Inteviews

Jean-François Dagenais

Kataklysm

Formed since the early 90s, Jean-François Dagenais has always been a part of KATAKLYSM, playing guitar from the start. 11 albums later and after several prestigious appearances worldwide, the band is finally ready to release ''Of Ghosts and Gods'', 12^th record due for July 31th 2015. When Charlotte Lamontagne spoke with the guitarist, we discussed the album, the production and concepts behind it, upcoming tours and the lifestyle that goes with it.

Gary Meskil

Pro-Pain

One of the mighty progenitors of Hardcore (and to some extent, crossover), PRO-PAIN is a name sometimes overlooked. Spearheaded by the dedicated and tireless Gary Meskill, the band have, through thick and thin, soldiered on with stunning release after stunning release. "Voice of Rebellion" is a new opus for the band, and features an immaculate yet raw production and meaty tracks with hard-hitting lyrics and vibes from groove, to hardcore, to modern trash. Daniel had a lengthy chat with Gary about the new album, the silliness of over-production and the band's early days.

Glen Drover

A guitarist who has been everywhere, KING DIAMOND, TESTAMENT and MEGADETH at the forefront of his discography, Glen Drover is also one of the many big-name musicians now working under Metal For Hire, a music industry plat form whereby bands can literally hire these members to work with them, whether it be in production, lessons or session spots. Glen sat down with a Canadian of our own, Jean-François Briard, to chat about Glen's upcoming EIDOLON material, his time with Metal For Hire, and his fascination with golf.

Rowan & Lars

Heidevolk

One of the genre's original pioneers, Dutch Folk-Metallers HEIDEVOLK have unleashed a darker and heavier offering upon us under the title of "Velua". Regarded by both the band and their fans as a major step up from its predecessor, "Batavi", HEIDEVOLK proves to us there are more Folk bands than Eluveitie. Danny caught up with Rowan (and Lars) about the new album's change in direction, the band's interesting choice of cover songs and the importance of one's homeland.

Matthew Greywolf

Powerwolf

This band doesn't need an introduction; they have the rare gift of sound that allows the listener to detect it's them in a few seconds. Whether you love them or hate them POWERWOLF have made a spectacular impact on the metal community and they are not about to let a delay in the release process of their upcoming album stop them. Metal Temple's Lotty Whittingham speaks to guitarist Matthew Greywolf about their new album "Blessed & Possessed", up-keeping their unique sound and the wolf actually having more in common with a metal head than we initially thought.

Tom Englund

Evergrey

On their current tour of Europe, Swedish metallers Evergrey made a stop in the UK to play a show at The Underworld in Camden, London. Marcus Kemp (a.k.a MarcusTheRocker) caught up with frontman Tom Englund on the bands tour bus to discuss the new album, the band, musical projects, influences and general music based questions including current favourite artists amongst other things.

Leif Jensen

Dew-Scented

DEW-SCENTED, the underrated Thrash band you should have heard of, are certainly one of metal's busiest bands. Existing since 1992, they have been releasing albums nearly year-after-year, the gaps in time packed with touring. 2015 marks the release of album no.9, "Intermination", and so Daniel spoke with vocalist and mastermind, Leif Jensen about the band's unusual name, recent additions to the line-up, and the quirks of "give-it-your-own-meaning" lyrics, in which Daniel's misanthropic leanings were humourously revealed.

David DeFais

Virgin Steele

VIRGIN STEELE are the pioneers of the term Metal Opera and have encouraged many other modern metal bands to take on this genre in their own way. With a new album release and the intention to make more vocalist David DeFais shows us that you're never to old to rock and create more. Lotty spoke to Mr DeFais about VIRGIN STEELE's new release, his vocal technique and his love for catering.

Oliver and Simon

Finsterforst

At the recent Napalm Records warm-up party at Out & Loud festival in Germany, I got the chance to chat to Oliver and Simon, the vocalist and lead guitarist respectively of FINSTERFORST. With the name FINSTERFORST reflecting their origins from near the Black Forest in Germany, this band is becoming increasingly well known internationally. With the release of their fourth full-length album "Mach Dich Frei" earlier this year, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a few details about this album, as well as a few tantalizing hints about new and upcoming music.

