Interview by Kris Peters
Sydney punk/rock outfit Crash & The Crapenters have become well known since their 2016 debut for their signature immature but experienced psychedelic rock that touches on themes of mental health, addiction, and burnout, and their latest EP Species Du Faeces is a showcase of their sound.
This four-track journey - which is out now - is packed with homages to their musical influences, the first of which is the album name, a reference toSpecies Deceases, the 1985 Midnight Oil EP.
HEAVY caught up with singer/songwriter Chris Carpenter to go more in-depth.
"We honestly feel, at this point in time, creatively it's a turning point for us," Carpenter voiced. "We're already looking forward to what we do next. The working title for our next album which is in pre-production at the moment is Surpass, and we'd like to think that we're going to be able to surpass everything that we've done before with what we do. When you look back at Midnight Oil's career, they pretty much were able to do that and achieve their greatest creativity and their greatest successes after having used Species Deceases as that sort of bridging that gap between Red Sails and Diesel and Dust."
In the full interview, Chris provided an overview of his band, Crash & The Crapenters, and their new EP, Species Du Faeces, which features four thematically linked tracks addressing drug abuse and its consequences. The title pays homage to Midnight Oil's Species Deceases, reflecting the band's influences.
We explored individual tracks, including All Geared Up, which narrates personal experiences with drugs and party culture, and Depression, (Smells Like Middle-Aged Spirit), which delves into mental health struggles, plans for the rest of 2025 moving forward plus more.

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Interview by Kris Peters
It's been a long six years between drinks for Adelaide chaotic hardcore outfit Life Pilot, with their last new music coming in the form of a stand-alone single back in 2019. After giving fans a taste of their sonic force with a 2013 Compass split record with Statues (WA), their debut EP High Noon in 2014 and second EP Too Hot For Killing in 2017 Life Pilot would release just two more singles in the ensuing eight years but have more than made up for their absence with the recent release of their self-titled debut album.
The album speaks on numerous themes; fear, doubt, frustration, self-reflection, compulsions, night terrors, societal expectations and how these all play into personal connections and our interaction with the world around us. It is a deeply personal record for the band members and lyrically it is predominantly introspective with a focus on close relationships. With the benefit of age and maturity, Life Pilot felt now was the right time to open up through their music, resulting in a more dynamic and vulnerable side of their musical psyche to come to the fore.
HEAVY caught up with drummer Eli Green to talk more.
"It's a pretty hectic 12 tracks of chaotic, angular metalcore," he surmised on the album's musical direction, "but it's got some beautiful moments tucked within it. We self-recorded and produced the whole thing, which is pretty cool."
We ask what expectations - if any - the band had considering it was their first full-length album.
"We really weren't sure because we've taken a long time to put this together," Green measured. "This whole thing started before COVID and then obviously that wiped everything out for a while, and we had band members having kids and all sorts of stuff throughout that period. So we weren't in any rush to churn out a record. The time to capitalise and keep momentum had long gone in the pandemic. We then just wanted to make something that we were really proud of. I guess what we expected as far as a response was anything from crickets to what we got, which was in the first couple of days we ended up at the top of the iTunes charts, which was a first for our band. That was really quite amazing. We just thought, wow, after all this time, it seems like there's some people who care about this as much as we do and want to support it."
In the full interview, Eli introduced Life Pilot's new album in greater detail, emphasizing its blend of chaotic hardcore and metalcore which reflects the band's personal growth and significant life events. HEAVY inquired about the expectations for the album's release and the selection of singles, to which Green responded that while they did not extensively analyse their past work, they aimed to connect with their earlier style while exploring new musical elements. The emotional depth of the lyrics, especially in the final track, was noted as a significant shift from previous themes.
Eli also described the unpredictable nature of Life Pilot's live performances, comparing them to Southern metalcore shows, and expressed enthusiasm for their upcoming interstate tour, highlighting the energy of all-ages shows and the memorable experiences they create and more.

