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By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica are ready to release their seventh studio album “Stones Grow Her Name”, an album that sees them take a more straightforward and organic approach towards their musicianship, and moves away from the progressive and orchestral elements that decorated their previous two albums “The Days Of Grays” and “Unia”. About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking with vocalist and songwriter Tony Kakko, not only to talk about this new album, but also to get his thoughts on a variety of other topics including past touring experiences and a band they toured with. Enjoy the conversation as Tony opens up and speaks his mind, check out the album when it releases on May 18th/22nd in Europe/USA via Nuclear Blast Records, and visit Sonata Arctica on the web for more info on how to order it, using the links below the interview. Continue reading “Interview: Sonata Arctica Frontman Talks In Detail About Musical Shift, Lyrics On New Album”

By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

Veteran drummer Vinny Appice, known for his exemplary work in Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell, has joined forces with bassist Rex Brown of Pantera and Down fame, guitarist Mark Zavon and vocalist Jason “Dewey” Bragg to create a new entity in heavy metal called Kill Devil Hill. The band has been around for a couple of years now, starting out by performing on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, and then gradually breaking out into other territories. Now, they are ready to release their self-titled debut album, set for a release date of May 22nd on SPV Records. A couple of days ago, on April 30th 2012, I had the pleasure of talking to Vinny Appice to discuss this debut album, the formative period of the band, touring plans, and more. Enjoy the conversation, and check out Kill Devil Hill by visiting the links below. Continue reading “Interview: Vinny Appice Discusses Kill Devil Hill Debut Album, Touring Plans”

By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

Mumbai-based symphonic black metal band Cosmic Infusion have been around since 2003, gracing the country’s underground music scene with their brand of intense, atmospheric extreme metal. A band that puts more effort into their live performances than anything else, Cosmic Infusion win crowds over and gains new fans every time they perform. I found this out for myself just two weeks ago, when I saw them open for Albatross at the “Wither 2012” gig, at Thane’s United 21. A couple of days ago, I did this interview with the band to talk more about that gig, the reasons for their hiatus and the subsequent reformation, new material, and lots more. We hope you enjoy reading this conversation, and after you’ve done so, visit the band’s social networks by using the links posted below. Continue reading “Interview: Cosmic Infusion Talk About Reformation, New Material, Songwriting Inspirations”

By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

Mumbai-based black metal duo Solar Deity, consisting of Exhumation members Aditya Mehta on vocals, guitar & bass and Yash Pathak on drums, have just released their hugely impressive debut EP “In The Name Of Satan”. Brutal as well as atmospheric in equal measures, it’s a brilliant representation of the genre, and has found appreciation in the Indian underground metal scene. Very soon after the release of this EP, the band explored DSBM territory and put out the “Snowless” single. If these two releases are anything to go by, one can expect great things from Solar Deity in the near and distant future.  Continue reading “Interview: Aditya Mehta Discusses Solar Deity, Black Metal & Beer”

By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

More than two decades after releasing the two ever-amazing “Keeper Of The Seven Keys” albums, ex-Helloween members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen have rejoined forces once again, and along with guitarist Mandy Meyer, bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Kosta Zafiriou, they have formed a new band named Unisonic. The self-titled debut album will hit North American markets on May 22nd 2012 via Eagle Rock’s Armoury Records. Fans of early Helloween and Gamma Ray will find Unisonic’s music to be equally strong and catchy, and it’s been proven yet again that the combination of Kai Hansen’s signature songwriting style and Michael Kiske’s vocals is a match made in heaven. Yesterday, on April 20th 2012, I got a chance to speak to Michael about this album, how his vocals have changed with age, performing Helloween songs, and future plans. Enjoy the conversation, and check out Unisonic on the web by visiting one of the links listed below. Continue reading “Interview: Michael Kiske Discusses Unisonic Debut Album”

 By Aniruddh “Andrew” Bansal

When it comes to the Indian metal scene, Bangalore-based sludge outfit Shepherd is most definitely a one-of-a-kind band. Their dirty, crusty sound and extremely heavy sound is great not only because it’s different, but more importantly, because the band executes it well on stage. I was hit hard by their relentless sonic avalanche when I first saw them at last Saturday’s Riff52 gig. For a band that was playing only their fourth show, they did an excellent job and impressed me straightaway. That led to me contacting them and asking for an interview, and the result was a meet-up with guitarist Namit Chauhan and bassist Muneeb Peeran at the Legends Of Rock pub in Koramangala, Bangalore, last night on April 4th 2012. We sat down with a few beers and had a chat about Shepherd’s musical style, the work that goes into creating their live sound, and many other things. Enjoy the conversation below, and check out Shepherd’s facebook page once you’ve done so. Continue reading “Interview: Shepherd Guitarist & Bassist Talk About Band’s Musical Style, Live Performances”