Chris Hector

Ahab

AHAB have long been known for their idiosyncratic style of Nautik Doom, and with them being on the brink of releasing their fourth full-length album, we at Metal Temple couldn't pass up the chance of chatting to Chris Hector of AHAB after their mesmerizing performance at the Napalm Records warm-up party for the Out & Loud Festival in Germany earlier this month. I got the chance to ask all about the upcoming album "The Boats of the Glen Carrig", an interpretation of a book of the same name by William Hope Hodgson, and looked at everything from the album artwork down to the bonus track with a guest appearance by SAHG's vocalist.

David Shankle

DSG

The appreciated Axe-master by all the Mano-warriors : David Shankle is back!

The ex-guitarist for MANOWAR (between 1988 and 1994) has returned, recruiting a polished new line-up and the result of this is quite the cracking slab of smoking US Metal release named "Still A Warrior" published under the moniker of DSG.

This Power Metal group has already recorded two promising albums in the 2000's : The talented shredder is tearing it up all over this release and display his excellent technical/intensive shred‐guitar work, and it never gets too tedious or self-indulgent like sometimes it happens on this kind of album.

YngwieViking shared a privileged time with David Shankle for a discussion and interactive exchange about Heavy Metal, Guitars and Guitarists in general…

CJ Krukowski

Threatpoint

Metal Temple's very own Chelsea Jennings sat down with THREATPOINT's CJ Krukowski to discuss all things THREATPOINT. THREATPOINT has just released their latest LP titled "When Karma Comes". In this exclusive sit-down interview, Krukowski discusses how THREATPOINT's latest LP is being received by fans, the band's busy upcoming tour schedule, plans for THREATPOINT in coming months, and where the band see themselves in the longer-term future. Thank you to CJ Krukowski for taking the time to answer Metal-Temple's questions! Best of luck to THREATPOINT going forward!

Olav Renolen Aasbø

Glittertind

GLITTERTIND is a rather eclectic Folk Rock/Metal/Punk/goodness-knows-a-lot-more band from Oslo, Norway. Nearly 2 years after their last album, "Djevelsvart" ("Devil Black") the band have released "Blåne for Blåne"; although a significant step in another direction, the album has been met with positive support, and rightly so. Chelsea heard back from Olav Renolen Aasbø on the new album and its success and it's change in direction (post-WWII Norway, as opposed to Nordic folklore).

Daniel Mÿhr

Civil War

A Swedish Heavy Metal band comprised of 4 previous members of SABATON. If that doesn't speak volumes then we don't know what does; joined by ASTRAL DOORS/LION'S SHARE vocalist Nils Patrick Johansson and VOLTURYON bassist Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson. Now dropping the debut album, "Gods and Generals", Chelsea plucked the mind of drummer Daniel about the new record, both literal and metaphorical war as lyrical inspiration and future touring plans.

Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth

Overkill

OVERKILL has been one of the major forces in Thrash Metal since the mid 80's, and up till this day is a might power to be reckoned with. Following their latest release via Nuclear Blast Records, "White Devil Armory", the band has been extensively touring. At the first days of June, OVERKILL will head to Europe for a few shows, including one in Tel-Aviv, Israel, a first time for the band. Lior Kraisler was able to catch up with Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth, just before leaving to the airport to talk, to talk about the band's upcoming Israeli venture and more.

Kristoffer W. Olivius

Naglfar

One of Sweden's Black Metal pioneers, riding the wave of the 2nd wave, NAGLFAR may not put out yearly albums, but they are surely a slow-moving, destructive force and are eager to conquer the world's 4 corners; one of which being Israel. At a recent show in Tel-Aviv, Harel Golstein caught up with vocalist Kristoffer about NAGLFAR's focus, politics, opinions on politics, politics of opinions, the impact satanism has had on his life and his love for Israel.

Steffen Kummerer

Thulcandra

THULCANDRA are a Blackened Death Metal band from Munich, Germany; proud of their strong DISSECTION and EUCHARIST influence; something that can be heard in their music. Having just released their latest album "Ascension Lost", met with strong critical acclaim, the band can enjoy a successful year ahead of them. Chelsea spoke with Steffen Kummerer about the new album, their success since their debut and current/future plans.

Aura

A burgeoning Italian Prog Metal/Rock act, AURA have taken a long time to develop into releasing their debut album in 2008, given their formation in the late 90's. Now they are on a steady stream of releasing fresh, new music, combining technical metal with 70's Prog vibes. Zohar shared a few words with them about the struggles of trying to 'make it' as a self-produced act, Italy's music scene and the band's musical inspirations.

