HELLRIPPER TALKS SCORCHING RIFFS AND SCOTTISH FOLKLORE: James McBain on new album Coronach, Metallica vs Megadeth, Anthony Fantano, myth and more

GETTING TO KNOW DEVIN TOWNSEND: Prog metal polymath on The Moth, authenticity, mental health, toxic productivity, Strapping Young Lad and more

Devin Townsend is a maverick prog metal solo artist and the former leader of Strapping Young Lad, the Devin Townsend Project and more. On episode 17 of HEAVY STORIES, he opens up about what makes him tick, including trauma, his contrarian streak, a desire to belong and being a former people-pleaser. We also talk about his mammoth new album The Moth, why Strapping and DTP broke up, his days singing for Steve Vai and more! Image: Tom Hawkins

THE LIFE AND GRINDS OF SHANE EMBURY: Napalm Death bassist on new solo album, Jim Carrey, future music, quitting drink and more

Shane Embury is the bassist for grindcore legends Napalm Death and a singer/multi-instrumentalist in myriad other projects. On episode 16 of HEAVY STORIES, he talks about kicking alcohol and discovering Jungian therapy, and how these things coloured his new solo album, Bridge to Resolution. He also looks back on 40-plus years of Napalm Death, from their anarchic early days to being embraced by the British mainstream and becoming Jim Carrey's favourite band.

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF WITH AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS: Charlie Rolfe on overcoming loss, maladaptive daydreaming, new album Did You Ask to Be Set Free?

Charlie Rolfe is the lead singer of High Wycombe metalcore band As Everything Unfolds. On episode 15 of HEAVY STORIES, she opens up about the loss of her band's drummer Jamie Gowers in August 2024 and how she navigated the grief that followed. She also discusses how the band regrouped, her experiences with maladaptive dreaming and the story and themes of new album Did You Ask to Be Set Free?.

WHY KARNIVOOL TOOK 13 YEARS TO MAKE AN ALBUM: Ian Kenny reveals the story behind In Verses

Ian Kenny is the lead singer of Australian progressive metal icons Karnivool. On episode 14 of Heavy Stories, he explains why the band took 13 years to make their new album, In Verses. From mental health issues to practical struggles and balancing life as a family man, he goes deep into the reasons for the decade-plus dry spell, and teases that it won’t take another 13 years for their next project to come out!

THE BEST METAL ALBUMS OF 2026 SO FAR!

It’s June, which means we’re already (nearly) halfway through 2026! The passage of time is as relentless as it is terrifying, but at least we can distract ourselves with all the top-notch metal we’ve been handed since the New Year. Join Matt and fellow music journo Pavel Kondov as they details the albums which have rattled their ears the best this year!