Inteviews

Taka

MONO

There are few bands that completely defy the constraints of genre labels. And one such band that is notoriously difficult to pin down is MONO, from Japan. I recently had the opportunity to see their captivating live performance during their recent European tour, and got to speak to founding member Taka about their newly released album "Requiem for Hell", as well as about the band's equipment, a bit about their history, and the bond they share with their fans through music.

Connor Garritty

All Hail The Yeti

There's always a story isn't there? Be it true or make-believe, there is always a plot. And this time it was no different, as Metal Temple got the opportunity to get on the wire with ALL HAIL THE YETI's Connor Garritty to talk some story of our own and discuss the tale behind the band's latest offering "Screams From A Black Wilderness".

Oscar Dronjak

HammerFall

In light of HAMMERFALL's new album coming November 4^th, "Built To Last", Harel Golshtein from Metal Temple Magazine, had the opportunity to speak with one of Sweden's busiest musicians, Oscar Dronjak. Oscar talked about the much-anticipated new HAMMERFALL album, about what it's like looking back on the Swedish metal scene 30 years after, and much more.

Asger Mygind/Nicolai Mogense

VOLA

A musical journey into the mind in pursuit of happiness, set to a mix of 70's progressive rock, modern day electronica, industrial and extreme metal, topped off with clear, beautiful vocal lines: that's what young Copenhagen quartet VOLA is offering on their debut album "Inmazes", out now on Mascot Records as 2LP, CD and Digitally. Metal Temple's Editor-in-Chief, Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell, recently interviewed Asger Mygind (guitar & vocals) and Nicolai Mogense (bass) about the journey that has brought them to this point in their careers.

Dani Filth

Devilment

The diligent vocalist for DEVILMENT and CRADLE OF FILTH front-man, Dani Filth, sat down for a chat with the temple.

Towards the upcoming release of DEVILMENT's new album "The Mephisto Waltzes" (coming out November 18th through Nuclear Blast), gothic black metal visionary and vocalist DANI FILTH sat us down for a chat and discussed his excitement about DEVILMENT's UK tour this December and about the new album; some CRADLE OF FILTH news, and shared some thoughts regarding Bob Dylan winning the Noble prize, METALLICA's new songs, and what TV shows he's trying to watch regularly.

Danny Marino

The Agonist

Metal Temple recently sat down with Danny Marino from metal survivors, THE AGONIST. He was able to shed some light on the recording of their forthcoming fifth album, suitably entitled "Five". Although the recording of the album was anything but plain sailing, by removing themselves from their comfort zones, the band was able to push themselves to experiment and approach writing in a different way. Danny also discusses his musical background, how the band got together and his embarrassing musical taste before one album changed it all.

Elize Ryd

Amaranthe

Sweden's AMARANTHE might well be the fastest growing and biggest booming band in the last decade, with few others bands reaching such a quick claim to fame. On 21st October 2016, the band will release their 4th album, "Maximalism"; an electronic-fuelled offering that is, once again, vastly different to the previous.

Metal Temple's Daniel Fox had an informative and bubbly interview with vocalist Elize Ryd. Soon plagued by connection issues, she offered to read out her answers to the rest of the questions appearing on screen. The band's recent foray into Japan was covered, speaking of the drastic cultural differences. New dynamics on the album were also discussed, including its new themes and the upbeat harmonies. Elize expressed her love for Disney; her and Olof's shared love of archetypal Disney scores were somewhat of an influence for the album's closer, "Endlessly". She went on to explore the possibilities of performing in musical theater, and expressed sincere wishes to tour Australia and New Zealand.

Special thanks to Will Bloodfarm of New Zealand bands PRIMACY, REMOTE & FORSAKEN AGE for video/audio editing, and Jon Freeman of Freeman Promotions for setting it up.

Brant Bjork

Metal Temple got to chat with Desert rock hero, Brant Bjork and quiz him on his solo career, and his new album, "Tao Of The Devil". He also reveals what he gets from working in a band, his philosophy on his longevity and a surprising mentor that has helped him in his career.

Ryan O'Keeffe

Airbourne

On September 23^rd, 2016, Australian Hard Rock band AIRBOURNE released their fourth studio album, "Breakin' Outta Hell" via Spinefarm Records. With Joel O'Keeffe on vocals, Ryan O'Keeffe on drums, David Roads on rhythm guitar, and Justin Street on bass, this band has been a constant on the rock charts and has become legendary for their live shows. I (Jeff Legg) recently had the opportunity to talk with drummer Ryan O'Keeffe about the new album, the new tour, and why they will never record a ballad. Thanks Ryan.

