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By Andrew Bansal

Through their 2009 self-titled debut album, the sophomore effort ‘Murder The Mountains’ in 2011, and lots of touring all around for the past few years, Portland, Oregon-based riffmongers Red Fang have caught the attention of just about everyone who has anything to do with heavy stoner metal. The band is now ready to release their third studio album ‘Whales And Leeches’ via Relapse Records on October 15th, and to coincide with the release they are embarking on a run of headline dates starting tonight in Sacramento and hitting the Troubadour in West Hollywood tomorrow October 10th. Recently, I had a chat with bassist/vocalist Aaron Beam about the making of the album, past touring experiences including Metallica’s Orion Festival, and more. Listen to the 10-minute chat below. Continue reading “Red Fang Bassist Talks About New Album ‘Whales And Leeches’ (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

British stoner rock band Orange Goblin are having the busiest year of their career so far, and having been around since 1995, they’re finally able to present their music on stages across North America on a comprehensive level. They’re currently on a headline tour here with support acts Holy Grail and Lazer/Wulf, and put on a stellar performance at the Satellite last Saturday October 5th. Before the gig, I had the pleasure of talking to singer Ben Ward about the band’s active touring run, the latest album releases, club gigs versus European festivals, the UK scene, and lots more. Listen to the 15-minute chat below, and if you’re into heavy blues-based stoner rock and haven’t checked out Orange Goblin yet, they’ll certainly be right up your alley. Continue reading “Interview With Orange Goblin Singer Ben Ward (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

The Winery Dogs is a new band that brings together the talents and collective brilliance of three monstrous musicians Mike Portnoy on drums, Billy Sheehan on bass and Richie Kotzen on guitar and vocals. The trio released their self-titled debut album earlier this year, and are currently on a US headline tour. The music of the band retains the individual qualities of each of the three virtuosos but also presents something new that comes from their collaborative writing. So far, whoever has heard the album and/or seen the band live has had nothing but positive things to say, and if you’re even remotely a fan of any of these guys, this band is more than worth checking out. Recently, I spoke to Richie Kotzen about the formation of the band, what it’s like for him to be working with Sheehan and Portnoy, his gear setup, guitar playing style, touring and more. Check out the conversation below, along with a couple of their music videos. Continue reading “Richie Kotzen Discusses Winery Dogs Debut Album, Gear & More”

By Andrew Bansal

Finnish epic metal band Wintersun released their new album ‘Time I’ in and did their first ever North American co-headline tour with Eluveitie in 2012. Due to the overwhelming success of the tour, they returned on a headline tour of their own earlier this year, with support from Fleshgod Apocalypse, Arsis and Starkill. They’re finishing up the sequel to the Time I album and will be releasing it sometime next year, with more touring to follow. Before their show at the House of Blues in Hollywood on August 26th, I sat down with drummer Kai Hahto to talk about the two Time albums, live shows, and more. Listen to the chat below. Continue reading “Interview With Wintersun Drummer Kai Hahto (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Italian symphonic extreme metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse recently released ‘Labyrinth’, undoubtedly the best album of their short 6-year career so far. It has taken them on a whole another level and they’ve clearly flourished as a group of musicians through the writing and recording process. Following the album release, they did a North American tour as support act to Wintersun, and judging by their mind-blowing performance in Hollywood on August 26 of this year, I wouldn’t really call them a ‘support act’, as for me they were the best band of the night. Before the show, I caught up with Tommaso Riccardi, powerhouse vocalist on stage but a genuinely nice guy off it, to talk about the new album, touring and lots more. Listen to the in-depth, informative chat below. Continue reading “In Conversation With Fleshgod Apocalypse Vocalist Tommaso Riccardi (Audio)”