Inteviews

Bruno Blackstard

Insolvency

It's always a lot of fun to interview up and coming Metal bands from all over the world. For this interview, Metal Temple writer Jean-Francois Poulin was able to talk with Guitarist and Backing Vocalist Bruno Blackstard from the new French Metal band INSOLVENCY.

Madame Mayhem

MADAME MAYHEM is a Manhattan born singer-songwriter. She released her debut album "White Noise" in 2012. That was followed up by the album "Now You Know" in 2015. Recently she has released "Ready for Me" and is on tour with SEVENDUST in the US. Metal Temple Co-Editor-In-Chief Bradley Karr recently had the chance to ask her a few questions and dig deeper into her songwriting, the band, and other topics.

Jeff Irwin

Will Haven

WILL HAVEN has transcended the Noise Rock/Metal genre for more than twenty years, and are considered as one of the pillars of the genre and countless bands have expressed respect and love to this creative artists. They have collaborated with bands from every walk of earth and are back with a new album called ''Muerte''. Metal Temple writer Jean-Francois Poulin interviewed guitarist Jeff Irwin about the band, the new album, touring, and much more. Check it out here:

Kjetil Ytterhus, Bjørn Nørsterud, Ronny Thorsen, and André Aaslie

Profane Burial

PROFANE BURIAL is a new Symphonic Black Metal Project based in Norway. Founded in 2013 by Kjetil Ytterhus and André Aaslie, the aim was to merge cold Black Metal with epic and solemn orchestrations. They recently released their debut album "The Rosewater Park Legend." Metal Temple Editor-In-Chief Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell had the pleasure of speaking with Kjetil Ytterhus, Bjørn Nørsterud, Ronny Thorsen, and André Aaslie about the band, the album, the great country of Norway, the genre of Black Metal, and much more. Here is what Dave had to say about the new album:

Overall, I found the album to be quite enjoyable. The key for me is the balance that the band used in the final mastering. Orchestration plays a fundamental role but does not take over, which is exactly what makes its use so well connected.

Johnar Håland

In Vain

Norway's Progressive Extreme Metal band IN VAIN recently released their fourth full-length album "Currents." Metal Temple Editor-In-Chief Dave "That Metal Guy Campbell" completed a review of the album and had this to say about it:

"Currents" is an affirmation of a band and album that does not live in the conventions of the musical norm, but rather burns deeply with a passion of a litany of emotions that is missing in much of the music you hear today. The veracity of their craft, combined with flawless musicianship, makes this an early contender for "Album of the Year."

Following the review, Dave was able to talk with guitarist Johnar Håland about the band, the new album, some of the songs and themes, and life on the road.

Nick Quijano, Sagan Amery

Hail Sagan

HAIL SAGAN is a rock band from Los Angeles California. The band consists of Vocalist Sagan Amery and guitarist Nick Quijano, formerly of POWERMAN 5000. They are joined by a group of anonymous musicians called The Nothing. HAIL SAGAN Is a fairly new band but has several videos on YouTube as well as a self-titled EP out. Metal Temple Co-Editor-In-Chief Bradley Karr talked with the band about a variety of topics.

Brody Uttley

Rivers Of Nihil

Reading, Pennsylvania's RIVERS OF NIHIL are set to release their third album, titled "Where Owls Know My Name." This transcending new album has peaked more than a few heads in the Metal community, and to much critical acclaim so far. Metal Temple Editor-In-Chief Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell was fortunate to be able to speak with guitarist Brody Uttley about the album, some of the songs, signing to Metal Blade Records, some crazy road stories, and the band members themselves.

William Nijhof

Faal

FAAL was founded in 2005 in the south of the Netherlands. The band's music is influenced by doom-metal, with touches of black-metal and post-rock. Metal Temple Writer Jean-Francois Poulin got to talk to vocalist William Nijhof about the band and new album "Desolate Grief."

R.B. Brogi

Messiah

I think it's a common misconception when Death Metal began to spread its wings in the Metal World. Some say it was with bands like VENOM, some say it was BATHORY, I think everyone is right on that front. Time may forget that a lot of European bands were there at the same time and helped forge the scene for years to come. In 2018 we are having a resurrection of sorts of many bands from the early 80's, well this time, one of the pioneers of Death/Thrash Metal are back with a vengeance, the legendary MESSIAH is back and ready for more after a long hiatus. Metal Temple Editor Jean-Francois Poulin had the pleasure of interviewing the underground legends!

