Hear 2 Zen Podcast

EPISODE 280: THRAX-ATTACK WITH CHARLIE BENANTE! 🤘🔥

One of The Big Four have officially landed Down Under! As Anthrax prepares to tear the roof off sold-out venues across Australia, we are joined by the man behind the kit and the creative force himself—the legendary Charlie Benante.

This isn't just a tour; it’s a live rebirth for one of metal’s most vital live forces. We’re diving deep into the Anthrax camp as they kick off their first Australian run since 2019, starting right here in Brisbane at the Fortitude Music Hall!

• The New Album: Get the inside word on the recording process at Dave Grohl’s Studio. When is the first single dropping? When can we expect the full album? And most importantly—will Australia get some unreleased gems live? 🎸
• Touring Australia 2026: From the mosh-pit anthems to the deep cuts, Charlie tells us what to expect from this high-octane, career-spanning set.
• Rock Royalty Memories: Charlie shares his favorite stories of the Spaceman himself, Ace Frehley.
• 40+ Years of Thrash: How Anthrax continues to defy the odds and remain at the top of the game after selling over 10 million albums.

Inside This Episode:

• The New Album: Get the inside word on the recording process at Dave Grohl’s Studio. When is the first single dropping? When can we expect the full album? And most importantly—will Australia get some unreleased gems live? 🎸

• Touring Australia 2026: From the mosh-pit anthems to the deep cuts, Charlie tells us what to expect from this high-octane, career-spanning set.

• Rock Royalty Memories: Charlie shares his favorite stories of the Spaceman himself, Ace Frehley.

• 40+ Years of Thrash: How Anthrax continues to defy the odds and remain at the top of the game after selling over 10 million albums.

AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES - MARCH 2026

• BRISBANE: Monday 23 March – Fortitude Music Hall

• ADELAIDE: Wednesday 25 March – Hindley Street Music Hall

• MELBOURNE: Thursday 26 March – Festival Hall

• SYDNEY: Saturday 28 March – Enmore Theatre

SUPPORT THE SHOW!

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#Hear2Zen #Anthrax #CharlieBenante #ThrashMetal #BigFour #AustralianTour2026 #NewMusic #HeavyMetal #Podcast #LiveMusicAustralia #MetalHead

Get ready to traverse the sonic landscape between Fire and Wind. On this episode of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we are joined by the legendary Jeff Martin of The Tea Party!

As the band prepares to celebrate their massive 35th Anniversary in 2026, they are returning to Australia for the ambitious Elements Tour. Whether it’s the raw, pyrotechnic energy of a rock trio or the sweeping majesty of a 50-piece orchestra, Jeff gives us the inside scoop on why this tour is unlike anything they’ve ever done before.

🎙️ Inside the Episode

We dive deep into the mysticism and the mechanics of one of rock’s most innovative bands. We discuss:

• Symphonic Grandeur: Bringing the "Wind" shows to life at Hamer Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

• The Coffin Case: The secret life of his Hurdy Gurdys and exotic instrumentation.

• Led Zeppelin & Legacy: Why you should never "turn the page" on your foundational influences.

• Sonic Alchemy: How your environment dictates your songwriting.

• Studio Time Travel: Is a recording studio actually just a Tardis in disguise? 🚀

• The Musical Chef: Jeff’s perfect chili recipe and why the right soundtrack is the most important ingredient in the kitchen.

• What’s Next: The two Jeff’s and Stuart’s foray into new music

🔥 The Elements Tour: Australia Feb 2026

Experience the "Wind" (Orchestral) and the "Fire" (Rock) at these iconic venues:

• Feb 6: Melbourne (Hamer Hall) 🌪️ Wind (Orch)

• Feb 11: Sydney (Opera House) 🌪️ Wind (Orch)

• Feb 12: Thirroul (Anita’s Theatre) 🔥 Fire (Rock)

• Feb 13: Brisbane (Fortitude Music Hall) 🔥 Fire (Rock)

• Feb 15: Adelaide (Hindley St. Music Hall) 🔥 Fire (Rock)

Support the Show! 🎧

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of The Tea Party, please help us grow:

• Follow us on Social Media for behind-the-scenes content.

• Like & Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform.

• Hit the Bell 🔔 to stay notified when the heaviest interviews drop!

