Interview Under Fire Podcast

Transience – the fleeting nature of existence, lasting only for a short time. For the German-based post-metal band Venues, this concept has profound meaning. Their latest album is a testament to their seamless transition into new chapters of their lives, both individually and collectively, a journey that is evident in their music. I had the pleasure of sitting down with members Lela, Robin, and Valentin to discuss "Transience" and the band's evolution over the past three years, both on and off the stage. Following the success of their previous album, "Solace," which firmly established Venues in the contemporary post-metal scene, the band has continued to push boundaries with "Transience," despite lineup changes. Their songwriting has never been more fluid, with each track brimming with significant passages and verses. As we kick off season 17, Venues remain driven by their passion for their craft. "Transience" is now available worldwide, showcasing Venues at their finest. Stay connected with Venues visit: https://arising-empire.com/artists/venues, https://www.facebook.com/VENUESofficial/ and https://www.instagram.com/venuesofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Nestled in central Massachusetts, the post-hardcore band Wind Walkers has carved out a niche in the scene with their blend of heavy, intricate guitar work, melodic hooks, and poignant lyrics. While these elements may echo those of other bands in the genre, Wind Walkers have managed to carve out their own identity since forming in 2017, quickly setting themselves apart. Frontman Trevor Borg sat down with us recently to discuss the band's journey and their second studio album, "What If I Break?," which has already garnered half a million streams. Trevor also opens up about stepping into the role of frontman and balancing his life as a father, a role he embraces despite its challenges. Prior to this interview, Trevor made the bold decision to leave his job to focus more on his creative pursuits and family life. Tune in now and don't forget to check out "What If I Break?," available worldwide. Stay connected with Wind Walkers, visit: https://windwalkersofficial.com/, https://www.facebook.com/windwalkersofficial/ and https://www.instagram.com/windwalkersofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Over the span of a decade, time can seem interminable, especially for music acts attempting to resume their careers after a long hiatus. However, fan-favorite death metal band Job For A Cowboy has managed to make a seamless transition back into the spotlight. Joining us in this episode is bassist Nick Schendzielos, who discusses the band's decade-long break and the release of their highly anticipated album, "Moon Healer." During their hiatus, Nick shares insights into the personal growth and pursuits of him and his bandmates, including obtaining educational degrees and exploring various aspects of life. After this much-needed break, Job For A Cowboy is back and better than ever, showcasing their comeback with "Moon Healer," now available via Metal Blade Records. Tune in to our conversation with Nick Schendzielos to learn more. Stay connected with Job For A Cowboy, visit: https://www.metalblade.com/jobforacowboy/, https://www.facebook.com/jobforacowboy/ and https://www.instagram.com/jfacofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Today, we are delighted to have frontwoman Britta Görtz from the German-based metal band Hiraes joining us. Britta, known for her work with other music acts like Chaos Rising and Critical Mess, founded Hiraes in the challenging year of 2020. Despite the difficulties, the chemistry she developed with her bandmates was immediate and profound. Following their signing with Napalm Records, Hiraes has released two albums, pushing the boundaries of melodic death metal. Now in their fifth year, Hiraes has garnered a dedicated fan base and has a packed tour schedule for 2024. We also delve into Britta's influences, both as an artist and as an individual, with her citing Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) as a significant inspiration. With her impressive vocal range, Britta continues to grow artistically, aided by her work with Hiraes. Tune in now and make sure to listen to their new album, "Dormant," available worldwide via Napalm Records. Stay connected with Hiraes, visit: https://www.hiraes.com/, https://www.facebook.com/hiraes.official/ and https://www.instagram.com/hiraes.official/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

