HEAVY Music Interviews

BIGSOUND can be anything you want it to be. You can choose to revel in the activities and workshops, or check out the band showcase gigs or watch/see/listen to any number of things, but the one thing that catches HEAVY every year is the range of live bands out there plying their trade. This year's BIGSOUND, to be held in the usual areas of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley over September 2 to 5, features more than 120 bands playing across 18 stages so it looks like we are going to have our work cut out for us. But getting to know the bands a little better beforehand always helps, so today we chat with one of the emerging bands from New Zealand heading this way for BIGSOUND, Grecco Romank. Described as offering dysfunctional music - the kind played in your uncle's garage rave while he's in the middle of a hellish k-hole after being dismissed from his drop-shipping office - in a world increasingly obsessed with the exact opposite, Grecco Romank are a breath of fresh air on a scene that is often weighed down too much in its own self-importance. But just to make sure the band are the genuine article, HEAVY sat down to chat with two of the three members, Billie Fee (classical soprano, vocals) and Damian Golfinopoulos (samples, synths and more), to find out just how interestingly different Grecco Romank really are. "I've listened to every single one," Damian replied when we mentioned the number of bands playing at BIGSOUND. "It's gonna be a good year, I'm excited." We ask Damian what bands stood out most after listening to them, not at all hoping to catch him out. "Spike Fuck, UGLi, Mumfighter, Shock Corridor," he quipped without missing a beat. Maybe they are the real deal... We ask how well prepared the band is for what will be a hectic few days in Australia. "We've definitely we've got a bit of homework to do on trying to plan our days and make sure everyone gets to see what they want to see," Billie smiled. "We're also bringing our manager, so he can go do a lot of that stuff on our behalf (laughs)." In the full interview, we further discuss Grecco Romank's upcoming performance at BigSound 2025 in Brisbane, where Damian and Billie shared insights about their band, which has been active for five years and has released three albums, primarily performing in Auckland. They described their music as a fusion of electronic elements and operatic vocals, emphasizing their goal of delivering an engaging live experience. The band is eager to connect with new audiences and fellow artists at the festival, and they plan to participate in workshops and networking events. They also mentioned an unofficial show at the Junk Bar and a subsequent gig in Melbourne. Additionally, they provided details about their acclaimed third album, Arts Colony, highlighting its collaborative nature, the inclusion of a 330-page art book, and a secret version accessible via a code in the book and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Interview by Angela Croudace Three decades into their career, Paradise Lost remain masters of gothic metal’s melancholic grandeur. With their new album Ascension, guitarist Gregor Mackintosh took on the dual role of musician and producer—a responsibility he says wasn’t a giant leap, given his growing involvement in shaping the band’s sound over recent albums. “In the past, producers used to be heavily involved in songwriting and structure,” Gregor explained. “Now it’s more about getting the sound in your head onto the record.” While self-producing offered him complete creative control, it also brought the risk of over-polishing, a trap he deliberately avoided. “Metal’s become so sanitised, chasing perfection until all the character is gone. I wanted Ascension to have flaws that give it life.” Inspiration for Ascension struck after a period of creative standstill, triggered, unexpectedly, by the band’s re-recording of their 1993 album Icon. “It put me in a different headspace,” Gregor says. The record’s visual identity came together just as organically, centred on George Frederick Watts’ Victorian painting The Court of Death, whose calm central figure surrounded by grief perfectly mirrored the album’s themes. For Gregor, Paradise Lost’s longevity comes from refusing to chase trends. “We’ve always done our own thing, not been part of any scene,” he says. “If it resonates, great—if not, so be it.” That independence extends to songwriting, where fan expectations take a back seat to authenticity. And while misery remains at the heart of Paradise Lost’s music, Gregor sees its appeal as intensely uplifting. “Dark music is evocative; it makes you feel something. It’s not about being miserable, it’s about connection.” Australian fans may get to experience Ascension live in early 2026, with tour plans currently in discussion. “Fingers crossed,” Gregor says. “We’d love to be back.” Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Interview by Kris Peters After championing the cause for Australian music for almost a decade via their weekly radio show, Rock Hard With Phil & Tish, the two co-hosts have decided to take the next step in their evolution, putting on the first-ever Rock Hard Festival in Adelaide. For two nights over October 10 and 11, Woodshed at Royal Park will host Aussie rock legends The Poor, headlining both nights with a selection of some of this country's hottest emerging bands such as Audio Reign, Karly Jewell, The Dreadful Tides, Ablaze, Avalanche and more. Not content to help grow and nurture homegrown talent over just the airwaves, Phil & Tish have decided to give the band a bigger platform from which to show their wares in the first of what is hoped to be a long-running annual concert event. HEAVY recently sat down with Phil & Tish, who were understandably a bit nervous with their roles as radio hosts/interviewers reversed. "We have a radio show on PBA FM every Wednesday night," Phil explained, setting the mood. "It's been going for about seven, eight years and is called Rock Hard with Phil and Tish, and we try to rock." "Yeah, PBA FM every Wednesday night," Tish reiterated. "We are 9pm Australian Central Standard Time, and we are your local insane metalheads. We're very much a variety show of heavy and hard rock." We bring up the excellent line-up and ask what their selection process was when deciding who to book. "We picked all bands we have relationships with over the journey," Phil measured. "We're fans of… I mean, The Poor… I was 14 when I got into them, and Skenie (vocalist) was the first interview I did where I actually reached out to someone