![[Podcast] Ep. 43: [Interview] with KELLY SHAEFER of Florida (US) Death-Metal Gods ATHEIST.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1744875038508-EVQ7Q73SKG0G5NF9U6L8/4_3Y5A9158-1-%5B4-5-IG%5D.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 43: [Interview] with KELLY SHAEFER of Florida (US) Death-Metal Gods ATHEIST.
As host of this humble podcast/blog, I am incredibly humbled and awed beyond measure for this opportunity! See the link for an extensive, fun and thought-provoking interview with Kelly Shaefer of US death-metal godfathers Atheist, ahead of their upcoming first-ever Australian tour, care of YourMateBookings.com. You’ll also be able to access tickets, tour info, artist bio, additional album info, album/merch order links and more!
![[Podcast] EP. 42: Interview with NAMELESS, a.k.a. DENNIS MIKULA of GHOST BATH.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1744606324746-KD2QQR7FYWCP9Z9ST498/490419555_1194344442094526_1069534723043154103_n.jpg)
[Podcast] EP. 42: Interview with NAMELESS, a.k.a. DENNIS MIKULA of GHOST BATH.
Atmospheric black metal (aka blackgaze, post-black metal) has experienced rapid growth - to the point of oversaturation. One artist who retains a strongly unique musical aesthetic is, of course Nameless (aka Dennis Mikula) of US black metal unit Ghost Bath. See link for Youtube video interview, audio-only version, recent singles, artist/album preorder links, an extensive artist release statement and more!
Featured Image: via Ghost Bath’s official Facebook profile.
![[Review] Drudkh - ‘Shadow Play’ LP.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1744445473350-1XVJDCWUYG089UY2MTQP/p5k9tajoj0qe1.jpeg)
[Review] Drudkh - ‘Shadow Play’ LP.
Ukrainian atmospheric black metal veterans Drudkh offer their latest musical outing to the world, Shadow Play, released on March 21st via label Season of Mist. Check out ISC staffer Dean’s comprehensive review of this sojourn into their latest darkly aesthetic offering, as well as full-album and single streams, artist/label/album order links and more.
![[Podcast] Ep. 41: [Interview] with ALEX TAYLOR, Vocalist of UK Metalcore Bruisers MALEVOLENCE.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1743774539831-NJMFEDJQ47LVZH7UYSN8/Podcast+Ep.+41+%5BInterview%5D+with+ALEX+TAYLOR+of+MALEVOLENCE..png)
[Podcast] Ep. 41: [Interview] with ALEX TAYLOR, Vocalist of UK Metalcore Bruisers MALEVOLENCE.
Rounding out a trio of UK heavy-music interviews for the past week is Alex Taylor, enigmatic and passionate vocalist for UK's fast-rising metalcore bruisers Malevolence. We had a wide-reaching conversation, covering everything from the process of writing and recording for upcoming LP Where Only The Truth is Spoken (including recording in the infamous Studio 606, owned by Dave Grohl!) up to touring, the UK metal scene's recent string of successes, the upcoming Australian tour and much more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 40: [Interview] with SCOTT KENNEDY, Vocalist of UK’s BLEED FROM WITHIN.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1743762054651-AZHHWAD0P5R4UMD06WEG/Podcast+Ep.+40+%5BInterview%5D+with+Scott+Kennedy.png)
[Podcast] Ep. 40: [Interview] with SCOTT KENNEDY, Vocalist of UK’s BLEED FROM WITHIN.
Episode 40 of the Inner-Strength Check Podcast is here! This week, host Brady interviews Scott Kennedy, vocalist of Glasgow’s fast-rising modern metal wrecking-crew Bleed From Within. With Zenith officially releasing as of the 4th April, we discuss the albums’ recording/songwriting process, plus BFW’s history, recent and upcoming tours and more! Check link for video version, audio-only version plus single music videos, artist and album order links and more!
![[Podcast] Interview with DARREN ‘DAZ’ BROOKES of UK Death Metal Godfathers BENEDICTION.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1743163261970-75X362ERO37HUH7ESVOO/ISC+Podcast+Ep.+39+Interview+with+DARREN+BROOKES+of.png)
[Podcast] Interview with DARREN ‘DAZ’ BROOKES of UK Death Metal Godfathers BENEDICTION.
What a venerable honour for this late end of a Friday evening. Tonight, I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss upcoming LP Ravages of Empires (and so, so much more) with UK death metal godfathers Benediction’s guitarist and one of two founding members - Darren Brookes! A band that is hugely influential for much of the music we post here, as well as many bands I/we know and love. Great interview, plus the blog post also contains album order links, single music videos and more!
![[Interview] with MARK PALFREYMAN of Melbourne’s ALARUM.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1736152351338-UIL5DK5Q6Y8D3EZI84AM/alarum2-1.jpg)
[Interview] with MARK PALFREYMAN of Melbourne’s ALARUM.