“Cult Classic” has become a classic. The newest EP from LA-based duo Holy Wars showcases unique genre blending in the elements of hard rock and heavy metal, and they do it well. We welcome that duo, Kat Leon and Nick Perez on today's podcast to talk about this new album and what the future holds as they continue to trend upward on their musical journey together. Whether it's alternative rock, nu metal, hip hop, punk, or pop, Holy Wars have cemented an identity on “Cult Classic” that has captured the eyes of renowned outlets like Revolver and Knotfest, all the while racking 10 millions global streams in the process. They've been at this for several years, but Kat dives inside her personal experiences that also helped shape everything into what it is today, for herself and for Nick. Additionally, the experiences these two have gained together, as a couple and as bandmates, can be felt and heard inside the messages of their songs. Holy Wars is a testament to their love for the music, and they pull no punches on “Cult Classic.” Have we mentioned they've been at this for years? Well, make no mistake, they've found their stride and they're only warming up. Sit back, tune in, and buy and stream “Cult Classic” out now worldwide via Pale Chord. Stay connected with Holy Wars, visit: https://www.holywarsmusic.com/, https://www.instagram.com/holywarsmusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/HolyWarsMusic/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Brooklyn's finest have never looked better. We are of course, talking about rising metalcore group VRSTY (pronounced Varsity). We are joined by the uniquely talented frontman Joey Tyler. Joey is a Puerto Rican singer raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music, which makes it that much more impressive due to him taking the route to heavy metal. Equally inspired by metallic hardcore as a kid, Joey talks about his influences, musical and personal, that have shaped his repertoire into what it is today. Spoiler alert: It's amazing. Joey also dives into VRSTY's history from the last 10 years, and now, while outlets like SiriusXM, Blabbermouth, Outburn, and Kerrang are praising their work, it's a humbling yet rewarding feeling for Joey and company. And quite honestly, it's something to take note of. “I feel like I was even more just myself on this record,” says Joey about the new album “Levitate.” Many twists and turns are heard on this record, from post-metal, nu-metal, and to melodic metalcore. VRSTY have fused elements effortlessly, which will have other music acts turn their heads in their direction. Ending the year on a high note, it's time for VRSTY to grab hold of the momentum in 2024. Tune in now to our conversation with Joey and be sure to buy and stream another album-of-the-year contender in “Levitate,” out now worldwide via Spinefarm Records. Stay connected with VRSTY, visit: https://www.vrsty.nyc/, https://www.instagram.com/vrsty.nyc/ and https://www.facebook.com/vrsty.nyc/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

The amazing Sharon den Adel has made her long-awaited return, and not just on IUF, but with a brand new album from Within Temptation, titled “Bleed Out.” We last spoke with Sharon during the early days of the pandemic, and boy oh boy, times have changed since then. 3 years have gone by in a blink, and it's been a breath of fresh air getting the chance to speak to a renowned voice in heavy metal in today's age. Nearly 3 decades in, Sharon and her bandmates continue to refine the sound of symphonic metal, and it serves as a testament on “Bleed Out.” It's their first album since 2019's “Resist,” and it was more than worth the wait. We also dive into her solo project, called My Indigo, and what the future holds for that avenue from here on out. Within Temptation have routinely been credited as this powerhouse in the symphonic metal movement; The fans and even the new up-and-coming bands have cited them as influential to what they do. Sharon has been one of the most humble people we've ever had the privilege of speaking to, and we also want to thank her for her positive impact on the community. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this newest epic from the Dutch giants. “Bleed Out” is out now worldwide. Stay connected with Within Temptation, visit: https://www.within-temptation.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wtofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/wtofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