#TheTeaParty #JeffMartin #Hear2Zen #ElementsTour #ProgRock #AustralianTour2026 #SymphonicRock #LiveMusicAustralia #RockPodcast #TeaPartyBand

Polish blackened metal legends BEHEMOTH are returning to Australia this February to celebrate three decades of unholy dominance! In this episode, we sit down with the indomitable frontman Nergal to discuss the band’s 30-year crusade of chaos and their upcoming "Chant of the Eastern Lands" tour. 💥

From their humble underground beginnings to becoming extreme metal’s most revered provocateurs, Behemoth’s journey is one of uncompromising artistic vision. We dive deep into their latest sonic manifesto, The Shit Ov God (released May 2025 via Nuclear Blast), an album Nergal describes as a "defiant plunge into the depths."

🌑✨🎙️ Inside the Episode:

We cover a massive amount of ground in this career-spanning chat, including:

• Aussie Archives: Memories of past Australian tours . ☀️🏖️

• Festival Chaos: The behind-the-scenes "reckless abandon" of Behemoth’s set at the short-lived Australian Download Festival. 🎸🔥

• The Future of the Beast: Addressing the rumors and talk regarding Behemoth taking a much-needed break. 🛑⏳

• The Merch Empire: A look at the various—and often provocative—merchandise Behemoth has released over the years. 👕💀

• Life Beyond the Corpse Paint: Nergal’s creative outlets outside of the band, including his dark folk/blues project Me and That Man and his recent collaboration with Ibaraki. 🎸🤠

"We’re coming to set stages ablaze and leave no soul unscathed. This tour is a celebration of Behemoth’s legacy and a testament to the unbreakable spirit of our fans. Expect chaos, fire, and a ritual like no other." — Nergal

🎟️ 2026 Australian Tour Dates:

• Feb 18: The Tivoli, Brisbane

• Feb 20: The Metro, Sydney

• Feb 21: The Forum, Melbourne

• Feb 22: The Gov, Adelaide

Support the Show! 🎧

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of Behemoth, please help us grow:

• Follow us on Social Media for behind-the-scenes content.

• Like & Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite streaming platform.

• Hit the Bell 🔔 to stay notified when the heaviest interviews drop!

#Behemoth #Nergal #TheShitOvGod #BlackMetal #DeathMetal #Hear2Zen #AustralianTour #ExtremeMetal #MeAndThatMan #MetalPodcast

🤘 Episode 277: 30 Years of Aussie Thrash with Chris Rand (Segression)

Get ready for a heavy dose of nostalgia and high-octane updates! In this episode, we’re catching up with an absolute legend of the Australian metal scene—Chris Rand, the powerhouse vocalist and bassist of Segression. 🎸🔥

After a hiatus, the boys are back and gearing up to celebrate a massive 30-year milestone. This isn't just an interview; it’s a raw, unedited, "no-BS" chat between two mates catching up on the life, legacy, and future of one of Australia's most iconic thrash exports.

⚡ Inside the Episode:

• The State of Segression: Where have they been and what’s the current vibe? 🌪️

• The Lineup: Who is currently behind the wall of sound?

• New Music: We dig into what’s cooking in the studio and when you can expect your ears to bleed (in the best way possible). 🎼

• The "Final Seconds" Surprise: Chris drops a bombshell at the end of the chat that you absolutely cannot miss! 💣

Note: This is Part 1 of our deep dive with Chris. We’ll be checking back in with him in a few months to see how the chaos is progressing!

Sit back, grab a cold one, and enjoy this unfiltered look into the past, present, and future of Segression. 🤘

#Segression #ChrisRand #AussieMetal #ThrashMetal #Hear2Zen #AustralianMusic #MetalPodcast #30YearsOfThrash #HeavyMetal #NewMusic

In this hard-hitting episode of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we sit down with Lucas Stone and Ryan "Ruckus" Lucas from the Gold Coast's own heavy hitters, Hammers.

Fresh off the release of their long-awaited debut full-length album, Death Wobbles (released today, January 23rd, 2026), the boys dive deep into the 3.5-year journey it took to bring this beast to life. From the "friendly dictatorship" of the writing room to the iconic skate-culture imagery of the "Death Bowl," we explore how Hammers has evolved from their EP roots into a refined powerhouse of post-hardcore and alt-metal.

• The Identity of an Album: Lucas explains why Death Wobbles knows exactly who it is and how a more "selfish" writing process led to their most authentic sound yet.

• The Forrester Savell Touch: How working with the legendary producer helped sharpen their riffs while keeping their raw, human grit intact.

• Lyrical Depth: A look into the themes of nihilism, political fatigue, and the brotherhood that keeps the band grounded.

