The Heavy Galaxy Show

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, John and Matt chat with drummer/vocalist Zach Wheeler and bassist/vocalist Sebastian Baltes from Nashville heavy rock honchos HOWLING GIANT. The guys chat about the trio's sophomore full-length 'Glass Future' and discuss the band's more concise approach to the songwriting compare to their debut LP 'The Space Between Worlds'. Zach and Sebastian discuss the band's first single/video 'Aluminum Crown' and how the song was originally scheduled to feature the late-great Mark Lanegan on vocals before his passing in 2022. Baltes talks about being the son of legendary bassist Peter Baltes from German classic metal kings ACCEPT and how joined the three-piece midway through the recording of the band's debut LP back in 2019. Wheeler discusses the bands triple-attack vocal approach and how challenging it is performing led vocals and drums simultaneously and much more. Go to www.HeavyGalaxy.com for all interviews/episodes.

Matt and John chat it up with PATRIARCHS IN BLACK guitarist Dan Lorenzo (Cassius King/Vessel Of Light/Non Fiction/Hades) and drummer Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative/Quiet Riot) to talk about the duo's sophomore LP 'My Veneration'. The guys discuss the band's unique approach in selecting multiple vocalists on their first two records and the additional elements that were incorporated into the stellar follow up to 2021's 'Reach For The Scars'. Lorenzo and Kelly discuss the differences between a traditional rock/metal band who writes and records music together in a studio compared to what PIB does with their approach as band members who live a significant distance from one another. The guys discuss their recent Grammy nomination consideration for their cover of the Led Zeppelin track 'Friends' which also features renowned vocalist Militia Vox (Judas Priestess). Kelly fills us in on current happenings with his latest project EYE AM which features fellow Type O Negative member Kenny Hickey and Crowbar guitarist/vocalist Kirk Windstein. Lorenzo gives us the latest on his other bands Vessel Of Light, Cassius King and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt and John chat with HAUNT/BEASTMAKER mainman Trevor William Church. Trevor talks growing up in the music world with his father/legendary bassist Bill 'The Electric' Church (Montrose/Sammy Hagar/Van Morrison) and his soon-to-be-released biography 'THE ELECTRIC CHURCH'. Church discusses the recent reactivation of doom metal masters BEASTMAKER and whether or not they will be releasing new music any time soon. Trevor talks the high-production on HAUNT's most recent full-length release 'GOLDEN ARM', his experiences with John at Stoned & Dusted 2018' with BEASTMAKER and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt chats with PRONG mainman Tommy Victor about the band's 13th studio full-length 'STATE OF EMERGENCY'. Tommy discusses the his recent relocation from Los Angeles to New York and how it influenced the songwriting and attitude on the record. Victor discusses going back to the band's roots in terms of the album's songwriting and how Prong continues to be one of the only bands to continue playing the groove metal sound of the 90's. Tommy talks about the band's questionable decision to take musical risks on a major label, how band's such as Fear Factory and Static-X modeled their style after his riffs, playing the parking lot at Met Life Stadium in New Jersey before the recent Metallica concert. tour plans for the new record and more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, John sits down with vocalist Wil Martin from Los Angeles hard rock vets Earshot. The guys chat about the recent singles released by the band and discuss their upcoming full-length expected in Spring 2024'. Wil discusses his foray into music, going from a guitar player to a full-time singer, touring with Filter and experiencing Richard Patrick's difficulties on the road, Earshot's upcoming tour and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt & John sit down with guitarist/vocalist Dan Frick and bassist Kip Page from San Diego heavy rockers FORMULA 400. The guys discuss the bands latest release 'Divination' and the inspiration behind the album's first single 'Whiskey Bent'. Frick & Page discuss the band's decision to add a more heavier edge to their overall sound as well as the recent lineup change with the addition of new guitarist Alex Zambon. Page discusses this year's SoCal Heavy Jam and the impetus for putting together the annual festival. The guys get into a discussion about the San Diego scene and how it has grown to become one of the biggest hotbeds for heavy rock over the last two decades. Frick and Page talk about their favorite and least favorite live experiences with the band, challenges for San Diego bands when it comes to touring and much more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, John Gist returns as he and Matt sit down with THUNDER HORSE guitarist/vocalist Stephen Bishop to talk about the bands new album 'After The Fall'. Bishop talks on what factors inspired the musical direction of their third full-length and what makes guitarist Todd Connally such a force to be reckoned with in the underground heavy rock/metal scene. Stephen discusses his musical journey that began in San Antonio as a late-teen and whats makes the city such a hotspot for rock and metal. Bishop discusses his time as a frontman for Cleopatra recording artists and industrial metal heavyweights PITBULL DAYCARE, how the new album has been able to attract fans across several different sub-genres and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt sits down vocalist Karl Agell to talk about new band LIE HEAVY and their debut release ‘Burn To The