Podcast
HEAVY Music Interviews
Hosted by HEAVY Magazine · EN
All the latest music interviews from the team at HEAVY Magazine.
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
HEAVY interviews the worlds leading rock, punk, metal and beyond musicians in the heavy universe of music.
We will upload the latest interviews regularly so before to follow our social accounts and our podcast account on www.speaker.com/user/heavy
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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Respect Where It's Due With ADAM BIGGS From RIVERS OF NIHIL
6d ago00:12:47Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersThis August, Tasmania's finest export, extreme metal pioneers, Psycroptic join like-minded-and-saxophone-wielding US progressive death wizards Rivers of Nihil for a co-headline tour that brings together two elite bands operating at the highest tier of modern death metal.For Psycroptic, the timing couldn’t be stronger. Off the back of relentless global touring alongside the likes of Dying Fetus, Ne Obliviscaris and Six Feet Under, the recently released singles, Architecture of Extinction and Falling, plus their ninth studio album set for a mid year release via Metal Blade Records, the band continue to prove why they remain Australia’s most respected technical metal export more than two decades in.Fellow Metal Blade label mates, Rivers of Nihil arrive riding the momentum of their 2025 self-titled release, a record that tightened their sound without losing the scope that has defined them since Where Owls Know My Name. Now fronted by bassist Adam Biggs, the band’s current form is more potent than it ever was.Joining them on all dates are Melbourne’s psychologically charged Growth who are on the eve of releasing part two of their highly anticipated album trilogy, Under The Under, and Sydney’s uncompromisingly brutal, Slaughtercult, rounding out a bill that is equal parts precision, atmosphere and outright savagery.HEAVY caught up with Biggs to find out more, starting with what has changed with Rivers Of Nihil since they were last out here in 2023."Since then we've put out a new record that we did last year," he measured. "It's our fifth studio album and a self-titled record, and is the first one with yours truly on on vocals alongside our new guitarist, Andy Thomas, also providing his soaring clean vocals and such like that. So it's a mix up in the lineup of the band, but I think we've put together a strong cluster of songs, especially to bring to the stage."With the tour being billed as a co-headline event, we ask Biggs if that means themselves and Psycroptic will alternate playing last each night or whether it means something else."I think we're playing the same length set," he replied, obviously unsure himself. "I can't remember if we are alternating or not, but I'm fairly certain it's Psycroptic closing the show for the most part. I mean, we're on on their home turf and they're the national Australian death metal band so it's hard to argue with that (laughs)."In the full interview, Adam spoke more about the tour and what to expect, including having the final date at Necrosonic Festival in Brisbane. We talked about what fans can expect, as well as his recent transition to frontman and how easy that move was for him.Their latest self titled album was mentioned, including which album song was the most challenging to learn to play live and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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THE LIVING END: Still Trusting Rock And Roll With SCOTT OWEN
6d ago00:16:55Tap to summarizeInterview by Ali WilliamsSome bands age quietly into legacy status, then there is The Living End, who appear to have treated the passing of time as a personal dare.After decades of twisting punk, rockabilly, sharp-suited swagger and full-throttle Australian rock into something entirely their own, the band are now being welcomed into the ARIA Hall of Fame. For bass player Scott Owen, speaking with HEAVY Magazine’s Ali Williams, the honour is still landing somewhere between pride, disbelief and that very Australian instinct to not make too much of the emotional bit in case someone notices.He admits the induction has made the band stop and reflect, which is no small task when you are part of a group that has spent most of its life moving at the speed of a getaway car with a double bass in the back seat. The Living End’s first EP arrived in the mid-’90s, the first record followed in 1998, and Scott and Chris Cheney had already been playing together since around 1990. The mathematics, as Scott cheerfully points out, are “confronting”. Fair. Nobody asked time to come in here with a calculator and start being rude.But that long history is exactly why The Living End still matter. They were never neatly slotted into the machinery around them. In the ’90s, when Triple J was a very different beast and Australian alternative music had its own wild ecosystem, The Living End were not simply alternative. They were, in Scott’s words, “the alternative to the alternative” - a strange, sharp, highly flammable hybrid of rockabilly and punk that did not fit anywhere and therefore carved out its own corner