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.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Throughout this chat with the revered extreme metal percussive juggernaut, we delve into Werewolves' latest sonic assault, My Enemies Look And Sound Like Me, their fourth album. Dave opens up about the band's creative process, shedding light on the differences between this release and their previous album, From the Cave to the Grave, and we explore his thoughts on Werewolves' readiness to take their intense live performance abroad.
Dave reflects on the challenges and rewards of a career in the music industry, offering valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Learn about his early intentions of making music his career and the pivotal moments that shaped his path.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dave's career is his ability to balance managerial commitments and multiple musical endeavours. He shares how he manages his time and discusses his dynamic partnership with guitarist Matt Willcock. Speaking of Matt, we uncover how their musical synergy has evolved.

Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
On the Scars and Guitars September new music show Shepherds Reign will kick things off with their powerful fusion of Polynesian culture and metal, bringing a tribal spirit to the stage like you've never seen before. And who could forget the iconic metal queen, DORO, whose anthemic melodies and commanding vocals have defined the genre for decades.
Thrash metal pioneers Sadus will be there to unleash blistering riffs and relentless speed, while STAIND brings emotionally charged lyrics and raw sound.
PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS feature Phil Campbell's signature guitar riffs, and Don Broco will groove into your souls with their catchy hooks and alternative rock beats.
Prepare for an industrial metal assault from PAIN, and let Karoshi take you on an explosive journey with their heavy sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
STEVEN WILSON crafts intricate, otherworldly soundscapes that transcend the boundaries of progressive rock, while Derrick Stembridge brings his cyborg sounds.
There's a hauntingly beautiful mix of metalcore and ethereal melodies with SPIRITBOX and dive into the darkest realms of sound with CELESTE's atmospheric black metal.
BLACKBRIAR has haunting vocals and symphonic elements, and OSAKA PUNCH infuses metal with a dose of funky energy.
Classic rock revivalists, GRAVEYARD will transport you back to the '70s with their modern twist, while Green Lung takes you on a psychedelic trip through heavy riffs with their stoner rock sound.
Eric Sardinas teleports you to the Mississippi Delta with his bluesy slide guitar and raw vocals, and OUR LAST ENEMY will assault your senses with their industrial-infused metal.
Silent Planet will explore deep and introspective themes with their progressive metalcore, and With Honor will deliver raw aggression with a message of unity through their hardcore punk.
There's a sonic assault from HEAD CLEANER with their brutal grindcore and groove to the explosive mix of punk and alternative rock from Banks Arcade.
The pioneers of brutal death metal, JOB FOR A COWBOY, will bring their signature brutality and technical precision, while Glacier Eater takes you on a journey through complex compositions with their progressive metal.
TESSERACT will mesmerize you with their djent-infused progressive metal, and CARNIFEX will deliver bone-crushing deathcore with a symphonic edge.
There's a lightning-fast guitar assault from EXMORTUS, and brace yourself for a relentless sonic assault from Fuming Mouth.
SYLOSIS combines melodic death metal with thrash elements for a headbanging experience, while CRYPTOPSY pushes the boundaries of musical complexity with their technical death metal.
The sonic storm of heaviness from SUFFOCATION and OBSCURA's progressive death metal showcases virtuosic musicianship and intricate compositions.
GO AHEAD AND DIE brings a ferocious blend of punk and thrash, and Born In Blood delivers an extreme metal assault that'll leave an indelible mark.
REBAELLIUN will unleash a relentless barrage of Brazilian death metal, and DEN SAAKALDTE will weave a cold and haunting atmosphere with their black metal.
KONTUSION combines crushing breakdowns with melodic hooks in their metalcore sound, while OCTOBER TIDE evokes a sense of melancholic beauty with their death-doom metal.
There's an auditory spectacle with IN THIS MOMENT and their theatrical twist on metalcore.
Empire de Mu pushes the boundaries of metal with their experimental sound, and Martorn takes you on a complex and emotional journey with their progressive metal.
OCEANS explores the depths of emotion with their post-metal sound, and Gravethorn delivers a dark and punishing sonic experience with their blackened death metal.
Enjoy!

Sunday Sep 24, 2023
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
In this interview, we delve into aspects of Doro's musical journey. We discuss her latest album, 'Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud,' and whether she ventured into any new territories in its creation. Additionally, we explore her collaboration with Rob Halford on the Judas Priest classic 'Living After Midnight,' the possibility of an Australian tour, and her connection with guitarist Bill Hudson. Doro shares insights into the musicians who contributed to the album and recalls memorable interactions with her devoted fans. She also sheds light on her pre-performance rituals and any creative outlets beyond music. We touch on her enduring motivation in the music industry and how she handles controversy and criticism. Doro talks about navigating the complexities of staying true to her art in the age of social media. Finally, she shares her memories of Lemmy, one of her dear friends.