Moon. Agell discusses the bands formation and musical direction while explaining his vocal approach on the record and how he goes about writing lyrics. The guys discuss Karl’s history as a vocalist that began in the southern Connecticut hardcore-thrash scene back in the mid-to-late 80’s with his bands Seizure and School Of Violence. Agell talks about his time with the legendary Corrosion of Conformity and the band’s iconic ‘Blind’ album as the band successfully transitioned to a different sound and style during the early 90’s. Agell discusses forming LEADFOOT after his departure from COC and talks about the debacle with Roadrunner Records upon releasing their debut album ‘Bring It On’ in 1997. Karl talks about his current projects including celebrating the late-great Eric Wagner in LEGIONS OF DOOM and replacing him as the vocalist for THE SKULL, his appearance on the up-coming PATRIARCHS IN BLACK album, how he has been able to keep his vocal prowess intact after years in the music business and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt sits down with MONSTER MAGNET guitarist Phil Caivano to talk his debut self-titled solo release CAIVANO. Caivano discusses the writing and recording process the took place during the pandemic for the album and how the music compares to what he’s know for musically over the course of his forty-five plus year career. Phil discusses his decades long-relationship with Monster Magnet frontman Dave Wyndorf and how they have been able to maintain a strong friendship and working relationship that started in the late 70’s with the punk band SHRAPNEL. The guys get into a discussion of the New York City heavy rock scene in the early 90’s when Caivano was the frontman for sleaze rock heavyweights BLITZSPEER and discuss the legendary rock club Limelight/Rock N Roll Church where the band recorded a live record for major label Epic/Sony. The guys have a extended discussion on Caivano’s late-friend and former bandmate Todd Youth and his the under the radar musical career that saw him record and play with Danzig, Ace Frehley, Cheap Trick and more. Phil talks about Monster Magnet’s recently completed European tour and the bands upcoming appearance at Desertfest NY, his take on the stoner rock moniker, his plans for the solo record in terms of playing live shows and more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, John & Matt sit down with BORRACHO guitarist/vocalist Steve Fisher and talk about the heavy rock trio's soon-to-be-released fifth LP "Blurring The Lines Of Reality". Fisher starts off by discussing the bands AI generated album cover and fills us in on the record's first single 'Architects Of Chaos Part I' and the song's concept which includes two additional parts/tracks that make up the first side of the upcoming LP. Steve talks about growing up in Kenya and how he was a part of the first rock band in the country's history while getting to meet Lemmy's son while he was vacationing in the African nation. The guys discuss the rich history of the DC/Baltimore/Virginia heavy rock scene and the close knit community that encompasses it. Fisher talks about his current view of the heavy rock scene and how it's becoming a caricature of itself, how he envisions his songwriting as Black Sabbath recording Pink Floyd songs, his appreciation and respect for Fu Manchu, his experience playing with the late Rev. Jim Forrester and SERPENTS OF SECRECY and much more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, Matt & John chat with HIGH DESERT QUEEN vocalist and RIPPLEFEST TEXAS founder RYAN GARNEY. Garney fills us in on how thing are going in the recording studio as the band is currently recording the follow-up to their heralded 2021’ release ‘Secrets Of The Black Moon’. Ryan discusses the bands' experience on the recently completed Smoke & Dust Tour that saw HDQ play 34 shows in 36 days opening for the legendary desert rock icon Mario Lali and his bands Fatso Jetson and The Rubber Snake Charmers while discussing the pros and cons of touring outside the US in the global underground heavy rock scene. Garney talsk about the band’s mosty recent release and split with fellow desert rock comrades Blue Heron as both bands get ready for their up coming Brewery & Dive Tour Part 1. Ryan and the guys get into a lengthy discussion on RIPPLEFEST TEXAS 2023 and discuss some of the birgeoning bands that will appear at the renowned festival this year as well as the trials and tribulations that he has faced in organizing and conducting an event with its magnitude. The guys get into a lengthy discussion about the current state of the heavy rock scene and discuss its fan driven approach and how the scene has been able to flourish on a global scale over recent times and much more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, the guys sit down with vocalist/drummer Craig Riggs (KIND/SASQUATCH/ROADSAW). Riggs talks to us about KIND's upcoming third release 'Close Encounters' and the musical/vocal differences compared the bands first two albums. John and Craig reminisce on Riggs and SASQUATCH's performance at Stoned & Dusted 2018' and the infamous 'kick drum' fiasco. Riggs discusses the early days of ROADSAW recording the 'Nationwide' album with famed producer and songwriter Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson/Halford) when they were signed to MIA Records which went defunct shortly after the album's release. Craig goes over the current status of Sasquatch and how they are preparing for their next record, compares the current heavy rock scene to the 90's when Roadsaw was gaining ground in the scene, how he helped to start renowned recording studio Mad Oak in 2000, touring with Kyuss during the 90's while striking up a friendship with Queens Of The Stoneage's Josh Homme and more.

