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

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/

Friday Mar 29, 2024

In this episode, guitarist Andrew Craighan discusses the 70000 Tons of Metal Cruise and the creation of My Dying Bride's latest album, A Mortal Binding. We explore the differences and similarities to its predecessor, The Ghost of Orion. Craighan sheds light on the collaborative efforts with Neil Blanchett and Dan Mullins, discussing the impact of lineup changes on the band's dynamics and sound. Additionally, he shares insights into his motivation for prolific songwriting and the role of producer Mark Mynett in shaping the album's sound. Furthermore, we examine the evolution of My Dying Bride's musical approach, from As the Flower Withers to Turn Loose the Swans, and the polarising 34.788%...Complete, including bold artistic choices and fan reactions. Finally, we explore the significance of seminal releases like Towards the Sinister demo and the epic Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium EP, discussing their composition, arrangement, and impact.

Thursday Mar 14, 2024

Avalanche celebrates the release of their latest single, "Hell’s Getting Hotter With You," a track that captures the essence of their live energy, recorded in just three takes.
In our conversation with Steven Campbell (Vocals/Bass), Veronica 'V' Campbell (Lead Guitar), and Ryan Roma (Drums), we explore how their collaboration with Grammy-nominated and ARIA Award-winning producer Steve James has shaped the sonic landscape of "Hell’s Getting Hotter With You" and their overall recording approach.
Drawing from their experiences supporting acts like Buckcherry, Fozzy, and The Iron Maidens, the band shares insights into how touring alongside established bands has influenced their live performances and stage presence. Additionally, we delve into the distinctive elements of Aussie Rock and how Avalanche incorporates that spirit into their unique sound.

Thursday Mar 14, 2024

Join us for a chat with guitar iconoclast Bill Steer as Carcass prepares for a tour of Australia alongside The Black Dahlia Murder and Freedom of Fear throughout April 2024. We kick off the discussion by revisiting the seminal album Scum by Napalm Death, where Bill shares memories of the recording process and his contributions to the album's songwriting.
We discuss From Enslavement to Obliteration, which topped the UK Indie charts, and explore its lasting significance to Bill and the band. We also talk about the idea of performing the album live at festivals.
The conversation shifts to Carcass's The Curse EP, and Bill explains his departure from Napalm Death and provides insights into the catalyst behind his decision. Exploring Carcass's sonic evolution from Reek of Putrefaction to Symphonies of Sickness, we discuss the inspirations behind the intricate compositions on the latter album, showcasing the band's growth and musical prowess. Moving on to the making of Necroticism—Descanting the Insalubrious, Carcass's first 'guitar hero' album, Bill shares the process of recruiting Michael Amott and their collaborative songwriting approach. Reflecting on the band's deal with Columbia Records in the US, we discuss what could have been done differently.
Don't miss the opportunity to catch Carcass live in action, alongside The Black Dahlia Murder and Freedom of Fear, on the following dates:
April 2nd: Magnet House, Perth
April 4th: The Gov, Adelaide
April 5th: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne (SELLING FAST!)
April 6th: Manning Bar, Sydney (SELLING FAST!)
April 7th: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
April 10th: Meow, Wellington April 11th: Loons, Christchurch
April 12th: Galatos, Auckland
Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours before they sell out!
Visit the following links for ticket purchases:
Melbourne, Sydney: www.moshtix.com.au
Perth, Adelaide: www.oztix.com.au
Brisbane: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Wellington: https://moshtix.co.nz
Christchurch: www.undertheradar.co.nz
Auckland: https://galatos.co.nz 

Andrew McKaysmith

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