Biff Byford

Saxon

Our very own Craig Rider did his first ever interview, having the opportunity to talk with Biff Byford of the legendary SAXON about their new album titled: "Thunderbolt." Here's what the seasoned musician had to share:

Ola Blomkvist & Lars Palmqvist

Dautha

Murky, Medieval, Folk, Doom band DAUTHA are set to release their debut album on March 16, 2018, titled "Brethren of the Black Soil." From their Facebook page, DAUTHA "want to transport the listener from today's cesspool age to a bygone cesspool age, making him/her experience a sensation similar to that of being caressed by a flea infested and plague ridden bog body re-animated for the sole purpose of whispering into its victim's ear; "everything is in vain, you are human." Metal Temple Editor Jean-Francois Poulin recently had a chat with band members Ola Blomkvist and Lars Palmqvist.

J. Dee

Anguish

Swedish Doom Metal quartet ANGUISH recently released their new album titled ''Magna Est Vis Siugnah." Metal Temple Editor Jean-Francois Poulin chatted with vocalist J. Dee about the album.

Jean-Francois Poulin: "It's always fun to interview new bands, and today is no different."

Emily Lazar

September Mourning

SEPTEMBER MOURNING isn't like many bands out there today. They are a transmedia dark culture project. Transmedia is the technique of telling a single-story experience across multiple platforms. September Mourning does this through comic books, albums, videos, and live performances. By putting all these platforms together, you get the full story that is being told.

The story centers on September a human-grim reaper hybrid. She must dwell in both the world of the living and the dead, with her one crux being the empathy her human side feels, and she wants to give souls a second chance. September comes alive in most of the platforms by being portrayed by Emily Lazar.

Emily created the storyline of SEPTEMBER MOURNING and pitched it to Marc Silvestri at Top Cow Productions. From there the project took form and the band created a demo album called Melancholia. In 2014 they released the EP Volume I to coincide with the release of the first comic A Murder of Reapers. By 2016 September Mourning had signed with Sumerian Records and released a full-length album Volume II to coincide with the second issue of the comic. All the while the band has released a number of videos and toured.

What SEPTEMBER MOURNING accomplishes across the different media platforms isn't seen by many bands. You can listen to their albums while you read the coinciding comic and the lyrics are the words on the page. A fan can have the experience of the main character of the book narrating their story for them. Then at the live shows the image you see in the comic book is there in the flesh in front of you. The project has tapped into a market that few other bands can match.

Recently the band was going to tour several cities, but had to cancel when the headliner fell through. Metal Temple Editor Bradley Karr had a chance to interview Emily Lazar and asked her several questions about the project, the band, and where they go next.

John 5

John 5 and The Creatures

Due to the new JOHN 5 & THE CREATURES live album titled "It's Alive!", Metal Temple's Harel Golstein was lucky enough to chat with world-renowned guitarist John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, EX- MARILYN MANSON) on the new album (also his first release with The Creatures to be featured on vinyl). John 5 talked about "It's Alive!" and the upcoming american tour, about his own inspirations; on the new Rob Zombie album ("all we have to do is Drums"), and even on SLAYER's farewell ("Too soon").

Tomi Gottlich

Rebellion

REBELLION recently released their new album "A Tragedy In Steel II: Shakespeare's King Lear." Following a 10/10 review of this album, Metal Temple writer Kyle Scott sat down with bassist Tomi Gottlich, and had a wonderful chat about Power Metal themes, A Tragedy in Steel, Shakespeare, German beer, and the (sometimes) benefits of recording under the influence.

Ulrick Lönnqvist

Code Red

Ulrick Lönnqvist of CODE RED was kind enough to reach out and add me as a friend on my personal Facebook page. He thanked me for the review I recently wrote about their latest album, "Incendiary" and a simple, amicable conversation blossomed into an interview opportunity! "Incendiary" is topping the Melodic Rock charts in Sweden and when you listen to it, you'll understand why.

-Metal Temple Writer Tina Webber

Mark Gus Scott

Trixter

The line on the horizon of Glam Metal faded unfortunately a long time ago and when the dust settled, not many bands were able to survive the unforgiving storm. A few bands were able to continue but many bands were left in the dust. You had a lot of underrated bands back then and it would have been nice for them to continue but plans changed. I have the privilege of talking to a member of one those forgotten early 90's band, Mark Gus Scott from TRIXTER.

