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By Aniruddh ‘Andrew’ Bansal

Hailing from the Pakistani city of Karachi, Dusk have gone through a few phases, starting out as a doom/death metal band in their formative years, then moving to a progressive metal style and later on to a death/thrash. Now, they seem to have made a comeback to the doom realm, and are set to release a split album with Indian doom veterans Dying Embrace, on Cylopean Eye Productions. Earlier today, I had a detailed conversation with Dusk guitarist/bassist/vocalist Babar Sheikh, to talk about the band’s comeback, musical style changes, lineups, and various other topics. Enjoy the conversation below as Babar opens up and gives an honest account of everything. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Dusk Mainman Babar Sheikh”

By Andrew Bansal

German progressive metal band The Ocean released a 2-part concept album series, comprising of ‘Heliocentric’ and ‘Anthropocentric’ in 2010 and followed that up with endless touring around the world. Straight after the tour, guitarist and mastermind Robin Staps began work on the next album, the next chapter in The Ocean’s impressive career. Even after such a massive effort with the ‘Centric’ albums, he has managed to come up with something quite special, because the new album ‘Pelagial’ is a masterpiece in the truest sense. It comes out on April 30th in North America via Metal Blade Records. The band is leaving for a Europe tour on Friday, and will be on this year’s Summer Slaughter tour in America. Last night, I spoke to Robin to discuss the album in detail. Part 1 of the interview can be read below, and part 2 will be posted soon on GuitarWorld.com. Continue reading “The Ocean Guitarist Robin Staps Delves Deep Into ‘Pelagial’”

Interview by Avinash Mittur

Flag bearers of classic American heavy metal for the past 32 years, Metal Church have gone through ups and downs but withstood them to eventually come out on the upside. They broke up for a second time in 2009, but have now successfully made a comeback, which included a spectacular greatest hits set at the 70000 Tons Of Metal Cruise last January. Currently, they’re working towards making this a full-fledged comeback by releasing a new album in the near future. Yesterday, our man Avinash Mittur, an ardent follower of Metal Church, spoke to vocalist Ronny Munroe and dug deep to discuss just about everything Metal Church. Enjoy the great conversation below. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Metal Church Frontman Ronny Munroe”

By Andrew Bansal

Phoenix, Arizona’s thrash/speed metal veterans Flotsam and Jetsam have been going strong for the past 30-plus years, and in their early days they were quite an influential force in their genre. Over the years, they added various other elements in their musical style but still maintained a cult fan-following. Their upcoming 11th studio album ‘Ugly Noise’, the first on Metal Blade Records after the 2001 release ‘My God’, is an apt representation of the band’s musical journey through their career. It has a bit of everything, including thrash, power and progressive metal, all combined excellently to create a polished sound which gives it a modern touch and renders it relevant in present-day metal. In addition, it features the return of original members Michael Gilbert on guitar and Kelly David Smith on drums, who haven’t recorded with the band since the 1997 album ‘High’. Earlier today, I had the good fortune of speaking with vocalist Eric ‘A.K.’ Knutson to discuss this new album, the lineup changes and more. Check it out below. Continue reading “Flotsam and Jetsam Frontman Talks ‘Ugly Noise’ Album, Lineup Changes & More”

By Andrew Bansal

American modern metal greats Fear Factory released their eighth studio album ‘The Industrialist’ in June last year via Candlelight Records, amidst a largely positive response from fans of the band. They went on a massive European tour, and did shows in many places in Asia, Australia and South America, and now they are gearing up for their first proper North American touring run in support of ‘The Industrialist’ with opening acts Hate Eternal & Kobra And The Lotus. Earlier today, I had the pleasure of chatting with vocalist Burton C. Bell, and we discussed the band’s recent tours, the lyrical concepts behind The Industrialist, the use of programmed drums, future plans, his vocals, and more. Check out what the ever-insightful Burton had to say about these things. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Fear Factory Vocalist Burton C. Bell”

Interview by Avinash Mittur

Finnish folk metal giants Ensiferum released their fifth studio album ‘Unsung Heroes’ last August via Spinefarm Records, and are now on the road in North America to promote this release. They’re currently headlining Paganfest America Part IV, with support acts Tyr, Heidevolk, Trollfest and Southern California’s very own Helsott. More adventurous and theatrical than any of their previous releases, ‘Unsung Heroes’ presents the band in a new light and showcases their never-ending progress as musicians. Combine that with their fierce on-stage energy, and Paganfest becomes a must-watch show for any metal fan. The tour made a stop at the House of Blues in Hollywood on April 2nd, and our man not only wrote this killer review of the show, but also sat down with bassist Sami Hinkka for a pleasant conversation. Read it below. Continue reading “Ensiferum Bassist Sami Hinkka Discusses Paganfest, New Album + More”