by force.That identity has not softened. It has become the band’s signature. Scott’s double bass remains one of Australian rock’s great visual and sonic weapons. It is not just an instrument in The Living End; it is part of the architecture. Alongside Chris Cheney’s famously elastic guitar work and the locked-in chemistry that only comes from surviving decades of stages, buses, hotels, rehearsals, chaos and suspiciously romantic dinners together, the band still carry a sense of occasion every time they step up. Scott jokes that he and Chris have probably had more romantic dinners together than any couple in the world. Somewhere, a relationship counsellor just threw away their notebook.That chemistry also includes Andy Strachan, affectionately referred to by Scott as “the new guy”, despite having been in the band for around 20 years. Rock and roll timelines are ridiculous. A man can spend two decades behind the kit and still be treated like he has just wandered in with fresh ID and a lunchbox.Swinging back to one of the year’s great live surprises: Jimmy Barnes joining The Living End onstage at the Hotel Brunswick. Scott says it was a hard secret to keep after finding out that morning, because the whole point was to blow everyone’s minds without warning. Mission accomplished. When Barnesy appears unannounced at a pub gig, that is not a cameo. That is a national incident with vocals.For Ali, who had been in work mode in the media pit before realising she was casually talking to Jimmy Barnes himself, the moment became one of those live music memories that gets filed under: “This is why we leave the house.” It also reinforced something that runs right through the interview: the irreplaceable magic of real bodies, real instruments, sweaty venues and the shared lunacy of a crowd being lifted by noise.That idea sits at the heart of The Living End’s current chapter. Their upcoming run carries the spirit of I Only Trust Rock N Roll, a sentiment Scott says came from the same place many of the new songs did: the strange, rattled, post-2020 world where everything suddenly felt unstable and everyone started wondering what, if anything, could still be trusted.For Scott, the answer is simple. Rock and roll still feels real. Still, for all the shifts around them, The Living End’s purpose remains gloriously direct. They like to put on a show. They like leaving people wondering what the hell just happened. They like blowing the roof off the joint, whether that joint is a festival stage, a regional venue, or the kind of pub where the walls know more secrets than the patrons.Their latest album bares the same namesake as their upcoming tour - I Only Trust Rock N Roll. The album is available now on all platforms and for tickets and tour information head to www.thelivingend.com.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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AUGUST BURNS RED's MATT GREINER Promises Emotional Australian Return This September
6d ago00:17:58Tap to summarizeInterview by Angela CroudaceAfter more than two decades as one of metalcore’s most respected bands, August Burns Red are finally heading back to Australia this September, and drummer Matt Greiner says the excitement from fans has been overwhelming. Speaking ahead of the tour, Greiner revealed Australia will be the first country to experience a full headline run celebrating the band’s upcoming album Season Of Surrender.Greiner admitted the response to the announcement caught him off guard, comparing it to the excitement the band experienced when first touring internationally in the late 2000s. “It felt like that level of excitement again,” he shared, reflecting on the flood of messages from Australian fans eager to welcome the band back after such a long absence.The veteran drummer also opened up about how surreal it feels to still be connecting with audiences after 23 years. These days, Greiner is not only performing to longtime supporters, but also teaching drum lessons to the children of fans who grew up with August Burns Red. He described it as both humbling and rewarding to see the band’s music continuing to inspire a new generation of heavy music fans.Family was another major topic during the conversation, with Greiner speaking warmly about balancing life on the road with being a father. He praised his wife for supporting the demanding touring lifestyle and shared how much it means to have his family behind him while continuing to chase opportunities around the world.Matt also expressed excitement about touring alongside rising Australian acts Bloom and I Promise The World, explaining that helping younger bands grow is something he deeply values. Looking ahead to September, he promised Australian crowds energetic shows, genuine fan interaction and a celebration of the connection that has kept August Burns Red thriving for more than two decades.Check out the full interview for plenty more...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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Rockin' Down Under With BENJAMIN BERDOUS From SLOMOSA