Featured Image: IG: @samuel_phillips_photography. Ah, Alarum. A band decades into a career of constant innovation, but always anchored to a frantic and colourful blend of jazz-fusion, prog and death metal. I caught up once more with bassist/vocalist Mark Palfreyman to talk everything ranging from recording process/response/background of latest LP Recontinue to longevity, touring, the local scene, inspiration and more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 36: Interview with Nathan Brunning & Ben Astbury of Melbourne's GHOSTSMOKER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741597379678-SJVH8DY4Q307PYS2W5FB/ghostsmokerband2.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 36: Interview with Nathan Brunning & Ben Astbury of Melbourne's GHOSTSMOKER.
Another fantastic interview in the chamber! Nathan (Vocals/Lyrics) and Ben (Guitars) of fast-rising acclaimed Melburnian doom/sludge unit Ghostsmoker are set to unleash devastation on the metal masses with the upcoming release of the brutal Inertia Cult LP, via Art as Catharsis. Check the link for: video interview, podcast audio-only version, tour dates, singles links, album preorder links, artist/label links and more!
![[Heavy News] Trans-Atlantic Metal Project GREY MOUNTAIN Release Debut Album!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741512520770-GKTX4PU55MC5SPAKX67N/Grey+Mountain+Band.jpg)
[Heavy News] Trans-Atlantic Metal Project GREY MOUNTAIN Release Debut Album!
Heavy News: New Trans-Atlantic Metal Project GREY MOUNTAIN (feat. members of Monsterworks, Bull Elephant, Construct of Lethe, Black Harvest) have released their self-titled debut album via Eat Lead and Die Music! The album is available digitally on Bandcamp (including 24-bit full dynamic range vinyl master in side A/B format) and at new platform Ampwall. Check link for preorder, full album stream and more.
![[Podcast] Froth and Fury 2024 Review: All-In-One/Omnibus Edition!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741322638255-J8IGK1KHVPBH4BDQH5FN/458314957_821529990096799_6768939003107938271_n.png)
[Podcast] Froth and Fury 2024 Review: All-In-One/Omnibus Edition!
Get on board the Froth and Fury Omnibus, because we’ve finally resurrected this handy all-in-one multi-post collection of our extensive gig coverage/info/interviews and more for the blast that was last years’ festival - all in one convenient, accessible link! From here you’ll be able to access primers/info, our interviews with Lumen Ad Mortem and Sundowner, as well as mine and Mal’s MASSIVE two-part blog/podcast episode coverage of the whole festival!
![[Heavy News] MACHINE HEAD Monumental 11th Album UNATØNED Out April 25th + Release Music Video For First Single 'UNBØUND'](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739945488031-E7GJVVGL90AVYYKOW814/machineheadcover.png)
[Heavy News] MACHINE HEAD Monumental 11th Album UNATØNED Out April 25th + Release Music Video For First Single 'UNBØUND'
Bay Area metal veterans Machine Head, one of the most omnipresent bands in the heavy collective consciousness, are back with 11th LP UNATØNED, dropping April 25th! Nothing’s been spared on their official press release for it either - there’s everything here from stream and music clip for title track as first single, a whole smorgasbord of physical/digital media pre-order options, statements from the band themselves and heaps more! Machine Farkin’ Head, mate!
![[Review] Alarum - ‘Recontinue’ LP](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1740110589583-74KEZY88JG1SNXISJ8BP/481070267_1216400333699347_180761954938397027_n.jpg)
[Review] Alarum - ‘Recontinue’ LP
Featured Image/Footer Image Credit: Wilkography. One thing you can certainly tell with reviews is when a musician reviews them! Hamza’s breakdown of Alarum reaches similar intricacy and depth to that of the band themselves on progressive death-metal/jazz-fusion opus Recontinue, which dropped in 2024 to high critical acclaim. Check the full review which is, like the band, both heady and passionate! Plus artist/album order links, clips, and more.
![[Heavy News] Polish Death Metal Duo, DORMANT ORDEAL, to Release Tooth and Nail on Willowtip in April!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739771812411-F013H17ORTZA2GG20R2F/rsz_1dormantordeal-1.jpg)
[Heavy News] Polish Death Metal Duo, DORMANT ORDEAL, to Release Tooth and Nail on Willowtip in April!
Krakow-based Polish are our first cab off the rank for a busy #MusicMondays segment, with lots of Heavy News to come! This stellar duo in Maciej Nieścioruk (guitars) and Maciej Proficz (vocals) have completed recording of their upcoming harsh, expansive and gritty LP Tooth and Nail in April, via Willowtip. Check the link for album/artist bio, singles links, album pre-order and more! Death, doom and much cool nastiness abounds.
![[Review] - Newest ISC Staffer Dean Explores Saor’s ‘Amidst The Ruins’ LP.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739365977272-M0VPLIP1ECN9KWQZLAIV/saorphoto1.jpg)
[Review] - Newest ISC Staffer Dean Explores Saor’s ‘Amidst The Ruins’ LP.
