Scars and Guitars

2024-2025 Almanac featuring Dan Mitchell (Autumns Eyes)

The 2024-2025 Almanac offers Dan Mitchell, AKA Autumns Eyes, and Andrew a chance to reflect on the key moments of 2024 and look forward to what's coming in the new year. Look forward to a mix of insightful commentary, lively banter, and discussions on all the regular subjects, with no shortage of Cradle of Filth discussions as well!
For all things Autumns Eyes: https://autumnseyes.com/ 

Andy Cichon (Billy Joel / Shania Twain / Judge Mercy / Icehouse / James Reyne et al.)

Andy Cichon is an accomplished Australian musician with an impressive career spanning decades. Currently, he serves as Billy Joel’s bassist, following a long tenure with Shania Twain’s band. In his early career, Andy co-wrote the massive hit “Suddenly,” which gained national attention as the soundtrack to the iconic 1987 TV wedding of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s characters on Neighbours.
In Australia, Andy fronted Judge Mercy, a hard-hitting blues-metal band that opened for legendary acts such as Iron Maiden and AC/DC. He reflects on the reasons behind the band's disbandment and discusses the possibility of reissuing their debut album, Protocol So Holy, on vinyl or making it available on streaming platforms. Beyond Judge Mercy, Andy’s career highlights include collaborations with Icehouse and James Reyne and his iconic bass performance on Darryl Braithwaite’s hit “One Summer” from the Edge album.
Andy also shares memories of working with Pete Wells and Rose Tattoo, reflecting on the personal impact of those collaborations. From growing up in the suburbs of Adelaide to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Andy’s journey is a testament to talent and perseverance. In this episode, he opens up about the defining moments of his career and his insights into sustaining success in the ever-changing world of professional music.
https://www.facebook.com/andycichonbass/
https://www.instagram.com/cichonandy/

'Musicians' Perspective Series' - The Bass Guitar

This inaugural episode of our series pays tribute to the profound influence of musicians who have redefined the musical landscape across diverse genres. It offers a deep dive into the evolution of the bass guitar, spotlighting the trailblazing artists who elevated it from a supporting role to a driving force in the development of funk, disco, and fusion as these styles branched out from their jazz origins.
We begin with Larry Graham, the father of slap bass, whose work on Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You" and Graham Central Station’s "Hair" and "Now Do You Wanna Dance" defined funk’s rhythmic core. Moving into jazz fusion, we spotlight Stanley Clarke, whose innovative bass lines on "Lopsy Lu" and "School Days" demonstrated the instrument's melodic and harmonic possibilities.
The funk and disco world is represented by Bernard Edwards, whose legendary grooves on CHIC classics like "I Want Your Love" and "Dance, Dance, Dance" set a gold standard, alongside Nate Phillips of Pleasure, celebrated for his electrifying work on "Glide." Louis Johnson of The Brothers Johnson brought slap bass to new heights with tracks like "Get the Funk Out of My Face" and "Stomp!"
We also honour Abraham Laboriel, known for his sophisticated work on George Benson's "Give Me the Night," and Freddie Washington, whose iconic bassline drives Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots." Mark King of Level 42 showcases the fusion of funk and pop with his intricate playing on "Love Games" and "Lessons in Love," while Ron Francois delivers melodic elegance in Eurogliders’ "Heaven."
The episode highlights the subtle genius of Nathan East, whose minimalist grooves in Daft Punk's "Lose Yourself to Dance" and Eurythmics' "Would I Lie to You?" exemplify restraint and precision. We then turn to the soulful power of Doug Pinnick from King's X on "Dogman" and the eccentric brilliance of Les Claypool, who reimagined Stanley Clarke’s "Silly Putty" with Primus.
Finally, we venture into extreme metal with Steve DiGiorgio, whose fretless mastery shines in Death’s "Nothing is Everything" and Control Denied’s "Breaking the Broken," and Tony Choy, whose jazz-inspired lines in Atheist’s "Mother Man" expanded the boundaries of technical death metal. We celebrate Sean Malone of Cynic for his breathtaking solo on "Textures" and remember the late Roger Patterson, whose aggressive style shaped Atheist’s early sound.
This series intentionally excludes titans like James Jamerson, Steve Harris, John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, John Paul Jones, and Jaco Pastorius, who already enjoy widespread acclaim. Instead, the spotlight underappreciated bassists from funk, jazz fusion, dance funk, disco, funk metal and extreme metal, whose artistry has influenced countless musicians, including myself. This episode is a tribute to their enduring contributions and a testament to the profound impact of the bass guitar on modern music. 