-Metal Temple Writer Jean-Francois Poulin

Kobi Farhi

Orphaned Land

Hatred and ignorance are the deepest feelings that are eroding all that is good in the world. Although the human race is able to learn and love, we are still attached by the feelings of fear and hatred, the price for our lack of understanding each other. In this moment, few stand as light for the people, the voice for a better world. But the band ORPHANED LAND is a spearhead for peace and a better world for all.

They are about to release their new album, "Unsung Prophets & Dead Messiahs", on January 26^th. Metal Temple writer Marcos "Big Daddy" Garcia had the opportunity to talk with Kobi Farhi, the band vocalist, to talk about the album and other matters.

Brock Lindow

36 Crazyfists

The music world can be a cold and harrowing frontier; a place that can show you the five magics or turn your dreams to smoke. Yet one thing remains a constant in this wilderness of melody and grit, and that is perseverance. Regardless of the changing times bands continue to grip and claw in order to have their voices heard and get that golden nugget of recognition. That is why when you see a group who have just released their 8th studio album you know that they are here for a reason.

The times indeed have changed, and 36 CRAZYFISTS have seen them do so, through thick and thin. Yet the band are still here, and their sound is as true as ever. The group's passion continues to burn and has recently ignited their latest effort "Lanterns" (out now via Spinefarm Records), melting away any doubts regarding the group's validity within the Metal scene. Thus in light of their new record and their upcoming European tour, Metal Temple staffer Anton Sanatov took the opportunity to conduct an interview with the band's vocalist extraordinaire Brock Lindow and ask some questions about the band's creative motivations. So grab a lantern and feast your eyes upon it.

Anton Kabanen

Beast In Black

After leaving BATTLE BEAST in 2015, mastermind guitarist Anton Kabanen formed a new band called BEAST IN BLACK. Their debut album, "Berserker" hit shelves in November of 2017. It is an extension of the sound, Anton sculpted on the first BATTLEBEAST album but with new elements thrown in. The album received a glowing review from us at Metal Temple, and writer Justin Wittenmeier was recently able to speak to him through email.

Eduardo Gil & Winston Jarquin

Sifting

SIFTING are a progressive rock metal band based in Los Angeles, CA who are strongly influenced by modern active rock. Their new album Not From Here was recorded and produced by award-winning producer Ryan Williams (Velvet Revolver, Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine). Not From Here was released worldwide on September 29, 2017 via Eclipse Records. Metal Temple writer Jessica Harman talked with Eduardo Gil and Winston Jarquin to talk about the band and new album.

Anette Olzon

The Dark Element

Groundbreaking females in Metal have been a blessing in the last decade and a half. In a world dominated by men, women have taken center stage and are not letting go. They grabbed the bull by its horns and they have taken their rightful place in the world of metal. You can talk about the origins of female fronted metal from people like Doro Pesch, Besty Bitch and the girls from GIRLSCHOOL. It took some time to get something serious enough to take under consideration and that was a damn shame. I think the band that really broke the barriers was NIGHTWISH, it captured the attention of the Metal World and they opened the doors for other bands. Metal Temple writer Jean-Francois-Poulin recently had the pleasure to interview Anette Olzon, she replaced Tarja Turunen in NIGHTWISH and has been a force in female fronted metal ever since.

Brian Slagel

Metal Blade Records

Founded in 1982, Metal Blade Records is the preeminent label in Heavy Metal and one of the most coveted destinations of any band looking for a definitive "stamp of approval". After thirty-five years in the business, and boasting one of the most recognizable rosters the Metal genre has ever seen, Metal Blade presents, "The Sake of Heaviness: the History of Metal Blade Records"; a book on the label's history, co-written by founder Brian Slagel and Mark Eglington (via publisher, BMG Rights Management). Metal Temple's Stewart Taylor spoke in depth with Slagel about the release.

Vince Santonastaso

Symetria

With the Heavy Metal genre trending back to an old school retro sound, bands like SYMETRIA that have been playing this classic style and staying true to the influences that shaped their lives, are reaping the rewards. Jeff Legg recently spoke with vocalist, Vince Santonastaso, about their rapidly rising popularity, their new self-titled album (via Tripsquad Records), the current state of Heavy Metal, and life in general.

