Scars and Guitars

Michael Kiske (Helloween)

In this episode, Michael Kiske shares his spirituality, pathways to enlightenment and reflections on the state of humanity. Helloween’s new live album, Live At Budokan, is set for release on December 13, 2024. The launch of the album marks a perfect opportunity to explore profound and esoteric topics with one of heavy metal’s most iconic vocalists, transcending genre boundaries. As the voice behind the legendary Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I and Part II, Michael’s insights inspire anyone seeking a deeper understanding of spiritual growth. 
Note: A slight pause intact where Michael attends to something, as it was an ideal time to give the subject matter some breathing space.
More on HELLOWEEN:
helloween.org | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | RPM

Brice Leclercq (From Kaos/ ex-Dissection)

Brice Leclercq, former bassist for Dissection (2004–2005), discusses his career and contributions to the metal scene. He reflects on his time in Dissection, detailing his work on the Rebirth DVD/CD, the Reinkaos album, and key moments like the Rebirth live performance in Stockholm. He also shares insights into his collaboration with Jon Nödtveidt and experiences with the band.
Brice recounts his 2009 tour with Satyricon for The Age of Nero, explaining how he adapted his bass-playing style to fit their sound and describing specific events on the tour that influenced his musical approach. He highlights his current band, From Kaos, discussing the creation of Synchronicity I, the production process, and his work with Janne Jaloma from Dark Funeral.
He also explores his role as a bass teacher and YouTuber, offering playthroughs, bass covers, and online lessons. Brice addresses challenges faced by students, outlines his teaching methods, and discusses the state of the metal scene, the importance of authenticity, and upcoming plans for From Kaos, including potential tours and new material.
This episode features discussions on topics such as Jaco Pastorius, an evening with Lars Ulrich’s father in Seattle, and the broader dynamics of the metal genre. Audio glitches are present due to technical issues, but the recording maintains the show's standards to preserve the conversation's content.
Watch Rebirth:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RebirthDVD
Listen to Reinkaos:https://open.spotify.com/album/Reinkaos
Visit Brice’s YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/BriceLeclercq

Niclas Engelin (The Halo Effect/ ex-In Flames/ Gardenian)

Niclas Engelin discusses the creative process behind The Halo Effect's upcoming album March of the Unheard, detailing how it differs from his past work and the ways it reflects the band's progression since their debut Days of the Lost. He provides an overview of the lead single "Detonate," its concept, and its role in shaping the album's direction. Niclas also addresses the collaborative dynamic within the band and considers the potential of Patrik Jensen becoming a full-time member.
The conversation explores Niclas's career, including the formation of Engel and its unique musical approach, his participation in 70,000 Tons of Metal, and his perspective on contributions throughout his work. He discusses past collaborations, the possibility of reviving Gardenian, and the role of lesser-known projects. Niclas concludes by sharing his thoughts on personal development, creative approaches, and his artistic goals.
Watch the video for "March of the Unheard":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZG2matuCUM
Listen to "March of the Unheard":https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/motusg
Pre-order the album:https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/motulp

Peter Iwers (The Halo Effect/ ex-In Flames)

Peter Iwers outlines the creative process behind The Halo Effect's upcoming album March of the Unheard, examining how it differs from his previous projects and highlights the band's development since their debut Days of the Lost. He also discusses the collaborative dynamics within the band and addresses the possibility of Patrik Jensen joining as a full-time member. 
The discussion includes Peter's time with In Flames, his connections with former bandmates, experiences on 70,000 Tons of Metal, and reflections on contributions across his career.
Watch the video for "March of the Unheard":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZG2matuCUM
Listen to "March of the Unheard":https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/motusg
Pre-order the album:https://thehaloeffect.bfan.link/motulp

Alex Alereza (Nekrogoblikon)

Nekrogoblikon has carved out a unique niche in the metal world with their goblin-themed antics, and Alex Alereza is here to tell us all about it. We dive into the birth of their goblin concept, the creative journey behind their music, and the evolution of their mascot, John Goblikon. With an Australian tour alongside Alestorm on the horizon, Alex reflects on what it means to connect with Aussie fans. We also explore the band’s origins, his guitar influences, and the satirical lens through which Nekrogoblikon views society.
ALESTORM with NEKROGOBLIKON performing at:Feb 25th - Perth, Metropolis FremantleFeb 27th - Adelaide, The GovFeb 28th - Melbourne, The ForumMarch 1st - Sydney, RoundhouseMarch 2nd - Canberra, The BasoMarch 4th - Brisbane, Princess Theatre ALESTORM only performing at:March 7th - Auckland, GalatosMarch 8th - Wellington, San Fran TICKETS ON SALE at:PERTH, ADELAIDE, CANBERRA - www.oztix.com.auMELBOURNE - www.ticketek.com.auSYDNEY - www.moshtix.com.auBRISBANE – www.ticketmaster.com.auAUCKLAND - https://galatos.co.nzWELLINGTON - https://moshtix.co.nz