Miguel Trapezaris

Winter's Verge

WINTER'S VERGE Miguel Trapezaris kindly sat down with the Temple for a chat over their upcoming tour this OctoberNovember alongside Israel's DESERT. We discussed highlights from the festival season, new material in the future, Miguel's academic musical background, and even his thoughts on popular music like GHOST and Kanye West.

Monte Pittman

With a pretty descent "day job" as lead guitar player for one of the biggest names to ever adorn the Pop Music landscape, Monte Pittman disguises his inner metal tendencies well. By day, Pittman has been MADONNA's lead guitar player for more than 15 years, flashing his unassuming sidekick smile to millions of adoring fans, while accompanying the "Material Girl" on five world tours. By night, he is a seasoned Rock Star with a mean streak. For the better part of the 2000's, he returned to his heavier roots, handling guitar duties for PRONG, writing, recording and touring, a gig that prepared him well for a run at a successful solo career. And after making a well known, highly respected name for himself in the shadow of someone else's light, his solo career has put this multifaceted Heavy Metal Guitar God front and center as the lead vocalist and the face of the franchise.

Following up the hard and heavy, "The Power of Three" (2014), Pittman releases "Inverted Grasp of Balance" on September 23^rd, via Metal Blade Records. This well-crafted slab of lead is genius and is currently sitting atop my list for "Album Of The Year". I (Jeff Legg) recently spoke with Monte about the new album and stepping into the role as a lead singer, how a Metalhead ended up playing with Madonna, and what the future holds for his career. I must say, besides being one of the most talented artists I've ever met, he is one of the nicest, most accommodating musicians that I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. Thanks Monte.

Geoff Tate

Operation: Mindcrime

With the release of "Resurrection" on September 23^rd via Frontiers Music, OPERATION: MINDCRIME delivers the second album in a three-part conceptual trilogy with ex-Queensrÿche mastermind, Geoff Tate, continuing to elevate his songwriting legend. I (Jeff Legg) recently had the opportunity to talk with Tate about the inspiration behind the new record, his passion for music and his take on the future of the industry, and he answers my question about working again with one of the original members of Queensrÿche.

Nature Ganganbaigal

Tengger Cavalry

We had the opportunity to speak with Nature Ganganbaigal of TENGGER CAVALRY, one of the most unique Folk Metal bands today, who have been growing in popularity at an exponential rate. We discussed the inspiration behind bridging Nomadic Folk music and Heavy Metal, as well as some of their most recent endeavors, including their performance at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. Nature was even kind enough to give us a few hints about what the future of the band may hold.

Björn "Speed" Strid

Soilwork

With their 'rarities collection' "Death Resonance" due out this month and a long road of tour dates on the horizon, SOILWORK's Björn "Speed" Strid took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss taking trips down memory lane, facing South American crowds for the first time and the importance of good vibes within the band.

Markus "Makka" Freiwald

Sodom

Given that legendary German Thrashers SODOM are about to drop their next album, "Decision Day", Harel picked Makka's brain about expectations for the new album, working with producer Cornelius Rambadt and his love of playing festivals.

Jonas Ekdahl

Evergrey

EVERGREY drummer Jonas Ekdahl sat down for an interview with METAL TEMPLE to have a chat mostly about the upcoming 10th EVERYGREY LP, "The Storm Within", due September 9th. Jonas took the time to elaborate on the writing process for the upcoming album, about music, life, politics, and on his own interest in popular bands like ONE DIRECTION and GHOST. The Swedish drummer also mentioned he doesn't rule out new material by DEATH DESTRUCTION sometime in the future.

David Davidson

Revocation

After making some of the most bad ass modern Thrash and Death metal for over ten years, Metal Temple got a chance to sit down and talk with REVOCATION's David Davidson about their new album "Great Is Our Sin". David gets to talk about his views on music, politics and working hard on perfecting his craft as a performer. We also get to talk about the boundaries REVOCATION push to make their new album stand out from the rest of their impressive discography.

Mark Osegueda

Death Angel

DEATH ANGEL is one hell of a band, with one hell of a frontman! Mark Osegueda is one of its founding member and he was responsible (alongside guitarist Rob Cavestany) for bringing the band back in the early 2000's, after a long hiatus. He has consistently impressed people with his vocal prowess and lyrical deepness over the years... especially in their modern iteration! Jean-François had a chat with Mark recently and he had a lot of things to say about DEATH ANGEL's new album, "The Evil Divide" and other trivia from the band's history.

