Inteviews

Grin in Fear

Marco Scafidi, Sara Mei, Eros Melis

GRIN IN FEAR hailing from Sardinia, Italy were formed in 2018. They are a melodic Death Metal band with Thrash Metal influences and their debut full-length album "Legion" was released in July 2021. Metal Temple writer Thomas Kumke had the pleasure to talk to Sara Mei (vocals), Eros Melis (guitars), and Marco Scafidi (drums) about the band, their new album, and Metal in Sardinia.

Zoe Marie Federoff

Catalyst Crime

People are complicated, it has been said and it is assumed that it this phrase will even grow in importance in the future. We live in a complicated world, and no doubt that this phrase is to haunt mankind. Inside looking in, the collaborations of emotions, and their outbursts is a material to be sung about for ages. Creating a cinematic universe of their own, Catalyst Crime, is set to touch the human soul, explore it, find what pains it and what makes it better. Releasing their debut self-titled album, via Massacre Records, a journey is undertaken. Steinmetal talked with co-founder Zoe Marie Federoff about the new band, their exploration of their music and sound and more…

Marius Berendsen & Raphael Weller

Tragedy And Triumph

While always been resembled as heroes, the warriors that wanted to free themselves and to take on their domain the world, even while in the process setting their gaze on lands of others to take, history did a little different judgment for the Vikings. Tragedy And Triumph, the new German band, playing their version of Viking Metal, did in its power to not present the entire era and not just the celebrated Scandinavian ancients through their debut album, "Where Mountains Rise and Hearts Fall". Steinnetal had a great talk with Marius Berendsen, along with additional inputs from his partner in crime, Raphael Weller, about the new band, debut album and more…

Nolan Lewis

Kryptos

For the past two decades the full throttle spellcraft of Kryptos has been burning up the night. This raging steel act from India, and their mach speed riffs are running wild, with their hot wired Thrash anthems. Each lick coils around your mortal being, as the solos soar like a hawk in the night. Michael Francisco spoke to the Shadowmancer himself - Nolan Lewis about their third release: "Force Of Danger" for AFM, their new drummer, The Indian Metal scene, and more. Prepare to strike!

Micael Zetterberg & Niklas Holm

Wanton Attack

It starts with a piece of music, a whole lot of motivation, not really with a specific plan. The way bands are born is an interesting phenomenon, and of course it is the more the merrier for potential fans and die-hard Metalheads that wish to have more. Wanton Attack is a newly made band, currently a duo of Niklas Holm and Micael Zetterberg, both experienced musicians and songwriters. Together they band for the sake of old school Metal, and other influences that they share. With the released of their self-titled debut album, Steinmetal had to find out more about this duo, their music and how did it all begin

Lasse Pyykkö

Hooded Menace

After a while, with a career that has been progressing, to implement influences that were always there, but never used, now that is something, because why not really? It is not about being brave or bold, but rather adding yet another dimension to one's music. True to fact that there is a heritage to consider, but at times, it surely needs that refinement, an extra kick. The Doom / Death Metal band Hooded Menace did just that. They maintained their core base, but enriched it with past traditions. With the new album "The Tritonus Bell" being out, Steinmetal had a talk with Lasse Pyykkö about the new experience, diving into the music and less on the lyrics.

Magnus Mild

Perpetual Etude

Passion conquers and so is what drives a person in music, that's the story of many active artists, and so is the story of a passionate musician named Magnus Mild. Being the guitarist of the Heavy Metal champions, Air Raid, opened up a taste for more, for an inner passion. Starting up Perpetual Etude made it happen for Magnus to fulfill his inspiration for 80s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, celebrating the guitar hero. Steinmetal had the chance to talk to Magnus about the album's debut, "Now Is The Time", via Black Lodge Records, and experience the past within the present

Stephen Behrendt

Toxic Ruin

Listening to one's own creation after its completion, can be a deemed as a last quality checkup, yet without the ability to change anything, what was done, was done. There is no escape from it, unless one wishes to restart everything, retaking the time in the studio. When Stephen Behrendt of Toxic Ruin listened to their new album on his phone, he knew that it was it. And that is quite a chance. Releasing a strong Thrash / Death Metal release that also crosses borders, in the image of "Nightmare Eclipse", the skies appears to be the limit. Steinmetal had to check in with the next promise of M-Theory Audio

Carmine Appice

Vanilla Fudge

When discussing the coolest King of the Rockers, no one pounds the sinister skins better than Carmine Appice from Cactus, Beck, Bogert, Appice, Blue Murder, King Kobra, and more. As evidenced by his Biography Stick It, the Rock & Roll Mystery began in the 60's, and continues today with the reunion of Vanilla Fudge, honoring the late Tim Bogert who died from Cancer, earlier this year. Ready to strike, Michael Francisco spoke to Carmine about their new renditions of Zeppelin, The Supremes, and more. For the thrill of a lifetime, keep hanging on', listen and learn.