Darrell Lee Rowlands

Space Witch

About a month ago, I had the privilege of reviewing "Arcanum" by the UK band, SPACE WITCH. It was one of my favourite albums of the year and I felt it was a breath of fresh air in Doom Metal genre. Metal Temple makes us discover so many bands and this was one the best kept secrets in the whole genre in my honest opinion. I have the honour of being able to interview Darren Lee Rowlands, the lead guitarist of the band.

- Jean-Francois-Poulin, Metal Temple

Chris Broderick

Act of Defiance

On bands he would like to tour with:

"A great lineup for us: I would love to tour with TESTAMENT! MESHUGAH has always been one of my favorite, so I would love to tour with them as well. Maybe also with a newcomer like REVOCATION!"

On Jag Panzer and Nevermore:

"I would definitely consider them if they were open and things were available… it would definitely be fun to get up on stage with those guys again…"

Chris Broderick recently had a quick talk with J-F "Thrashing Assault" Briard, going into details about ACT OF DEFIANCE's second album "Old Scars New Wounds", his musical inspirations for the band, his favorite song on the album, and more!

Steve Zodiac

Vardis

Steve Zodiac of VARDIS: "If you create something that touches just one person that you don't know, then it is a worthwhile success. Sharing the things you create and care about is all that matters…

Vardis were forged out of Glam, Punk, Heavy Metal, Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in the crucible of 1970's northern England. Exploding into the 1980's as NWoBHM crusaders, the hard, ferocious attack of their sound directly influenced the development of thrash and speed metal across North America and Europe. Never losing sight of the melodic, boogie sensibilities of their earliest influences, the Vardis brand of Hard Rock has retained a unique heavy groove, and endured as truly original. Metal Temple's Stewart Taylor sat down with Steve Zodiac to talk about the band.

Miljenko Matijevic

Steelheart

"It was a helluva learning curve; being able to regroup, rebuild myself, my brain, my thoughts, my passion, my strength…"
Miljenko Matijevic – (Steelheart)

After a career full of highs and lows, STEELHEART return with the highly acclaimed album, "Through Worlds Of Stardust", twenty seven years after releasing their self-titled debut in 1990. Metal Temple's Jeff Legg recently spoke with vocalist Miljenko Matijevic about the new album, the terrible on-stage accident that almost took his life, his television career, and how he's maintained his incredible voice after all these years.

Bob Kulick

The road to musical eminence is a tough one to pave, and yes, there are natural-born stars that are destined to blow up, but behind every supernova is a reaction that makes its existence possible, the foundation of its incendiary power…a catalyst of greatness.

Not all such greatness is found on the frontlines, and in music it is often the toils of those behind the curtain that help a composition reach its full potential and shine above the rest. Over the course of his musical journey Bob Kulick has added his touch to many a record, providing sonic foundations for names like KISS, W.A.S.P., Lou Reed and Diana Ross, and after decades of assisting these artists in delivering their melodic visions, the legendary guitarist has finally decided that it was time to add a solo opus to his illustrious resume – "Skeletons In The Closet" is due out September 15th via Vanity Music. In light of said news Metal Temple writer Anton Sanatov had recently taken the opportunity to speak with Bob about his new record, the importance of teamwork, the difficulties of being a session musician and the evolution of guitar playing.

David Andersson

Soilwork

"We have a few ideas, but we're still discussing what direction we are going to go for the next album…"
-David Andersson (SOILWORK)

Sweden is a true home of heavy music, with plenty of metal & rock bands hailing from the country; it's obvious that at least one band would make an appearance at Bloodstock Open Air this year. Playing the main stage today is heavy metal band SOILWORK, who easily have gathered a huge audience to play for. Metal Temple speaks to guitarist David Andersson about potential new music and touring.

Teemu Mäntysaari

Wintersun

"Originally, we weren't even planning to do an album…"
- Teemu Mäntysaari (Wintersun)

WINTERSUN have a whirlwind of a history and an ever-growing fan base, new releases, and crowd funding campaigns have thrust the band into a bigger spotlight than ever before. Tonight WINTERSUN close Bloodstock Open Air, preparing to take the festival out with a spectacular bang on the S.O.P.H.I.E Stage, being a must see band for the weekend. METAL TEMPLE speaks to guitarist Teemu Mantysaari before the closing set.

Nate Bergman

Lionize

BLOODSTOCK has a reputation for booking bands you'd never expect to see play at the festival and LIONIZE is one of those picks. Coming off the back of a successful UK tour and a performance at Ramblin' Man Fair, Metal Temple photographer and writer Emily Coulter sat down to speak to frontman Nate Bergman about festivals and upcoming new album.