Ben Savage

Whitechapel

WHITECHAPEL, arguably the world's leading Deathcore band, are set to release their new studio album, "Mark Of The Blade", in 4 days. according to guitarist Ben Savage, the album has been met with a "mixed bag" of reception from critics, in the interview below conducted by Laura, whom also asked him about reuniting with former producer Mark Lewis, and the origins of their logo.

Todd Jones

Nails

A rising star in the Grindcore/Powerviolence scene, US heavy trio NAILS have been consistently rolling out slabs of metal since 2009. 2016 sees the release of their third full-length album, "You Will Never Be One Of Us". Harlan had a short-n-sweet with vocalist Todd Jones about the band's explosive success and the evolution of their music.

Anneke Van Giersbergen

Leaving THE GATHERING in 2007 seemed to open a large kettle of fish for vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen; she has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry such as WITHIN TEMPTATION and DEVIN TOWNSEND. She is currently on a solo acoustic tour across Europe and bringing intimate togetherness with her. Lotty Whittingham caught up with her on one of her UK dates where they spoke about being a musician and a mum, imperfections and her collaborations.

Brad Marr

Massive

Aussie rockers MASSIVE are not shy to hard rock, with non stop touring and a new album out it proves there is no rest for the wicked. The band who have been compared to the next GUNS N' ROSES have big things in store for the world, the band are not scared of anything and will do whatever to get their music heard. Emily talks to vocalist Bradd Marr about the bands 2^nd album.

Sven de Caluwé

Aborted

"Reality is more gruesome than any fantasy you can come up with, really."

Wise words uttered by ABORTED's frontman, Sven de Caluwé, when Metal Temple's Harel interviewed the man. They covered a range of current relevant topics, especially the never-before-touched on inspiration for the band's seminal new record, "Retrogore", the departure of former guitarist Danny Tunker, Sven's long relationship with Israel and how they receive no pressure from their much-praised label, Century Media, on what to write.

Lord Ahriman

Dark Funeral

DARK FUNERAL have, over the course of their two decade history, cemented their place at the top of the Black Metal food chain. Danny Sanderson had a chance to sit down with the bands founding member and main song writer, Lord Ahriman, to talk to him about the bands new record, "Where Shadows Forever Reign", their Swedish roots, and how Lord Ahriman grew to hate religion.

Edu Falaschi

Almah

Eduardo "Edu" Falaschi is one of Brazil's most well-known and greatest musicians. Well-known internationally for his 12-year-long tenure in ANGRA as their frontman, responsible for voicing power metal classics like "Rebirth" and "Temple of Shadows", he in fact has a career going back 25 years, as both composer and vocalist. Currently, he is the vocalist and composer for the Progressive Metal band, Almah, whom are set to release their 4th album this August.

Proud of his career achievements, as he should be, Edu decided to release an acoustic album, titled "Moonlight", comprised of unplugged covers of his classics with ANGRA ALMAH. The album features a range of Brazilian musicians, all from non-metal backgrounds, to give old anthems a truly new and unique feel.

Metal Temple's Daniel had a long chat with Edu about why the approach for Moonlight was both a challenge and full of intrigue, why "Moonlight" has a strong "Brazilian" feel, taking back 100% control of his voice and why ANGRA fans will be pleased with the new ALMAH record.

Ville Sorvali

Moonsorrow

Since my early teenage years when I first found Black Metal, and really gained that fiendish taste for the genre, few bands make top revered list. Among the early greats we have MOONSORROW. They were really my first taste of the Black Metal with that Folk edge to it. So when the opportunity to do an interview with them arose, I almost had a heart attack. I got all anxious and worked up and then the call came in.

Folks, this has to have been one of the best interviews I have ever done. Unfortunately, this being my first interview in quite some time, I had some recording issues, on top pf a pinched nerve which set me way way back. I was only able to record about half of the almost hour long interview, and with a plethora of puppies being quite rambunctious, was able to hear to transcribe a little less than that. Nevertheless, even after all of those problems, I am still happy with what was salvaged.

Before we get to the good stuff, I would like to apologize to MOONSORROW, their record label, to you the fans, and to my Metal Temple brothers and sisters for the delays and botched interview that I must share with the world.