2w ago00:13:24Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersThis week the global rock underground is shifting its focus Down Under as Norwegian stoner rock prodigies Slomosa touch down for their first-ever Australian headline tour. Armed with their critically acclaimed album Tundra Rock, the Bergen-based quartet is prepared to bring a sonic avalanche to local music venues.Dubbed the "New Kings of the Stone Age" by critics, Slomosa has captured global attention by bridging continents with their self-coined genre, Tundra Rock. Their signature sound seamlessly fuses the classic, sun-baked distortion of the California desert rock scene with the icy, atmospheric weight of their Nordic homeland. The result is a monolithic wall of sound packed with Kyuss-style riff worship, grunge-laced hooks, and a relentless punk energy. This devastating live reputation is no mere internet hype; the band has already spent years leveling massive European festival stages and earning public praise from legendary heavy hitters like Helmet, Mastodon, and Alkaline Trio. This lightning-fast, three-night headline run promises to turn local rooms into sweaty, high-octane mosh pits. Joined by Australian heavy-rock mainstays Khan, the tour kicks off on Friday, 22 May at Max Watts in Melbourne, moves to Crowbar Sydney on Saturday, 23 May, and wraps up at Crowbar Brisbane on Sunday, 24 May. With tickets selling fast and Aussie fans eager to witness this sonic collision of desert heat and Arctic frost, this is a landmark debut tour you cannot afford to miss. HEAVY caught up with frontman Benjamin Berdous on his day off to find out more. We spoke about what the band are doing in their down time, their excitement to finally make it to Australia and their determination to leave everything on stage.Benjamin talked about playing smaller, more intimate venues as opposed to larger festival stages, their nightly mission when they hit the stage, mixing songs from the bands two albums into a setlist and more.Tickets www.thephoenix.auBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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LEX LEGION: Old School Metal Mixed With Fresh Blood
2w ago00:15:17Tap to summarizeInterview by Ali WilliamsMetal legends Andy La Rocque (King Diamond) and Nils K Rue (Pagans Mind) hooked up with HEAVY Mag's Ali Williams to chat about their new project Lex Legion and their new album. Joining La Rocque and Rue are Pete Blakk (King Diamond), Mikkey Dee (King Diamond, Scorpions, Mötorhead) and Hal Patino (King Diamond). Lex Legion’s debut album is set for release on June 12, and while the band may be newly announced to the world, the machinery behind it has been grinding away for years. What began as riffs and ideas between Andy and Pete back in 2008 was left sitting in the heavy metal vault for a while, not forgotten so much as waiting for the right moment to come stomping back through the door wearing boots. That moment arrived during the pandemic, when the world had been forcibly unplugged and musicians, like the rest of us, suddenly found themselves staring at time like it was an unfamiliar household appliance. Pete started writing again, played some material for Mikkey Dee, and the wheels began turning. Mikkey heard something worth chasing, Andy was pulled back into the fold, and what had once been a half-shelved idea began growing teeth. From there, the lineup expanded with Hal Patino joining the project, before the search began for the right voice. There were names considered, big ones too, but Andy already had someone in mind. Having worked with Nils K. Rue years earlier, he knew the Pagan’s Mind vocalist had the right kind of power, range and character to carry what Lex Legion were building. Mikkey agreed fairly quickly, apparently needing only to hear Nils before deciding that, yes, that was the bloke for the job. Convenient, really, when the singer turns out to be the missing piece instead of another three-month committee discussion.The result is a band that may be fresh on paper but is hardly operating on beginner settings. These are players with serious history behind them, but Lex Legion has no interest in being a nostalgia project or a backdoor continuation of King Diamond. Andy was clear that while the connection between members is obvious, the intention was never to clone the past. King Diamond is its own beast. Lex Legion, he explained, needed to be something separate. That distinction matters. The album carries the spirit of late ’70s and early ’80s heavy metal, the kind that still had grease under its fingernails and a pulse you could feel through the floor, but it is not trapped in a museum cabinet. Andy described the material as less complex and less progressive than some of the old King Diamond work, with more emphasis on flow, melody and straight-up heavy metal punch. In other words, it knows where it came from, but it is not standing there waving a faded flag and yelling at clouds.Lex Legion does not sound like a file-sharing experiment held together by Wi-Fi and optimism. It sounds like musicians who know each other’s instincts, know when to push, and know when not to smother a song under unnecessary cleverness. The first single, Sleep Eternally, has already landed with a response that surpassed Andy’s expectations, and with another single due before the album, the early