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By Andrew Bansal

After a five-year gap since their previous release “The Alchemist”, Swedish psychedelic doom rockers Witchcraft are now finally ready to release their fourth album. “Legend” comes out in North America on September 25th via Nuclear Blast Records, and presents a new-look five-piece lineup with frontman and founder Magnus Pelander giving up guitar to devote his entire efforts to his vocals. From starting out as a Pentagram tribute band to now, the band has truly come a long way, and “Legend” presents a new facet of their musicianship. A couple of days ago, I had a chat with bassist Ola Henriksson to discuss the lineup change, the process behind “Legend”, and plenty of other things. Read the conversation below, check out the album preview using the YouTube player, and visit the band’s facebook page to stay in touch with them. Continue reading “Witchcraft Bassist Talks About Making Of New Album “Legend””

By Andrew Bansal

LA-based heavy metal band Kauze have been around since 2005, releasing three EPs over the course of their career so far. Till now they’ve maintained a groove metal sound, influenced by the likes of Pantera and Fear Factory, but with the imminent release of their debut full-length album “The Rise To Power”, they’re about to take a positive step forward in their musical direction. Upon listening to the preview (embedded below as a YouTube clip below), I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. The music is definitely heavier, and isn’t merely the straight-up groove metal I was expecting. There’s more of an extreme metal feel to it, which should widen the band’s fan base. Continue reading “Kauze Frontman Talks About Debut Album, Working With DevilDriver Drummer (Audio)”

By Avinash Mittur

For the past two years, San Francisco’s Hell Fire have been wowing audiences all over the Bay Area with their brand of classic heavy metal infused with just a bit of thrash. Bay Area legends like Gary Holt, Tom Hunting and Will Carroll can consistently be found in their crowds, and even Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda was spotted wearing a Hell Fire shirt in Sacramento last Friday night. I got to talk with guitarist Tony Campos, bassist Herman Bandala, singer Alex Orozco and drummer Arturo Rios last Monday at Elbo Room in San Francisco and we discussed the band’s upcoming album, their future touring plans and what their new guitarist Jon Mendle has contributed to the band. Unlike a lot of young bands, Hell Fire are focused on doing their album and tours right instead of rushing those elements. With a mature and patient attitude to complement their already mind-blowing live performances, I expect to see great things from them in the coming years. Read our discussion below, check out a live video of the band performing “Fatal Desires” live in the studio, their live performance of “Strike of the Beast” with Gary Holt, and visit Hell Fire’s official website for updates on future shows. Continue reading “Hell Fire Discuss Debut Album, New Lineup & Bay Area Audiences”

By Andrew Bansal

Finnish folk metal heroes Ensiferum are set to release their fifth studio album “Unsung Heroes” on September 18th in North America, via Spinefarm Records. Over an hour long, this album offers more musically as compared to any of the band’s previous efforts, and the 10-track album ends with the 17-minute song “Passion, Proof, Power”, the longest track ever recorded by Ensiferum. Right now the band is on ‘The Bearers Of The Sword’ European tour, and have plans to tour other territories later on. Last week, I caught up with bassist Sami Hinkka to discuss various aspects of the album. Read the conversation below, check out the amazing new music video of the song “In My Sword I Trust” using the YouTube player, and visit Ensiferum’s facebook page for more info on the album and tour dates. Continue reading “Ensiferum Bassist Talks In Detail About New Album “Unsung Heroes””

By Andrew Bansal

Los Angeles-based technical death metal released their long-awaited third studio album “Autotheism” on August 14th via Sumerian Records, coinciding with their massive Summer Slaughter tour alongside the who’s who of extreme metal. The album represents the latest step in the band’s musical journey, expanding considerably on what they did in the first two albums. About 10 days ago, I had a chat with guitarist, songwriter and producer Michael Keene to discuss his writing process for this album and the Summer Slaughter experience. Listen to the 10-minute conversation below, and visit the band’s facebook page for more info. Continue reading “THE FACELESS Guitarist Michael Keene Discusses “Autotheism”, Summer Slaughter (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Florida death metal legends Obituary have embarked on the ‘Carnival Of Death’ tour, which is their first North American headlining run in more than three years. Out with them as support acts are the reunited Broken Hope, along with Decrepit Birth, Jungle Rot and Encrust. This is also the band’s first tour in these parts as a four-piece. In addition, they are also writing a follow-up to their latest release “Darkest Day”, which came out in 2009. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke to drummer Donald Tardy to talk in detail about this tour, the fan-submitted set list, and plans for the next album, among other things. After talking with him, I was inspired to learn how to play the drums. Read the conversation below, and visit the Obituary facebook page for more info. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Obituary Drummer Donald Tardy”