Scarlet Aura

Aura

SCARLET AURA formed by Aura and Mihai Dănciulescu in 2014 are a Romanian Heavy Metal and Power Metal band. Their new album "Genesis Of Time" was released in September and is the final part of the "The Book Of Scarlet" trilogy which started with the 2018 album "Hot'n'Heavy" and continued with the 2020 release of "Stormbreaker". It's a very good reason for Metal Temple writer Thomas Kumke to chat with vocalist Aura Dănciulescu about the band's history and the trilogy with the final chapter "Genesis Of Time".

Kyle McNeill

Seven Sisters

Outer space experience, a futuristic view, a version of time that is crossing the imagination faster than the speed of light. It can also serve as a plate for inner deliberation, personal struggles to be rendered as metaphors in a conflict that is somewhere in the back of a person's mind out there in space. The British Heavy Metallers Seven Sisters return with another epos, and this time they aimed for a longer story, straying over two parts. "Shadow Of A Falling Star Pt. 1" is their first served dish for this year, with an opening for a second part. Steinmetal had a great chat with founder Kyle McNeill about the new story, his experience of producing, vocals and more…

Eternal Frequency

Emelle Elizabeth

Eternal Frequency has been gaining somewhat more and more attention over the last 2-3 years since their formation in April 2018. They are a mix of metalcore, hard rock and active rock. They are all the way from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the USA and they are ready to rock your socks off with various single releases which have certainly brought the heavy rock genre to the fore. Particularly for the fact that the band is fronted by a female singer, Emelle Elizabeth. It is clear that female singers have made their mark on the heavy rock and metal scene across the globe. Eternal Frequency have released a number of singles including two fantastic covers of "The Show Must Go On" by Queen originally and "Head Like A Hole" by Nine Inch Nails originally. Metal Temple writer Andrew Harvey recently caught up with the band for an interview, to discuss how they coped throughout the pandemic and exploring their past achievements in more detail.

Rolf Kasparek

Running Wild

The German Heavy / Power / Speed Metal band, Running Wild, reached its prime back in the late 80s, while also extending its vast musical influence of the supposed Pirate Metal in the 90s. Several years ago, it appeared that they are slow, and easy, returning to that same grandeur that always sounded reach, powerful and undeniable. The band is set to release their new album, "Blood On Blood", via Steamhammer Records, and it seems that the richness of both material and sound of the heydays are back to kick someone's ass. Steinmetal had once again the pleasure to shortly talk with Rolf Kasparek about the new venture and more…

Charly Steinhauer

Paradox

For over 4 decades, The Metal Maniac Charly Steinhauer has sought to electrify with his tales of the weird. 30 years ago his band Paradox released "Heresy" on Roadrunner Records. A meeting of minds has allowed him to revisit the journey of The Cathars, and release the sequel: "Heresy II: End Of A Legend". He has welcomed back the riot squad of Axel Blaha, Christian Münzer, and Olly Keller to be full-time members; while working again with Peter Vogt who has penned the next chapter of the Unholy Conspiracy: A journey into fear, death, screaming, and pain. This collision course with brainwashed Rome, leads to the great denial from a man of sorrow and suicidal lunacy. Michael Francisco spoke with Charly - The Dream Hero about the Crusader's revenge, and his search for perfection with recording all the vocal parts. Enjoy his productive imagination and mystery! "One person's Religion, is another person's Heresy"!