On this discussion episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, Matt & John start things off by recapping the most recent episodes/interviews on the show and feature new music videos from VOLUME and WITCHSKULL. The guys follow that up with a discussion on the recent rise and success of two-piece bands and feature videos from some of them that includes Heavy Psych Sounds recording artists ASTRODEATH and TANKZILLA, Small Stone Records alumni THE COLD STARES and French duo ELECTRIC JAGUAR BABY. Hartnett & Gist get into a lengthy discussion on how gatekeeping in metal and the dawn of 80's nostalgia along with the advent of 90's heavy rock nostalgia is fueling the underground heavy rock scene across the globe as the scene continues to grow in popularity among all age groups. The guys discuss the current heavy rock scene in France and feature videos from DEADLY VIPERS, APPALOOZA, SLIFT, THE NECROMANCERS & RED SUN ATACAMA while closing the episode out with the new video/track from German stoner/doom outfit EMPERORS LAIR.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, Matt & John sit down with bassist Ron Holzner (The Skull/ex-Trouble) to discuss his latest band LEGIONS OF DOOM that features current and ex-members of Corrosion Of Conformity, Trouble, Saint Vitus, The Skull and Leadfoot. Ron talks about the band's European festival dates this summer and he went about choosing the setlist for it. Holzner discusses how the supergroup formed as well as new music that will is on the horizon for both Legions Of Doom and The Skull which now features Karl Agell (ex-COC/Leadfoot/Lie Heavy) on lead vocals. Ron discusses Trouble's two tours with Pantera in the 90's and shares a few fun stories on the late-great Dimebag. Holzner talks about the Chicago rock scene in the 80's and how Trouble navigated through the hair metal and thrash movemments, their popularity with in the punk scene, Trouble's experience working with Rick Rubin, his skirmish with Ministry leader Al Jourgensen and more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, John and Matt sit down with UNIDA & HOUSE OF BROKEN PROMISES guitarist ARTHUR SEAY. The guys start things off with a discussion on UNIDA's origins and the impetus of Seay to relaunch the band without the services of legendary lead vocalist John Garcia, while RIOT GOD vocalist Mark Sunshine fills in for the time being. Seay goes in-depth in regards to the infamous backstory of the bands sophomore LP that is still unreleased to this day due to the internal workings of the music business by the bands previous label American Recordings, while the record continues to be shelved twenty years since its completion. The desert-based guitarist also talks about his professional career as a stagehand working with established bands such as Slipknot, Godsmack, Limp Bizkit and more. Seay talks about the recent passing of artist and Mans Ruin Records founder Frank Kozik and his importance to rock in the 90's as well as the launching of Unida's career, the current state of HOUSE OF BROKEN PROMISES, Unida's upcoming summer European tour and more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt and John sit down with GOZU vocalist/guitarist Marc Gaffney to talk about the band fifth LP 'Remedy' and their current US run in support of then record. Gaffney discusses his change in his overall vocal approach on the record and how the addition of new drummer Seth Botos had added to to the musical changes. Marc discusses his early musical influences and what vocalists and guitarists made him want to become a musician. Gaffney talks about his relationshis with both celebrity chef and Blacklight Media founder Chris Santos and Metal Blade Records owner Brian Slagel and his important working with both has been to the bands career. Marc discusses his current musical influences, GOZU's appearance at the first Psycho Vegas in 2018, his penchant and notoriety for coming up with obscure and unique song titles and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt and John chat with Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney to discuss the iconic label's 40-plus year history in heavy rock and metal. Varney starts off by discussing his early foray into the music world as an aspiring musician/guitarist in the SF Bay Area playing for various bands in the heavy rock scene. Mike discusses the impetus to start Shrapnel in 1980 and finding his niche-within-a-niche by focusing on signing young guitar shredders which helped catapult guitar driven rock in the early 80's. Varney reminisces on his discovering Swedish guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen and discusses the roadblocks he faced in bringing him over to the US, discovering Cliff Burton with his band Trauma before he joined Metallica, his love for the current heavy/stoner rock scene and live music in Las Vegas and much more.

