Scars and Guitars

Gregor Mackintosh (Paradise Lost/ Strigoi/ Host)

The opportunity to chat with Gregor comes about due to the new album from Paradise Lost, titled Ascension. Among a four-decade career, there were plenty of topics to discuss, including Paradise Lost's classic albums Gothic and Draconian Times, the less embraced albums from the late 90s and early 2000s, as well as the band's collaboration with Fear Factory and Delirum alumni, Fhys Fulbur. Greg also touches on his projects, Strigoi and the electro-goth partnership with Paradise Lost vocalist Nick Holmes, Host. Lots of other insightful commentary as well! 
https://paradiselost.co.uk/ 

Tomislav Ferenc (Elusive God)

Tomislav discusses his band Elusive God and their releases, including the new album, Ambis. It was important for Tomislav to feature on the show as he is from Croatia, and it was an opportunity to discuss family links, culture and the Croatian metal scene. 
https://linktr.ee/elusive_god 

Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan)

Ben Weinman discusses The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Australian shows through August 2025, shares his thoughts on cover albums, and the idea of two vocalists, given that Dimitri Minakakis is back playing in the group after Greg Puciato’s long tenure with the band. Ben also discusses raising children, social media, and a range of other intriguing topics.
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN August 2025 Australian Tour Dates
Sunday, August 10th: Metropolis Fremantle, Perth, WA
Tuesday, August 12th: The Gov, Adelaide, SA
Wednesday, August 13th: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC – SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 14th: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC – New Show
Saturday, August 16th: The Enmore, Sydney, NSW
Sunday, August 17th: The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
Tickets: On sale now at The Phoenix

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
 
 

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