Category: Uncategorized

By Andrew Bansal

Swedish power metal kings HammerFall have returned to North America for a full tour, after seven long years, and judging by their splendid performance at the Grove of Anaheim last Wednesday May 10th, it’s safe to say that they’ve made it worth the wait. Besides giving their fans much to cheer about, they’re on a mission to win over new crowds on this co-headline run with Delain, playing in front of an entirely different demographic every night. A few hours before the Anaheim show, guitarist and founder Oscar Dronjak sat down with Metal Assault for a candid chat. Enjoy the conversation below, and let the hammer fall! Continue reading “Living Life Loud: HammerFall guitarist Oscar Dronjak discusses ongoing North American tour”

Interview by Rosie Walker

Finnish metal group Battle Beast has come out all guns blazing on their first ever North American tour and are firing on all cylinders, opening for Sabaton and Leaves’ Eyes on this run. They’re touring in support of their 2017 Nuclear Blast full-length release ‘Bringer of Pain’, a stellar slab of ultra-catchy no-bullshit heavy metal. At the Louisville, Kentucky stop of the ongoing tour, bassist/vocalist Eero Sipilä accepted Rosie Walker’s 20-question challenge, and here’s the result. Enjoy the 10-minute conversation below: Continue reading “20 Questions with Battle Beast bassist Eero Sipilä”

By Andrew Bansal

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania metallic hardcore group Code Orange had been steadily building up their profile over the past eight years simply through creative musicianship and the willingness to do the hard yards on the road, and then came their third full-length album ‘Forever’, their first on Roadrunner Records. Released in January 2017, the album got critical acclaim as well as mass approval, and has enabled the band to make rapid strides since. Their headline run earlier this year played to sold-out shows in most American cities, and right now Code Orange find themselves opening for Anthrax, Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada on the ‘Killthrax’ North American tour. Last Thursday April 20th, while on the road, drummer/vocalist Jami Morgan spoke to Metal Assault about the ongoing run, the band’s rapid rise, and much more. Enjoy the conversation below, and if you’re attending a show on the Killthrax tour, arrive extra early to catch Code Orange! Continue reading “The New Reality: Code Orange drummer/vocalist discusses band’s Big Tours and Rapid Rise”

By Andrew Bansal

Atlanta, Georgia group Royal Thunder released their third full-length album ‘Wick’ on April 7th 2017, their first on Spinefarm Records, and the only thing it fails to do is disappoint, and succeeds at everything the band intended it to. Royal Thunder has been an ever growing, expanding and exploring group of musicians right from the self-titled debut EP (2010) through the first two LPs ‘CVI’ (2012) and ‘Crooked Doors’ (2014). ‘Wick’ continues the pattern but takes them to a new level of captivating creative brilliance, as evident from reactions of fans and critics alike that are completely mesmerized. Following the release, the band has set out on a North American tour as main support to Brant Bjork, and much more touring is in the agenda for Royal Thunder in the near future. Vocalist/bassist Mlny Parsonz recently spoke to Metal Assault about the new album and more. Enjoy the candid conversation below: Continue reading ““We Were Meant to Make Music”: In Conversation with Royal Thunder frontwoman Mlny Parsonz”

By Andrew Bansal

Today, April 7th 2017, marks a monumental occasion for nerds and worshippers of all things heavy music, as Maryland doom legends The Obsessed have released ‘Sacred’, their first full-length release in over 20 years, via Relapse Records. The band is now gearing up for a full North American tour, and will take themselves to pastures beyond in the coming months and years. This is no one-off reunion for some festival gig, this is The Obsessed, back in all its glory, with a record that stays true to form but sounds relevant to the modern day. Frontman Scott “Wino” Weinrich talked to Metal Assault recently to discuss in detail the inner workings behind the creation of the album, and lots more. Enjoy the conversation below, get a taste of ‘Sacred’ and catch The Obsessed on tour! Continue reading ““The Stars Have Finally Aligned”: Wino discusses The Obsessed’s comeback album ‘Sacred’”

By Sebastian Vazquez

Southern California pagan death metal veterans and fresh M-Theory Audio label signees Helsott had a brief moment to spare with Metal Assault recently, to discuss their label signing and upcoming studio release ‘The Healer’, slated for release on April 28th. 

Helsott has traveled across America spreading their voracious death metal tones inspired by the pagan worshippers and viking lore, and in seven years, managed to cultivate a following in the firm belief that American pagan death metal is here to stay.

Their discography is not as lengthy as other bands with similar history, but their self-released debut full length ‘Woven’ allowed for Helsott to make a name in the underground death metal scenes. Now the band is looking to broaden their horizons and has strong belief that their next record will lift them to places they haven’t gone before. Without further ado, here’s Metal Assault’s interview with Helsott: Continue reading “Healing through Pagan Death Metal: An in-depth Interview with Helsott”