• The Road Ahead: Details on their massive headline tour and their upcoming run of shows supporting Australian rock icons Cog on the "Walk The Line" tour.

Gear Up for the Tour

Don't miss Hammers as they take Death Wobbles across the East Coast this March and April. Check out their official website for tickets and merch!

Support the Show!

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Australian heavy scene, please take a moment to support the podcast:

• Follow us on Social Media: Stay connected with us for behind-the-scenes content and guest announcements.

• Like & Subscribe: If you're watching on YouTube or listening on your preferred streaming platform, please hit that Like button and subscribe.

• Hit the Bell: Click the notification bell so you never miss a new episode dropping!

#Hear2Zen #HammersBand #DeathWobbles #AussieMetal #PostHardcore #AltMetal #NewMusic2026 #LucasStone #CogTour #HeavyMusicPodcast

🎙️ Episode 275: Dellacoma Rio – Darkness, Diamonds, and Jack Daniels 🥃

Get ready for an electrifying deep dive on this episode of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! We are joined by the powerhouse himself, Dellacoma Rio, to celebrate the release of the hauntingly brilliant new album, Searching For You In The Darkness. 🌑✨

Dellacoma opens up about the raw, daunting experience of baring his soul to the world and why this record feels more intimate and "album-focused" than anything he’s done before. From the writing process to the heavy subject matter, we peel back the layers of the darkness to find the art within.

🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Emotional Rollercoaster: What it’s really like in the weeks leading up to a major release. 🎢

• The Band’s DNA: A look into the history and the talented members behind the Dellacoma Rio sound. 🎸

• Songwriting Secrets: Why these tracks lean into a darker vibe and which ones were pulled from the "vault." 🗄️

• Bon Jovi Vibes: Breaking down the track "I Got You"—is it a nod to the These Days era? 🎤

• Cucumbers & Jack Daniels: The hilarious (and highly specific) fuel behind his vocal recording sessions. 🥒🥃

• Beyond the Mic: Dellacoma’s acting career, his role in The Dealer (2024), and what’s next for the silver screen. 🎬

• The INXS Legacy: Keeping the spirit of Michael Hutchence alive with the Australian INXS Show. 🇦🇺

• The X Music Partnership: What it’s like working with a label that lives and breathes Hard Rock. 🤘

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the fold, this episode is a backstage pass into the mind of one of rock's most versatile frontmen.

"Searching For You In The Darkness" is OUT NOW. Go stream it! 💿🔥

#Hear2Zen #DellacomaRio #HardRock #NewMusic #SearchingForYouInTheDarkness #AustralianMusic #RockPodcast #INXSShow #XMusic #RockAndRoll

🎉 Get Ready for Episode 274 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast! 🎙️

Join us for an electrifying episode featuring Jonas Renske, the sensational vocalist of the legendary band Katatonia! 🤘

This is your chance to dive deep into their journey as they gear up for their 2026 Australian & New Zealand Tour and the release of their haunting new album, Nightmares As Extensions of the Waking State! 🌌

✨ What to Expect in This Episode:

Insights into the writing and recording process for the new album! 🎶

Discover the most personal song and how it connects to real-time nightmares. 😱

How new members are shaping the Katatonia live experience—intense and introverted! 🙌

A sneak peek into the setlist and what’s in store for the Australian fans! 🎤

Don’t miss out on the secrets behind the dark, melodic magic of Katatonia!

They’ll be hitting the stage with a powerful sound that blends goth, shoegaze, and prog in ways you’ve never experienced before! 🔥

👉 Follow Hear 2 Zen on Social Media:

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Instagram: @hear2zen

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TikTok: @Hear2Zen

👍 Like and Subscribe on YouTube: Hear 2 Zen Podcast YouTube Channel – and don’t forget to hit that notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes! 🔔

👍We are also on all of your favourite podcast platforms, so you can listen there and catch up at any time

Join us and be part of the live excitement! Katatonia's shows routinely sell out—make sure you grab your tickets! 🎟️

🛑 Mark Your Calendars for the Katatonia Tour Dates:

🗓️ Sunday, October 4th - Auckland, Powerstation

🗓️ Wednesday, October 7th - Brisbane, Crowbar

🗓️ Thursday, October 8th - Adelaide, The Gov

🗓️ Friday, October 9th - Sydney, Metro Theatre

🗓️ Saturday, October 10th - Melbourne, Northcote Theatre

🗓️ Sunday, October 11th - Perth, Magnet House

Catch the magic, vibe with the dark melodies, and celebrate the return of Katatonia! 🖤