Olivier Perdrizat, Ben Pluss

Almost Human

As a part of a collaboration with Reverbnation, Metal Temple selected artist ALMOST HUMAN to feature as an exclusive on their site. Editor-In-Chief Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell prepared an interview with the band.

Tony Dolan

Venom Inc.

When VENOM INC.'s first single "Dein Fleisch" came out this June, about 2 months prior to the release of the band's first album under the VENOM INC. name (last one they made together was for M-PIRE OF EVIL), It caught me completely off guard and I was surprised with how good I thought it is. Not that I don't like their old material or that I somehow thought it's impossible for these guys to impress me; not at all. I just thought it was THAT good. The song is blasting with rhythm and attitude, praised vocalist Tony "DEMOLITION-MAN" Dolan sounds excellent, and even the video made its way into my play-and-then-play-again playlist for at least a couple of weeks. Second single to come out was "Ave Satanas", partly carrying the album title, and it had me thinking it's just as promising and pounding as "Dein Fleisch", ultimately leaving me with a strong feeling this new album is going to be a blast.

-Harel Golstein

Rolf Munkes

Crematory

Adaptation is part of existence. In music much like in life adjustments must to be made and new roads taken – or built. CREMATORY are no strangers to such sentiments, having been a band for just north of three decades. As members came and went the band marched on are now on the brink of releasing their latest live CD/DVD compilation "Live Insurrection" (due out on 08/09/2017 through SPV/Steamhammer) following their acclaimed 2016 effort "Monument". In light of that, Metal Temple writer Anton Sanatov took a chance to speak with the band's guitarist Rolf Munkes (one of the band newer members but nonetheless an industry veteran himself) about his time with the band, the joys of live music, and the keys to making a good record.

Tim "Ripper" Owens

"No, we're not doing that one, are you kidding, there's a bunch of kids here and you're yelling "BLOOD STAINED", haha! I'm trying to be nice for the children!"
-Tim "Ripper" Owens

Tim "Ripper" Owens has been a legend in metal for over ten years now, and a personal friend of mine for over a year. So when he came to my hometown of Burgas, on the beautiful Bulgarian seaside, for a few shows with his pals from B.T.R., I (Daniel Stefanov from Metal Temple) took the chance to sit down with him and talk about his many musical undertakings and life on the metal scene in general. Ripper is an absolute Machine Man; year after year, something new comes out with his signature voice, and he is touring the world like crazy, be it as a solo performer, or as a part of the projects he participates in. So I am extremely thankful and happy that he had the time and willingness to sit down and do this interview for his many fans to enjoy. And the show that followed was amazing, superbly enjoyed by nearly 1000 fans of three generations.

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Inteviews

Bruno Blackstard

Insolvency

Madame Mayhem

Madame Mayhem

Jeff Irwin

Will Haven

Kjetil Ytterhus, Bjørn Nørsterud, Ronny Thorsen, and André Aaslie

Profane Burial

Johnar Håland

In Vain

Nick Quijano, Sagan Amery

Hail Sagan

Brody Uttley

Rivers Of Nihil

William Nijhof

Faal

R.B. Brogi

Messiah

Biff Byford

Saxon

Ola Blomkvist & Lars Palmqvist

Dautha

J. Dee

Anguish

Emily Lazar

September Mourning

John 5

John 5 and The Creatures

Tomi Gottlich

Rebellion

Ulrick Lönnqvist

Code Red

Mark Gus Scott

Trixter

Kobi Farhi

Orphaned Land

Brock Lindow

36 Crazyfists

Anton Kabanen

Beast In Black

Eduardo Gil & Winston Jarquin

Sifting

Anette Olzon

The Dark Element

Brian Slagel

Metal Blade Records

Vince Santonastaso

Symetria

Darrell Lee Rowlands

Space Witch

Chris Broderick

Act of Defiance

Steve Zodiac

Vardis

Miljenko Matijevic

Steelheart

Bob Kulick

Bob Kulick

David Andersson

Soilwork

Teemu Mäntysaari

Wintersun

Nate Bergman

Lionize

Olivier Perdrizat, Ben Pluss

Almost Human

Tony Dolan

Venom Inc.

Rolf Munkes

Crematory

Tim "Ripper" Owens

Tim "Ripper" Owens

Latest Reviews

Dark Night of the Soul

After Earth

Haematophoryktos