Garrett Alvarado (Maul)

Garrett Alvarado of Maul discusses the band's latest album, In The Jaws Of Bereavement. He talks about the evolution from Seraphic Punishment, shifts in sound and approach, and the experiences behind its heavier direction. The conversation includes insights on working with Adam Tucker at Signaturetone Recordings, the album's themes of loss and resilience, the impact of Hugh Danger's synths and samples on the production, and the emotional intensity of the performances. Garrett reflects on how touring with I Am and Life Cycles has shaped the band's connection to the new material.
https://maul701.bandcamp.comhttps://www.facebook.com/MAULNDhttps://www.instagram.com/mauldeathhttps://twitter.com/MAUL701https://www.youtube.com/c/MAULNDhttps://www.20buckspin.comhttps://listen.20buckspin.comhttps://www.facebook.com/20buckspinhttps://twitter.com/20buckspinlabelhttps://www.instagram.com/20buckspinlabel

Jeff Wilson (Contrition)

Jeff Wilson delves into Pariahs, the latest EP from Contrition, offering a deep dive into its creative journey. He unpacks the motivations behind the EP's raw, stripped-down sound and candidly addresses the personal and scheduling challenges faced during production. Jeff highlights the eclectic mix of influences contributed by members of Chrome Waves, Yakuza, and Trouble, emphasising how Contrition carves its path, setting itself apart from prevailing death metal trends. He also discusses the collaboration with Goatwhore's Sammy Duet on the track "Trauma Queen”.
https://contritionchicago.bandcamp.comhttps://www.facebook.com/contritionchicagohttps://www.instagram.com/contritionchicagohttp://disorder-recordings.comhttps://disorder-recordings.bandcamp.comhttp://disorder-design.com

Giulio Rimoli and Davide Itri (Bedsore)

Giulio Rimoli and Davide Itri discuss the new Bedsore album Dreaming The Strife For Love and the evolution of their sound. The conversation explores the themes and ideas behind the album, their approach to blending progressive and atmospheric elements with death metal, and the influence of Italy’s metal scene on their music. The duo share insights into their creative process, visual aesthetics, and the challenges of crafting genre-defying music. They also reflect on the subjects they are drawn to explore and potential collaborations that could shape their future work. 
https://www.facebook.com/bedsoredeathhttps://www.instagram.com/bedsoredeathhttps://bedsoredeath.bandcamp.comhttps://www.20buckspin.comhttps://listen.20buckspin.comhttps://www.facebook.com/20buckspinhttps://twitter.com/20buckspinlabelhttps://www.instagram.com/20buckspinlabel

New music show November 2024

This month's feature album is Fit For An Autopsy's The Nothing That Is, a crushing deathcore masterpiece showcasing the band's signature blend of heaviness and atmospheric depth. Get ready to dive into tracks like Red Horizon, Hostage, and Ashes of All, highlighting their intense soundscapes and thought-provoking themes.
In addition to this devastating feature, the show is spinning tracks from some of the heaviest hitters and exciting newcomers across the metal and rock spectrum:
Scour - Infusorium: A taste of Philip H. Anselmo's blackened rage from their forthcoming album Gold.
Machine Head - These Scars Won't Define Us: A powerhouse collaboration with In Flames, Lacuna Coil, and Unearth.
Lucifer - Who By Fire: A haunting Leonard Cohen cover featuring doom legend Bobby Liebling of Pentagram.
Angelmaker - Relinquished: Crushing deathcore as they gear up for their 2025 Australian tour with Sylosis.
Twilight Force - Battle of Arcane Might: A reimagined power metal classic from their 2016 album.
Electric Mary - Shaun: Melbourne’s legendary blues rockers as they prepare for their swan song tour.
Hangman’s Chair - Kowloon Lights: A doom-tinged metalcore journey into haunting atmospheres.
Anomic - On Deaf Ears (ft. Stefan Nordström): A punishing mix of thrash and death metal fury.Derision Cult - Warning Signs (ft. Reeves Gabrels): Industrial metal with a dark edge.
Cannibal Accident - Explicit Everything: A brutal grindcore offering from their album Disgust.Empty Throne - Unholy: Death metal perfection with relentless riffs.
The Gates of Slumber - Embrace the Lie: Doom-laden storytelling at its finest.
XIOMA - Live Totality: An ethereal blend of doom and ambient soundscapes.
Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow: Melodic rock brilliance from their latest project.
From melodic death metal (The Halo Effect) to hardcore energy (Stick to Your Guns, Counterparts), symphonic grandeur (Epica, Majestica), and even Aussie Christmas rock anthems (Ablaze), this episode is packed with sonic diversity.
💀 Extreme metal? We’ve got it.🤘 Rock 'n' roll? Yes. 🔥 Genre-bending surprises? Always.
 
