![[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.
![[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. 38: Interview with DAN MACHUCA, a.k.a. Dan The Game Master.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1742369671267-GLG5MEFTROAJRDBM1FI8/danpic.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 38: Interview with DAN MACHUCA, a.k.a. Dan The Game Master.
Local educator, TTRPG game master, game therapist and all-around good freaking bloke Dan Machuca (aka Dan The Game Master) has the distinct honour of being our first industry professional interviewed in video/audio format! In this episode, Dan and I discuss his efforts merging hobby passion with education via his rules-lite/accessible TTRPG, regular game sessions for at-risk youth in Melbourne, his teaching work, men’s mental health, favourite RPG systems, work-life balance, and more!
![[Podcast] Ep. 37: Interview with Jeff Sahyoun of LETLIVE. Ahead of 2025 Australian Tour!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1741828791993-QJSHOV98OVLMO0YAVL1Z/letlive.jpg)
[Podcast] Ep. 37: Interview with Jeff Sahyoun of LETLIVE. Ahead of 2025 Australian Tour!
What an incredible opportunity this morning, to have a chance to speak with Jeff Sahyoung, guitarist of the seemingly-undefeatable post-harcore/soul-punk heroes letlive.! Check out the link for video interview/audio-only streams plus tour dates, ticket links and more. You do not want to miss this gig, Australia - these guys know how to put on an energetic and impassioned live show, and we have our chance to respond in kind!
![[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!
![[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!
![[Interview]: with Tabletop Designer, Steve Dee](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1738660506102-DEVWWJU7JVFM3J9VZMA8/Kickstarter_banner.png)
[Interview]: with Tabletop Designer, Steve Dee
Steve Dee is one of Australia’s most prolific tabletop designers. I probed him about his upcoming Kickstarter project, The Worldwell, and his philosophies on design.
![ISC Podcast Ep. 33: [INTERVIEW] w/ ROBERT ERIKsSON, Drummer of Sweden’s THE HELLACOPTERS.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1738414509042-Y091QM06C17X67PJU9IS/hellacopterscover.jpg)
ISC Podcast Ep. 33: [INTERVIEW] w/ ROBERT ERIKsSON, Drummer of Sweden’s THE HELLACOPTERS.
Another music-scene veteran with many years of industry experience under his belt in Robert Erikkson! Robert is the long-term mainstay drummer of Swedish hard-rock institution The Hellacopters. We caught up on Tue 28th Jan just prior to release of their infectious, hooky and fun latest LP Overdriver, available as of the 31st. Check out the full interview plus artist bio, album order links, latest singles and more! Rock on, Svenska style.
![[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.
![[Riffs] Interview with Adelaide’s SUNDOWNER, Pre-Froth and Fury 2024.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737783213222-MV13J0FE4CD3P1V8UI1Q/sundowner.jpeg)
[Riffs] Interview with Adelaide’s SUNDOWNER, Pre-Froth and Fury 2024.
Originally posted on our unfortunately now-defunct old website in November 2024, prior to our coverage (and their fantastic set) of Froth and Fury Festival in Adelaide, SA. Since then, we’ve added in additional artist links, footage of their set from the festival and more! Doom on, enjoy some of SA’s most groovy and hostile blues.
![[Archive] Interview With OPETH’s MARTIN MENDEZ + Australian/NZ 2025 Tour Details.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737534970321-ZWJZODG02GL6Z7D57841/image-34.png)
[Archive] Interview With OPETH’s MARTIN MENDEZ + Australian/NZ 2025 Tour Details.
Originally posted to our prior website, which died an unexpected and sudden death on 31.12.24 (RIP), we have revived a seminal interview from late ‘24 with Martin Mendez, long-term bassist for Sweden’s progressive-metal titans Opeth. Check the post for video interview, as well as full details (ticket links, bio, artist links, The Last Will and Testament order links etc) of their upcoming November 2025 Australian/NZ tour!
![[Archive] Interview with OLOF WIKSTRAND of Sweden’s ENFORCER + Australian Tour Details.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737520812639-U43J3B80ZKQQ5WVCID3A/472871823_1144203967066725_9209872957837145904_n.jpg)
[Archive] Interview with OLOF WIKSTRAND of Sweden’s ENFORCER + Australian Tour Details.
AUSTRALIA! Are you ready to rock out in your finest leathers and gauntlets? You should be, ‘cause Swedish heavy/true-metallers Enforcer are on our shores and are about to show Newcastle the Steel! Check the link for my video interview with Olof Wikstrand, frontman/guitarist, which was originally posted on our website that unfortunately went down on 31.12.24. It’s too late, however - peep the link and get the scoop on tickets, artist links, new singles and more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737166933930-0IDD356JFLU6VIGIYXUW/diploidtour.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 27: Interview with REECE of Australia’s DIPLOID.
Originally posted to our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP) in May of 2024. Diploid are one of Australia’s most interesting underground extreme metal acts, blending metallic hardcore, grind, noise, electronica, post-metal and much more into a fierce live show. I caught up with bassist/electronic noise-maker Reece about their most recent EP ‘Mantra’, touring prospects, band history and much more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737094866088-U91IOXIINK1RFJ9C9N6I/image-8.png)
[Archive] ISC Podcast, Ep. 25: Interview with TONY FORESTA, Vocalist of MUNICIPAL WASTE.
Note: This is an archival repost, brought back to life from the bones of our sadly now-defunct prior website (RIP). Check the link for both video and audio-only versions of the fun and insightful conversation with Tony Foresta, vocalist and frontman for thrashers Municipal Waste ahead of their 2024 tour of Australia. We also talk side projects, recording, musicianship and so much more!
![[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 24: Interview with SERENA CHERRY of UK Metal Crew SVALBARD.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67738900deaf1a5f243892aa/1737092925514-J2PV5CYV2N19687ES5OS/thumbnail_image011.jpg)
[Archive] ISC Podcast Ep. 24: Interview with SERENA CHERRY of UK Metal Crew SVALBARD.
Note: This is an archival repost, derived from the bones of our sadly now-defunct old website (RIP). Originally posted May 2024, check the link for a wonderful, fun and sincere interview with Sereena Cherry, frontwoman, vocalist and guitarist for the up-and-coming Bristol, UK metallers Svalbard. Check link for video and audio versions of what was a fantastic chat, as well as relevant album details, tour details, singles and more.