Scars and Guitars

With over 900 interviews, Andrew McKaysmith provides a welcoming environment for artists to discuss their politics, social insights, and artistic perspectives. Offering an authentic experience, this podcast invites you to tune in to the conversations with numerous luminaries from hard rock, heavy metal, and extreme metal.

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Episodes

Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge)

Saturday May 11, 2024

Saturday May 11, 2024

Vinnie Dombroski, the frontman of alternative rock band Sponge, talks about the story behind 'Planet Girls', a long-lost album that has recently been released. Originally intended to follow the success of their iconic albums' Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic', the label shelved Planet Girls and remained unreleased for years.
Vinnie discusses the original sound and vision of 'Planet Girls', which aimed to align more closely with Sponge's earlier work rather than the pop-oriented direction of 'New Pop Sunday'. He sheds light on the pressures from the music industry in the late '90s, including the influence of contemporary bands like Goo Goo Dolls and the impact these pressures had on the band.
The conversation also explores Vinnie's collaboration with producer Kevin Shirley on the 'Planet Girls, the enduring relationship with Tim Patalan (producer of 'Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic'), and the dynamics within the band during those pivotal recording sessions.
Further, Vinnie touches on the legacy of Sponge's music, particularly discussing tracks like 'Neenah Menasha' and its significance in the '90s alternative rock scene. He also pays tribute to the unique talents of band members like Mike Cross (RIP) and Joey Mazzola, giving fans a deeper insight into the chemistry and creativity defining Sponge's sound.
https://www.spongetheband.com/

New music show April 2024

Tuesday Apr 30, 2024

Tuesday Apr 30, 2024

The Scars and Guitars April new music show is FULL of black and extreme shit!
The show kicks things off with DEICIDE performing "Sever The Tongue," followed by Kerry King's "Residue." DARKTHRONE will present "Black Dawn Affiliation", and ACCEPT brings "Humanoid." The Omnific will showcase "Matrices," and APOCALYPTICA covers "The Unforgiven II." WARDRUNA will perform "Hertan," with Týr following with "Dragons Never Die."
DORO will hit the stage with "Lean Mean Rock Machine," and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH teams up with DMX for "This Is The Way." Orange Goblin delivers "(Not) Rocket Science," and MONO will perform "Oath." ZEAL & ARDOR are set to play "TO MY ILK," with DOPETHRONE bringing "Shlaghammer." Demersal introduces "Lys I Natten," and Faustian performs "Primordial Rot."
Skulldozer begins with "Bow To None," PARACRONA features Baard Kolstad for "Carry The Cross." Darkthrone returns with "The Bird People Of Nordland," and Blaze Of Perdition plays "W kwiecie rozłamu." Morgue Meat takes the stage with "Crushing The Messiah's Skull," followed by KRÅBØL with "Perish." Enevelde will perform "Pandemonium," and Whoredom Rife presents "Den Vrede Makt."
Nekyian offers "Hevn," and Nachtheem presents "Drift van Nostalgie." Obscuration will play "Violent Art," with Death Like Mass performing "Sorcery Unbridled." Altar Of Gore introduces "Carrion Womb," Hässlig plays "Slaves," and Unborn Generation brings "Heritage." UNITYTX is set for "PLAYING FAVORITES," and 156/Silence presents "Unreasonable Doubt."
Wage War will perform "NAIL5," Make Them Suffer will present "Epitaph," and ERRA will take the stage with "Cure." AZIMUT19 will showcase "Anger Plague," and SMOKE AxD will perform "Smoke All Day." Vulture is lined up with "Oathbreaker," and Belushi Speed Ball closes with "My Favorite Color is Pizza." 
Check out past issues here! https://scarsandguitars.com/monthly-music-show/

Cremator (Ghoul)

Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

Join Cremator from Ghoul as he unearths the sinister secrets of Creepsylvaniana. Fresh from the release of their latest EP, "Noxious Concoctions," Cremator takes us on a chilling journey through the genesis of their ghoulish creations. From the infernal inspiration behind their return to the recording studio to the harrowing sessions at Antisleep Audio, the macabre process is revealed. Prepare for a nightmarish interview direct from the depths of Creepsylvaniana. Welcome to the nightmare...
https://tankcrimes.bandcamp.com/album/noxious-concoctions
PS: I was unaware that the interview would be conducted in character. Feel free to laugh at my expense as I fumble through the initial exchanges, trying to make sense of what's happening - Andrew McK.

Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

Steve Von Till peels back the layers of his new Harvestman release, Triptych: Part One, revealing the genesis of its captivating opening track, "Psilosynth." Steve discusses the creative process as he intricately integrates guitars, percussion, and synths into a cohesive sonic tapestry, guiding listeners into meditative states of consciousness. He also explores the celestial significance of coordinating the album series' release with specific full moons and how ancient sites, folklore, and ancestral resonance infuse the sonic landscapes of Triptych.
Steve sheds light on the significance of the title "Triptych". He reflects on Henry Hablak's artwork as a visual representation of the auditory journey and his hopes for listeners' takeaway from Triptych: Part One. Additionally, he reflects on Neurosis' monumental album, Through Silver in Blood, exploring its enduring influence on today's extreme metal landscape and the pivotal role he played in shaping its sound.
https://www.vontill.org/

Glen Benton (Deicide)

Thursday Apr 18, 2024

Thursday Apr 18, 2024

Glen Benton of Deicide discusses the intricacies of the latest album, Banished By Sin, and the band's enduring legacy. Reflecting on past performances, we address musical evolution and the contributions of new guitarist Taylor Nordberg and sound engineer Jeramie Kling (both in Inhuman Condition). Benton shares insights into guitarist Mark English's departure and talks about the pivotal partnership with Ralph Santolla. From bass setups to managing fan encounters, we also tackle pressing socio-political issues, including the impact of left-wing authoritarianism and the future of global leadership.
 
https://deicideofficial.com/

Friday Apr 12, 2024

Dave is from Flaming Wrekage and was invited onto the show to explore their upcoming album, Terra Inferna. We discuss the inspiration behind the album artwork and title and how it reflects the band's evolution. We also examine the creative process behind the innovative track "Ghosts" and how it distinguishes itself from previous works. Dave shares insights on balancing experimentation with maintaining the band's signature sound and incorporating diverse influences into their music while ensuring cohesion throughout the album. We also touch upon the band's recognition on prominent platforms like Apple Music and Spotify and how it has impacted their journey. Additionally, Dave reflects on memorable experiences collaborating with acts outside the thrash metal genre. He shares his hopes and aspirations for Terra Inferna, creatively and in reaching new audiences.
http://www.flamingwrekage.com/

Thursday Apr 11, 2024

In this chat with guitarist Peter Holmström, we discuss The Dandy Warhols' latest hard rock venture, Rockmaker. Peter talks about the group's decision to explore heavier genres, collaborations with Debbie Harry, Frank Black, and Slash, and the sold-out Australian tour in April 2024. Peter also shares insights into co-producing with Courtney Taylor-Taylor and crafting iconic riffs.

New music show March 2024

Friday Mar 29, 2024

Friday Mar 29, 2024

The Scars and Guitars new music show for March 2024 features Bruce Dickinson's "Rain on the Graves" from The Mandrake Project and Midnight's "F.O.A.L." from their album Hellish Expectations, released under Metal Blade Records. The Hellacopters offer "Alright Already Now (Revisited)" from Grande Rock Revisited. Marko Hietala's collaboration with Tarja in "Left On Mars" and Blackbriar's "Moonflower" featuring Marjana Semkina showcase the diversity within Nuclear Blast's catalogue.
Korpiklaani's "Oraakkelit" from Rankarumpu, The Devil Wears Prada's single "Ritual," and Child's punk-infused "Shitegeist" are all features. BAT and Witchgrinder contribute to rock and thrash. Sugar Horse's "NEW DEAD ELVIS" offers a doomgaze experience, while Hamferð and Enslaved explore death-doom and Viking death metal themes. 
Exodikon, Wormwitch, Sadistic Ritual, and a host of bands under the death metal and doom subgenres headline a rich array of songs from the extreme side of metal. The episode also covers electronic and 'core influences in metal, with CABAL's collaboration with JOHN CXNNOR, Gost's "Prophecy," and SWARM6IX's commentary on toxic relationships in "TOX(sick)."
AENIMUS, KEYGEN CHURCH, THE OMNIFIC, and If These Trees Could Talk represent prog and symphonic elements, showcasing the genre's evolving landscape. PALLBEARER's new one, "Where The Light Fades," from Mind Burns Alive, also features. 
Check out past episodes here: https://scarsandguitars.com/monthly-music-show/

Friday Mar 29, 2024

Matt Harvey, renowned for his contributions to Exhumed and Gruesome, discusses his latest solo project, Toward The Cold Light. Matt shares the motivations driving his solo venture, reflecting on personal and musical development. We explore the thematic underpinnings and diverse influences shaping the album, highlighting its cinematic and soundtrack-like qualities. Exploring the transition from collaborative band dynamics to solo expression, Matt discusses the challenges and freedoms inherent in this evolution. Reflecting on his enduring impact on the metal scene, he provides valuable insights into his creative process, drawing comparisons to his work with Exhumed. Additionally, we share a hilarious anecdote from Exhumed's Brisbane performance and touch upon Matt's experience fronting Exodus, along with the potential continuation of that role.
 
https://mattharveymustbedestroyed.bandcamp.com/album/toward-the-cold-light

Friday Mar 29, 2024

Lucas Anderson, drummer and vocalist of Funeral Leech, provides insights into the band's musical journey from Death Meditation to their latest offering, The Illusion Of Time. Lucas reflects on the band's growth over the past four years, discussing the inspiration behind diversifying their influences to include elements such as melancholic synths and sorrowful passages. He discusses the thematic core of the album, focusing on the relentless march of time and its effects and how these themes are intricately woven into the music. Lucas also shares how the creation of The Illusion Of Time served as a means of personal processing and catharsis for him while also highlighting the role of artwork and visual elements in reinforcing the album's themes. Additionally, he provides insights into Funeral Leech's future musical and thematic direction, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for the band.
https://www.facebook.com/Funeralleech/

Andrew McKaysmith

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