Scars and Guitars

Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas Holopainen & Troy Donockley (Auri)

AURI Discusses New Album: III - Candles & Beginnings
In a recent conversation, Auri members Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas, and Troy shared insights about their upcoming album, III - Candles & Beginnings, set for release via Nuclear Blast on August 15, 2025. They discussed the album’s themes, touring plans, their connection to Australian listeners, and more.
Album Details
Title: III - Candles & Beginnings
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Label: Nuclear Blast
Media & Pre-Order
Watch the Video for 'Shieldmaiden': https://youtu.be/BiRz_u77qwY
Listen to 'Shieldmaiden': https://auri.bfan.link/shieldmaiden
Pre-Order the Album: https://auri.bfan.link/iii-candles-beginnings
Connect with AURI
Official Links: https://linktr.ee/auri.band
Merchandise: https://www.backstagerockshop.com/collections/auri
 
 

Okoi Jones and Fabian Wyrsch (Bölzer)

Throughout this discussion, Okoi and Fabian explored the upcoming Australian and New Zealand shows, the possibility of a new release, the challenges and obstacles faced, tour highlights, and navigating the issue of cancel culture.
Tour Dates & Venues
PORTAL with BØLZER
August 15, 2025 – Sydney, NSW – Crowbar
August 16, 2025 – Melbourne, VIC – Max Watts
August 17, 2025 – Hobart, TAS – Altar
August 23, 2025 – Brisbane, QLD – Necrosonic Festival, Mansfield Tavern
BØLZER
August 20, 2025 – Wellington, NZ – Valhalla
August 21, 2025 – Auckland, NZ – Whammy
Ticket Information
Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane): www.oztix.com.au
Hobart: www.moshtix.com.au
New Zealand (Wellington, Auckland): www.undertheradar.co.nz/tour/29619/BOLZER.utr
Connect
PORTAL: www.facebook.com/PORTALDEATH
BØLZER: www.facebook.com/bolzerband
Promoter: www.swdpresents.com

Matt Barlow (ex-Iced Earth/ Ashes of Ares)

New Messiahs is the name of the new album from  Ashes of Ares. Matt discusses the lyrical themes of the album, working with mixer Byron Filson, amongst other topics related to the album. Matt also discusses the issues surrounding the January 6 United States Capitol event and the role of musicians in political discourse. 
New Messiahs will be released on CD, Vinyl and Digital in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8, 2025, via ROAR. Pre-order your favourite choice of format now on: https://ashesofares.rpm.link/nmalbumPR   

James Russo (Dirty Pagans)

Forever High is the name of the album and also the single in-market from Adelaide's Dirty Pagans. Bassist James Russo will discuss the album, the single, social media strategy, and a bunch of other topics. 
Check out Dirty Pagans here: 
www.facebook.com/dirtypagans
Instagram: @dirtypagans
https://linktr.ee/dirtypagans

Shayan (Iblis Manifestations/ Trivax)

This episode presents an opportunity to discuss the new album from Trivax, The Great Satan, and to gauge Shayan's perspective on the Iran-Israel conflict. As a Persian, Shayan is well-positioned to offer a more nuanced and informed perspective on the conflict that is engulfing his homeland, so be prepared for a comprehensive assessment of the topic. Shayan also discusses the new album as we tussle with the idea that he has single-handedly made many of the tropes in black metal redundant. 
Iblis Manifestations: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCdkS0t6DOJQMox7f-Ke-gg
Trivax: https://trivax.bandcamp.com/ 

Johnny Hedlund (Unleashed)

Johnny Hedlund discusses Unleashed's new album, legacy, the state of heavy metal media and journalism, and provides fascinating insights into his and the band's relationship with World Entertainment Inc. heavyweight and Morbid Angel manager, Gunter Ford. 
Pre-Order Your Copy of Fire Upon Your Lands https://lnk.to/UNLEASHED-FireUponYourLands/napalmrecords 

Steve DiGiorgio (Testament/ Control Denied/ Sadus/ Death Et al.)

This chat with Steve DiGiorgio takes place backstage at the Tivoli in Brisbane on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, before Testaments' performance as part of their Australian shows. Steve talks about Chuck and Death, his studio session with Megadeth on The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! He also discusses conflict resolution on the road and in bands, as well as other topics. 

Stevie Dacanay (Buckcherry)

Buckcherry's new album, Roar Like Thunder, is out now, and Stevie joins the show for a short and sharp conversation about it, his guitar playing and if he has any goss on Aerosmith. 
For all things Buckcherry, head to: https://www.buckcherry.com/ 

Simon Croft (Stonetrip/ We Will Rock You)

Simon Croft is a musician based in Melbourne who has been part of the We Will Rock You musical, performing over 2,500 shows. He has just joined Stonetrip and features on their new single, Fame, which is out now. Throughout this conversation, Simon discusses musicianship, his relationship with Queen's Brian May, Stonetrip, social issues, the decline in popularity of rock 'n' roll, and much more. 
Stream Fame: https://orcd.co/stonetrip-fame?mc_cid=b06bcde246&mc_eid=882f5fe2fc
Follw Stonetrip: https://www.facebook.com/stonetripp/?mc_cid=b06bcde246&mc_eid=882f5fe2fc 

Ben Williamson (Dusk Cult)

Folklore Discipline is the name of the new album from Melbourne black metal outfit Dusk Cult. Set for release in August 2025, it explores themes of modernity's rejection of spiritual dedication and the dusk cult mythos. Throughout this conversation, Ben shares his thoughts on these themes and other related topics. We also discuss the Chronicles of Filth. 
For all things Dusk Cult, including the album, head to https://duskcult.bandcamp.com/album/spirit