signs are strong. The band is not rushing straight onto the road, though. Mikkey’s commitments with Scorpions keep him busy through much of the year, so touring is more likely to become a serious discussion for next year. Importantly, Lex Legion is not being treated as a studio-only side quest. Andy made it clear that live shows are part of the plan when the timing lines up, and there are already ideas forming for a second album. Ambitious, yes. Reckless? Maybe a little. But metal has never exactly thrived on sensible office planning. As for Australia, Andy admitted he has never made it down here with King Diamond, though other members have done the trip with their respective bands. The prospect of Lex Legion eventually making their way Down Under was warmly welcomed, and judging by the appetite here for heavy metal with roots, weight and actual identity, there will be no shortage of people ready to greet them with raised horns and mildly concerning enthusiasm. Lex Legion now stand at the beginning of their own first chapter, albeit with a few veterans at the wheel and absolutely no need for learner plates. The debut album arrives June 12, Sleep Eternally is already out in the wild, and if the early reaction is anything to go by, this is not just a side project shuffling politely into the room. It is old-school heavy metal with fresh intent, built by people who know exactly what they are doing and, mercifully, are not interested in polishing all the bite out of it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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Going It Alone With RACHEL BOLAN
2w ago00:18:51Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersGargoyle of the Garden State, the highly anticipated debut solo album from Skid Row co-founder and bassist Rachel Bolan, releases on 12 June 2026 via earMUSIC. Stepping into the spotlight under the moniker BOLAN, this record marks a monumental milestone in the musician's four-decade career. Driven by a desire to craft something entirely his own, Bolan handles the vast majority of the recording duties himself, taking over lead vocals, bass, and most of the guitar tracks.Rooted deeply in the grit, attitude, and storytelling traditions of his New Jersey upbringing, the album is a high-octane sonic journey. Musically, it breaks away from standard hair metal conventions, leaning instead into a raw, hook-driven fusion of punk rock energy and melodic sensibilities. Bolan weaves a lifetime of diverse influences into the tracklist, drawing inspiration from Britpop, glam, new wave, and 1980s John Hughes cinema, even incorporating a sitar on the distinctly pop-punk track Memory.Though it is a solo venture, Bolan shares the experience with an impressive, star-studded lineup of close friends and peers. Listeners can expect guest appearances from legendary artists like Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Steve Conte, and Damon Johnson. Furthermore, Bolan’s Skid Row family - including Scotti Hill, Dave "Snake" Sabo, and drummer Rob Hammersmith - lend their talents to various tracks. Ultimately, Gargoyle of the Garden State serves as an uncompromising, honest reflection of Bolan’s true musical identity, balancing serious, reflective songwriting with an undeniable, upbeat rock-and-roll party atmosphere.HEAVY sat down with Bolan to find out more, asking him to describe what he was going for musically with the album."I was just going for a raw feel," he explained. "This record sums up me and what's going on in my head, you know, and it was fun to play guitar. I played all the rhythms and the bass, did most of the singing and then had a whole bunch of friends come in and contribute, which meant the world to me."We ask why now, after more than 40 years in music, is the right time to make a solo album."You know, I didn't find the time. The time kind of found me," he smiled. "We had downtime with Skid Row while we were searching for a vocalist and I had a bunch of songs. I kept writing through the whole process and it was more it's not now or never, but now would be a good time (laughs)."In the full interview, Rachel speaks more about Gargoyle of the Garden State and the songs on it, reflecting on the two singles released to date and if they are a good sonic representation of the album as a whole. We talked about lead track Anything But You and why it was chosen as first introduction to his solo work, plus the influence New Jersey and its way of life had on the album.We talked more about the guest artists and why they were chosen, having his Skid Row bandmates on there and why, the title and where it comes from, playing these songs live and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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A Sense Of Familiarity With ROBERT ORTIZ From ESCAPE THE FATE