Astennu (Covenant/ Lord Kaos/ Carpe Tenebrum/ ex-Dimmu Borgir)

Astennu returns to the show to discuss the triumphant resurgence of Covenant. Alongside reflecting on Covenant’s relaunch, he opens up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Dimmu Borgir, shares plans for a solo album and reveals what’s next for the legendary Lord Kaos. In this candid conversation, Astennu doesn’t hold back, shedding light on long-standing rumours and unveiling the truth behind narratives shaped by conjecture and misinformation. This episode isn’t for fanboys or those content to believe the noise - prepare for an unfiltered discussion.
Covenant is officially back in action, recently delivering a blistering Nexus Polaris-themed set at Eindhoven. Upcoming appearances include the Karmøygeddon Metal Festival, 70,000 Tons of Metal, and more. 
Covenant Booking Information:
For bookings, contact Håkon Grav at Photograve Management: www.photograve.net.
Stay Updated on Covenant’s Latest News:
Instagram: @thetruekovenant
YouTube: TheTrueKovenant
TikTok: @the.kovenant
Explore Astennu’s Official Store:
Visit the Astennu Music Store for exclusive offerings:
Astennu VST Package (Reaper)
Astennu’s IRs
Astennu’s Signature Kemper Profile – Nexus Polaris Live Sound
Covenant Nexus Polaris Guitar Tab Book
Discover Everything Lord Kaos:
Check out their Metal Archives page: Lord Kaos on Metal Archives.Find links to social media, merchandise, and more to stay connected with the band’s latest updates and releases.
Check Out Carpe Tenebrum:
Explore the band’s history and stay connected with their latest updates and releases here:Carpe Tenebrum on Metal Archives.

Sarah Jezebel Deva (Covenant/ ex-Cradle Of Filth)

Sarah Jezebel Deva returns to discuss her experiences with the reformed Covenant and reflect on the band's reunion. She also discusses the development of her philosophies since her Cradle of Filth days, strategies for managing her music career alongside family responsibilities, her view on her legacy in extreme music, and balancing personal and band commitments. The conversation extends to what the future might hold. 
Sarah keeps her Facebook page up to date, so check it out: https://www.facebook.com/SarahJezebelDeva
Covenant: 
https://www.facebook.com/thekovenantofficial/ 
instagram.com/thetruekovenant
youtube.com/@TheTrueKovenant
tiktok.com/@the.kovenant
Also, check out Midvinterblot, her project with Heljarmadr, the lead singer of Dark Funeral: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTIYdCgZE-E 
 
 

New music show December 2024

The December 2024 new music show features NECKBREAKKER from Within The Viscera, THE HALO EFFECT from March Of The Unheard, BATUSHKA with "WIERSZALIN III," and JINJER with "Green Serpent." HELLOWEEN performs "Forever And One (Neverland)" live alongside GAUPA, DAYS OF JUPITER, God Complex, LUNA KILLS, ELUVEITIE, BLACKBRIAR, and OCTOPLOID. ATHENA XIX, Amaranthe, and ABZY add synth and Middle Eastern metal. Power metal comes from ALL FOR METAL, DYNAZTY, Niviane, and Steel Forge and Exiled Hope. Metalcore is represented by MEMPHIS MAY FIRE and BLEED FROM WITHIN, black metal by BURIAL OATH, DECLINE OF THE I, Hellpriests, Serpent Sceptre, and Catharia. TIGGUO COBAUC, Horse Butcher, NECROTECH, HELEVORN, and various death metal bands like Boreal Grave, Klaïton, Slaughtersun, ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH, THIRTEEN GOATS, and Chuzo perform. BIND TORTURE KILL brings hardcore, Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship mixes anime with metal, Great American Ghost and Axioma offer industrial and apocalyptic sounds. OBSCURA, GRAVE DIGGER, Frankenbok, BRAINSTORM, GOTTHARD, LORDI, THE HELLACOPTERS, MARKO HIETALA, and Dellacoma cover thrash, hard rock, rock, and acoustic styles.
 