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Interview by Angela Croudace
Collin Walsh from Grayscale sat down to chat about the band’s long-awaited Australian debut, musical evolution, and behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped their career. With their first-ever tour Down Under just around the corner, Grayscale is eager to experience the country’s culture and share their music with fans who’ve been waiting for years.
Collin revealed, “We’ve never been to Australia before. It’s a first for us. I’ve done long flights to places like Indonesia and South Africa, but travelling as a band is a whole different beast. We have 20 pieces of equipment, eight people, and always a few hiccups at the counter. It’s slow and tricky, but we’re thrilled for the opportunity.”
The band’s anticipation is also fuelled by their fans in Australia, who have been loyal and patient. “We’ve been trying to come for years, but the pandemic messed up our plans. Finally, we’re here and can’t wait to give our Aussie fans everything they’ve been waiting for,” said Collin.
The band's latest album, The Heart, released earlier this year, marks a refined version of their sound. “It feels like a culmination of everything we’ve done before, but it's more cohesive. It’s us finding our sound,” Collin shared. The album blends rock, punk, and alt influences, but Collin hints at future possibilities for Grayscale’s sound, saying, “I can see us leaning into more straight-up rock in the future. We don’t plan things ahead of time, but we let the music naturally evolve.”
In terms of success, the band is more focused on the live experience than any individual track. Their hit Forever Yours, which recently surpassed 20 million streams, is a fan favourite, but Collin remains humble. “I don’t think of success that way. I love playing the music live, interacting with fans—that’s what it’s all about.”
When asked about their influences, Collin points to a mix of '90s alt rock and classic rock. “Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, Fuel, and Wallflowers were huge for me growing up. And of course, Zeppelin and AC/DC.”
As for future collaborations, Collin’s dream partner would be Led Zeppelin, his all-time favourite band. “I just want to pick their brains. They’re the best rock band ever, in my opinion.”
The band’s longevity is also built on their strong friendship. Having known each other since their teenage years, they’re still as close as ever. “We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve stayed best friends since we were kids,”.
Looking ahead, Collin is excited to keep creating and evolving. “We just want to keep making music that resonates, connecting with our fans through honest and emotional lyrics. And Australia, we’re coming for you!”

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Interview by Angela Croudace
Buster Bloodvessel, the iconic frontman of the legendary ska band Bad Manners, is about to bring the party to Australia with the band's greatest hits. As they prepare to perform for eager fans down under, Buster reflects on the band's incredible journey through the music scene and the ever-changing world of touring. From the early days of Bad Manners to their upcoming shows in Australia, Buster's enthusiasm for keeping the energy high on stage has never wavered.
The band is known for its high-octane performances, and their Aussie tour will be no different. When asked what fans can expect from the show, Buster says it’s going to be “the best of Bad Manners,” packed with all the classics. “We’re not going to run away from any songs. We’re playing the hits that everyone loves,” he shares. The European crowds have already been loving it, and Buster’s looking forward to the fun-loving Aussies who, as he notes, have a similar energy to European audiences.
Bad Manners has been part of the ska scene for decades, a genre that has seen many changes along the way. So, what’s the biggest difference Buster has seen? “The internet,” he says. “It’s changed a lot about the music business. People can find music so much easier now, and it’s been great to see our audience grow, especially younger fans.” Despite the many changes, Buster remains proud to be at the forefront of the ska movement. “I didn’t think we’d last this long,” he laughs, “but here we are, still doing it.”
While Buster acknowledges that getting older has made the rigours of touring a little more challenging, he still finds the energy he needs. “Once you’re on stage, and you feel that crowd, the adrenaline kicks in,” he says. "You forget about how tired you are."
Looking back at the early days, Buster recounts how Bad Manners formed with a simple idea in mind: “We all went to school together, and I thought, why not form a band instead of just going to reunions? It’s been 50 years, and I’m honored we’re still doing this.” It’s clear that his passion for music—and for performing—is as strong as ever.
One of Buster’s most memorable moments on stage came when the band played a massive festival to 110,000 people. “The crowd was going crazy, and the earth was actually moving,” he remembers. “You could see the trees swaying to the beat. It was absolutely mind-blowing.”
But it's not all about the music for Buster. When he’s not on tour, he enjoys unwinding with some DIY projects and relaxing on his houseboat. He also has properties in Bulgaria, which he works on when he's not touring. “I haven’t had a proper holiday in years, but I feel lucky,” Buster says with a laugh. “Being in a band that travels so much, I get to experience so many places, so it’s like a holiday in itself.”
With an impressive catalogue of hits, it’s no surprise that Sally Brown is one of Buster’s favourite songs to perform. "It’s a classic,” he says. "Every time we play it, the crowd just goes wild.” And while the band has faced its fair share of controversy, like getting banned from Top of the Pops for Buster's infamous red-painted head, he takes it all in stride. “I didn’t realise that the red paint messed with the cameras. They told me it made it look like I didn’t have a head, but hey, it’s all part of the fun!”
Buster’s connection with his fans has been strong since the very beginning, especially when he shares stories of his past interactions. My dad was lucky enough to meet the band back in the day and was spot on about Buster being an all-round down to earth, friendly chap with a wicked sense of humour. “It’s always great to hear that people remember us fondly, not just for the music, but for who we are as people.”
With the band still rocking after all these years, it’s evident that Bad Manners isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As Buster prepares to bring the fun to Australia, fans can expect nothing less than an unforgettable show filled with energy, nostalgia, and of course, all the best Bad Manners hits.
Get ready, Australia—Bad Manners is bringing the party, and Buster Bloodvessel’s still got it!


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Interview by Kris Peters
Melbourne rock outfit Shotgun Mistress have been riding the wave of their most recent album, Kings Of The Revolution ever since it was released last June.
It was a strong, powerful and infectious collection of hard rock tunes that came as close as you could probably get to the exhilarating live experience of catching Shotgun Mistress on stage, opening the door for shows with Dirty Honey, Slaughter, The Poor, Mammal and The Midnight Devils as well as taking the band to Japan.
After such an exhausting 8 month period you could forgive Shotgun Mistress for putting their feet up for a spell, but that's not the case. Instead, they are hitting the road again through April in support of legendary US rockers Winger - touring Australia for the first and last time with the full original line up.
HEAVY tracked down enigmatic frontman Glenn Patrick to find out more.
"It is going to be absolutely amazing," he enthused. "We're absolutely honoured to be a part of it. We've taken a bit of hiatus for a couple of months since our album launch back end of last year and building up to this tour."
We point out that supporting Winger is a pretty fair reason for breaking the hiatus.
"It was quite short-lived," Patrick laughed. "We had another tour that we were going to be doing with Mike Tramp in January which fell through, but instead of that, we got Winger, so we're super happy, because Winger, I think, is more where we sit musically as well."
In the full interview, we discuss Shotgun Mistress' tour with Winger, focusing on the excitement of the original line up's return. They expressed gratitude for local support and discussed the dual responsibilities of a support act, including warming up the crowd and ensuring a smooth performance. Glenn emphasized the importance of showmanship and audience engagement, while also reflecting on the challenges of performing for new audiences.
We shared insights into their music, with Glenn noting key tracks like Shot Down and Mary Jane for fans to listen to ahead of the tour. He also mentioned the positive reception of their second album, Kings of the Revolution, and the band's intention to explore new musical directions while maintaining their unique sound and more.


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Interview by Kris Peters
Sydney metal outfit Inertia announced themselves on the scene last year with the release of their debut album, Second Shadow.
Blending the boundaries of the genre by bringing elements of dark pop and soul to the surface of a melting pot that traverses the darkest reaches of hard rock and metal, Second Shadow opened Inertia up to a generation of music lovers yearning for acceptance through music.
It helped secure the quintet a host of shows, touring the nation extensively supporting Polaris, Dayseeker (US), Bury Tomorrow (US), Northlane, Holding Absence, Caskets (UK), Thy Art Is Murder, Thornhill and more. They played Good Things Festival Sydney last December, and recently travelled their way across regional Australia with In Hearts Wake.
It has been true reward for effort, culminating in their own headline Australia tour, starting April 19 in Sydney and hitting Brisbane and Adelaide before finishing in Melbourne on April 27.
HEAVY caught up with guitarist Mark, bass player Oliver and vocalist Julian to find out the details. We mention the compact nature of the tour, focusing on the capital cities.
"We just wanted to hit the capital cities, and hopefully we can get to some of the regional spots later on in the year," Mark explained. "But yeah, just for our first headliner tour for the album, we'll keep it short and sweet."
Which leads to HEAVY asking how Inertia thinks the public reacted to Second Shadow.
"The reception's been really good," Oliver smiled. "It has exceeded expectations for us. Streams are going really well and live, people seem to receive the songs really well as well. So, yeah, it's blown expectations out of the water."
In the modern age of music where streaming is king and figures are readily available, we ask how deeply a band looks into the rabbit hole and how they measure expectations when it comes to a debut album.
"I think it's just do better," Julian measured. "Each record needs to be bigger and better. I don't think we go into an album thinking we're going to get a specific result. We just write the best music that we can at that given time and push ourselves to be better. The result in terms of how fans latch onto the record and the streamings… everything's secondary to making good music."
In the full interview, discussion centred on Inertia's upcoming headline tour. The band shared their excitement about promoting their debut album, Second Shadow, emphasizing their dedication to quality music and the evolution of their sound, which blends various influences and defies strict genre classification.
The band reflected on their recent tour experiences with In Heart's Wake, Reliqa, and Ocean Sleeper, highlighting both the challenges and memorable moments, such as a humorous birthday celebration. Looking ahead, they plan to focus on writing new music and organizing future tours, encouraging fans to follow their social media for ticket updates.


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Interview by Kris Peters
Rising from the fog with outstretched arms and haunting melodies are The Witching Hour, ready to embrace the uninitiated into the cult of the damned with their latest single Dead Inside.
With their breakout single Sleep With The Stars reaching 1.4 million Spotify streams and being played on radio internationally, The Witching Hour has already made one hell of an impact, even catching the ears of Alice Cooper on his radio program Nights With Alice Cooper on Triple M.
Dead Inside is the most recent intoxicating specimen of the band's transcendent, modern gothic rock style. Beginning with haunting, atmospheric guitar melodies and Taime Marsh’s rock vocals, the song starts with the peace that can be found in a graveyard before dawn. Then, the overdrive guitar kicks in, disrupting the narrative and turning into a monster within sight as the intensity of the song picks up. Clear, emotive vocals and heavy drums make this power ballad carry a loaded punch, laying bare the feelings of anguish, melancholy, and despair, that takes on a note of destruction with the refrain, ‘you will bleed, just to know you’re still alive’.
HEAVY caught up with Marsh to find out more.
"For this one, it's a bit of a gothic power ballad," Marsh shared. "Almost like a heavy Tim Burton kind of vibe. So yeah, pretty much that's the kind of vibe we're going for with that one. It's like a tragic romance, kind of like depression with dark, sombre feelings and aesthetic."
In the full interview, Taime discussed the release of The Witching Hour's new single, Dead Inside. He acknowledged the pressure of following up the successful debut single, Sleep With The Stars, and emphasized the importance of balancing fan expectations with the exploration of new sounds. The conversation also touched on touring plans and more.

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Interview by Kris Peters
Michigan rock outfit Pop Evil - as their name suggests - have managed to find that elusive sweet point between hard rock and pop that many, including myself, thought was never possible.
While the band's first two albums Lipstick On The Mirror and War Of Angels laid the platform for future success, it wasn't until 2013's Onyx that the rest of the world started to fully catch on, with lead single Trenches becoming the first of Pop Evil's nine number one tracks.
Fast-forward five more albums, and Pop Evil are the flag bearers for crossover rock/metal. Their music contains all of the things considered blasphemous in the metal realms with melodies, hooks and an abundance of pop sensibilities dominating the sonic landscape, but it also contains chunky guitar riffs, aggressive vocals and enough venomous intent to scare a rattlesnake.
The result is the recently released What Remains, a thundering collection of arena-ready modern rock and metal hits in which frontman Leigh Kakaty opens heart, mind and soul – pulling no punches and taking no prisoners in doing so.
What Remains is the culmination of everything Leigh Kakaty has fought for his entire life. It’s the dismantling of the armour he has adorned to survive the journey along the way. It’s the reckoning with the man he was yesterday, the man he has become today, and the man he strives to be tomorrow. It is at once the complete Pop Evil story writ large, and its definitive release.
HEAVY sat down for an in-depth chat with Kakaty and started by asking if, after eight albums, it still matters to him how new music is received by the public or if he is more at a stage now where pleasing himself musically bears more significance.
"Honest answer," he stated, looking HEAVY square in the eye. "It's a bit of both, you know what I mean? Obviously, when you make music for a living, you want people to like it. But at the same point with this album, there was a lot of just me being me. It was a therapeutic album for me with a lot of mental health issues that I've dealt with for my whole career that I buried, and I didn't even realize I had buried for as long as I have. They just came out.
And the band - being as close as we have probably ever been - really put me in a position with support to be able to even do this in the first place. Once the band gave me their blessing, it was just important for me to get this off my chest and just see where it went. And whether it was going to be Pop Evil music or not, I got to a point where I wasn't even really thinking about that. It was just let's just see what comes out, shut my eyes, see what my soul has to say, and then I'll worry about the album after that.
And I think coming in at the time we did it, rock radio here in the US, heavy music, it was just a different place. It didn't get played the same way. There wasn't a place for it the way that there is now in the streaming world. You can have songs stream and go further than even radio singles do nowadays. There's so many different options. And with these younger bands too on the come up, everyone's been a little bit… everything and everyone seems to be heavier, and we're definitely not afraid now to pick up our guitars. It just feels like it's the right time for Pop Evil to really dive in and focus on our guitars and our tones, and just making sure these songs are upbeat and hitting."
In the full interview, Leigh further discussed What Remains, which has received positive feedback for its personal themes, particularly regarding mental health. Leigh shared that the album served as a therapeutic outlet, reflecting his struggles with anger and frustration, especially in the aftermath of COVID. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in Pop Evil's music and the collaborative environment within the band that allowed for the expression of deeply personal experiences. The conversation highlighted the significance of self-improvement and personal responsibility, encouraging listeners to engage with the album's themes, as well as the heavier nature of What Remains overall.
The discussion also covered Pop Evil's creative process and their upcoming tour schedule, which begins on the West Coast and includes a stop in New York. Leigh expressed the importance of expanding their international fan base while being mindful of the financial risks associated with touring in new countries. He fondly recalled their previous visit to Australia and the unexpected support they received here, and more.