Morten Veland

Sirenia

Norwegian Gothic/Symphonic metal outfit SIRENIA have released their latest album The Seventh Life Path and the critics are liking it. Find out what happened when Lotty spoke to the man behind this successful group, Morten Veland, about their latest release, being a man of many talents and his views on the term female fronted metal.

Dead Lucky

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, DEAD LUCKY is a new Rock 'n Roll band, with an attitude to match. Whilst recently being in South Africa to cover Witchfest, Africa's biggest Metal festival, Erika got to do a brief interview with them, albeit brief and seemingly uninterested, about 'cold, hard facts' such as the band's 'history', future plans, and anything else she could squeeze out of them.

Iliana Tsakiraki

Enemy of Reality

ENEMY OF REALITY is an increasingly-popular Symphonic Metal band from Greece, having recently played at notable festivals and having famous musicians featured on their recent album: Ailyn Giménez (SIRENIA), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Androniki Skoula (CHAOSTAR), and Maxi Nil (JADED STAR, ex-VISIONS OF ATLANTIS). Katarzyna Zakolska interviewed their talented singer, Iliana, about "Rejected Gods", the upcoming show supporting LEAVES EYES and Metal politics and bureaucracy.

Mikko Von Hertzen

Von Hertzen Brothers

Before she conducted this interview, Lotty didn't think in a million years that she would be going to an Ambassador's residence. Recently she went to the humble abode belonging to the Finnish Ambassador to interview VON HERTZEN BROTHERS; one of Finland's biggest bands. I spoke to Mikko Von Hertzen about their chosen location for the interviews, their new album New Day Rising and the cultural differences between the UK and Finland!

Cornelius Jackhelln

Solefald

"The fall of the sun" - SOLEFALD is a Norwegian two-piece Avant-Garde Metal band, founded in 1995, drawing heartily on Black Metal musical motifs (though they prefer not such a label), and having released "World Metal. Kosmopolis Sud" earlier this year. Branislav had a lengthy chat with co-founder Cornelius Jackhelln about the band's new album, how their music is a grim satire of the world around them/us and connections between the musician and the fan.

Cuz, Mikey, Bones

Mammoth Mammoth

MAMMOTH MAMMOTH are a rather phenomenal Rock act to come out of Australia, hailing from Melbourne. A quartet playing a gritty blend of Hard Rock and Stoner, playing undeniably heavy-yet-tasteful riffs of pure fuzz, it's no wonder they are one of Australia's superior Metal acts; for one, they're one of the few known, in the genre. Chelsea spoke with the majority of the band, and was met with coy modesty, about their success, the new album and this year's touring plans.

Erik Sugg

Demon Eye

DEMON EYE are a classic heavy metal and bless rock band hailing from Raleigh North Carolina. The band began in the Spring of 2012, and are now releasing their second full-length effort titled "Tempora Infernalia". They are a reminder of how things go in life, and how music like that from the classic rock era of the 1970s and 1980s really builds on everything we know and love about Rock-n-Roll. Chelsea, having reviewed the latest album, interviewed Erik Sugg about what the band wanted to accomplish with the new album, their roots and their influences.

Steve, Anais and Daithi

Celtachor

Ireland appears to be quite the melting pot for Folk Metal bands, what with star class acts such as CRUACHAN and PRIMORDIAL. CELTACHOR is one such band, playing a dark, epic mix of Folk and Black Metal, their music influenced and powered by the band's pooled love of Irish folklore. The band has a sophomore album out this year, titled "Nuada Of The Silver Arm". Matt spoke with 3 of the bands members on a range of topics: the recording process for the new album, how they incorporate Irish folklore into their music and their individual opinions on how digital music.

Michael Weikath

Helloween

Arguably the world's most influential Power Metal band, HELLOWEEN appear to be stronger than ever, their lineup more solid than ever over the last 10 years. And of course, given their last opus (which marked a significant change in direction) was released in 2013, 2015 sees the release of "My God Given Right"; the new album promises something happy, heavy, HELLOWEEN and pumpkin-y. Daniel had a lengthy chat with guitarist and founder Michael Weikath, albeit riddled with connection lag, about HELLOWEEN's strength and audacity as a band, tyrannical pumpkins and the benefits of recording and producing at your vocalist's own studio.

