Scars and Guitars

Steve Hughes (Comedian/ Nazxul/ Slaughter Lord)

The great Steve Hughes discusses a range of social, political, and cultural topics ahead of his shows in Queensland. He addresses the long-term impacts of economic inequality on working-class communities, the influence of censorship and free speech debates on public discourse, and the emergence of leftist populist movements as indicators of systemic issues. Steve also shares his views on how technology, including AI, and his observations on handling mental health challenges in contemporary society. As a comedian, he reflects on the most significant unspoken issues facing humanity today. Additionally, Steve explores his musical background, detailing how his time with Slaughter Lord contributed to Australia’s thrash metal scene in the 1980s and reflects on his work with cult black metal outfit Nazxul in the 1990s
Steve Hughes will perform in Queensland at the following venues: Thursday, May 8, 2025, at The Sit Down Comedy Club in Brisbane, QLD; Friday, May 9, 2025, at Fitzy's in Loganholme, QLD; and Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Wallaby Hotel in Mudgeeraba, QLD. Tickets are available here: https://www.stevehughes.net/

Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden/ Smith-Kotzen)

Adrian Smith talks about Black Light / White Noise, the second album from Smith/Kotzen. This release broadens their sound, drawing from hard rock, blues, and classic R&B. Adrian shares the ideas that shaped the album, the writing process, and the impact of Jay Ruston’s mixing on the final production. With a long history in heavy metal, he discusses what makes this collaboration with Richie Kotzen unique. 
He also reflects on his approach to melody and phrasing on the guitar, the habits he works to avoid, and the methods he uses to keep his playing fresh. As a guitarist who has influenced generations of musicians, he weighs in on how the industry is evolving and the rise of artificial intelligence in music. 
Beyond the technical side of his craft, Adrian shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a great band member, how his views on success and happiness have changed, and what he values most at this stage in his journey. With decades of experience, he offers a clear and honest look at his evolution as a musician, his creative process, and the road ahead.
OrderBlack Light / White Noise from: https://Smith-Kotzen.lnk.to/blacklightPR
Check out the video for White Noise here: https://youtu.be/pABdwOwpjGI

Burton C. Bell (Fear Factrory/ GZR/ et-al)

In this conversation, Burton C. Bell discusses his upcoming Australian shows, featuring a career-spanning setlist with rare tracks from Fear Factory, Ascension Of The Watchers, and GZR. He talks about new songs, "Technical Exorcism" and "Anti-DRoid", offering insight into their place in his evolving sound. Burton reflects on his Metal Hall of Fame induction, Soul of a New Machine nearing 35 years, and key moments like recording Plastic Planet with Geezer Butler and Deen Castronovo, opening for Black Sabbath in 1997, and Fear Factory’s performances at Ozzfest ’96. He also shares thoughts on pivotal collaborators, the possibility of unreleased tracks, and the headline that might define his legacy. Additional topics include the 1996 Sydney riot, his biography, and his most significant accomplishment. 
Australian Tour Dates 2025
Wed 11 June: The Triffid, Brisbane
Thu 12 June: King Street Band Room, Newcastle
Fri 13 June: Factory Theatre, Sydney
Sat 14 June: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets On Sale:  www.sbmpresents.com/tour/burton-c-bell
www.burtoncbell.com | www.sbmpresents.com  
Socials: IG: burtoncbell_official
FB: burtoncbell
#burtoncbell #fearfacfory #drylungvocalmartyr #metal #heavymetal
 

Daz Brookes (Benediction)

This chat with Daz took place on the eve of the European tour and the day of the release of Benediction's 2025 album, Ravage of Empires. The discussion covers the album, collaboration with Dave Ingram, production details, producer Scott Atkins's approach to enhancing the band's performance in the studio, the 2020 album Scriptures, the 1998 tour with Covenant, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath's last Birmingham performances, and many other topics.
PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE RAVAGE OF EMPIRES: https://benediction.bfan.link/ravage-of-empires
STREAM 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES': https://benediction.bfan.link/crawling-over-corpses
WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR 'CRAWLING OVER CORPSES': https://youtu.be/tfQJT29e6T0 

