GBHBL Interviews

Urzah Interview: Bigger & Bolder: Talking 'A Tranquil Void'

Bristol’s progressive sludge quartet Urzah, are back with their much-anticipated sophomore album ‘A Tranquil Void’. It is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Scorching Gaze’ (2024, APF Records). The band’s sonic world draws on both the intensely personal – rage, loss, grief and self-doubt – and a profound awe and vulnerability in the face of the celestial and natural worlds, framing visceral human struggle within vast cycles of death, decay and rebirth. Conceptually, ‘The Scorching Gaze’ and ‘A Tranquil Void’ function as a visual, musical and thematic diptych; where their debut burned brightly with the rage and destruction of an erupting volcano, their new LP captures the cathartic, contemplative still that follows. Across 8 tracks, ‘A Tranquil Void’ pushes Urzah’s sound even further, combining brutal riffs, complicated meter and searing guitar tone with deeper explorations of space, dynamics and atmosphere, incorporating folk influences and drones built from cello and guitar. ‘A Tranquil Void’ will be released on June 5th, 2026, via APF Records. Recorded at Stage 2 Studios, Bath, in November 2025, the LP was produced, mixed and mastered by Josh Gallop. Cello was provided by Luke Clemenger, with additional vocals from Dave Cook (Empire of Dust), Chris Wilson (Row of Ashes) and Victoria Bourne (The Spark’s Desire). The album artwork was created by Indonesian artist Putra Satria Nugraha. To celebrate the release of their new album, Urzah are hosting a launch party at Exchange Bristol (main room) on Saturday 25th July with special guests HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN, MOUNTAINSCAPE and DEAD SPACE CHAMBER MUSIC. Saturday 23rd May - Bristol, Loco Klub (Temple of Doom festival) Friday 29th May - Bath, The Bell Wednesday 10th June - Portsmouth, Edge of the Wedge Thursday 11th June - Brighton, The Pipeline Friday 12th June - Kent, Poco Loco, Chatham Saturday 13th June - London, The Devonshire Arms, Camden Friday June 26th - Newport, McCann's Rock N Ale Bar Sunday June 28th - Torquay, Arena Saturday 25th July - Bristol Album Launch Party, Exchange Saturday 1st August - Chelmsford - Bay Days Festival In this interview, we dig into the detail behind the album with Urzah’s Tom McElveen (vocals/guitar), the journey to its release, playing live, and so much more. Find out more here: https://bio.site/urzah Website: https://gbhbl.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/gbhbl Ko-Fi (Buy us a coffee): https://ko-fi.com/gbhbl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHBL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhbl/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gbhbl.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gbhbl Contact: gbhblofficial@gmail.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gbhbl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4toGR0qap5zfoR4cIIBo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/the-gbhbl-podcasts/id1350465865 Intro/Outro music created by HexedRiffsStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSpZ6roX36WaFWwQ73Cbbg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hexedriffsstudio

Self Deception Interview: Talking 'One of Us' with Andreas (Vocals) and Ronny (Guitar)

Swedish modern rock unit Self Deception is set to unleash their Napalm Records debut, One of Us, on May 15th, 2026. A lot of people are going to love this album and I’m 100% convinced that they’re going to blow up even more once it has properly landed. How f**king cool is that!? Read the full album review here: https://www.gbhbl.com/album-review-self-deception-one-of-us-napalm-records/ We spoke to vocalist Andreas and guitarist Ronny about the album, finding the time to make it happen, the non-stop touring, and so much more. Find out more here: https://www.selfdeception.se/ Website: https://gbhbl.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/gbhbl Ko-Fi (Buy us a coffee): https://ko-fi.com/gbhbl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHBL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhbl/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gbhbl.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gbhbl Contact: gbhblofficial@gmail.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gbhbl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4toGR0qap5zfoR4cIIBo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/the-gbhbl-podcasts/id1350465865 Intro/Outro music created by HexedRiffsStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSpZ6roX36WaFWwQ73Cbbg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hexedriffsstudio

Who on Earth Interview: Talking 'It Takes the Village' with Coosh (Vocals) and Pete (Bass)