We recently welcomed back seasoned veteran guitarist Travis Miguel onto the podcast. It's been a couple of years traversing through the pandemic, and now with the world wide open again, Travis gets us caught up with everything he's been working on. Whether it's touring with metalcore giants Atreyu, or building the foundation with his side project, Fake Figures, Travis talks about his long artistic journey that he's been grateful for. Aside from this, we also talk about this influences, what the future holds for him and his bandmates, and the songwriting ideas that went behind the latest Fake Figures' EP, titled “From Within.” Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this new record, out now worldwide via War Against Records. Stay connected with Fake Figures, visit: https://www.waragainstrecords.com/fakefigures, https://www.instagram.com/fakefigures/, and https://www.facebook.com/fakefigures/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Siblings, artists, and talented chemistry. Anastasia and Max Haunt have all the tools to put together one of the rising bands in the contemporary alt-pop scene. We were recently joined by this duo to talk about their short yet successful journey in the last 8 years. The Haunt, who have been receiving widespread critical acclaim from their 2021 EP, “Social Intercourse,” have returned with “Dead On Arrival,” which more than picks up where they left off from their previous record. After receiving praise from outlets like Revolver, Outburn, and Alternative Press, it was important for Max, Anastasia, and the rest of the band to stay the course and build from the success. Even though it may be a challenging attitude approach with a young talented group like The Haunt, they make it look like seasoned vets in the industry. “Dead On Arrival” is out now worldwide via Nettwerk Music Group. Stay connected with The Haunt, visit: https://thehauntband.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wearethehauntand https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheHaunt/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Welcome to Rose City. Metalcore music of the modern era has been on the rise, and at a breakneck pace too, thanks to Portland, Oregon-based group Dying Wish pushing the movement forward. We were recently joined by the viciously talented frontwoman Emma Boster to talk about her beginnings with the band that kicked off in 2018. Five years into the gig, and two albums in, Dying Wish have amassed over 2.1 million Spotify streams and counting. Additionally, including widespread critical acclaim from outlets like Kerrang and Revolver magazine in the process. Emma talks about the successful path she and her bandmates have been on, and while they are gaining recognition, the focus stays the same: Continue pushing their talents and to keep the creative juices flowing while making the music they love. Plenty of this evidence can be heard on their latest record, “Symptoms Of Survival.” From songwriting, to personal experiences, and the chemistry that has been built from the start, Dying Wish pummels the listener into oblivion with this blistering journey of a record, leaving the consumer wanting for more. OH, and lastly, we should mention that Emma is a die hard Portland Trail Blazers fan, and this interview took place not long after the trade of Blazers' superstar Damian Lillard. We ask Emma about her thoughts on the trade, and what the future holds for her beloved team. This interview has everything. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream Dying Wish's “Symptoms Of Survival,” out now worldwide through Sharptone Records. Stay connected with Dying Wish, visit: https://dyingwishofficial.com/, https://www.instagram.com/dyingwishhc/ and https://www.facebook.com/DyingWish503/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Taking the sound of death metal back to its roots; We are joined by drummer Morten Hansen from danish-based band Asinhell. Morten, alongside bandmates from other heavy metal acts, Michael Poulsen (Volbeat), and Marc Grewe (Morgoth), didn't take long for their chemistry to develop into a full-fledged three piece. We talk to Morten about his relationship with his bandmates that served as a key factor into forming Asinhell in 2022. After a few sessions in a garage while catching the attention from one the worlds biggest heavy metal labels in Metal Blade, came their debut full-length LP “Impii Hora,” roughly translated from Latin to Ungodly Hour. While this may be a passionate side-project, Asinhell have picked up plenty of momentum, and “Impii Hora” is a testament to that combination of talents. Tune in now to our interview with Morten and be sure to buy and stream the new album from Asinhell, out now worlwide via Metal Blade Records. Stay connected with Asinhell, visit: https://asinhell.com/, https://www.instagram.com/asinhellmusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/AsinhellMusic/

