allows them to blend in on punk, hardcore, metal and even pop tours. They’ve toured with the likes of GWAR, and just concluded a tour with four epic bands Scorpion Child, Kadavar, Gypsyhawk and Mothership. This amazing tour visited the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood CA on September 24th, and before the show I had a nice conversation with vocalist Chad Nicefield. Listen to the chat below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Wilson Vocalist Chad Nicefield (Audio)”