#
Artist
Song
Album
1
NECKBREAKKER
Absorption
Within The Viscera
2
THE HALO EFFECT
Cruel Perception
March Of The Unheard
3
BATUSHKA
WIERSZALIN III
ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ
4
JINJER
Green Serpent
Duél
5
HELLOWEEN
Forever And One (Neverland) (live)
Live At Budokan
6
GAUPA
Heavy Lord
Single
7
DAYS OF JUPITER
Desolation
The World Was Never Enough
8
God Complex
Salt and Ash
Single
9
LUNA KILLS
sugar rush
DEATHMATCH
10
ELUVEITIE
Premonition
Single
11
BLACKBRIAR
Floriography
Single
12
OCTOPLOID
Coast Of The Drowned Sailors [feat. Tomi Koivusaari]
Beyond The Aeons
13
ATHENA XIX
The Calm Before The Storm
Everflow - Part 1: Frames Of Humanity
14
Amaranthe
Damnation Flame (Orchestral Version)
Single
15
ABZY
MIRROR FT TAIFI
Hollow Bloom
16
NECKBREAKKER
Shackled To A Corpse
Within The Viscera
17
ALL FOR METAL
All For Metal Is Coming To Town
Single
18
DYNAZTY
Game of Faces
Game of Faces
19
Niviane
12 BC: Legions
Queen of Phantoms
20
Steel Forge and Exiled Hope
The Calling
Realm of the Exiled
21
MEMPHIS MAY FIRE
Hell Is Empty
Shapeshifter
22
BLEED FROM WITHIN
In Place Of Your Halo
Zenith
23
BURIAL OATH
Void Hunter
The Cycles of Suffering
24
DECLINE OF THE I
L' Alliance Des Rats
Single
25
Hellpriests
Banishment
Single
26
Serpent Sceptre
Ex Igne Resurgam
Heirophantom
27
Catharia
Devouring Firmament
Unimaginable Dreams of Fat
28
TIGGUO COBAUC
Craving for Slay
Fountains of Anguis
29
Horse Butcher
Unnecessary Amputation
Self-titled EP
30
NECROTECH
Deadly Industries
NECROTECHNOLOGY
31
HELEVORN
Inherit the Stars
Espectres
32
Boreal Grave
Mother of Evil
I Am Your Bane
33
Klaïton
Behind The Ritual
Behind the Ritual
34
Slaughtersun
Black Marrow
Black Marrow
35
ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH
Words Defy Truth
Resurrecting Misanthropy
36
THIRTEEN GOATS
Sign of the Goat
Capricorn Rising
37
Chuzo
The Brutalator
M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)
38
BIND TORTURE KILL
BANDAISON
Sauvagerie
39
NECKBREAKKER
Face Splitting Madness
Within The Viscera
40
Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship
Brutal Panzer
Single
41
Great American Ghost
Kerosene
TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS
42
Axioma
Live Totality
Live Totality EP
43
OBSCURA
Silver Linings
A Sonication
44
GRAVE DIGGER
Killing Is My Pleasure
Bone Collector
45
NECKBREAKKER
Horizon Of Spikes
Within The Viscera
46
Frankenbok
You Spin Me Round
Single
47
BRAINSTORM
Garuda (Eater Of Snakes)
Plague Of Rats
48
GOTTHARD
Boom Boom
Stereo Crush
49
LORDI
Syntax Terror
Limited Deadition
50
THE HELLACOPTERS
(I Don’t Wanna Be) Just A Memory
Overdriver
51
MARKO HIETALA
Impatient Zero
Roses From The Deep
52
Dellacoma
Like A Stone
Single