Black metal. But make it western. We welcome frontman Shane McCarthy from Colorado-based black metal outfit, Wayfarer. In this episode of IUF, Shane talks about the 11-plus-year journey for the band, leading up to their fifth studio album, titled “American Gothic.” Powerful riffing, bleak melodic sensibilities and visceral songwriting have cemented Wayfarer as one of the modern innovators of the genre. Black metal may have been born in the Scandinavian countries of Northern Europe and the UK, but Wayfarer have now put in a twist of their own from the Western part of the globe. “American Gothic” showcases this creativity in tremendous fashion. In addition, Shane also talks about his love for Metallica and his first-ever experience in seeing the thrash legends in the flesh, and last but not least, his new chapter in life as a newlywed. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream “American Gothic,” out worldwide on October 27 via Profound Lore Records. Stay connected with Wayfarer, visit: https://wayfarercolorado.bandcamp.com/album/american-gothic, https://www.instagram.com/wayfarercolorado/ and https://www.facebook.com/wayfarercolorado/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Deathcore will never die. We welcome back a seasoned frontman from one of the genre's finest, Scott Lewis of Carnifex. Now reaching 18 years of brutality, the San Diego-based outfit continues to raise the bar with their upcoming 9th album, “Necromanteum.” Scott sits with us today to talk about the band's journey and bringing that level of consistency to his musicianship. We also dive back into Scott's talents away from the stage, and that entails his work as a published author, including his love for horror films. Plenty of themes and major afterlife concepts come into play with the majesty that is “Necromanteum,” and with Halloween around the corner, this is the perfect soundtrack to get you prepped. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this highly-anticipated album from Carnifex, unleashing hell on October 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. Stay connected with Carnifex, visit: http://www.carnifexmetal.com/, https://www.instagram.com/Carnifex/ and https://www.facebook.com/CarnifexMetal Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

The French are coming. Lyon's post-metal outfit Resolve have returned with their highly-anticipated sophomore effort, “Human.” We talk to bassist Robin Mariat about the formation of the band and the years leading up to their debut album “Between Me And The Machine” in 2021. Not only was that album a solid effort, but it was a product of work that put them on the map of the new generation of metalcore bands. Robin also talks about the writing and production processes which saw the band members raise the bar for each other, musically and artistically. “Human” is an album that delivers a unique take on the outlook of this wild wild planet we live in. This record not only showcases the talent for Resolve on a whole other level sonically, but it also displays the maturity of songwriting; A recipe for success and growing musicianship. Tune in now to our interview Robin, and be sure to buy and stream “Human,” out now worldwide via Arising Empire. Stay connected with Resolve, visit: https://resolveofficial.co/, https://www.instagram.com/resolveofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/resolveofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

“The Weight Of The Mask,” the newest album from post-hardcore outfit Svalbard, shows the evolution of not only the genre, but the band itself. Transcending over a decade through the sounds of heavy metal and blackgaze, and with a twist of melodic death, this UK-based quartet are now finally receiving the recognition they deserve. We are joined by the mesmerizing frontwoman, Serena Cherry, as she takes us through the weaves and turns that shpaed this album into the monster that it is. A big part of their newly found success came upon the recent signing with prominent music label, Nuclear Blast Records, which is a humbling yet very rewarding experience. Serena talks to us about this big chapter in her life and how she plans on taking her group to higher levels that are seemingly not so out of reach. And finally, we get the chance to nerd out with Serena about her interests in Pokemon and film soundtracks. We have a good episode in store for you here. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the new album from Svalbard. “The Weight Of The Mask” drops October 6 through Nuclear Blast Records. Stay connected with Svalbard, visit: https://linktr.ee/Svalbardhc, https://www.instagram.com/svalbard and https://www.facebook.com/svalbarduk/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

One of the more innovative progressive metal acts is back with their highly-anticipated 5th studio album, “War Of Being” from UK-based band Tesseract. We welcome back bassist Amos Williams onto IUF, and he talks about the writing process behind one of this year's top contending albums. While this record is aiming to be the band's best offering, Amos is someone who stays the course, and as a bassist, he's always staying on the creative side of things. If you know Tesseract, a good chunk of their music feeds from Amos's thundering bass patterns. One unique take from the new album comes from the world of gaming, as the band has developed a desktop computer game and VR experience from “War Of Being.” Constructed by Amos himself alongside frontman Daniel Tompkins, the gaming version has given Tesseract's fans another dimension to experience the music. This is an album that will need to be experienced on many fronts to appreciate and will be sure to please many music fans worldwide. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream “War Of Being,” unleashing September 15 through K Scope. Stay connected with Tesseract, visit: https://www.tesseractband.co.uk/, https://www.instagram.com/tesseractband/ and https://www.facebook.com/tesseractband Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

