Metal Assault: Interviews

By Andrew Bansal

Having reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed ‘Shroud Of Spiders’, the self-titled EP by Seattle-based musician Thom Beckman, I set up an interview with him right away, to talk more about how this electric mandolin heavy metal project of his was born, how it developed, what his plans are for the future, and a few other topics as well. Beckman has written and recorded all the music on this EP. He has solely used the electric mandolin for the lead parts, and has played bass and drums as well. This is a project that deserves the attention of the metal world, and I would highly recommend you to first listen to the 16-minute conversation below, and then check out the EP using the BandCamp link at the bottom. Continue reading “Mandolin Wizard Thom Beckman Talks About ‘Shroud Of Spiders’ Project (Audio)”

By Andrew Bansal

Finnish viking metal band Finntroll have completed work on their upcoming sixth studio album ‘Blodsvept’, set to release on March 25th in Europe and April 2nd in North America via Century Media Records. Of late, they’ve been a band that likes to take their time between albums, and as a result we always get a diverse set of tunes on each release. ‘Blodsvept’ should be no different in this regard, and fans can expect the band to explore their musicianship further from what they’ve done on the past five albums, while still keeping intact the elements that garnered them this fan base. A couple of weeks ago, I caught up with guitarist Mikael “Routa” Karlbom to talk about the making of this album, among other things. Read the conversation below, check out the ‘Blodsvept’ title song via the YouTube clip embedded within, and visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading “Finntroll Guitarist Talks About New Album ‘Blodsvept’”

By Aniruddh ‘Andrew’ Bansal

Mumbai-based heavy metal band Zygnema started out around six years ago, and through sheer hard work behind the scenes and incredibly high-energy live performances, of late they’ve achieved the success they thoroughly deserved. The band represented India at the Wacken Metal Battle at the Wacken Open Air’s 2012 edition, and have recently confirmed an appearance at the Inferno Festival 2013 in Norway. Besides, they also put out a killer t-shirt last month, and are now preparing to write the follow-up to their 2010 debut album ‘Born Of Unity’, without bassist Ravi Satpute who has amicably departed the band to pursue higher education and career. A few days ago, I caught up with their powerhouse vocalist Jimmy Bhore to talk about all things Zygnema. Read this conversation below, and visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading “Interview With Zygnema Vocalist Jimmy Bhore”

By Andrew Bansal

San Francisco-based black metal act Von, led by vocalist, bassist and songwriter Jason ‘Venien’ Ventura, have been around since 1987 but they only recently released their long awaited debut album ‘Satanic Blood’, on Venien’s own label Von Records. He has plenty of things planned for the year of 2013, and the first of those has already been announced, the ‘Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves’ album which is set to release on March 22nd. A few weeks ago, I spoke to Venien about recent live shows, Satanic Blood, future plans and bootleg releases. Read the conversation below as I found Venien in a very talkative mood, and check out the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading “In-depth Interview With Von Frontman Jason ‘Venien’ Ventura”

By Andrew Bansal

The world of metal never ceases to surprise us. In addition to being treated with an endless variety of music, we also come across people who’re being creative in their own unique ways. Los Angeles-based photographer Alexandra Crockett is one such person. She has decided to put out a photobook titled ‘Metaldudes Cats Book’, which showcases exactly what the title suggests, metal dudes posing with their cats. It’s a one-of-a-kind blend of metal, kitties and dudes, and earlier today, I spoke to Alexandra about how this project was born, how it’s progressing and what to expect from it. She is running a campaign to raise money to publish this book, and a part of the sales will go to no-kill cat shelters, so read this fun conversation below for more details, and check out the Metaldudes Cats Book facebook page to participate and contribute. Continue reading “Interview With ‘Metaldudes Cats Book’ Author & Photographer Alexandra Crockett”

By Andrew Bansal

Swedish heavy metal band Soilwork are ready to release their ninth studio album and first ever dual-disc release ‘The Living Infinite’ on March 1st in Europe and March 5th in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. This is also the band’s first album since guitarist Peter Wichers left the band for a second time. To coincide with the release, Soilwork will embark on an extensive North American tour with support from Jeff Loomis, Blackguard, The Browning and Wretched. A few days ago, I spoke to vocalist Björn ‘Speed’ Strid to discuss the making of this album, amongst other things. Read the conversation below, check out the amazing music video for the song ‘Rise Above The Sentiment’ via the YouTube clip embedded within, and visit the band online using the links at the bottom. Continue reading “Soilwork Vocalist Björn Strid Talks About New Album ‘The Living Infinite’”