#Hear2Zen #PodcastEpisode274 #JonasRenske #Katatonia #NewAlbum #NightmaresAsExtensions #LiveMusic #AustraliaTour #MelodicMetal #MusicPodcast

🎉🔥 Don't miss Episode 273 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast featuring Max Cavalera of Soulfly! 🎸💥

Join us as Max dives into the exciting new era of Soulfly and the long-awaited return of Nailbomb! Get ready for his insights on their forthcoming album CHAMA, family dynamics in music, and what to expect on their epic 2026 Australian tour! 🚀🇦🇺

✨ What we cover:

• The fire behind Chama 🔥

• Tribute to Indigenous communities 🌿

• Influence of his sons Zyon & Igor 🙌

• The evolution of the word "Tribe" 🌀

• Exclusive tour insights! 🎤

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell on our YouTube channel! 💙 Follow Hear 2 Zen on all social media for the latest updates! 🌐

#MaxCavalera #Soulfly #Podcast #Music #HeavyMetal #Nailbomb #Chama #AustralianTour #Hear2Zen #IndigenousMusic

🎶🔥 Tune in to Episode 272 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast featuring the incredible Wooten Brothers: Victor and Roy! 🎸✨

Join us as we dive into their unforgettable tour memories, uncover the meaning of "Complete Music," and explore their musical journey as a family! Discover what the "Kangaroo Spirit" is all about and learn the importance of space in their dynamic! 🦘💙

✨ What we discuss:

• Highlights from the 2023 tour 🎤

• Musical influences and amazing players 🎶

• Road essentials for the Wooten Brothers 🧳

• Letting go of musical rules 🎷

• The vibe of seeing TOOL live & more! 🤘

  
  

With ten Grammy Awards, Victor, Roy, and their brothers create magic on stage, blending funk, soul, jazz, and roots like no other! Get ready to experience their unique sound—this is not just a concert; it’s a family affair! 🌍💫

👉 Watch now, and don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell on our YouTube channel! 🔔 Follow Hear 2 Zen on all social media to stay updated! 🌐

#WootenBrothers #VictorWooten #RoyWooten #Funk #Soul #Jazz #CompleteMusic #LiveMusic #Hear2Zen #TOOL

🎉 Get ready to rock! Episode 271 of the Hear2Zen Podcast is here, featuring the one and only Brendan B Brown from Wheatus! 🎸

Join us as Brendan checks in straight from the stage in the UK, discussing all things music and mayhem. 🤘 In this exciting episode, we dive deep into:

• The unforgettable Pandemonium Festival with Alice Cooper 🌟

• The legendary Goon Squad and Brendan’s honorary membership 🦸‍♂️

• Why Jaret Reddick is hailed as a living legend 👑

• Tips on savoring Vegemite like a pro (yes, even in the UK!) 🥪

• Letting the crowd dictate Wheatus' unforgettable setlist by taking requests 🎤

• The age-old question: does he have a favorite pie, or is it just about that iconic “American Pie”? 🥧

🎶 Wheatus is hitting the road again, returning to Australia, and making their long-awaited live debut in New Zealand in January 2026! It's been 25 years since their smash hit “Teenage Dirtbag” took the world by storm, and it's somehow bigger than ever! 🌍✨ Don't miss out as they celebrate by playing their debut album IN FULL along with fan favorites.

👉 Like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell on YouTube to catch all new episodes, and make sure to follow Hear2Zen on all social media! Share the excitement with your friends! Let’s keep the spirit of rock alive together! ✨🤘

Tour Dates:

• Jan 15: Crowbar, Brisbane

• Jan 16: UC Hub, Canberra

• Jan 17: King St Bandroom, Newcastle

• Jan 19: Blazes Showroom, Tamworth

• Jan 20: Manning Bar, Sydney

• Jan 22: 170 Russell, Melbourne

• Jan 23: Wrest Point, Hobart

• Jan 24: Freo Social, Fremantle

• Jan 25: The Carine, Duncraig

• Jan 27: Tuning Fork, Auckland

• Jan 28: San Fran, Wellington

🎤 Tune in now for a wild ride on Hear2Zen Podcast! 🎧

#Hear2Zen #Wheatus #BrendanBBrown #TeenageDirtbag #RockPodcast #PandemoniumFestival #MusicLegends #LiveMusic #80sRock #SubscribeNow