Andrea Ferro

Lacuna Coil

In 2014, LACUNA COIL said goodbye to long-time drummer and guitarist, Cristiano Mozzati and Cristiano Migliore, respectively. In December of last year, they were dealt another blow, with the departure of remaining guitarist, Marco "Maus" Biazzi. However, the band still managed two stellar releases: 2014's "Broken Crown Halo", and the soon-to-be-released "Delirium".

It was pertinent for Metal Temple's resident editor, Daniel, to speak with vocalist Andrea Ferro, going into much detail about the backdrop for the new album, the often-dark abstract of insanity, a hint at their future guitarist, and a prominent return to aggressive and growled vocals.

Chris Emery

American Head Charge

AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE has released a new album, "Tango Umbrella", the bands first album in almost ten years. Joshua Cummins from Metal Temple recently talked with the bands drummer, Chris Emery about the new album among other topics. Listen in as Chris discusses his guilty pleasure of old school country music and a common misconception about the tragic loss of a former band member.

Corey Beaulieu

Trivium

Corey Beaulieu is one of the most well-known guitarist's in modern metal, spanning over 10 years with TRIVIUM and heavily influencing some of our favourite new guitarists. Emily speak to Corey on the 6^th date of the band's UK tour supporting new album ''Silence In The Snow'' which came out a few months ago to rave reviews.

RD Liapakis

Mystic Prophecy

With the release of their 9^th studio album, "War Brigade", via Massacre Records, MYSTIC PROPHECY has vehemently reminded the music industry that they are still one of the elite purveyors of Heavy Metal music, and have no intentions of taking a backseat to anyone, anytime soon. After 15 years, they continue to flex their Metal muscle, writing and recording Heavy Metal music that is still HEAVY!!!

Metal Temple's own, Jeff Legg, recently interviewed MYSTIC PROPHECY's front man, RD Liapakis, and they discussed a little bit of everything regarding the past, the present, and the future. This video interview contains music samples from the new album, "War Brigade". Take and look and a listen…

RD Liapakis – Vocals
Laki Ragazas – Lead Guitar
Markus Pohl – Rhythm Guitar
Joey Roxx – Bass
Tristan Maiwurm - Drums

Olavi Mikkonen

Amon Amarth

If you're looking for a band to shout about vikings to then AMON AMARTH is exactly that, full of raging vocals and even louder guitars. Tonight in London they play their first release show for album ''Jomsviking'' to a sold out crowd at The Underworld in Camden, UK. Metal Temple's Emily has a quick chat at the show with guitarist Olavi Mikkonen, about the band's newest release.

Richard Sjunnesson

The Unguided

"And then there were 3".

THE UNGUIDED is the Swedish Melo-Death-Core-Something powerhouse formed by 3 ex-members of SONIC SYNDICATE; Richard and Roger Sjunnesson, and Roland Johansson. 2016 marks the release of the band's third album since their inception in 2010/2011, titled "Lust And Loathing".

Daniel spoke to harsh vocalist, Richard, about a multitude of subjects: why THE UNGUIDED was the breath of fresh air that he and his bandmates needed, why the recording and writing for the new album was a much more 'involved' piece of teamwork, the origin of their "616" 'Easter egg', and the benefits of not working with managerial overlords that want a piece of your pie.

Ryan Griffin

Earthside

EARTHSIDE are a cinematic, Progressive Metal band from Connecticut, US. They have recently come out with their debut album, titled "A Dream In Static"; a massive concept album, half consisting of instrumental songs, and the rest, fronted by various guest vocalists: Lajon Witherspoon, Björn Strid, Daniel Tompkins and Eric Zirlinger, and recorded in collaboration with the Moscow Studio Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel from Metal Temple had a back-and-forth with bassist Ryan Griffin about their plans for visually-epic live productions, why they sound like no other Prog band it what is becoming an oversaturated scene, and the new tour with LEPROUS and VOYAGER.

Heike Langhans

DRACONIAN

DRACONIAN fans had their world shaken in 2012 with news that Lisa was leaving the band, causing much speculation as to who would fill the void. Certainly very few if any would have guessed that the part would be given to South African Heike Langhans. Yet any lingering uncertainties were cast aside with the release of DRACONIAN's sixth album "Sovran" at the end of last year. And after seeing her performance on the recent "Towards the Unknown" European tour, there is surely no doubt left that Heike is more than capable.

