Scars and Guitars

New music show April 2025

The internet’s only no-bullshit metal music show covers tunes under the banners of black metal, death metal, grind, grinding punk, grinding sludge metal, hardcore/sludge, industrial punk, instrumental, melodic death metal, melodic metal, metalcore, modern metal, nu metal, post blackened metal, power metal, punk, rock, stoner doom, symphonic doom, symphonic metal, tech death, and thrash.
On the label and PR side, the tracks are bought for you by Black Lion Records, Earsplit PR, Nuclear Blast, ROAR - RPM, Brilliant Emperor Records/Gutter Prince Cabal Records, Caverna Abismal Records, Inverse Records, Raging Planet Records, Sentient Ruin, Kostas Salomidis, Wise Blood Records and Pout Records, Agonia Records, CSquaredMusic, 604 Records, Sharptone, RCA Records/Sony Music Australia, RFL Music Entertainment, BMG, Frontiers Music S.r.l., Michael Brandvold Marketing, Black Throne Productions, Frontiers, High Roller Records, Witches Brew Records, and Listenable Records
The feature album is Ravage Of Empires from Benediction, and founding members and guitarists Darren Brookes and Peter Rew, longtime vocalist Dave Ingram, drummer Giovanni Durst, and Nik Sampson (bass) will travel far and wide once more. Already confirmed are the Tales of the Triple Death Tour with Jungle Rot and Master kicking off on album release date as well as confirmed appearances at Wacken Open Air and Maryland Deathfest. 
Show tracklist: 
The track list includes: 1. Benediction - "Engines of War" - *Ravage of Empires*, 2. Behemoth - "Lvciferaeon" - *The Shit Ov God*, 3. Battle Beast - "Eden" - *Circus of Doom: Live in Helsinki 2023*, 4. Cadaver - "From The Past" - *Hymns of Misanthropy*, 5. Crematory - "My Girlfriend's Girlfriend" feat. Michelle Darkness - *Destination*, 6. Grave Digger - "Hellfire Crusade", 7. Smith/Kotzen - "Darkside" - *Black Light / White Noise*, 8. Mystic Circle - "Afraid to Shoot Strangers" feat. Sarah Jezebel Deva - *Kriegsgötter MMXXV*, 9. Machine Head - "Bønescraper" - *Unatøned*, 10. Ghost Bath - "Well, I Tried Drowning" - *Rose Thorn Necklace*, 11. Exorcism - "Strike of The Match" - *Spectral Aggression*, 12. Phantom - "The Tower of Seth" - *Tyrants of Wrath*, 13. Exterminatus - "Cosmic Disturbance" - *Echoes From A Distant Star Part 1*, 14. Benediction - "Genesis Chamber" - *Ravage of Empires*, 15. Epica - "Fight To Survive" - *The Overview Effect*, 16. Laurenne/Louhimo - "Falling Through Stars" - *Falling Through Stars*, 17. Unén - "Forever Winter", 18. Aawks - "Cursed Soul" - *On Through the Sky Maze*, 19. Don Felder - "Hollywood Victim" - *The Vault - Fifty Years of Music*, 20. Smith/Kotzen - "05-Life Unchained" - *Black Light / White Noise*, 21. Pásmo - "Noc Rozhodnutí" - *Pásmo*, 22. Thomas Carlsen's Transmission - "Thunderbird" - *Clockwork Sky*, 23. Trick or Treat - "Dance With The Dancing Clown" - *Ghosted*, 24. A Flock Named Murder - "Pierced Flesh Catharsis" - *Incendiary Sanctum*, 25. Sleep Token - "Caramel" - *Even In Arcadia*, 26. Benediction - "Deviant Spine" - *Ravage of Empires*, 27. Ghostseeker - "Wake Up (Imposter)" - *Divergence*, 28. Luna Kills - "love u" - *Deathmatch*, 29. Freeze the Fall - "Hypothermia" - *The Red Garden*, 30. Northvoid - "Wilderness" - *Ember Remains*, 31. Buried Realm - "Ophidian Dreams" - *The Dormant Darkness*, 32. Quadvium - "Náströnd" - Single, 33. Yass - "In The Basement", 34. Meatwound - "Mount Vermin" - *Macho*, 35. Kiritsis - "Pissant" - *Kiritsis*, 36. Cannibal Accident - "Kärpästen juhlat", 37. King Parrot - "Look Away I'm Hideous" - *A Young Person's Guide To*, 38. Benediction - "Ravage of Empires" - *Ravage of Empires*, 39. Impaled - "Dead Inside" - *Demo Medicale*, 40. Ztate of Mind - "Tower of Skulls" - *Tower of Skulls*, 41. Ancient Death - "Breaking the Barriers of Hope" - *Ego Dissolution*, 42. Anoxia - "Rule By Cold Steel" - *Revel In Sin*, 43. Frantic Amber - "Black Widow" - *Death Becomes Her*, 44. Inborn Tendency - "Fist Evangelist", 45. My Dementia - "Premonição: Só Me Arrependo Do Que Não Vivi" - *Gloom's Light*, 46. Prophetic Suffering - "Gift of Decay" - *Rivalry of Thyself*, 47. Visceral - "Loathe" - *Eyes, Teeth and Bones*, 48. Benediction - "Psychosister" - *Ravage of Empires*, 49. Euphrosyne - "Funeral Rites" - *Morus*, 50. Namebearer - "Jäätyneen Järven Uumenissa" - *Industries Of The Fading Sun*, 51. Bleed From Within - "Violent Nature" - *Zenith*, and 52. Wasp - "Paint It Black" - *7 Savage Boxset*.