Sebastian Swart

Morgoth

German Death Metal heavyweights MORGOTH are a force to be reckoned with. Formed in 1985, the band broke up in 1998, to be reformed again in 2010, playing a series of reunion shows the following year. Now incorporating a range of new influences, leaning towards the industrial side, 2015 has seen the release of a new album, "Ungod". Mike shared words with guitarist Sebastian about the new album and the journey so far.

Pink Kitten Zan

The Lounge Kittens

THE LOUNGE KITTENS have been causing a storm on the Internet with their cheeky lady like covers of rock and metal classics such as "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", "Duality" and "Gloryhole". Charlotte "Lotty" Whittingham caught a chat with Pink Kitten Zan where they spoke about their tour with STEEL PANTHER and SKINDRED, their new EP and receiving praise from famous faces in the industry.

Titan Fox

Hammer King

HAMMER KING are a French Heavy Metal band, dubbing themselves "True Metal"; so you can rightfully assume they play music that pays homage to the classics of the 80's. In fact, the band was founded in 1978, but have only just decided to come out with an album, 37 years later, titled "Kingdom Of The Hammer King". Omnius D'Worgen had a poignant and informative chat with vocalist/guitarist Titan Fox about the band's lengthy 'hiatus', 'what they're about' and the meaning behind the 'Hammer King'.

Stephan, Michael and Volker

Ars Irae

ARS IRAE are about as underground as you can get when it comes to extreme music; a Blackened Death Metal band hailing from Rosenheim, Germany, they are a quintet recently signed to Quality Steel Records and have recently come out with a new album, after a reasonable wait, titled "Dunkle Klänge". Criminally-overlooked, though having played an impressive array of live shows in recent years, their music deserves to be heard; Danny Sanderson interviewed guitarist Stephan, vocalist Michael and bassist Volker, about the barebones basics that everyone needs to know about this underground gem.

Thomas Youngblood

Kamelot

The transition from Roy Khan to Tommy Karevik in 2012 for KAMELOT can be celebrated as one of the best and most acclaimed of the more controversial line-up changes in the history of Metal. Instead of being matched with the outcry resulting from Tarja's ousting from NIGHTWISH, KAMELOT's fanbase rejoiced, Tommy being considered as more so the next faithful torch-carrier, as opposed to someone who can simply 'sing like Roy', and doing it damn well. "Haven", KAMELOT's 2015 release, is the follow-up to 2012's concept album, "Silverthorn". Daniel Fox spoke with founder and guitarist Thomas Youngblood about the themes on the new album, the change in style, their excellent choice in guest musicians and exciting, new tour prospects.

Isak Stenvall

Lancer

LANCER are a traditionally-Swedish Metal band: heavily-rooted in Scandinavian Power/Heavy Metal, such as SABATON and HAMMERFALL. Their debut release came in 2012, with an EP titled "Purple Sky". With a debut full-length out in 2013, 2015 sees the release of a second album, poignantly-titled "Second Storm". David had a chat with vocalist Isak about the new album, the Swedish metal scene and the benefits of record labels for up-and-coming bands.

Kitto

Perfect Blue Sky

Metal Temple's very own editor, Chelsea Jennings sat down with KITT from PERFECT BLUE SKY to talk about their latest release "Emerald". Also discussed were the band came up with their current sound, the inspiration behind the positive and uplifting lyrics, and the plans for future of PERFECT BLUE SKY. Metal Temple again thanks PERFECT BLUE SKY for their time to do this interview! Read on to find out what PERFECT BLUE SKY is up to now, and what they see coming in their bright futures!

Marios Iliopoulos

Nightrage

NIGHTRAGE is a Melodic Death Metal band, formed in the year 2000. Originally from Greece, they relocated to Sweden. They have long been a staple in this genre. The band has released six full-length studio albums to date, with the newest entitled "The Puritan" in 2015. Dave was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with guitarist Marios Iliopoulos to talk with him about the band and the new album.

Dirk Verbeuren

Soilwork

Sweden's SOILWORK are undeniably one of the world's most important Melodic Death Metal bands. The band doesn't seem to quit, dropping a new release each year for the last 3 years; 2015 saw them releasing a new live album/dvd, "Live in the Heart of Helsinki"; a career-spanning live set that included guest appearances by Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH) and Nathan J. Biggs (SONIC SYNDICATE). Chelsea had a short chat with drummer Dirk about the idea behind the new DVD and working towards a new studio album.

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