Scars and Guitars

Isaiah Mitchell (Earthless)

Isaiah Mitchell, guitarist of the psychedelic rock powerhouse Earthless, shares his insights on songwriting, guitar playing and the creative process behind Earthless' mind-bending sound.
Earthless 2025 Australian Tour Dates:
Wednesday, 10th September – Crowbar, Brisbane
Thursday, 11th September – Crowbar, Sydney
Friday, 12th September – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Saturday, 13th September – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Sunday, 14th September – Barwon Club, Geelong
Tickets available now at: davidroywilliams.com/tours/earthless-2025/

Andi Deris (Helloween)

Helloween vocalist Andi Deris shares insights into the band’s upcoming album, Giants & Monsters, set for release on August 29, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. Deris opens up about the internal tensions and creative dynamics within the band, reflecting on whether he ever considered leaving the group. He also discusses his close friendship with co-vocalist Michael Kiske, the band’s enduring legacy, and his thoughts on the future of rock and metal music. Additional topics include the album’s versatile songwriting and the band’s approach to balancing their classic power metal sound with fresh elements.
Media & Pre-Order
Watch the video for “This Is Tokyo”: YouTube
Pre-order Giants & Monsters: Link

Tomi Joutsen & Santeri Kallio (Amorphis)

Tomi Joutsen (vocalist) and Santeri Kallio (keyboardist and songwriter) from Amorphis shared insights about their upcoming album, Borderland. They explored the album’s themes, the influence of  Finnish mythology and the Kalevala, and addressed whether current affairs, social, or political tensions shaped its narrative. The conversation also touched on the Pasi Koskinen era, which marked a shift from the band’s early 1990s death metal roots, as well as lineup stability and various other topics.
Album Details
Title: Borderland
Release Date: September 26, 2025
Label: Reigning Phoenix Music
Media & Pre-Order
Watch the Lyric Video for 'Light And Shadow': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aF80ycx5JQ
Stream 'Light And Shadow': https://amorphis.rpm.link/lightandshadowPR
Pre-Order/Pre-Save the Album: https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR

Book interview: "Guitaryeti il viaggio di Stuart Anstis"

Italian author and musician Almarok has written a tribute to Cradle of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis. Throughout this discussion, he shares his inspiration for the book and other topics related to Stuart and Cradle of Filth. 
Check it out on Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0F312RJNC?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_53BHBHH687V1WD5AMAA3&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_53BHBHH687V1WD5AMAA3&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_53BHBHH687V1WD5AMAA3&bestFormat=true&previewDohEventScheduleTesting=C 
Check out his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@almarok 
Check his Instagram page out: https://www.instagram.com/almarok99/ 

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