Niilo Sevänen (Insomnium)

Niilo discusses Insomnium's May tour (2025) in Australia, unexpected inspirations behind their music, and the creative process for selecting lyrical concepts. Niilo shares insights on unexplored musical styles, intriguing fan interpretations, and a dream collaboration with a historical figure. We revisit the bold decision to release Winter’s Gate as a single 40-minute track in 2016 and its reception nearly a decade later, plus the epic Anno 1696 album from 2023. Topics also include tackling dark historical themes like witch hunts, navigating music industry challenges, observations on freedom versus responsibility during the COVID pandemic, and reflections on utopian ideals versus human nature in their work.
INSOMNIUM with guest Omnium Gatherum performing at:
May 6th - Brisbane, The Triffid
May 7th - Canberra, The Baso
May 9th - Sydney, Metro Theatre
May 10th - Melbourne, The Croxton
May 11th – Adelaide, Lion Arts Factory
 
TICKETS ON SALE at:
BRISBANE, ADELAIDE - www.moshtix.com.au
CANBERRA, MELBOURNE – www.oztix.com.au
SYDNEY - www.ticketek.com.au
www.insomnium.net/tour

New music show March 2025

The internet's only no-bullshit metal music show spans black metal, black n roll, death metal, deathcore, doom, grind, hard rock, hardcore, modern heavy metal, industrial, instrumental, metalcore, nu metal, post-hardcore, post-hardcore/nu metal, power metal, prog jazz metal fusion, punk, rock, rock metal, symphonic metal, thrash, and traditional heavy metal.
On the label and PR side, the tracks are bought for you by Nuclear Blast, Acherontic Arts, Carcosa PR, Sentient Ruin, Csquared Music, Inverse Records, Gore House Productions, Earsplit, Kostas Salomidis, Willowtip Records, Carcosa PR, Sharptone, Rising Phoenix Music, Spinefarm, Earsplit PR, Frontiers Music s.r.l., Maric, Secret Service PR, MDPR, MNRK, LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS, and Cult Etiquette. 
The feature album is Saddiction from Hangman's Chair. The album is defined by slow tempos, clean vocals, and layered guitar work, aligning with the band's established doom and post-metal style. The album presents a consistent sound across all tracks, with an emphasis on structure and atmosphere. It reflects a continuation of the band’s previous musical direction without significant deviation from their core approach.
Show track list: 
1. Hangman's Chair – Kowloon Lights, 2. Cabal – Snake Tongues, 3. Ghost – Satanized, 4. Spiritbox – No Loss No Love, 5. FALLUJAH – Kaleidoscopic Waves, 6. BEHEMOTH – The Shadow Elite, 7. KING PARROT – Punish The Runt, 8. BENEDICTION – Crawling Over Corpses, 9. MARTY FRIEDMAN – Tearful Confession, 10. ELUVEITIE – Awen, 11. Hidden Intent – The Ruins, 12. BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, 13. Enevelde – Nigromantia, 14. GLORIOR BELLI – Weltschmerz Wield Power, 15. Nachtheem – Drift_van_nostalgie, 16. Robust – Enchanter, 17. SUTEKH HEXEN – Equinox, 18. Exiled Hope – The Summoning (Official Lyric Video), 19. GHOST BATH – Rose Thorn Necklace, 20. Hangman's Chair – 2 AM Thoughts, 21. Funeral Dancer – Manananggal, 22. Cannibal Accident feat. ULTI MAKE – Viimene Fiitti, 23. Necrambulant – Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit, 24. ANCIENT DEATH – Unspoken Oath, 25. CONJURER – All You Will Remember, 26. KAIVS – Sepulchrist, 27. Messiah Paratroops – Out of Reality, 28. OMINOUS RUIN – Seeds of Entropy, 29. GATES TO HELL – 21 Sacraments, 30. MALEVOLENCE – If It's All The Same To You, 31. Oobris Ios – Kesais Irabad Xogolo Arait, 32. Dosgamos – On day Seven He Regretted, 33. FLESH PRISON – DEATHBED MESSIAH, 34. Ghostsmoker – Incarnate, 35. Hangman's Chair – In Disguise, 36. DISEMBODIED TYRANT – 8.6 BLACKOUT, 37. God Complex – Ba'al's Trick, 38. BLEED FROM WITHIN – God Complex, 39. CABAL – Redemption Denied, 40. Doomsday – Never Known Peace, 41. АНТАЙТЛД – потужна, 42. Myth Carver – Untamed Steel, 43. Sinner – When You Were Young, 44. Chamber Mage – The Emerald Tower Revealed, 45. ASKA – 1944, 46. Alfa Pentatonik – Palvot, 47. MERAKIN OVERDOSE – GENIE IN A BOTTLE, 48. Lauren Babic – Breathe You In, 49. Disturbed – I WILL NOT BREAK, 50. WHISPERHEAD – My Game, My Rules, 51. Thornhill – Tounges, 52. PROFILER – Fakers, 53. Sons of Ra – Lividity and the Ascension, 54. CLAN DOS MORTOS CICATRIZ – Nada, 55. Buckcherry – Roar Like Thunder, 56. CROWNSHIFT – Black Velvet, 57. ENVY OF NONE – FOR THE STORY, 58. POP EVIL – Wishful Thinking, 59. BATTLE BEAST – Wings of Light (Live in Helsinki 2023), 60. EPICA – T.I.M.E., 61. Hangman's Chair – 44 YOD.