#
Artist
Song
Album
1
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY
Red Horizon
The Nothing That Is
2
SCOUR
Infusorium
Gold
3
MACHINE HEAD
These Scars Won't Define Us (feat. In Flames, Lacuna Coil, Unearth)
-Single-
4
THE HALO EFFECT
March Of The Unheard
March Of The Unheard
5
THE HELLACOPTERS
Leave A Mark
Overdriver
6
LUCIFER
Who By Fire
-Single-
7
SMITH / KOTZEN
White Noise
Black Light / White Noise
8
Spiritbox
Perfect Soul
Tsunami Sea
9
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
Forever Aligned
This Consequence
10
ENGRAVED
NCB
-Single-
11
HANGMAN'S CHAIR
Kowloon Lights
Saddiction
12
Ocean Grove
SOWHAT1999
Numetal
13
Anomic
On Deaf Ears ft. Stefan Nordström
Opacity EP
13
DERISION CULT
Warning Signs (Featuring Reeves Gabrels)
Mercenary Notes Pt 2 EP
13
FRANKENBOK
Demon Tantrum
-Single-
14
Stick To Your Guns
More Than A Witness
Keep Planting Flowers
15
The Plot In You
Spare Me
EP, Vol. 3
16
Make Them Suffer
Small Town Syndrome
 
17
COUNTERPARTS
A Martyr Left Alive
Heaven Let Them Die EP
18
Saltwound
Empty From The Start
The Temptation Of Pain,
21
CABAL
End Times
Everything Rots
22
ANGELMAKER
RELINQUISHED
 
23
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY
Hostage
The Nothing That Is
24
Distant
Acolytes Of Damnation (Feat. Alex Erian of Despised Icon)
Tsukuyomi: The Origin
25
Cannibal Accident
Scorched Meat Tactics
Disgust
26
Cannibal Accident
Explicit Everything
Disgust
27
Empty Throne
Unholy
 
28
NECKBREAKKER
Face-Splitting Madness
Within The Viscera
29
MALEVOLENCE
Trenches
-Single-
30
TERROR
Bélica Sinfonia Armagedônica
Hymni Belli Occultum EP
31
Deadspace
Dysgeusia
The Dark Enlightenment
32
PROJECT: ULTIMATE SATAN
Nocturne Immortalis
The Opus Satanas
33
Mefitis
The Untwined One
The Skorian // The Greyleer
34
Death Descending
Death Descending
Death Descending EP
35
The Gates of Slumber
Embrace the Lie
The Gates of Slumber
36
Barren
Unheard
The Hanged Man
37
XIOMA
==
Live Totality EP
38
EPICA
Arcana
-Single-
39
MAJESTICA
Power Train
Power Train
40
AEON GODS
King Of Gods
King Of Gods
41
TWILIGHT FORCE
Battle Of Arcane Might (Re-recorded 2024)
-Single-
42
Wizard Tattoo
Living Just For Knife Fighting
In the Meantime (Helmet Cover)
43
Miracle Blood
Lobotomizer
Hello Hell
44
CROSSBONE SKULLY
Let’s Bust The Trust
Evil World Machine
45
Ablaze
It's a Most Wonderful Time for a Beer
-Single-
46
MAYATRIX & THE PSYCHICS
Black Moon Medicine
-Single-
47
Audio Reign
Rocket Man
-Single-
48
GOATZILLA
Wall Street Generals
Alien Nation
49
ELECTRIC MARY
Shaun
-Single-
50
Spirit in the Room
Show Me You
Passengers EP
51
COHEED AND CAMBRIA
Searching for Tomorrow
The Father of Make Believe
52
FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY
Ashes of all
The Nothing That Is

Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth)

Fredrik dives into The Last Will & Testament, the latest album from Opeth, set for release on November 22, 2024, through Reigning Phoenix Music. In this episode, he delves into guitar performance and other related topics. This conversation was initially envisioned as part of an expansive two-part series examining various facets of Opeth's guitar work and musical evolution. Adding to the excitement, Opeth will be touring Australia and New Zealand in November 2025. 
OPETH AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES 2025
Friday, 14 November – Auckland – Town Hall  
Monday, 17 November – Sydney – Sydney Opera House  
Tuesday, 18 November – Sydney – Sydney Opera House  
Thursday, 20 November – Brisbane Fortitude – Music Hall  
Friday, 21 November – Melbourne – Palais Theatre  
Saturday, 22 November – Adelaide Hindley – St Music Hall  
Monday, 24 November – Perth – Astor Theatre  
For tickets and details, visit https://metropolistouring.com/opeth-2025/ or https://davidroywilliams.com/tours/opeth-2025/