When it comes to the theatrics, heavy metal lore, humor, medieval themes, and fantasy, German folk-metal giants Feuerschwanz deliver. We are joined by founder and frontman of the band, Hauptmann Feuerschwanz to talk about the band's 11th studio album “Fegefeuer.” Nearly 2 decades of insane battlecry-filled up-tempo tunes, and taking the biggest stage performing at Wacken and Summer Breeze, this new chapter for Feuerschwanz is getting set to be their biggest yet. We also talk to Hauptmann about working with prominent music artist, Fabienne Erni from folk-metal mainstays Eluveitie, and how having her being a part of this new album expanded the musicality of Feuerschwanz. The band has been through countless journeys, and yet, the passion seems to always be at the highest level. A very fun and in-depth interview to tune into! Grab your sword and shield, and be sure to buy and stream “Fegefeuer,” the new album, out now worldwide via Napalm Records. Stay connected with Feuerschwanz, visit: https://feuerschwanz.de/, https://www.instagram.com/feuerschwanzband/ and https://www.facebook.com/feuerschwanz/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

“A puzzle, a painting, a work of art in the making.” Frontman Lucas Woodland from Wales-based post metal outfit Holding Absence recently joined the IUF podcast. It's been an insanely good and well-deserved journey for Lucas in the last eight years. In today's podcast, he talks about the early days of the band while establishing themselves as one of the forerunners of the new generation of post-metal. Now, with their new album titled “The Noble Art Of Self-Destruction,” Holding Absence have seemingly pushed their way to the top, and while hundreds of fans continue to flock in their direction, Lucas is sure to keep pushing the limits of the band. Aside from the music, we get the chance to nerd out with Lucas on his love for anime, Star Wars, and beyond. For fans of The Plot In You, Thornhill, and The Amity Affliction, make some room for Holding Absence. They belong here. “The Noble Art Of Self-Destruction” is out now worldwide via Sharptone Records. Stay connected with Holding Absence, visit: https://holdingabsence.com/, https://www.instagram.com/holdingabsence/ and https://www.facebook.com/Holdingabsence/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

“My biggest competition is myself.” We welcome back seasoned musician Nicole Papastavrou from rising bi-coastal progressive metal outfit, Kallias. On the cusp of unleashing their first LP, Nicole sits with us today to talk about the hard-grinding journey leading up to “First Ascent.” From the signing with Jackson Guitars to her passion of being a rock (or ice) climber, and finding a balance between being an established artist and a human being, Nicole opens up about all these undertakings that make up her character. One of the more in-depth discussions we've ever had on IUF, tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the debut album from Kallias, titled “First Ascent,” releasing August 25 via AISA Distribution. Stay connected with Kallias, visit: https://www.kalliasofficial.com/, https://www.facebook.com/kalliasofficial and https://www.instagram.com/kalliasofficial/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Evolution. If there's one word out there to describe deathcore mainstays Signs Of The Swarm, there you have it. We are joined by prolific drummer Bobby Crow to talk about one of the most creative deathcore albums in recent memory, titled “Amongst The Low & Empty.” In the last 10 years, the sound of deathcore has evolved, and while other notable acts like Lorna Shore, Thy Art Is Murder, and Slaughter To Prevail have played their part, Signs Of The Swarm deserve every bit of recognition in that group. Bobby talks about this process of keeping the music fresh and finding creative ways to compose such technicalities in a revitalized genre of heavy music. We also talk to Bobby about his rise to prominence amongst the best drummers today, and his life outside of the industry, involving getting engaged and moving into a new home on an already jam-packed summer. Tune into our in-depth discussion with Bobby Crow and be sure to buy and stream the new album, “Amongst The Low & Empty,” out now worldwide via Century Media Records. Stay connected with Signs Of The Swarm, visit: https://signsoftheswarm.com/bio, https://www.instagram.com/signsoftheswarm/ and https://www.facebook.com/signsoftheswarm/ Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/