Kip Winger (Winger)

This chat with Kip Winger is one of the most accomplished interviews broadcast on the show in its eight years on air. The stage is set for an almighty journey of discovery and insight. Kit discusses resilience through the turmoil, significant milestones such as a Grammy nomination, his view on band management over the years, his enduring friendship with Metallica's James Hetfield, thoughts on Warrant's Jani Lane (RIP), and more. 
WINGER April 2025 Australian Tour
Tickets from: silverbacktouring.com
VIP Upgrades available at: wingertheband.com
Tour dates:
Friday 4th April - MELBOURNE 170 Russell
Saturday 5th April - SYDNEY Manning Bar
Sunday 6th April - ADELAIDE The Gov
Tuesday 8th April - BRISBANE Princess Theatre
Thursday 10th April - PERTH Magnet House

Kone (Lordi)

The episode features a dynamic conversation with Kone, the guitarist in the band Lordi. The chat is an opportunity to get to know Kone as more than just the guitarist in the band, as he answers questions about his guitar playing, toy collecting, Finland, his impressions on Lordi before joining, session work and much more. The catalyst for the chat is the new Lordi album, Limited Edition. 
More on LORDI:lordi.fi | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube | RPM
 
 

Paul Lewis (Hidden Intent)

Drummer and percussionist Paul Lewis joins the show to discuss the new single "The Ruins" and the album Terrorform, which will be launched on March 21, 2025. This episode is a dynamic chat featuring many topics, such as the new single, home towns, meeting your icons, and much more.  
 
Terrorform video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GUJLDMPM6w
Stream: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6k4QusZRtp1eIvIZLbUTSh
Pre-order: https://tinyurl.com/TERRORFORM2025
www.facebook.com/hiddenintent
Instagram: @hiddenintentofficial
https://linktr.ee/hiddenintentofficial

Nigel Wingrove - Redemption films and art director

British filmmaker, writer, and Redemption Films founder Nigel Wingrove, the creative force behind the iconic 1990s Cradle of Filth merchandise, joins the show for a chat as part of the launch of a range of show merchandise featuring one of his iconic images. In addition to discussing the image and iconography, Nigel shares insights on his latest projects, discusses licensing classic and unreleased imagery, and unveils exciting new merchandise developments.
Click here to purchase the t-shirt! https://scarsandguitars.com/commemorative-chronicles-of-filth-t-shirt/ 
Click here to listen to the first conversation with Nigel: https://scarsandguitars.com/nigel-wingrove-art-director-cradle-of-filth-1992-1997/