Scars and Guitars

The new music show for May 2024 explores the vast spectrum of metal, uniting classic thrash figures and modern innovators. It starts with Kerry King's "Rage," featuring Paul Bostaph and Mark Osegueda, reigniting the fervour of 1980s California thrash. NOCTURNUS AD follows with "Hod, The Stellar Light," a pinnacle of progressive occult metal from their album Unicursal. EXODUS revisits their legendary 1989 live show with "Fabulous Disaster," recorded at The Astoria in London, celebrating a key moment in thrash history. The show also includes APOCALYPTICA's symphonic take on Metallica's "One" with James Hetfield and Six Feet Under return. The episode features a variety of styles, from the gritty urban trad-metal of RIOT V's "Mean Streets" to the nostalgic rock of Lucifer's cover "I Would Follow You Babe," with heavier sounds from Daath's "Ascension." Gnarly underground stuff from Earsplit PR is a feature, and other highlights include technical displays from bands like CROWNSHIFT and Cognitive, concluding with the dynamism of MY DYING BRIDE and Melbourne's The Omnific.

Full tracklist

Artist Song Kerry King Rage NOCTURNUS AD Hod, The Stellar Light EXODUS Fabulous Disaster Six Feet Under When the Moon Goes Down in Blood APOCALYPTICA One SEBASTIAN BACH Freedom RIOT V Mean Streets Lucifer I Would Follow You Babe DEEP PURPLE Portable Door, NOTHING MORE ft David Draiman - ANGEL SONG Daath Ascension CROWNSHIFT My Prison Kaosphere Bring Out The Dead FUMING MOUTH Daylight Again Cognitive Abhorrence APES Coffin Noroth Black Serpent GIANT SPIDER EXIT PLAN DARKNESS EVERYWHERE Retaliation TROG RITUAL CORPSE DIVISION BORER Bag Seeker HYEENA Vampire Tornado Kerry King Trophies Of The Tyrant BAT Streetbanger CAVALERA Escape to the Void VOIDGAZER Expectations Management MY DYING BRIDE Her Dominion PALLBEARER Endless Place The Omnific Will-O'-The-Wisp The Hu TATAR Warrior (Live at Glastonbury) BATTLE BEAST Master of Illusion (Live in Helsinki 2023) SIMONE SIMONS Aeterna Kerry King From Hell I Rise

Learn about the inspiration behind Tzompantli from ringleader Brian 'Itztlakamayeh' Ortiz through his reflection on the band's identity and music. We explore the motivation behind blending indigenous/native rituals, history, and lore into their death/doom metal sound and Brian shares how traditional instruments enhance the band's new album, Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force. We get to the bottom of how cohesion was maintained, with over ten musicians contributing to the album, and explore the significance of collaborating with members from different bands. I also gain insight into the creative process of recording, producing, and mastering the album.

Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force is out now on LP, CD, MC, and digital platforms. Orders at the label webshop here.

The Acolyte Of The Foul Ones leads Altar of Gore, a New Jersey death metal band, with its new album, Litanies Of The Unceasing Agonies. We talk about the sound's evolution, drawing from epic fantasy series for lyrical inspiration and exploring obscure cult rites. We delve into how their focus on flesh, blood, and bone over occult spirituality shapes their music and lyrics. Plus, we cover their creative process, visual imagery, and what's ahead for Altar of Gore.

Litanies Of The Unceasing Agonies is now available on LP, CD, and digital platforms. Order now at Bandcamp. The band's collective/label NVNM is also planning a cassette version.

In this episode, Serena from Svalbard joins me for a laid-back conversation. Amidst a whirlwind of interviews, ours stood out as the informal gem among the earnest queries from eager indie journalists. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, we still discussed some intriguing topics, including Australia's unique traits, the prime spots for rollercoaster enthusiasts while on tour, the world of psychedelics, and, naturally, insights into Svalbard's tour.

Destroy All Lines Presents: SVALBARD (UK) w/ special guests RUN Thursday 23.05 - Lynotts Lounge, PERTH Friday 24.05 - Crowbar, SYDNEY Saturday 25.05 - Soapbox, BRISBANE Sunday 26.05 - Howler, MELBOURNE TICKETS: https://daltours.cc/svalbard

In this conversation with Lena of Infected Rain, we explore her experience aboard the 2024 edition of the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, her insights on Australian audiences, and the excitement for the upcoming September 2024 shows with Cradle of Filth. Lena also shares her hopes and aspirations for the future, reflecting on experiences living under the hammer and enduring the long shadow of socialism and the Soviet Union in Moldova.

I caught up with David Stepanavicius from ATRÆ BILIS to discuss their latest album, Aumicide. We talk about the evolution from 2021's Apexapien, the intense themes behind "Inward to Abraxas," and the stunning visuals that bring the track to life.

David also illuminates the collaboration behind the album's cover art and discusses the raw energy of Aumicide, shaped by Cyberdyne slams and vocal experiments. With more touring on the horizon, we explore their preparation and what fans can expect to live.

