Scars and Guitars

Chris Broderick (In Flames, Act of Defiance, ex-Megadeth)

Chris Broderick, now a member of In Flames, shares insights into how Australian tours compare to other parts of the world, drawing from his extensive touring history with Megadeth. He also reveals the circumstances that led him to make the pivotal decision to join In Flames. He discusses his admiration for Jesper Stromblad's remarkable guitar skills and songwriting. Chris delves into his past collaborations, notably his experiences working with Warrel Dane in Nevermore, shedding light on the unique challenges they faced during their creative partnership. He reflects on Act of Defiance's 2017 album, "Old Scars New Wounds," and shares anecdotes from his time collaborating with Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and drummer Shawn Drover. Beyond the musical journey, Chris talks about career highlights and his perspective on the potential for a biography.
KREATOR and IN FLAMES "Klash of the Titans" February 2024 Tour Dates Tuesday 13th February ADELAIDE, Hindley Street Music Hall Wednesday 14th February MELBOURNE, The Forum Thursday 15th February CANBERRA, UC Refectory Saturday 17th February SYDNEY, Enmore Theatre Sunday 18th February BRISBANE, The Tivoli
Tickets: https://www.destroyalllines.com/tours/in-flames-kreator

End-of-Year Summary - 2023: Podcast Episode Reviews, Top Albums, Tour Overviews and much more!

In wrapping up 2023 for the Scars and Guitars podcast, I take a closer look at the significant events and highlights defining the musical journey.
Throughout the year, I attended a variety of live performances, including shows by Emperor, I Am Morbid, Incantation, Extreme, Living Colour, Hanabie, Archspire, Ingested, Triple Kill, Orpheus Omega, Halo Effect, and Misery, amongst many others. I discuss each show and summarise the performance and why it was noteworthy. 
The podcast featured engaging conversations with prominent figures across heavy metal and beyond. I had the pleasure of hosting many Cradle of fIlth alums: Paul Ryan, Chris Bell, Nigel Wingrove, Mike Exeter, James McIlroy, and, notably, Sarah Jezebel Deva. There were conversations with Scott Edgar from Misery, Phil Soussan, Jesper Strömblad, the Tardy brothers from Obituary, Jason Bonham, Jamie Stinson AKA Astennu, Blitz from Overkill, Mille Petrozza, David Ellefson, Marc from Metal Church, Scott from Carnifex, Dave Coutts and Mark Dunn, Eric from The Amenta, Dave Haley and many, many more. I discuss why each episode is essential. 
In terms of literature, my collection expanded with the addition of the Silverchair Book and Tana Douglas's roadie memoir. So I have something to say about these books. 
Regarding musical releases, several notable albums caught my attention. There's a summary of each, and I explain why the alums are worthy. 
Suffocation's "Hymns from the Apocrypha" highlighted Terrence Hobb's consistent musical prowess.
Overkill's "Scorched" reaffirmed their enduring impact in the world of metal.
"When Angels Kill" by Fifth Angel impressed with Ken Mary's drumming finesse.
Incantation's "Unholy Deification" offered doom-tinged death metal at its best.
Cadaver's "The Age of the Offended" featured a strong death metal statement with Ronni Le Tekrø.
Sadus returned with "The Shadow Inside," showcasing Darren Travis's dedication.
Wes Hauch's "Death is But a Door (EP)" demonstrated Wes Hauch's guitar virtuosity.
Grand Cadaver's "Deities of Deathlike Sleep" delivered old-school Stockholm death metal.
The Amenta's "Plague of Locus" showcased their take on classic covers.
Werewolves and Faustian, featuring Matt Wilcock, offered creative and competent riff-heavy music.
Additionally, I've compiled an eligibility list for future discussions, which includes Cyhra, Doro, Till the Dirt, Sylosis, Svalbard, Cryptopsy, Watain, Cavalera Brothers, Immortal, Alice Cooper, Cannibal Corpse, Shepherds Rein, Steven Wilson, AETERNUS, Aeons Abyss, Kataklysm, Ringworm, and Carnifex.
In conclusion, 2023 was a year filled with remarkable music and insightful conversations about extreme music. I remain committed to providing a serious and thoughtful perspective on the genre, and I look forward to continuing this journey in the future. Thank you for being a part of the musical exploration!
Have a great Christmas and even better 2024! Andrew McK.