Torsten Ihlenfeld

Brainstorm

Being constant because it is fun, being together as one because there are partners for the long haul, those that their energy levels as if never to be depleted. The German Heavy / Power Metal band Brainstorm are like a train that never stops, always creating, always on demand, bringing out the best of themselves with both crushing heaviness and hooking power moments that would stand the test of time. Recently coming out with their new "Wall Of Skulls", via AFM Records, Steinmetal had a chance to catch long time guitarist Torsten Ihlenfeld about the new album, the experience, the continued motivation and more…

Mikael Salo & Juho Jokimies

Thy Row

To be someone that you are not, an example of a fake, a personality that is not really there but just a shadow of a person. Nowadays' society has a lot of people like that, folks that fear that if their actual face is revealed it would be hell on earth for them, a total catastrophe. It is also possible to connect honesty to the entire shindig. The Finnish Thy Row apparently are sick of the masking, and would like to unveil what is behind the fake, and they did through their new album "Unchained", where the gloves are off. Steinmetal had a good talk with two busy bees, Mikael Salo & Juho Jokimies, about the new album, their wish to perform and of course the concept.

Brittney Slayes

Unleash The Archers

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is a Canadian Power Metal outfit from Vancouver. Formed in 2007, they spent some time building to what they are now, a powerhouse on the scene who writes epic concept albums that tell their stories both lyrically and musically. To say the least, Brittney Slayes is a great singer/songwriter and an even better person. She is an absolute beast on stage and genuinely nice person on the ground. Having come through the pandemic relatively unscathed, they have started their first North American tour in well over a year. After a rocky start, getting delayed an extra week, they hit the ground running in Providence, Rhode Island for night one of the Unleash The Abyss Tour with AETHER REALM and SEVEN KINGDOMS. Metal Temple writer Kevin Lewis recently caught up with the band for an interview. To see the most watched UNLEASH THE ARCHERS video, and one of the most reacted videos on YouTube, check out the official version for "Awakening" at:

Anton Reisenegger

Criminal

Social unrest, certainly an escalation towards a change that can go both ways, whether for the better or for worse. No doubt that inspirations come in masses in order to lash out at those that through their corrupt ways paved the road to riots and protests. In Chile it was quite evident a few years back, and who knows if the seeds that were planted are about to explode in a bigger magnitude at the higher officials' faces. Criminal, long time running fusion of Death and Thrash Metal, are highly familiar with what is going on, writing their new album, "Sacrificio", based on those past events. Steinmetal had a good talk with Anton Reisenegger, founder of the band, about the concept, and freedom within the music and more…

Gilbert Dornhofer

Fearancy

New faces, a new voice, a new sound, a new frontier to look for, a new image for an artist to get a hold of. It is a natural process, in particular when fresh blood is recruited. At times to freshen up the efforts, and at times simply because it is a necessity. The Austrian Fearancy as if felt the need that the lineup had to change and their new album "Dæmonium", proves that point. Furthermore, the band signed with a label, in order to kickstart the buzz and from there on, their only way is up. Steinmetal had a good chat with one of the band's founders, Gilbert Dornhofer, about his side of things concerning the record

ALASTOR

Hampus Sandell

ALASTOR is a Psychedelic Doom Metal outfit hailing from Sweden. They formed in 2016 and have two EPs and two full-length albums to their credit. Their latest album, "Onwards and Downwards," was released on May 28, 2021 on RidingEasy Records. Gary Hernandez, writer for Metal Temple, caught up with Hampus Sandell (Guitarist) to discuss the evolution of the band, what Metal has meant for him, and the impact of COVID on the metal scene.

Sal Abruscato

A Pale Horse Named Death

Some albums out there are too deep, but in a good way. Every album, in its own special way, is taking the listener down the path, to an unknown journey. However, there are those that simply have the listener sink in, within a kind of universe that would set emotions on fire, other than being merely a good listen. "Infernum In Terra", by the American Doom Metal groovers, A Pale Horse Named Death, is a new level, a new dimension that would turn one's psyche upside down. Steinmetal once again had a chat with the band's founder, ex-Type O Negative, Sal Abruscato, talking about the utmost intensity of the material, his vision and more…

Camren Cruz

Seven Kingdoms

SEVEN KINGDOMS is a Florida based power metal quartet. They've shifted from an early death metal sound to embracing power metal fully. Their sound has shifted, their songwriting has improved, and their stage presence is amazing. They've used the pandemic to write more music and have already begun the process of creating their next opus. They are currently on tour with UNLEASH THE ARCHERS and AETHER REALM, tearing up stage throughout North America. Metal Temple writer Kevin Lewis recently caught up with the band for an interview, and recommends you check out one of their barnstormers, "Stargazer":

Jack Frost

Brothers In Arms

Brothers In Arms is the new Project from the Metal Asylum of protean guitarist Jack Frost. This Metal Messiah has assembled a bevy of Rock Talent to create some 80's inspired Rock Anthems. With the ties that bind, and riffs that grind, sleazy songs are sung from the City that never sleeps, on the corner of Sunset & Clark. Voices are calling with the talent of Andrew Freeman, Paul Shortino, Todd Poole, and Keith St. John. Michael's heart knows that when the album drops September 24th on Deko Entertainment, you will feel the love, so do not be the last to know!