On mutual agreement, latest staffer Dean and myself have agreed to let the words speak for themselves for his formal addition to the Inner-Strength Check Podcast canon. And what beautiful, evocative words they are indeed! Check the link for our newest staffers’ resplendent coverage of atmospheric folk/black metal act Saor’s latest LP, Amidst The Ruins. You can also find album order links, multiple recent singles, full album streams and much more. Another fantastic staff introductory piece, the first of many!
![[Podcast] Ep. 35: Interview with BRETT CAMPBELL of PALLBEARER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739267843987-9CMOZ8BKRXK0XSNUAGNI/pallbearercover.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 35: Interview with BRETT CAMPBELL of PALLBEARER.
Renowned doom metal merchants PALLBEARER make their return to Australia in March 2025 for an electrifying tour promising to deliver their signature blend of haunting melodies and crushing riffs. Joining them on all dates will be special guests UK doom metal titans CONAN. I was fortunate enough to catch up with vocalist/guitarist Brett Campbell earlier today. Check the link for full video interview, Spotify/alternative podcast platform audio-only versions, ticket links, tour dates and more!
![ISC Podcast, Ep. 34: [INTERVIEW] with OBSCURA frontman/Guitarist STEFFEN KUMMERER.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739010770230-8V6YDC94R5ZH9JJSYD6I/obscurabandpic.jpg)
ISC Podcast, Ep. 34: [INTERVIEW] with OBSCURA frontman/Guitarist STEFFEN KUMMERER.
Originally posted on our now-defunct old website, dead as a doornail as of NYE 2024 (RIP) - check the link for both video and audio-only podcast formats re: Brady’s interview with Steffen Kummerer, frontman/guitarist of German progressive/technical death metal juggernaughts Obscura! Recorded on 22nd Dec ‘24, it’s an interesting exploration into the writing and process behind latest LP A Sonication, with additional artist/album bio, order links and much more within!
![[Music Mondays] Mon 3rd Feb, 2025.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1738581277133-7RTXWS4SVZEU50VZVOZ2/427135807_7654838114540460_8045244545557484009_n.jpg)
[Music Mondays] Mon 3rd Feb, 2025.
This week’s Music Monday contains more than you shake a stick at! Multiple recent Heavy News items - album releases! Recent Riffs (articles)! Reviews and more! Plus a whole swathe of updates from the equally-busy Musolegion community - more album reviews, gig reviews and several packed Musolegion Recommends pieces exploring bands from Iceland, Japan and Central Asia! Dig in, music-lovers.
![[Archive] Interview with AARON TUCK of Black Metallers LUMEN AD MORTEM.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1739080389492-88WXR2185K96UDW5IW73/image-38.png)
[Archive] Interview with AARON TUCK of Black Metallers LUMEN AD MORTEM.
Pic Credit: Jai from @crannkmedia. Originally posted on our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) in November 2024, ahead of their imposing presence/our review of same @ Froth And Fury Festival - here’s a Q&A interview with indominable frontman Aaron Tuck of South Australian black metal all-stars Lumen Ad Mortem! It’s a great chat and worth revisiting. Go check out their stuff, fantastic live too - can confirm.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 32 - Feral ‘To USurp The Thrones’ & RVVKVS ‘Antithesis Of Prosperity’ LP REVIEWS.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741231215214-T2GEAZNPYNYNMGPO1II3/ISC+Podcast+Ep+29+Reviews.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 32 - Feral ‘To USurp The Thrones’ & RVVKVS ‘Antithesis Of Prosperity’ LP REVIEWS.
Exhumed from the back-end of our old, dead website, which carked it suddenly on NYE 2024 (RIP), here’s a double-hitter - two full album reviews, in both blog and podcast formats! That’s right, it’s a stacked two-fer with a heavy analysis of both Swedish death-metallers Feral and their 2024 LP To Usurp The The Thrones, as well as New Zealands’ finest grinders Rvvkvs with their LP, Antithesis of Prosperity.
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 28: FROTH AND FURY FESTIVAL REVIEW PT 2 (Frothie-A-Deux).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737600222528-ODXUBU8GOTEVZJJJ274C/image-67.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 28: FROTH AND FURY FESTIVAL REVIEW PT 2 (Frothie-A-Deux).
[Originally posted via our old website which suffered an unexpected and untimely death on NYE 2024, RIP]. Check in for Part 2 of Brady and Mal’s extensive coverage of the HUGE event that was Froth and Fury in Adelaide, SA, November 2024. Within this post is the full two-part narrated podcast version, as well as an analysis of vendors, events and setlists from: Thornhill, Brand of Sacrifice, Organectomy, These New South Whales, Psycroptic, Day of Contempt, Fear Factory, Northlane, Bodyjar, Thy Art Is Murder and Pestilence!