Sunday Sep 24, 2023
Sunday Sep 24, 2023
In this interview with Erik Miehs of The Amenta, we discuss the title track from their EP, "Plague of Locus," and its relation to their evolving songwriting direction. Erik sheds light on the diverse range of covers featured in "Plague of Locus," spanning from local black metal acts like NAZXUL and LORD KAOS to global alternatives such as ALICE IN CHAINS, DIAMANDA GALAS, and KILLING JOKE, with unexpected detours into chaotic renditions of WOLF EYES, HALO, and MY DYING BRIDE. We also touch upon their memorable Emperor show at Eatons Hill, captured on video as "Ego Ergo Sum," and Erik's background as an audio engineer. Lastly, he shares recollections from his time in Crucible of Agony.

Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Many topics were delved into in this conversation with Jonas Renkse of Katatonia. These included their upcoming tour in Australia scheduled for February 2024, resuming touring after a COVID-induced break, the meticulous care taken to preserve Renkse's unique vocal style during extensive tours, and the reception of Katatonia's 2023 album, "Sky Void of Stars." Furthermore, our discussion delved into the early days of Katatonia, potential rivalries with Gothenburg bands, memorable anecdotes from that era, the band's distinct emphasis on mood over speed and precision, the allocation of songs between Katatonia and Bloodbath, the challenges of juggling roles in two bands, Dan Swanö's impact on the Swedish extreme metal scene, and Renkse's visionary outlook for the future of heavy metal and extreme music.

Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
The catalyst for the chat with Jason is Ingested's tour of Australia in October. In this conversation, Jason dives deep into the complexities of the modern working world and the challenges of middle management. The group has all but been ignored by mainstream metal publications, yet they have succeeded, have been on some huge tours and are now signed to Metal Blade. We also touch on the unpredictable nature of viral content, the state of today's music scene, and our personal experiences with iconic metal bands. From the quirks of the internet to reflections on heavy metal, this conversation has it all!
ARCHSPIRE + INGESTED + WEREWOLVES AUSTRALIA 2023. TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Oct 11th – Brisbane, The Zoo
Oct 12th – Canberra, The Basement
Oct 13th – Sydney, The Factory Theatre
Oct 14th – Melbourne, The Corner Hotel
Oct 15th – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory
Oct 17th – Perth, Amplifier Bar*
*Werewolves not appearing

Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
In 2017, 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' was released, an album marked by Barry's drumming and Lucie's vocals. Six years later, the focus is their album, 'Lockdown'. Through lineup changes, the collaboration between Thunderstick and vocalist Raven has inspired the new album, and they decided to re-record "Go Sleep With The Enemy (I Dare Ya)", the standout cut from Something Wicked, to link the past with the present. We also discuss the current band members and their journey, how Barry keeps the show on the road and many other topics.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderstickofficial/
Facebook fan site: The Thunderstick Stormtroopers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThunderstickUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderstick.official/
Roulette Records: http://www.rouletterecords.co.uk/
Link to the chat with Barry from July 2017: https://open.spotify.com/episode/61RgyFXej33jIZnT3C26DN?si=64116aced8824fef
Link to the chat with Raven from June 2019: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XmlYWHMgwh4sSKUns0oyR?si=6b29b7725b964f4b

Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Mark Day joins the show for a chat before they gear up for the "Twenty-Four Hour Party People Greatest Hits Tour" across Australia. Mark offers insight into their career, spanning five influential albums. Discover the mark the band left on the cultural pulse of Northern UK and their role in defining rave culture. Mark also highlights the nuances of his guitar artistry and its impact. Learn about the band's ventures into the USA, their relationship dynamics with their management, and the influence of Tony Wilson in the Manchester music landscape.
HAPPY MONDAYS, October 2023 Australian and NZ Tour Dates:
October 17th AUCKLAND, The Power Station
October 19th BRISBANE, The Tivoli
October 20th SYDNEY, Enmore Theatre
October 21st, MELBOURNE, The Forum – SOLD OUT
October 22nd MELBOURNE, The Forum (New show)
October 24th ADELAIDE, The Gov
October 25th PERTH, Metropolis Fremantle
Fans can sign up for Early Bird tix here: https://daltours.cc/23HAP
Melbourne Early Bird Presale begins Wed, May 17th, 9 am (AEST) & General public On Sale Thu, May 18th, 9 am (AEST).
Tickets for the rest of Australia & NZ shows can be found here: https://sbmpresents.com/tour/happy-mondays/
Or via https://sbmpresents.com/tour/happy-mondays/

Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
Anthony talks about the new Triple Kill album Blackened Dawn, and we dive into topics related to all things metal, local and general.
http://triplekillband.com
www.facebook.com/TripleKillBand
Intsagram: @triplekillband

Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
GLORYHAMMER returns with "Return To The Kingdom Of Fife," a nuclear-powered heroic power metal album, which they are bringing to Australian Audiences this November. Michael Barber (Zargothrax - keyboards) is on hand to discuss the shows and the new album. He also offers his opinion on the situation between venues and bands regarding merchandising royalties, amongst other quality topics.
Catch them with Pirate metal legends RUMAHOY and LïVEWïRE at:
Nov 2 - Adelaide
Nov 3 - Melbourne
Nov 4 - Sydney
Nov 5 - Canberra
Nov 7 - Brisbane
Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au (Adelaide, Brisbane) and www.oztix.com.au (Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra).