Heavy Metal News & Interviews: The Loaded Radio Podcast

NEW YEARS DAY announced their fifth studio album "Half Black Heart" in late 2023, following the release of the tracks "Vampyre" and "Secrets". The record also features the band's 2022 hit "Hurts Like Hell" and more recent single "I Still Believe". Last fall they also embarked on the "Kiss Of Death" tour with IN THIS MOMENT and ICE NINE KILLS, in addition to being featured on WWE NXT's "Halloween Havoc".

Kerrang! magazine counts NEW YEARS DAY among an elite handful of bands inspiring the next generation. Led by "the vibrant force of nature that is frontwoman Ash Costello," NEW YEARS DAY unleash anthems of discontent and empowerment, delivered with gothic flair and theatrical bombast.

Saints and sinners, victims and victors. In sound and vision, NEW YEARS DAY walk the line between darkness and light. The band's duality comes to fruition on "Half Black Heart", an unrepentant and unashamed album championing discovery, from the darkest secrets to one's inner strength.

Unrestrained fury collides with arena-ready glamor, confrontational DIY passion, and melodic hooks. "Hurts Like Hell", "Vampyre", "Bulletproof", "Fearless", the title track, and the rest of "Half Black Heart" join an already impressive catalog of songs, like "Come For Me", "Skeletons", "Kill Or Be Killed" and "Shut Up". Fans have streamed "Angel Eyes" more than 14 million times on Spotify alone.

"Victim To Villain" (2013),"Malevolence" (2015) and "Unbreakable" (2019) deeply resonate with listeners who cherish them as timeless keepsakes, marking different times in their own personal evolution. It's because Costello, who skillfully conjures horror and comic book aesthetics as allegory, is one of them.

In cinematic music videos, transcendent live performances, and daily interaction (virtual or in-person) with like-minded misfits, this band makes pleasure from pain. Even when it hurts like hell.

In the podcast, Ash Costello talks about the "reunion" of NEW YEARS DAY's classic lineup, how the band got involved with the WWE and Rhea Ripley, boring RAMMSTEIN after parties and tons more.

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Jeff Pilson is an American rock bassist known for his versatile skills and contributions to several prominent bands. Born on January 19, 1959, in Lake Forest, Illinois, Pilson embarked on his musical journey at a young age. He gained recognition as a member of the multi-platinum selling band DOKKEN, joining in 1983. Pilson's proficient bass playing and songwriting abilities significantly influenced DOKKEN's sound during their peak years in the 1980s, contributing to albums like "Under Lock and Key" (1985) and "Back for the Attack" (1987).

Following his tenure with DOKKEN, Pilson remained active in the music scene, collaborating with various artists and projects. He joined the supergroup DIO in the 1990s, playing bass on albums such as "Strange Highways" (1993) and "Angry Machines" (1996). Pilson's tenure with DIO showcased his adaptability across different rock subgenres.

Pilson's diverse career further expanded as he contributed to projects beyond his bass playing. He has worked as a producer and songwriter for artists spanning different genres, showcasing his musical versatility and expertise beyond performing.

In addition to his work with DOKKEN and DIO, Pilson has been involved in numerous musical endeavors, including FOREIGNER, where he has served as the band's bassist since 2004. His tenure with FOREIGNER has seen continued success, with Pilson contributing to their live performances and studio recordings.

On top of that, Jeff also plays in the project THE END MACHINE alongside his ex-DOKKEN bandmate George Lynch. THE END MACHINE's new album, "The Quantum Phase", arrives on March 8 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Throughout his career, Jeff Pilson has remained a respected figure in the rock music scene, admired for his skillful bass playing, songwriting talent, and versatility as a musician. His contributions to various bands and projects have solidified his status as a prominent figure in rock music history.

During the podcast, Jeff discusses everything from hos former bandmate and DOKKEN frontman Don Dokken, working with Ronnie James Dio, the new THE END MACHINE ALBUM and tons more.

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KILL THE LIGHTS is the band featuring former BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE bassist Jason "Jay" James and drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas, alongside former members of THROW THE FIGHT, THREAT SIGNAL, and STILL REMAINS.

The group made waves with their debut album, "The Sinner," released in 2020 under Fearless Records. Praised for its "statement songs" (Distorted Sound) and technical prowess, it garnered acclaim for its expansive sound and precise execution (Sonic Perspectives).

After piling up millions of streams and earning acclaim from the likes of KERRANG! and Metal Hammer, a sense of unwavering unity drives their second full-length offering, "Death Melodies", which arrives March 8 via Fearless Records.

"The best stuff comes when we're together," states Moose. "We'll joke around for hours, have a few drinks, and the songs write themselves. We're so connected in this way. There's no path. We're not trying to follow anybody. This is the first album that really sounds like Kill The Lights."

In December 2017, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE announced the departure of Thomas, replaced by Jason Bowld (PITCHSHIFTER, AXEWOUND). Bowld had been touring with the band since November 2015, filling in for Thomas, who had taken time off for family reasons.

Prior to that, bassist Jason James' departure from BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE was announced in February 2015, during the recording of the band's fifth album, "Venom." Jamie Mathias was brought in as his replacement in May of the same year.

In the podcast, "Moose" talks about his stepping away from BFMV, how he came to join KILL THE LIGHTS with his ex-bandmate and plans for the immediate future behind the kit.

The second portion of the show features THE GEMS guitarist/bassist Mona Lindgren.

Emerging from the remnants, Swedish rock newcomers THE GEMS, comprising former THUNDERMOTHER members vocalist Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson, and guitarist/bassist Mona "Demona" Lindgren, announce their debut album, "Phoenix," which arrived on January 26, 2024, via Napalm Records.

THE GEMS' potential was swiftly validated with the release of their inaugural standalone single, "Like A Phoenix," in the summer of 2023. This debut single soared to the No. 2 position on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts, catching the attention of rock enthusiasts worldwide.

The album's captivating opener, "Aurora," sets the stage, allowing Mancini's distinctive, powerful, and bluesy vocals to shine. Following this, the infectious rock anthem "Queens" celebrates feminine strength and resilience. Themes of empowerment and perseverance echo throughout "Phoenix," exemplified by tracks like the standout "Send Me To The Wolves," advocating for self-assertion and triumph over adversity.

In the show, Mona discusses what exactly happened with THUNDERMOTHER, the formation of THE GEMS, the crushing new album "Phoenix" and tons more.

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Ihsahn, the visionary frontman of EMPEROR, is set to unveil his highly anticipated self-titled album on February 16, 2024, through Candlelight Records. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of creative expressionism, this marks his eighth studio endeavor, promising to take listeners on a captivating journey through two distinct yet melodically interconnected versions of the same album: one metal and one fully symphonic. Both iterations merge seamlessly to craft a cinematically influenced masterpiece simply titled "Ihsahn."

During the podcast, Ihsahn discusses his inspiration for the project, the status of EMPEROR and the early days of Black Metal.

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This week on the Loaded Radio Podcast Scott Penfold sits down first with JOB FOR A COWBOY vocalist Jonny Davy to discuss the death metal outfit's latest album "Moon Healer".

"Moon Healer" is set for release on February 23rd via Metal Blade Records.

The release marks JOB FOR A COWBOY's first new full-length in a decade!

"Moon Healer" is a vivid illustration of what happens when creativity, aggression, and volatility tangle for the first time in years. Like the band's critically adored, 2014-released "Sun Eater" offering, "Moon Healer" is musically multifaceted, unabashedly brutal, and compellingly conceptual. Featuring a newly refreshed and reinspired lineup of frontman and co-founder Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman, bassist Nick Schendzielos, and drummer (since 2020) Navene Koperweis, the band seamlessly picks up the mantle where JOB FOR A COWBOY's "Sun Eater" left off.

Compared to past offerings, "Moon Healer" is as bone-crushing as JOB FOR A COWBOY has ever been. But it's more consistent and conceptual, composed with the utmost enthusiasm and confidence. "The evolution of our sound has become a big part of the band," Davy says. "As we mature as musicians, our tastes and interests naturally expand. With age comes more experience and ideas that we wouldn't have considered in our earlier years."

"Moon Healer" was produced by Jason Suecof (DEATH ANGEL, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEICIDE) at his Audiohammer Studios and is the first JOB FOR A COWBOY album to feature session drummer Navene Koperweis (ex-Animosity). Davy previously worked with Koperweis in the progressive death metal side project FLESHWROUGHT, which released Dementia/Dyslexia through Metal Blade in 2010. Koperweis also worked as a session drummer for MACHINE HEAD and WHITECHAPEL and is currently in the band ENTHEOS, whose third full-length came out on Metal Blade in March 2023.

In the second portion of the podcast, Scott sits down with Anna Brunner from EXIT EDEN.

Symphonic metal unit EXIT EDEN, consisting of Clémentine Delauney (VISIONS OF ATLANTIS), Anna Brunner (LEAGUE OF DISTORTION) and Marina La Torraca (PHANTOM ELITE) recently released their second album, "Femmes Fatales" via Napalm Records. "Femmes Fatales" includes 12 songs in total — half covers, half original compositions.

EXIT EDEN's new release follows the band's debut, 2017's "Rhapsodies In Black", which garnered millions of video views (12 million on EXIT EDEN's cover of Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" alone). Previous singles from "Femmes Fatales", "Run!" (featuring ex-NIGHTWISH bassist/vocalist Marko Hietala) and "Separate Ways" (JOURNEY cover) have already surpassed a million views since their respective releases in October and December 2023.

Now performing as a trio, EXIT EDEN's new full-length follows the path of its predecessor, as it contains six cover versions of famous cross-generational super-hits, but this time also shines by offering six original compositions. With one exception ("Dying In My Dreams", co-written by Marina La Torraca),the remaining five original songs were brought to life by Brunner and Hannes Braun (KISSIN' DYNAMITE),who is also responsible for recording, production and mixing, whereas the album was mastered by Jacob Hansen (DELAIN, AMARANTHE, VOLBEAT, DESTRUCTION and many more).

Self-confidently leading straight into the tempting world of EXIT EDEN, opening "Femme Fatale", "Buried In The Past" and "Hold Back Your Fear" conjure a mystical atmosphere with strings and orchestral elements, topped by complementary vocals uniting the sonic diversity of the all-femme trio. "Dying In My Dreams" and album closing "Elysium" set the tone as captivating mid-tempo tracks with intense choruses that speak straight to the heart.

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Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, BAD OMENS emerged onto the American rock scene in 2015, founded by the trio of vocalist and producer Noah Sebastian, guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, and bassist Vincent Riquier. The band expanded its lineup with the addition of guitarist Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio. Their inaugural self-titled album, released in 2016 under Sumerian Records, garnered critical acclaim, setting the stage for their musical journey.

BAD OMENS would continue their sonic exploration with the release of "Finding God Before God Finds Me" in 2019, accompanied by a deluxe version in 2020. The momentum surged with their third album, "The Death of Peace of Mind," unleashed in 2022. This release featured the sleeper hit "Just Pretend," marking a significant milestone in BAD OMENS' career as their biggest hit to date.

In the podcast, "Jolly" discusses the band's creative process, the upcoming tour with BRING ME THE HORIZON and much more.

On a contrasting note, DERISION CULT emerges as an industrial metal project hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Propelled by caustic lyrics and thrash guitars immersed in a dystopian soundscape, their albums serve as poignant reflections of contemporary societal challenges.

Fronted by Dave McAnally, DERISION CULT's lyrical focus delves into themes of manipulation and media influence perpetuated upon the public. In an age where news and discourse aim more to evoke emotions than stimulate critical thinking, DERISION CULT takes a stand.

Th second portion of the podcast features DERISION CULT mastermind Dave McAnally who discusses the outfit's latest LP, "Mercenary Notes Pt 1".

Exploring the ongoing narrative of "Mercenary Notes Pt 1", DERISION CULT delves into the pervasive themes of overstimulation and corporate-driven manipulation within the public sphere, all aimed at boosting product sales. With an extensive background in the advertising industry, mainman Dave McAnally draws upon decades of firsthand experiences to craft a collection of tracks that serves as a survival guide for navigating the challenges of maintaining mental health in a media-saturated world intent on stirring hysteria and sensationalism among the masses.

Joining forces with producer Sean Payne, who contributes the classic Glitch Mode Chicago Industrial sound to the tracks, Dave McAnally shares his vision for pushing the boundaries of production quality.

"Mercenary Notes Pt 1" boasts a star-studded lineup of guest contributors, including Chris Connelly (MINISTRY, PIGFACE), Reeves Gabrels (David Bowie, THE CURE), and Justin Broadrick (GODFLESH). Chris Connelly takes the lead vocals on one of the album's standout singles, "Deaf Blood," a track accompanied by an animated video crafted by Empire Animate based in Vancouver. The infusion of diverse talents further enriches DERISION CULT's sonic landscape, elevating the project to new heights within the industrial metal genre.

In a musical landscape marked by both the dynamic rock soundscapes of BAD OMENS and the industrial metal resonance of DERISION CULT, these two projects offer contrasting yet equally impactful perspectives on the contemporary challenges facing society. While BAD OMENS reaches new heights with their melodic prowess, DERISION CULT digs deep into the gritty complexities of modern existence, creating a unique dichotomy within the realm of American rock and metal.

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This week on The Loaded Radio Podcast, fans are in for a treat as Scott Penfold sit down with two exciting guests from the world of rock and metal. First up is ATREYU's lead singer, Brandon Saller, who delves into the band's latest project, "A Torch In The Dark." Later in the episode, listeners will be treated to a conversation with Felix Heldt from the emerging theatrical power metal unit, DOMINUM.

ATREYU, the well-known metalcore band, has been making waves with their unique approach to releasing new music. Brandon Saller joins the podcast to shed light on the band's decision to release not one, not two, but three EPs before dropping a full-length album titled "The Beautiful Dark Of Life". "A Torch In The Dark" is the third installment in this series of EPs, following "The Hope Of A Spark" and "The Moment You Find Your Flame".

According to Saller, these EPs are like pieces of a puzzle that, when combined, create something far more significant. In the interview, he shares insights into the band's creative process, the decision behind the unique release strategy, and the culmination in "The Beautiful Dark Of Life."

As ATREYU continues to evolve and experiment with their sound, Saller also discusses the band's experiences touring with iconic metal legends, IRON MAIDEN. Additionally, he expresses his admiration for the rising stars of Canadian metal, SPIRITBOX, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect within the metal community.

In the second half of the podcast, listeners are treated to a conversation with Felix Heldt from the theatrical power metal unit, DOMINUM. The band is set to release their debut album, "Hey Living People," on December 29, 2023, via Napalm Records. Led by songwriter and producer Felix Heldt, who also boasts an impressive portfolio with projects like FEUERSCHWANZ and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, DOMINUM takes audiences on a unique journey into the world of the undead. Through their storytelling prowess, the band explores themes of zombies, survival, and an insatiable hunger for more, creating a captivating and intense reality for their listeners.

Tune in to The Loaded Radio Podcast to catch these insightful and engaging conversations with Brandon Saller of ATREYU and Felix Heldt of DOMINUM. Whether you're a seasoned metalhead or a casual listener, this week's episode promises to offer a unique blend of insights into the minds of these talented musicians.

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This week's edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast features two incredible guests in the form of Jake Oni and Ian Thornley.

ONI has the new album out called "The Silver Line", which arrived on October 13 through Ironshore Records, marking the third full-length record from the metalcore project.

Upon the inital announcement of the album, ONI unveiled the compelling new track titled 'Aura,' featuring the formidable talents of Howard Jones (LIGHT THE TORCH, ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE) and Josh Gilbert (SPIRITBOX, ex-AS I LAY DYING). You can check that out below.

During the interview, Jake discusses his creative process, his friendship with LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton and working with the late Chester Bennington from LINKIN PARK.

BIG WRECK is gearing up to release their upcoming six-track EP, "Pages," scheduled for November 24 through their new label, Sonic Unyon.

Working alongside friend and producer Nick Raskulinecz, vocalist Ian Thornley initiated the creation of the band's next studio album at the beginning of 2023. With eighteen songs emerging from their sessions at Noble Street Studios in Toronto, BIG WRECK decided to take a unique approach by releasing the tracks in a series of EPs, with "Pages" leading the way.

In the talk, Ian discusses why he's made the move from albums to EP's, working with producer Nick Raskulinecz (ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, MASTODON) and that time he almost became the singer of VELVET REVOLVER.

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This week, we have an exclusive interview with BAD WOLVES' guitarist, Doc Coyle. BAD WOLVES has returned with their fourth studio album, "Die About It," their second to feature their second vocalist, Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, formerly of THE ACACIA STRAIN. DL joined the band in 2021 after a tumultuous split with the original lead vocalist, Tommy Vext. Although the band's lineup has evolved since their inception and their breakthrough cover of THE CRANBERRIES' "Zombie," Laskiewicz's robust, powerful vocals have seamlessly filled the void left by Vext, which manages to preserve the band's signature sound so well.

As for Doc Coyle's other project, GOD FORBID, the New Jersey-based melodic thrash-metal band reunited for a momentous performance at last year's Blue Ridge Rock Festival on September 10, 2022 at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. This marked GOD FORBID's first live appearance in over nine years. Since then, the band has made occasional appearances at events like LAMB OF GOD's "Headbangers Boat".

In addition to his work with BAD WOLVES and GOD FORBID, Doc Coyle has been on the road recently with the horror-themed metalcore act ICE NINE KILLS, filling in for guitarist Dan Sugarman due to medical reasons, which has kept the musician exceptionally busy.

And, let's not forget about his other musical venture, THE WEDDING BAND, which boasts notable members Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo from the legendary band METALLICA.

In the podcast, Doc discusses the new BAD WOLVES album "Die About It", what's happening with GOD FORBID, touring with METALLICA and much, much more.

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Kirk Windstein is a renowned American musician and guitarist celebrated for his profound impact on the heavy metal and sludge music genres.

Born on April 14, 1965, in Middlesex, England, Windstein is most notably recognized as a founding member of the influential sludge metal band CROWBAR. His distinctive guitar work, characterized by crushing riffs and a unique sonic signature, has been instrumental in shaping the sound of CROWBAR.

Additionally, he has contributed his talents to other notable bands, such as DOWN and KINGDOM OF SORROW, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the world of heavy music.

Kirk is also a member of the new supergroup known as EYE AM which also features TYPE O NEGATIVE's Kenny Hickey (guitar, vocals) and Johnny Kelly (drums) as well as ex-CROWBAR and former DOWN bassist TODD STRANGE.

EYE AM marked their debut with the single "Dreams Always Die With The Sun," unveiled in June under the aegis of Corpse Paint Records. A captivating music video, filmed by Mike Holderbeast at Joy Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana, accompanies the track, inviting viewers to delve into its artistry.

Penned by Hickey and Windstein, "Dreams Always Die With The Sun" materialized during recording sessions in February. Bassist Roger Lima of LESS THAN JAKE facilitated the recording at his studio, The Moathouse, located in Gainesville, Florida. To ensure sonic excellence, the track underwent meticulous mixing and mastering by the skilled hands of Jay Ruston.

In this week's podcast, Kirk discusses the writing process within EYE AM, the status of new DOWN music, his love for THE MELVINS and the reason why he believes the late Peter Steele (TYPE O NEGATIVE, CARNIVORE)is the true innovator in the way of all things sludge.

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