Giannis Britsas

Crimson Fire

Melody always wins, but the question is if whether changes can also grant a win. There are always risks taken when going through a change, especially in Metal music, and in particular, who is your target audience. There are those who state that a change, even minor, is imperative in order to continue a band's longevity, surviving the test of time. Nonetheless, there have been examples of changes that were ample destruction. The Greek Crimson Fire, took a chance, soften a little bit their traditional Metal efforts and created a hybrid. Steinmetal had a talk with vocalist, Giannis Britsas about the band's new album "Another Dimension", which marks a new musical era for the band. Would it survive or continue, tune in.

Mike Tzanakis

Tales Of The Old

The endless battle between good and evil, to be put into a theatrical form of Metal music, to covey a version of story in such a way to make it special, emotive, challenging the listener in a way that perhaps other releases couldn't. Whether instrumentation, voices or a simple atmospheric touch, everything was implemented in order to forge a different kind of experience, to escape the normality. Mike Tzanakis, creator and founder of Tales Of The Old, returned to the scene after a decade with a promising release, "The Book Of Chaos", a threshold into a new universe. Steinmetal had to find out more.

Christian Lindell

Portrait

What is one's truth against the many? Is the mainstream's dictation being in fact a kind of truth that has to be widely accepted by everyone? Of course not, even though there are those that think otherwise. Standing one's ground is crucial for the continuance of other opinions, diversity and needless to say a freedom of choice and thought way of life. The Swedish's dark Heavy Metallers, Portrait, proved that they stepped beyond the images of the past and into a creative area of striving to become unique. Following their new "At One With No One" album, Steinmetal had a good chat with guitarist Christian Lindell about the experience of the album and more…

Daniel Felber

Nocturnal

At times, things should be beautified but rather be straightforward about them, knock them on the head. The constant simulated like struggle between the old and the new, the natural and the polished, it appears like a thing that is pictured made in forever. The blackened Thrash Metalheads, Nocturnal, maintaining the old school prowess and the dichotomy from modernity as a concept, unleash their new album "Serpent Death", signing with a new label for the band, Dying Victims Productions. Steinmetal had a good chat with founder Daniel Felber about what is going on within the album, Felber's beliefs on what matters to the band and their sound and more..

Violeta Mosquera

BALA

BALA is an Alternative/Metal duo out of Galicia, Spain. They formed in 2013 and have released three albums. Their latest album, "Maleza," (trans: weeds) was released on May 14, 2021 on Century Media. Gary Hernandez, writer for Metal Temple, caught up with V to discuss the band's evolution and the many influences on their music—from women they admire to artists, both past and present, to the region itself.

Viktoria Stoichkova

GWNEDYDD

GWENDYDD, hailing from Bulgaria, is an Extreme Metal band. Formed in 2018, they released their debut album "Human Nature" in 2020 and came just back from their first shows in Belgium. A good reason for Metal Temple writer Thomas Kumke to talk to GWENDYDD about the band's history so far, their debut album, the live tour, their inspirations, and their future plans.

Partrick Capretta

Lower 13

A simple talk-to with one's self. At times, it is a relationship of a constant fighting rather than talking. This is the struggles against an urge, like an itch the never lets go. Nonetheless, these conversations also contribute for an open debate, a share of open thoughts across the board, without anyone else meddling. The Modern Metal export, Lower 13, having been treading between the past and present, while entrusting their hands in the newfound sound of melodic Metal, crossing beyond the basic formulas and into something that is a little more off the secured edge. "Embrace The Unknown", their new album and first under the old school label, Pure Steel Records, discovers a world that is personal. Steinmetal had a talk with one of the founders, Patrick Capretta, about is going on through his mind on the record