Who On Earth cut its teeth through relentless gigging across the New York tri-state area, with founding members Coosh and Pete previously tearing up stages as MadHaus. During 2020, the longtime collaborators shifted focus from covers to original material, quickly writing ten songs and entering Sonic Stomp Studio with producer Mike Orlando (Category 7, Adrenaline Mob). Joined by drummer Joe D’Aqui, the group crafted a heavy, story-driven sound rooted in influences like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Alice in Chains, and Tool. Despite pandemic delays, the sessions yielded their debut full-length album Blame’, released in October 2022. Following the addition of guitarists Bruce Gatewood and Johnny James Barone, the band gained traction with a heavier reimagining of Toto’s “Hold the Line,” now their most-streamed track. Lineup changes continued with drummer Howie Fallon joining in 2024, bringing renewed chemistry and power, though tragedy struck later that year with the passing of Gatewood. In late 2024, Jimmy Kocha joined, filling the role of co-lead guitarist, solidifying the lineup that is currently in full force today. Honoring his legacy, the band pushed forward, releasing the Smoke & Mirrors EP in March 2025—a sharp, socially reflective six-song release. Now the New Jersey hard rock/metal band, are back with their new album, ‘It Takes the Village’, out May 8th, 2026. What good’s a rock without a roll? It’s a question that all head bangers should know the answer too, but if you’re unsure, Who on Earth can tell you. It Takes the Village is a high-powered, energetic effort with heart and soul oozing from every aspect of it. They believe in what they do, and do it with aplomb, but they’re also not afraid to experiment too. This is what gives many tracks a bit more of a metal edge. Read the full album review here: https://www.gbhbl.com/album-review-who-on-earth-it-takes-the-village-self-released/ In this interview, we spoke to vocalist Coosh and bassist Pete about the new album, the journey to this point, and so much more. Find out more here: https://whoonearththeband.com/ Website: https://gbhbl.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/gbhbl Ko-Fi (Buy us a coffee): https://ko-fi.com/gbhbl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHBL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhbl/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gbhbl.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gbhbl Contact: gbhblofficial@gmail.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gbhbl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4toGR0qap5zfoR4cIIBo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/the-gbhbl-podcasts/id1350465865 Intro/Outro music created by HexedRiffsStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSpZ6roX36WaFWwQ73Cbbg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hexedriffsstudio

Infected Dead Interview: Rebirth - Talking 'Invicta'

The five-piece technical death metal band that is Infected Dead are reborn and this rebirth is heralded by the release of their brand-new EP, ‘Invicta’, out now. Impressively blending death metal rawness with expressive and mature progressive detail, Infected Dead’s modern incarnation is delivering some of the band’s strongest tracks to date. Where instrumental complexities meet the appealing sound of guttural heaviness, and the resulting outburst is delightfully vibrant. Read the full review here: https://www.gbhbl.com/ep-review-infected-dead-invicta-self-released/ In this interview, we chatted with Alex (rhythm and lead guitars) and Luke (bass and backing vocals) about the new EP, the rebirth of Infected Dead, how focused they are on the future, and so much more. Find out more here: https://linktr.ee/InfectedDead Website: https://gbhbl.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/gbhbl Ko-Fi (Buy us a coffee): https://ko-fi.com/gbhbl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHBL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhbl/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gbhbl.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gbhbl Contact: gbhblofficial@gmail.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gbhbl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4toGR0qap5zfoR4cIIBo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/the-gbhbl-podcasts/id1350465865 Intro/Outro music created by HexedRiffsStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSpZ6roX36WaFWwQ73Cbbg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hexedriffsstudio

VCTMS

Chicago based metalcore band, VCTMS, return with their brand new EP, Pain Processing II set for release on the 1st of May independently. Often described as metalcore, or Nu Metalcore, VCTMS incorporate splashes of hip-hop, darkwave, industrial, post-hardcore and more into their sound defying genre boundaries. At their core though, no matter how experimental they get, they are angry, delivering devastating metal, hellbent on groovy, chaotic, blistering and depressive noise with lyrical content that ranges from introspection to homicidal. VCTMS deliver quite a mammoth EP here, with 7 tracks and around 24 minutes of music, getting them close to album length in some genres. An EP that feels relentless in both intent and execution, balancing sheer aggression with more than enough creativity to keep things engaging throughout. The guest spots add genuine value, while the band’s own versatility gives the record real depth. It can feel overwhelming at times, but that chaos is part of the appeal. Ultimately, Pain Processing II is a heavy, modern release that hits hard, sticks with you, and shows there’s more to VCTMS than just unfiltered brutality. Read the full review here: https://www.gbhbl.com/ep-review-vctms-pain-processing-ii-self-released/ In this interview, we spoke with vocalist, John and guitarist, Mike, about the new EP and the VCTMS mentality as they end the 'Pain Processing' cycle. We also delve into their work ethic, their creative process, relentlessly touring, and so much more. Find out more here: https://vctmsofficial.com/ Website: https://gbhbl.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/gbhbl Ko-Fi (Buy us a coffee): https://ko-fi.com/gbhbl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GBHBL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbhbl/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gbhbl.com Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gbhbl Contact: gbhblofficial@gmail.com Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/gbhbl Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5A4toGR0qap5zfoR4cIIBo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/the-gbhbl-podcasts/id1350465865 Intro/Outro music created by HexedRiffsStudios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSpZ6roX36WaFWwQ73Cbbg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hexedriffsstudio