A conversation with Jim Ward (At the Drive-In/ Sparta)

In this conversation with guitarist Jim Ward, we explore a range of topics. These include the origins of the songs on Wiretap Scars during his time with At the Drive-In, his memories of At the Drive-In's performance at the Big Day Out festival in 2001, and the shared fanbase between At the Drive-In and Sparta. Additionally, we delve into Jim's artistic evolution transitioning from At The Drive-In to Sparta, the factors influencing his songwriting and lyrical themes, his musical influences, the challenges inherent in sustaining a music career, and his ongoing projects and future directions in his musical journey.
SPARTA is set to embark on their Australian tour in May 2024 with the following dates and venues:
Thursday, May 16th: BRISBANE at The Triffid
Friday, May 17th: SYDNEY at Metro Theatre
Saturday, May 18th: MELBOURNE at Croxton Bandroom
Wednesday, May 22nd: ADELAIDE at The Gov
Thursday, May 23rd: PERTH at Rosemount Hotel
Tickets for these shows are available for purchase now at this link: https://metropolistouring.com/sparta-2024/

Kevin Martin (Candlebox)

Kevin talks about career longevity and what's next for the band. Kevin shares his perspectives on Woodstock 1994 and Candlebox's connections with fellow Seattle bands and offers profound insights into the tension within Metallica during their joint performances. This chat encapsulates the essence of our podcast. Don't miss it!
Plus, mark your calendars for Candlebox's Australian shows in January 2024:
Wednesday, January 10: The Triffid, Brisbane
Friday, January 12: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Saturday, January 13: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Sunday, January 14: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Get your tickets and find on-sale information at www.silverbacktouring.com/candlebox
Episode note: Metal Church vocalist Mike Howe sadly passed away in 2021.

John and Donald Tardy (Obituary)

Tune in to John and Donald Tardy in this conversation as we dive into Obituary's distinctive journey, starting with the 1985 Metal Up Your Ass demo by Executioner. Delve into their enduring career, challenges with guitarist Allen West, and fond memories of the late Ralph Santolla. Explore their experimental project "Bullituary" and insights into their comeback album "Frozen in Time."
OBITUARY BARELY ALIVE AUSTRALIAN TOUR with Psycroptic* and Black Lava
11/1: Altar, Hobart
12/1: The Croxton, Melbourne
13/1: Manning Bar, Sydney
16/1: The Triffid, Brisbane
18/1: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide*
19/1: Magnet House, Perth*
*no Psycroptic
Tickets from https://www.oztix.com.au/ and https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/

Marc Lopes (Ross the Boss/ Metal Church)

Join us for an electrifying discussion with Marc Lopes as we delve into thought-provoking conversations about various social and political issues ahead of Metal Church's Australian shows.
Don't miss Metal Church's explosive performances on these dates:
Thursday, December 14 - MELBOURNE - Croxton
Friday, December 15 - BRISBANE - The Zoo
Saturday, December 16 - SYDNEY - Crowbar
Sunday, December 17 - ADELAIDE - Crown & Anchor
Get your tickets and all the information you need at www.hardlinemedia.net

Donita Sparks (L7)

This conversation with Donita Sparks of L7 starts with a look back at the Alternative Nation Festival in 1995 and the band's connection with Australian audiences. We'll discuss the unique qualities of Donita's guitar tone, which echoes Tom Warrior from Celtic Frost's style with a punk twist, and delve into how this sound was honed over time. The conversation will touch on the band's distinctive groove, the process of riff-writing, and Donita's musical inspirations.
We'll revisit the early reception of Nirvana's Nevermind and get Donita's perspective on The Prodigy's cover of the L7 cut, "Fuel My Fire." We clear up if Jennifer Finch ever played with Moby's band and whether Oliver Stone personally reached out for the "Natural Born Killers" soundtrack contribution.
Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the notorious 'Tampongate' at the Reading Festival, we'll discuss its place in the band's history. The interview will also cover the band's advocacy efforts through Rock for Choice and whether Donita still identifies with the feminist movement, followed by her views on current issues regarding transgender individuals in sports, prisons, and beauty pageants.

Darren Travis (Sadus)

In this chat, Darren discusses the making of Sadus's latest album, "The Shadow Inside." He shares insights into the inspiration behind the album's title and its connection to the album's themes. He also talks about this record's songwriting process and how it distinguishes itself from previous Sadus projects.
Darren also touches upon the absence of Steve Di Giorgio from the album and provides some insights into the reasons behind this decision.

Mark Whelan (Fuming Mouth)

Mark Whelan from Fuming Mouth opens up about their new release, "Last Day of Sun." Did his battle with leukemia alter the band's sound or influence the cataclysmic themes of the album? We'll explore how recent global developments have influenced his songwriting and the impact of Swedish death metal on their sound. Additionally, we'll talk about their future tour schedules, Mark's dream tour lineup, the rapport with their Australian audience, and his perspective on the heavy metal scene in the press and books. https://fumingmouth.bfan.link/ldos

Tana Douglas

Tana Douglas is widely recognised as the world's first female roadie. Tana shares tales from her groundbreaking journey, which began in 1973 when, as a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of rock 'n' roll, she started working with AC/DC in Australia. From doing backline to managing the Front of House (FoH) sound and then moving to lighting, Tana's career is a series of firsts that paved the way for women in the industry.
Her memoir, "LOUD," captures the essence of her massive life, lived largely on the road and behind the scenes, working with icons from AC/DC to Elton John. In this conversation, Tana opens up about her experiences, life on tour, and the indelible mark she's left on the roadie profession.
Check out her excellent book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Loud-Tana-Douglas/dp/0733340903