Scars and Guitars

**Final episode alert** In this conversation with Michael from Helloween, he discusses the band's 2025 album, Giants & Monsters. He offers his opinion on various episodes throughout the band's multi-decade career, including the albums Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Chameleon, and Dark Ride. So much more for you to wrap your ears around in a fitting finale for the show.  It's been a blast, and this episo...

Eric Jarrin, guitarist and co-producer of Montreal deathcore outfit Despised Icon, discusses their new album, Shadow Work, including lyrical themes and inspirations. Eric answers questions about political stability in Montreal and Canada, shares his thoughts on AI, and offers his view on the future of social media, including digital IDs and more. This is one of the final episodes, likely ever, for...

Battle Beast bassist and songwriter Eero Sipilä reflects on the band's seventh album, Steelbound, set for release on October 17, 2025, via Nuclear Blast. Eero also discusses influences, the likelihood of the band achieving success, and what he hopes the future holds.  Media & Pre-Order Pre-order Steelbound: Link Watch the video for “Angel of Midnight”: YouTube Listen to “Angel of Midnight”: Li...

This episode examines statements from Zoë M. Federoff, Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda, and Dani Filth, focusing on the acrimonious departure of Zoë and Marek from Cradle of Filth. Ben Williamson of Dusk Cult was invited to discuss his perspective. 

Elliott Sansom shares insight into his tenure as the band's drummer and percussionist, including how he joined the group and an opportunity to reflect on what being in a group means to him. The Melbourne-based melodic death metal outfit, known for their progressive structures and immersive soundscapes, is gearing up for their east coast Australian tour in October 2025 to celebrate 20 years of live...

Letlive guitarist Jeff Sahyoun discusses the band’s Australian tour in September, marking their return after an eight-year hiatus. He reflects on navigating the challenges of the music industry, finding inspiration in everyday life, and the impact of artificial intelligence on music.  Letlive. Australian Tour Dates - September 2025 Friday, September 5th: The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD Saturday, Septem...

Phil Campbell, guitarist of Motörhead, discusses the upcoming Australian tour with his band Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons in September. He shares stories from his life on the road with Motörhead, what he misses most about the late Lemmy Kilmister, and the unique experience of performing alongside his three sons, Todd, Tyla, and Dane, in his current band. The conversation dives into the dynami...

Steven Wilson: Discussing The Overview and Australian Tour in November 2025 Steven Wilson shares details about his Australian tour in November 2025, which serves as the catalyst for his appearance on the show. He discusses his latest album, The Overview, and how it integrates into the live show he is bringing to Australia. Wilson also talks about the band he is working with for the tour, and the c...

In this comprehensive and engaging interview, Primal Fear bassist and co-founder Mat Sinner discusses the band’s upcoming album, Domination, set for release on September 5, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. Sinner reflects on how Domination synthesises lessons from his extensive discography, spanning from Sinner’s debut album Wild ‘n’ Evil (1982) to the present day. He explores the evolution of hi...

Uli Jon Roth discusses his Australian tour in September 2025 as part of his Pictures of Destiny world tour. He provides insights into the setlist, revealing songs he won’t be playing, and reflects on his profound influence on American thrash metal giants like Metallica and Megadeth. Roth also shares his perspective on issues affecting humanity and the Western hemisphere, alongside other fascinatin...

The opportunity to chat with Gregor comes about due to the new album from Paradise Lost, titled Ascension. Among a four-decade career, there were plenty of topics to discuss, including Paradise Lost's classic albums Gothic and Draconian Times, the less embraced albums from the late 90s and early 2000s, as well as the band's collaboration with Fear Factory and Delirum alumni, Fhys Fulbur. Greg also...

Tomislav discusses his band Elusive God and their releases, including the new album, Ambis. It was important for Tomislav to feature on the show as he is from Croatia, and it was an opportunity to discuss family links, culture and the Croatian metal scene.  https://linktr.ee/elusive_god  

Ben Weinman discusses The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Australian shows through August 2025, shares his thoughts on cover albums, and the idea of two vocalists, given that Dimitri Minakakis is back playing in the group after Greg Puciato’s long tenure with the band. Ben also discusses raising children, social media, and a range of other intriguing topics. THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN August 2025 Australia...