that I grew up enjoying their music, and I thought I'll shoot him a message. I thought, I'm gonna fire a shot and see what he says, and a couple of weeks later he came back, and he said I'd love to have a chat, and I chatted to him for about an hour on the show. Because I'm such a fan - and when you're 14, they're like larger-than-life rock stars - and to think he's having a chat on our show probably opened up the courage for me to approach other bands and stuff that we've loved. Literally every band that we've got on this festival are just great Aussie bands, and we're so stoked that they've agreed to play." In the full interview, Phil and Tish shared insights into their planning for Rock Hard Festival, emphasizing their commitment to showcasing Australian talent and the challenges they faced in curating a lineup that reflects their personal relationships with the artists. They expressed excitement about the festival's potential, particularly with the inclusion of local bands and the overwhelming interest from musicians wanting to participate, as well as the scheduling of two nights of live entertainment and the reasonable ticket prices. They highlighted the festival's unique offerings, such as a special beer crafted by Beer No Evil and the decision to have The Poor headline both nights. We discussed the significance of including acts like Audio Reign, who were the first band interviewed in their studio, as well as their radio show Rock Hard and how and why they got into a radio career based in music, plus more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Interview by Angela Croudace Post-rock outfit In Transmission are back with their new EP, Betterment, a record that blends atmospheric beauty with an urgent social conscience. Frontman Martin says the inspiration behind lead single Catching Up (and the EP as a whole) comes from observing a world plagued by environmental and civil issues, often met with apathy. “When it’s out of sight and out of mind, it’s easy not to care,” Martin explains. “But if we ignore these things and just focus on our own individual lives, it’s going to catch up to us.” That message of personal accountability, particularly through mindful spending and daily decisions, threads through the band’s latest work. Betterment also represents an evolution in In Transmission’s sound. Known for their instrumental, post-rock style, the group has embraced a more vocal-forward approach, blending melodic guitar layers with a heavier edge. “It’s about trying to do better in all aspects — creatively and personally,” Martin says. “We’ve naturally gravitated toward a heavier live set, but still hold onto the atmospheric elements.” Recorded with longtime collaborator Beau Burchell, the EP benefited from Burchell’s ability to enhance rather than overhaul the band’s ideas. “He just takes what we have and makes it sound way better,” Martin notes. The writing process remains rooted in live jamming, with songs developing organically — sometimes in a single rehearsal, other times through extensive trial and error. Influences range from post-rock staples Mogwai and Sigur Rós to post-hardcore acts like Thrice, Citizen, and Basement. The Catching Up music video, filmed in a Los Angeles photo studio, takes a simple performance setup and adds a playful twist in the form of a motorised rotating floor. “It started as a joke,” Martin laughs, “but ended up being some of the coolest shots.” While touring is on hold due to new arrivals in the band’s extended family, Martin hopes Australia is in their future. A keen surfer, he dreams of spending a month exploring the coastline. “That’s why I haven’t gone yet — I want to do it properly.” For now, Betterment captures a band balancing introspection and intensity, with music that resonates as much in a wedding aisle as it does in a packed venue. Watch the interview for more on the sweet request from a fan to walk down the aisle to an In Transmission song. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Interview by Angela Croudace When Cursed hit number seven on the Spotify global charts, Paleface Swiss didn't just make a statement — they detonated it into the metal world. For guitarist Yannick Lehmann, the milestone still feels surreal. "It's unbelievable. We're completely DIY, no label, nothing — so to see that kind of success is mind-blowing," he says. Formed in 2018 as a local Swiss act, Paleface Swiss quickly built momentum in the hardcore beatdown scene before COVID shut the world down. Instead of stalling, the band doubled down, writing two albums and teasing songs online. Their audience was ready and hungry by the time live shows returned. Switzerland may be known for peace and neutrality, but Paleface Swiss are proud to represent the country's heavier side. "We love being the hardest band from our country," Yannick laughs. Yet the journey wasn't straightforward. Yannick initially joined as a studio guitarist, unsure about committing full-time. Fast forward to 2025, and he's now a full-time musician, having traded carpentry for crushing riffs. With its raw, live-ready sound, Cursed was born under sunny skies in Spain's Canary Islands, with palm trees, a pool, and nightly darts championships. "We had the time of our lives making it," Yannick recalls. "When we write, we write to play live — raw and powerful." That live energy translates into ferocious shows, whether it's sweaty clubs or on massive festival stages. Australian fans, he says, match the wild energy of U.S. crowds, with memories of wheelchair crowd-surfing standing out. This September, the band returns to Australia, bringing friends and early inspirations Nasty along for the ride — a full-circle moment for a band heavily inspired by them in their formative years. Paleface Swiss' Influences range from metal titans Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to Slipknot, hardcore heavyweights, and even dubstep and hip-hop. That genre-blending spirit gives Cursed unexpected textures without losing its bone-crushing core. Off stage, Yannick stays grounded, valuing personal connections with fans over rock-star distance. And while a mandatory stint in Swiss military service looms after the tour, there's minimal downtime in sight. "We never rest," he says. "There's always something to do." With their relentless drive and genre-defying edge, Paleface Swiss aren't just rewriting the rules for heavy music in Switzerland; they're smashing them to pieces globally. This Aussie run of shows is one you don't wanna miss! Tickets: https://thephoenix.au/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].