2w ago00:21:48Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersFor over two decades now, Escape The Fate have been one of the most recognisable names in modern hard rock, building an incredible catalogue packed with stadium-wrecking hooks, ferocious riffs and the kind of jackhammer heaviness that has kept fans coming back since their breakthrough record, 2008’s This War Is Ours. The bands latest release, 2025’s Redefined, once again showcases a band that comfortably moves between crushing heaviness, soaring choruses and anthemic rock moments like true masters of their craft.Australia has always held Escape The Fate close to their hearts with the bands fanbase being one of the most loyal in the world, patiently waiting three long years for their return. That patience will be rewarded with a live show packed with fan favourites, massive singalongs and the kind of explosive energy that has defined Escape The Fate’s reputation as one of the greatest live acts of their era.HEAVY sat down with drummer and founding member Robert Ortiz to find out more, asking him what has changed with the band since their last visit three years ago."I can't believe it's been that long," he almost apologised. "That's insane. Mainly it's just the dynamic that has changed. The vision, the devotion, the hard work, the dedication, as Floyd Mayweather always used to like to say. We're very excited about the new album. We spent the majority of the last two years writing, recording and relaxing a little bit. There's been some stuff where, personally, I had to deal with a couple of things with my family and some loss and things like that, but I spent time with my daughters and all that kind of stuff while working on new music, which we're so incredibly excited for."In the full interview, Robert emphasized Escape The Fate's energetic, authentic live presence and praised guitarist Matty's musicianship, contrasting current purpose-driven touring with earlier, less focused periods. He recounted recent touring with Lacuna Coil and audience engagement varying by market. He also summarized the band's origins in the Las Vegas scene and how regional club touring shaped their development.Robert described their most recent single Deja Vu as lyrically focused on vocalist Craig's sobriety and recurring fears and musically introducing a darker digital element. He said the single signals the album's direction but does not represent the whole record. The album is characterized as the band's most cohesive to date while stylistically diverse, containing a full thrash song featuring blast beats and double bass, some pop-leaning tracks that retain dark tones and plenty more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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The Birth Of Bitchin' Blues Rock With ROSE CARLEO
3w ago00:09:43Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersAustralia’s own Rose Carleo Band returns with a bold, soul-stirring new album, 42 Days, out now. A deeply personal and sonically rich collection, this release captures the very essence of resilience, transformation, and raw human emotion.Fronted by acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and next Queen of Rock Rose Carleo, the band has carved out a reputation for blending blues, rock, and roots with heartfelt storytelling. Joining Rose is a powerhouse line-up featuring guitarist and co-writer Mick Adkins, bassist Bill Kervin, and drummer Mick O’Shea. 42 Days marks a defining chapter, an album born from a period of intense reflection and creative rebirth.Leading the release is the focus track, 42 Days, a powerful centrepiece that encapsulates the spirit of the record. Driven by Carleo’s commanding vocal performance and anchored by gritty instrumentation, the track explores endurance, healing, and the emotional weight of time. It’s both deeply personal and universally relatable – a song that lingers long after the final note.HEAVY sat down with Rose Carleo to find out more, starting by asking how she is feeling with the album finally out."Over the moon," she enthused. "It's finally here. Yeah, really, really happy. It's a very personal album, as I guess all albums are, but this is especially. And we had to put it off for about six months due to some commitments I had earlier last year and here it is finally."We ask Rose to describe the album musically."It's an honest album," she replied. "It's an album full of emotion and I guess real life experience. And it's a rock and Bitchin' Blues rock album, I reckon that's sort of how we feel about it. We're not just blues, we're not just rock, we're not just heavy rock, we're a bit of everything, so we like to call it Bitchin' Blues rock."In the full interview, Rose described 42 Days as a personal record blending hard rock and blues she calls Bitchin' Blues rock, with the opening track You Ain't Foolin' Me selected for strong impact. The album was delayed about six months because of earlier commitments. Rose said the record lacks a single defining track due to its eclectic mix and that surplus recorded songs allowed careful sequencing.We spoke about Rose's appearance on The Voice and how it influenced the album, her journey through music, upcoming shows and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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Casting A Sonic Spell With BAILEY SPINN
