Exclusive Interview - Katherine Shepard (Sylvaine)

 If you've been looking for an alternative to Alcest on your shoe-gazey/dream-poppy/black-gazey/what-ever-the-hell-the-hip-term-is-now-ey black metal playlist, Sylvaine is the perfect cure for that itch. Masterminded by Katherine Shepard, the solo project boasts opulent soundscapes that are just as beautiful and endearing as they are introspectively morose. Through the modern marvel of our time that is "The Internet", I was able to have a chat with Katherine about everything related to the project's beginnings through her latest album, Wistful. It was a fun conversation that brings to light her musical upbringing and the evolution of her tastes.

Along with a track from her new album, listen in on the conversation we had after the break!

Exclusive Interview - Kevin Starrs (Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats)

This past Saturday, I made my way down to Wrigleyville in Chicago to catch up with Kevin Starrs, frontman of the UK's Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats. I was lucky enough to see them live at their very first U.S. performance at Marlyand Deathfest XII two years ago. But considering that they are still relatively new to touring the states and their new album "The Night Creeper" is fantastic, all signs pointed to seeing them play live again as being a good move. In the short but sweet interview I had with Kevin, we chatted about the band's current tour, Uncle Acid's sound and imagery, and the band's anonymity.

Check out the interview after the break!

Exclusive Interview - Eric Schnee (Organ Dealer)

Heavy metal is alive and well in the state of New Jersey; take for example Northern New Jersey's Organ Dealer. Their vicious deathgrind takes the listener and slams their face into the pavement. Luckily their drummer Eric Schnee did no such thing to me on the pavement across the street from their recent show at The Clash Bar in Clifton, NJ. Being the nice dude that he is we talked about the influence of Jon Chang on his style and subsequent band they played in, the New Jersey scene and just metal in general. Have a listen to the calm before the storm.

Exclusive Interview - Brett Campbell (Pallbearer)

This past Thursday in Chicago, I made my way down to Subterranean on a solo mission to interview one Brett Campbell from the critically acclaimed Pallbearer.  The band was playing a sold out headlining show with Solstafir and Mortals as opening support.  It should go without saying that the concert itself was amazing in every sense of the word.  The interview also happened to turn out really well.  Despite the comedy of everything that was happening around us, we went deep into the essence of Pallbearer's sound and other fun topics.

Be sure to check out the interview after the break!

Exclusive Interview - Martin Van Drunen (Asphyx)

We didn't want to go overboard interviewing tons of folk at this year's Maryland Deathfest, but it was certainly hard for Jack to not chat with Tomas Lindberg and Tom to not chat with one Martin Van Drunen from Dutch death metal legends Asphyx. Much like our interview with Tomas, our second and final interview from MDF features plenty of entertaining tidbits. Tom's brilliant back and forth with Martin may only be matched by certain easter eggs; namely BadWolf, from No Clean Singing, trying to start a turf war with us Brutalitopians and Jack's classic sign off at the very end. 

Listen to these moments and more in the interview after the break!

Exclusive Interview - Ryan Wenzel (Tempel)

Yesterday, Durf and I sat down for a little skype chat with Ryan Wenzel, guitarist for instrumental duo Tempel. Durf wrote a review for their debut self released album, "On the Steps of the Temple," in September, but this black metal oriented act has enjoyed some well deserved recognition as of late. After the break, take a listen to our interview with Ryan where we dig into everything you'd possibly want to know about Tempel and more.

Exclusive Interview: Steven Wilson

This past Friday, Mick and I had the extreme pleasure of sitting down and talking with the one and only Steven Wilson.  It was the longest interview we've ever done, clocking in at nearly thirty minutes (!) and encompassing a wide range of subjects, including his solo work, his responses to the public's responses to his albums, and his feelings on the term "prog."  Needless to say, it was a huge honor to get to speak with a living legend, and you definitely don't want to miss our interview below.