Scars and Guitars
With over 900 interviews, Andrew McKaysmith provides a welcoming environment for artists to discuss their politics, social insights, and artistic perspectives. Offering an authentic experience, this podcast invites you to tune in to the conversations with numerous luminaries from hard rock, heavy metal, and extreme metal.
Episodes

Sunday Dec 29, 2024
Sunday Dec 29, 2024
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.

Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
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

Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 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

Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
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

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
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

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
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

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
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

Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
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

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
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

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
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