Mischa M and Cristian S (CHÜZO)

Mischa M and Cristian S from CHÜZO discuss their new EP, Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay.
We’ll talk about how cultural influences shape their sound, the themes behind the EP, and Mischa’s approach to developing her vocal style. They’ll share insights on balancing creative perspectives in an international lineup, navigating Montreal’s metal scene, and their experience working with producer Kevin Jardine.
Bandcamp - https://chuzomtl.bandcamp.com/album/m-t-m-d-maximum-threshold-minimum-decay
Digital (Spotify) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chzo/mtmd
EP Stream - https://youtu.be/jqCdfYwDev4
More Info: Instagram.com/chuzo.band | Facebook.com/chuzo.band

Derek Davis (Babylon A.D.)

In this episode, Derek Davis from Babylon A.D. discusses the band’s new album Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day and the stories behind its deeply personal tracks like "Looking for a Heartbeat" and "I Will Never Break Again." He reflects on the spiritual journey that led to "Face of God". 
Derek shares insights on Babylon A.D.’s evolution since their late ‘80s debut, the band’s longevity, and the dynamic with long-time collaborators Ron Fresch and John Matthews. He revisits pivotal moments like signing with Clive Davis and breaking into the industry during the Sunset Strip’s heyday, including stories from the Arista Grammys afterparty and navigating the grunge shift of the early ‘90s.
Links to website and socials: 
https://babylonadband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Babylonadband/
https://www.instagram.com/babylonad_/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQVt2LWl21avPsyLstHJEA
open.spotify.com/artist/6sh4WKluS0LOsPdGPerKJ5
www.facebook.com/PerrisRecords/
www.perrisrecords.com

Eddie Spaghetti (Supersuckers)

In this episode, Eddie Spaghetti of the Supersuckers talks about their upcoming tour and past work with Nashville Pussy. He discusses the "Sacrilicious Sounds" album and Paul Leary's role in its production and its significance in the band's history. Eddie recounts the band's beginnings in Tucson, their transition to Seattle, and how they fit into the grunge era. He shares the experience of stepping up as frontman after Eric Martin left, the band's pivot to alternative country with "Must’ve Been High," and insights from their Interscope days. Eddie also reveals how his battle with cancer affected his approach to music and life and reflects on Ron Heathman's legacy. Eddie shares his career highlights, advises emerging musicians, and shares his hope for plans for the Supersuckers.
 
HARDLINE MEDIA proudly presents the SUPERPUSSY TOUR - NASHVILLE PUSSY & THE SUPERSUCKERS on the one bill!
TICKETS & INFO: http://www.hardlinemedia.netLIMITED VIP MEET & GREET AVAILABLE*LIMITED VIP MEET & GREET INCLUDES:- Early access to the show and merch stand**- Get a photo on your phone/device with both bands- Australian tour poster to get signed by both bands- Exclusive VIP lanyard/laminate- Bring along 3 personal items to get signed**VIP TICKET INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE SHOW
SUPERPUSSY TOUR DOWN UNDER Australian Tour Dates:Thur 23rd Jan - Sydney - ManningFri 24 Jan - Melbourne - CroxtonSat 25 Jan - Brisbane - Crowbar (The Zoo)Sun 26 Jan - Adelaide - The Gov
 
 

Chris Boltendahl (Grave Digger)

Chris Boltendahl of Grave Digger discusses his career spanning over four decades in heavy metal. The conversation addresses the band's longevity, the development of his vocal style, and the challenges of navigating lineup changes and shifts in the metal scene. He explains Grave Digger's method of addressing historical and controversial themes in their lyrics and outlines the creative process behind their latest album, Bone Collector. Chris examines the album's themes and the role of fan feedback in shaping the band's music. The discussion also includes Grave Digger's influence on newer generations of metal musicians, Chris’ plans for Grave Digger, and the principles guiding his creative work.
Visit GRAVE DIGGER Online Official Homepage Facebook Instagram