On this episode of The Heavy Galaxy Show, Matt and John sat down and spoke with bassist Josh Blum from 90's alternative grunge outfit SUGARTOOTH to talk about the bands first album in 27 years titled 'Vol.3". Blum discusses the bands impetus to release new music after a lengthy hiatus. The guys discuss the bands breakthrough in 1994 with the hit 'Sold My Fortune' and how Beavis & Butthead's approval helped boost the bands major label debut shortly after the episode was released. Josh discusses the bands drummer challenges after the departure of Joey Castillo who left the band to join Danzig and would eventually go on to join Queens Of The Stone Age in the early 2000's. Blum also talks about Sugartooth opening for Kyuss in the early 90's and how the band fumbled the chance to play a song live with Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford, opening for Slayer and Deee-Light (yes, that Deee-Light) and much more.

On this episode of THE HEAVY GALAXY SHOW, Matt & John start things off by discussing their recent interviews for the show with Dozer/Wino/Kenny Hickey, followed by a discussion regarding the recent inductions into the rock-n-roll hall of fame and their continued disregard for rock and metal bands as a whole. The music kicks in gear with new videos from Portland proto-metal vets DANAVA and the Austin's HIGH DESERT QUEEN. The guys follow that up with an in-depth discussion on the modern day live music experience and their appreciation and preference of underground shows at smaller venues over the more costly and less intimate experience of live music held at larger venues. Gist discusses his involvement in RIPPLE MUSIC bands WOLFNAUT and KAISER and their most recent releases on the SF Bay Area label and features music videos from both. This episode's ROCK CITY SPOTLIGHT segment is the New York/New Jersey heavy rock scene and featured discussion and videos from MONSTER MAGNET, THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX, RESTLESS SPIRIT, BLACK WATER RISING and SPOTLIGHTS. Music video links: DANAVA- 'Let The Good Times Kill' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YhkK9UnHW8 Courtesy of Tee Pee Records HIGH DESERT QUEEN - 'Black Moon' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6MvclSsIZ4 Courtesy of Ripple Music KAISER- 'Fire' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVQxA4CCF0o Courtesy of Ripple Music WOLFNAUT- 'Brothers Of The Badlands' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4HYeowWcJA Courtesy of Ripple Music MONSTER MAGNET- 'Negasonic Teenage Warhead' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKj5cJ9_KSg Courtesy of A&M Records THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX - 'So Come On' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h97Go2xHUOw Courtesy of Meteor City Records RESTLESS SPIRIT- 'Judgement and Exile' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h97Go2xHUOw Courtesy of Magnetic Eye Records BLACK WATER RISING- 'Jokes On You' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h97Go2xHUOw SPOTLIGHTS - 'Sunset Burial' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBxPz6nnthw Courtesy of Ipecac Recordings ** Intro Song courtesy of FORMULA 400- 'Light My Way'

On This episode of The Heavy Galaxy, John & Matt sit down with guitarist/vocalist KENNY HICKEY to talk about the new supergroup EYE AM which also features drummer Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative/Danzig/Quiet Riot), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar/Down), & ex-Crowbar and Down bassist Todd Strange. Kenny recants the early Type O Negative days as the Brooklyn alternative metal band opening for a tour with Motley Crue which helped catapult the band on the heels of its sophomore release 'BLOODY KISSES'. Hickey talks about his love for all things Judas Priest, a hypothetical Peter Steele celebration show, his musical influences during his adolescent days, today's rock and metal scene in Brooklyn compared the early 90's and much more.