Isaiah Mitchell, guitarist of the psychedelic rock powerhouse Earthless, shares his insights on songwriting, guitar playing and the creative process behind Earthless' mind-bending sound. Earthless 2025 Australian Tour Dates: Wednesday, 10th September – Crowbar, Brisbane Thursday, 11th September – Crowbar, Sydney Friday, 12th September – Corner Hotel, Melbourne Saturday, 13th September – Theatre Ro...

Helloween vocalist Andi Deris shares insights into the band’s upcoming album, Giants & Monsters, set for release on August 29, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music. Deris opens up about the internal tensions and creative dynamics within the band, reflecting on whether he ever considered leaving the group. He also discusses his close friendship with co-vocalist Michael Kiske, the band’s enduring le...

Tomi Joutsen (vocalist) and Santeri Kallio (keyboardist and songwriter) from Amorphis shared insights about their upcoming album, Borderland. They explored the album’s themes, the influence of  Finnish mythology and the Kalevala, and addressed whether current affairs, social, or political tensions shaped its narrative. The conversation also touched on the Pasi Koskinen era, which marked a shift fr...

Italian author and musician Almarok has written a tribute to Cradle of Filth guitarist Stuart Anstis. Throughout this discussion, he shares his inspiration for the book and other topics related to Stuart and Cradle of Filth.  Check it out on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0F312RJNC?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_53BHBHH687V1WD5AMAA3&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_53BHBHH687V1WD5AMAA3&...

AURI Discusses New Album: III - Candles & Beginnings In a recent conversation, Auri members Johanna Kurkela, Tuomas, and Troy shared insights about their upcoming album, III - Candles & Beginnings, set for release via Nuclear Blast on August 15, 2025. They discussed the album’s themes, touring plans, their connection to Australian listeners, and more. Album Details Title: III - Candles &am...

New Messiahs is the name of the new album from  Ashes of Ares. Matt discusses the lyrical themes of the album, working with mixer Byron Filson, amongst other topics related to the album. Matt also discusses the issues surrounding the January 6 United States Capitol event and the role of musicians in political discourse.  New Messiahs will be released on CD, Vinyl and Digital in Europe on July 18 a...

Forever High is the name of the album and also the single in-market from Adelaide's Dirty Pagans. Bassist James Russo will discuss the album, the single, social media strategy, and a bunch of other topics.  Check out Dirty Pagans here:  www.facebook.com/dirtypagans Instagram: @dirtypagans https://linktr.ee/dirtypagans

Johnny Hedlund discusses Unleashed's new album, legacy, the state of heavy metal media and journalism, and provides fascinating insights into his and the band's relationship with World Entertainment Inc. heavyweight and Morbid Angel manager, Gunter Ford.  Pre-Order Your Copy of Fire Upon Your Lands https://lnk.to/UNLEASHED-FireUponYourLands/napalmrecords  

This chat with Steve DiGiorgio takes place backstage at the Tivoli in Brisbane on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, before Testaments' performance as part of their Australian shows. Steve talks about Chuck and Death, his studio session with Megadeth on The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead! He also discusses conflict resolution on the road and in bands, as well as other topics. 

Buckcherry's new album, Roar Like Thunder, is out now, and Stevie joins the show for a short and sharp conversation about it, his guitar playing and if he has any goss on Aerosmith.  For all things Buckcherry, head to: https://www.buckcherry.com/  

Simon Croft is a musician based in Melbourne who has been part of the We Will Rock You musical, performing over 2,500 shows. He has just joined Stonetrip and features on their new single, Fame, which is out now. Throughout this conversation, Simon discusses musicianship, his relationship with Queen's Brian May, Stonetrip, social issues, the decline in popularity of rock 'n' roll, and much more.  S...

Folklore Discipline is the name of the new album from Melbourne black metal outfit Dusk Cult. Set for release in August 2025, it explores themes of modernity's rejection of spiritual dedication and the dusk cult mythos. Throughout this conversation, Ben shares his thoughts on these themes and other related topics. We also discuss the Chronicles of Filth.  For all things Dusk Cult, including the al...