Having lived in Cape Town myself for six years, I'd actually inadvertently met Heike years ago, and so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do an interview with her. However, Googling DRACONIAN's new album will likely give you everything you might want to know about "Sovran", so I decided to rather use my interview time to find out more about Heike's many other sides, ranging from her music projects, to her avid gaming, and to the ideals she stands for.

Christopher Bowes, Gareth Murdock, Elliot Vernon, Peter Alcorn

Alestorm

Over the past few times they have been in Southampton the venue has only increased in size for their concert. This is what Scottish Pirates ALESTORM touch upon among regretting choosing to cover a song from a children's show, being ill on tour and about their favourite rum. Here's what happened when Metal Temple's Lotty Whittingham caught them in Southampton.

Fredrik Bergh, Jocke Johansson, Anders Broman, Tomas Olsson, Patrik Johansson

Bloodbound

Being an opening band for two of metal biggest titans is no easy task as the pressure is on them to win the crowd over. BLOODBOUND did this spectacularly well when they supported SABATON and ALESTORM in Southampton. Southampton is where Metal Temple's Lotty Whittingham caught them for a quick chat.

Latest Reviews

Arise

Omnivide

Stare Into The Seething Wounds

Extortionist

Fate Weaver

Typhus

IDSUNGWÜSSÄ

Abraham

Primordial Reverie

Cepheidae Variable

A Liminal Step

Feather Mountain

All 37131 Reviews

Metal Temple Editor Wanted Banner (Girl - Square)

Latest News

SEPTICFLESH: Announce "Reconstruction" digital EP featuring entirely symphonic versions of three songs from "Modern Primitive"

April 9, 2023

HOLY MOSES: Announce their very last live show on December 27th in Hamburg, Germany

April 9, 2023

HELLWITCH: Announce New Album, "Annihilation Intercention."

April 6, 2023

VARMIA: Return With Visceral New Album.

April 6, 2023

THE ANCHORET: To Release "It All Began With Loneliness" on Willowtip.

April 6, 2023

FEUERSCHWANZ: Announce New Album, "Fegefeuer."

April 6, 2023

All 42683 News

Metal Temple Editor Wanted Banner (Guy - Square)

Latest Interviews

Thomen Stauch & Kai Stringer

Mentalist

Peter "Peavy" Wagner

Rage

Oliver Nikolas Schmid

Lacrimas Profundere

Alexander Ellström

Trial

All 2131 Interviews

Latest Reports

Parkway Drive, Judas Priest and more at Flugplatz Roitzschjora (2018)

Apathie, Arkona and more at Burgruine Schweinsburg (2018)

Emerging From The Cocoon, Greedy Black Hole and more at Pipe Live Music (2018)

Marilyn Manson at The Paramount (2018)

All 1145 Reports

Filters

Order by

Date Range

Inteviews

Taka

MONO

Connor Garritty

All Hail The Yeti

Oscar Dronjak

HammerFall

Asger Mygind/Nicolai Mogense

VOLA

Dani Filth

Devilment

Danny Marino

The Agonist

Elize Ryd

Amaranthe

Brant Bjork

Brant Bjork

Ryan O'Keeffe

Airbourne

Miguel Trapezaris

Winter's Verge

Monte Pittman

Monte Pittman

Geoff Tate

Operation: Mindcrime

Nature Ganganbaigal

Tengger Cavalry

Björn "Speed" Strid

Soilwork

Markus "Makka" Freiwald

Sodom

Jonas Ekdahl

Evergrey

David Davidson

Revocation

Mark Osegueda

Death Angel

Ben Savage

Whitechapel

Todd Jones

Nails

Anneke Van Giersbergen

Brad Marr

Massive

Sven de Caluwé

Aborted

Lord Ahriman

Dark Funeral

Edu Falaschi

Almah

Ville Sorvali

Moonsorrow

Andrea Ferro

Lacuna Coil

Chris Emery

American Head Charge

Corey Beaulieu

Trivium

RD Liapakis

Mystic Prophecy

Olavi Mikkonen

Amon Amarth

Richard Sjunnesson

The Unguided

Ryan Griffin

Earthside

Heike Langhans

DRACONIAN

Christopher Bowes, Gareth Murdock, Elliot Vernon, Peter Alcorn

Alestorm

Fredrik Bergh, Jocke Johansson, Anders Broman, Tomas Olsson, Patrik Johansson

Bloodbound

Latest Reviews

Arise

Omnivide

Stare Into The Seething Wounds

Extortionist