3w ago00:12:44Tap to summarizeInterview by Kris PetersRising rock force Bailey Spinn is casting a spell with her hypnotic new single, “Voodoo,” out Friday, May 15. Dark, addictive, and laced with attitude, the track leans into a moody rock soundscape built on pulsing production, gritty guitars, and Bailey’s signature bite. Co-written and produced by Jon Lundin (FEVER 333, State Champs, Senses Fail), “voodoo” captures the intoxicating push-and-pull of parasocial relationships. With its haunting atmosphere and cathartic chorus, the track feels tailor-made for late-night drives and scream-at-the-top-of-your-lungs moments alike. “Voodoo” follows Bailey’s biting anti-Valentine’s Day anthem “Homicide,” along with standout singles “Critical” and “Fear Of Going Out,” which earned praise in the press and showed the artist venturing into heavier sonic territory. Artists such as Bailey Spinn are pivotal in bridging the divide many younger listeners find between pop music and the heavier elements, with their deviations into heavier landscapes lessening the blow felt by some growing musical tastebuds when it comes to rock and metal. Bailey is perhaps at the forefront of the current transition, mixing pop, punk, rock and attitude into an easily digestable sonic experience that acts as an ideal stepping stone between a plethora of genres.HEAVY sat down with Bailey to discuss her new single Voodoo and her shift into heavier territory."I definitely like to do a little bit of metalcore," she smiled. "I like to get as close to a metal song as I can, but I also don't know how to scream so I love to teeter on the line of how far can I go without screaming (laughs). There's a really heavier, breakdown bit - as I love to do - and I really wanted to do something dark and a little bit scary. A lot of my imagery for the song was haunted and a bit scary, kind of based around a voodoo doll."Voodoo continues Bailey's recent flirtation with heavier music, leading HEAVY to ask if it is a conscious shift towards such elements, orif it has been more of a natural progression."I think it definitely was a conscious shift," she nodded. "I had tried to put some heavier songs on the past album and they didn't really feel like a good fit at the time. When I was writing the new stuff, I kept trying to do pop rock and it just wasn't sitting with me as much as it used to. I had been really diving into listening to heavier music and going to a lot of heavier festivals myself, and what I was inspired by was very different from what I started out being inspired by. Avril Lavigne and Paramore moved to (bands like) Bring Me the Horizon and Pierce the Veil and Motionless In White and started veering more heavy than poppy. So I decided I wanted to try heavier and I loved it. The first song, I just felt right when I did it. I was like, I think this is the right step for me."In the full interview Bailey discusses Voodoo in greater detail as well as her gradual shift into heavier music. She describes her influences and how they have impacted her music, including the use of breakdowns in her songs.Bailey addresses the potential for younger, existing fans to be confused at her shifting between genres, as well as the importance of staying true to yourself and inviting listeners to experience such changes with you. She discussed her new album and how the three singles released so far reflect the overall sonic structure of the album, as well as the personal nature of her lyrics and how they connect with her fanbase.Her transition from TikTok personality into cover songs and ultimately original music was discussed, including different demands each platform can create and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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Immersive Soundscapes And Their Inherent Beauty With TARJA
3w ago00:12:04Tap to summarizeInterview by Cecilia Pattison-LeviSince launching her solo career, Tarja has consistently charted internationally and built one of the most loyal fanbases in the genre, willing to follow her in every new adventure.Across more than two decades, Tarja has released a highly successful catalogue, reaching the Top 10 of multiple European album charts and establishing herself as an artist of rare consistency and presence. Her live performances have become a defining element of her career: touring worldwide and appearing as a celebrated guest at major metal festivals, Tarja creates a powerful and emotional connection with audiences, turning every show into a memorable experience.Tarja will release her new album Frisson Noir on June 12, an album which reflects her ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the power and intensity of contemporary metal. The album moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful guitar-driven moments, creating a sonic tapestry that enriches the experience.At the center of the soundscape is Tarja’s distinctive voice, moving effortlessly between fragile emotional expression and operatic power. Around it, orchestral arrangements, choirs, and layered instrumentation create a cinematic world that constantly shifts between darkness and light, exploring deeply human themes such as fear, beauty, nostalgia, resilience, defiance, transformation, identity, disappearance, independence, trust, and perseverance.HEAVY sat down with Tarja to discuss the album in greater detail. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
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