Kelly Garni (Quiet Riot/ Randy Rhoads tribute)

This discussion with Kelly offers a unique chance to explore lesser-known or under-researched facets of Randy Rhoads, including Kelly's insights on the relationship between the Osbournes and Randy, and much more.
A TRIBUTE TO RANDY RHOADS - in Australia 
Kelly is joined by musicians from Van Hagar, and Snake Bite Whisky, this event brings Randy Rhoads’ iconic classics from his Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne eras to life. Alongside performances, intimate Q&A sessions will explore his remarkable life and artistry.
Event Dates & Locations:
Friday, December 5: Crowbar, Brisbane
Sunday, December 7: Harbour Cruise, Sydney (Celebrating Randy’s US Birthday)
Tuesday, December 9: Max Watts, Melbourne
Featuring Special Guest:VAN HAGAR
Tickets Available at www.XMusic.au  or click here: Brisbane | Sydney | Melbourne

Antoinette Anstis

Antoinette Anstis is the wife of the late Stuart Anstis, and she joins the show to discuss his career, legacy and much more. Stuart shaped Cradle of Filth’s most pivotal era, and throughout the chat, Antoinette recounts his early days with the band, offering her perspective on its dynamics during his tenure. Antoinette shares her thoughts on Stuart’s relationships with bandmates Nick, Dan, and Les and provides a nuanced account of his departure. She also covers his later projects, including work with Metal Church’s David Wayne and a sliding doors moment with Rob Halford. Additionally, she discusses what happened to the music featured on the demos Stuart created as a potential successor to Cruelty and the Beast. Antoinette shares personal anecdotes and insights, drawing on her unique perspective as his spouse to reveal Stuart’s character, shedding light on the mind of a guitarist whose contributions are iconic in metal history. Many other funny and personal topics are also addressed in this conversation, which will be compelling for everyone who has heard the iconic episode featuring Stuart.
Check out all the conversations with current, alums and associates of Cradle of Filth here: https://scarsandguitars.com/cradle-of-filth-conversations/

Dennis Mikula (Ghost Bath)

Throughout this discussion with Dennis Mikula of Ghost Bath, we focused on their album Rose Thorn Necklace and topics such as the shift from previous work, lyrical themes of mourning and death, collaborations, the album's title duality, the impact of early anonymity, the transition to a collaborative band, artwork choices, navigating criticism and trolling assumptive commentators. 
Watch 'Well, I Tried Drowning' music video:https://youtu.be/GkB8vC8kbEUPre-order & pre-save Rose Thorn Necklace:https://ghostbath.bfan.link/rose-thorn-necklace-album
Stream 'Well, I Tried Drowning':https://ghostbath.bfan.link/well-i-tried-drowning
 

Celeste Bojczuk (GhostSeeker)

GhostSeeker vocalist Celeste Bojczuk discusses the creative process behind their album Divergence. She addresses the album’s title, collaboration with new label ROAR, the shift in sound from “Initium Novum, and recording techniques. Celeste also talks about the partnership with Daniel Breen, the challenges of performing specific tracks, the influence of external producers, lyrical inspirations, the impact of Australian and international bands, and strategies for navigating creative differences. Additionally, the episode goes into Celeste’s journey as a vocalist, the formation of GhostSeeker, vocal techniques, and artists who’ve shaped her style.
Watch ‘Wake Up (Imposter)’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxE78ndDg1E
Watch ‘Interment’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07gZELH0wAw
For More Info Visit:https://www.facebook.com/ghostseekerau https://www.instagram.com/ghostseekerau https://twitter.com/GhostSeekerau?s=09 https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostseekerau https://www.youtube.com/@ghostseeker2375
 

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