Something else, David is an Aussie ex-pat living in Canada so it was great to hear that he is going great and capturing the attention of extreme metal fans across North America!

https://www.facebook.com/atraebilis

Robert Saler is an Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture, and Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence and the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Robert is also an author and theologian who specialises in the intersection of faith and modern society, covering pastoral sabbaticals, theology of the cross, and religion's role in today's culture. Steve Von Till from Neurosis introduced me to Robert, an opportunity I'm thankful for, as I've been eager to find a guest who resides at an intersection of extreme metal and faith for the show.

It'd be tempting to say this is a different guest from what you are used to, but that isn't true. I was the first journalist to contact Stuart Anstis, who blew the lid off the popular narratives surrounding Cradle of Filth. I'm the only person to interview Trey from Morbid Angel's mother. Across 800 other episodes of the show, you have become familiar with my technique of allowing the guest to brooch topics across all social, political and religious contexts.

But this conversation goes beyond typical discussions of faith; it's a deep exploration into his path to spirituality, ministry, and scholarly work in theology. I hope this is the first of many insightful discussions with Robert.

Vinnie Dombroski, the frontman of alternative rock band Sponge, talks about the story behind 'Planet Girls', a long-lost album that has recently been released. Originally intended to follow the success of their iconic albums' Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic', the label shelved Planet Girls and remained unreleased for years.

Vinnie discusses the original sound and vision of 'Planet Girls', which aimed to align more closely with Sponge's earlier work rather than the pop-oriented direction of 'New Pop Sunday'. He sheds light on the pressures from the music industry in the late '90s, including the influence of contemporary bands like Goo Goo Dolls and the impact these pressures had on the band.

The conversation also explores Vinnie's collaboration with producer Kevin Shirley on the 'Planet Girls, the enduring relationship with Tim Patalan (producer of 'Rotting Piñata' and 'Wax Ecstatic'), and the dynamics within the band during those pivotal recording sessions.

Further, Vinnie touches on the legacy of Sponge's music, particularly discussing tracks like 'Neenah Menasha' and its significance in the '90s alternative rock scene. He also pays tribute to the unique talents of band members like Mike Cross (RIP) and Joey Mazzola, giving fans a deeper insight into the chemistry and creativity defining Sponge's sound.

https://www.spongetheband.com/

The Scars and Guitars April new music show is FULL of black and extreme shit!

The show kicks things off with DEICIDE performing "Sever The Tongue," followed by Kerry King's "Residue." DARKTHRONE will present "Black Dawn Affiliation", and ACCEPT brings "Humanoid." The Omnific will showcase "Matrices," and APOCALYPTICA covers "The Unforgiven II." WARDRUNA will perform "Hertan," with Týr following with "Dragons Never Die."

DORO will hit the stage with "Lean Mean Rock Machine," and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH teams up with DMX for "This Is The Way." Orange Goblin delivers "(Not) Rocket Science," and MONO will perform "Oath." ZEAL & ARDOR are set to play "TO MY ILK," with DOPETHRONE bringing "Shlaghammer." Demersal introduces "Lys I Natten," and Faustian performs "Primordial Rot."

Skulldozer begins with "Bow To None," PARACRONA features Baard Kolstad for "Carry The Cross." Darkthrone returns with "The Bird People Of Nordland," and Blaze Of Perdition plays "W kwiecie rozłamu." Morgue Meat takes the stage with "Crushing The Messiah's Skull," followed by KRÅBØL with "Perish." Enevelde will perform "Pandemonium," and Whoredom Rife presents "Den Vrede Makt."

Nekyian offers "Hevn," and Nachtheem presents "Drift van Nostalgie." Obscuration will play "Violent Art," with Death Like Mass performing "Sorcery Unbridled." Altar Of Gore introduces "Carrion Womb," Hässlig plays "Slaves," and Unborn Generation brings "Heritage." UNITYTX is set for "PLAYING FAVORITES," and 156/Silence presents "Unreasonable Doubt."

Wage War will perform "NAIL5," Make Them Suffer will present "Epitaph," and ERRA will take the stage with "Cure." AZIMUT19 will showcase "Anger Plague," and SMOKE AxD will perform "Smoke All Day." Vulture is lined up with "Oathbreaker," and Belushi Speed Ball closes with "My Favorite Color is Pizza."

Check out past issues here! https://scarsandguitars.com/monthly-music-show/

Join Cremator from Ghoul as he unearths the sinister secrets of Creepsylvaniana. Fresh from the release of their latest EP, "Noxious Concoctions," Cremator takes us on a chilling journey through the genesis of their ghoulish creations. From the infernal inspiration behind their return to the recording studio to the harrowing sessions at Antisleep Audio, the macabre process is revealed. Prepare for a nightmarish interview direct from the depths of Creepsylvaniana. Welcome to the nightmare...

https://tankcrimes.bandcamp.com/album/noxious-concoctions

PS: I was unaware that the interview would be conducted in character. Feel free to laugh at my expense as I fumble through the initial exchanges, trying to make sense of what's happening - Andrew McK.