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Interview by Kris Peters
Music is a funny beast, especially when it comes to genre classification. It can make you listen to bands expecting a particular sound but getting something vastly different, or it could also put people off listening to bands based on personal taste.
Take Santa Cruz outfit Scowl, who are readily labelled as a hardcore band, but in reality offer so much more. Sure, Scowl have hardcore elements in abundance but their music also traverses the realms of - but is not limited to - rock, hard rock, alternative rock and punk as evidenced in their upcoming album Are We All Angels, which is out via Dead Oceans on April 4.
Are We All Angels finds the venomous and antagonistic band funnelling their aggression through a more expansive version of themselves. It is an album marked by alienation, grief, and the loss of control. Much of it grapples with their newfound place in the hardcore scene, a community that has both embraced the band and made them something of a lightning rod over the past few years.
The band — Malachi Greene (guitar), Bailey Lupo (bass), Cole Gilbert (drums), Mikey Bifolco (guitar), and Kat Moss (vocals) — formed in 2019 and broke out in 2021 with their debut album How Flowers Grow, and have been on a non-stop rise ever since. With 2023’s Psychic Dance Routine, Scowl pushed the boundaries of punk, blending aggressive hardcore with lush alternative melodies. But now Are We All Angels pushes those boundaries even more. 
Vocalist Kat Moss joined HEAVY to tell us more.
"It's not a hardcore record from a band that is a hardcore band," Moss began when asked to describe the sound on Are We All Angels. "We're a band that has hardcore, or perhaps hardcore people, in the band. And that kind of creates this really beautiful thing where we're just kind of feeling it out as we go in the dark. And that is the reality of songwriting as a whole. It doesn't really matter if it's hardcore or indie music whatever. But it was very freeing."
We ask Moss about the title and if the fact there is no question mark at the end means it is more of a statement than a question.
"It's up to interpretation," she smiled cheekily. "It's something we talked about, and we were intending. It was a complicated conversation because to some degree it was like, let's figure this out. Let's make a decision on a question mark or period or whatever or put the punctuation in, make it something. And we kind of were like, no, we're not going to make it obvious. You get to figure it out for yourself. There isn't really any right or wrong answer there, because it's supposed to be introspective, you know?
In the full interview, Kat discussed the creative evolution of Are We All Angels, highlighting a shift from hardcore influences to a broader sound achieved through collaborative songwriting among all band members. HEAVY raised questions about the album's title and its representation in the singles, while Kat emphasized the importance of exploring new ideas to create a distinct and introspective musical experience. Additionally, Kat reflected on Scowl's debut album with new label Bad Ocean, expressing excitement about being part of an indie alternative label while preserving their raw sound.
She shared insights into the band's origins as a local hardcore group formed in 2019, underscoring the joy of performing in various venues and her commitment to musical growth, avoiding repetition of past works and more.


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Interview by Kris Peters
Season to Risk are a noise rock band that debuted surprisingly on Columbia Records after the early 90s indie-signing frenzy. Known as relentless road dogs, constantly on tour for years. With roots in the 80s hardcore scene, Season to Risk were hailed as “the next Soundgarden” after their almost radio-friendly first album was released. But they took their major label money and went in a new direction of screeching noise, distorted bass and screaming vocals on subsequent albums. They built a recording studio and became increasingly experimental over the years, developing a rabid fan base in the process.
After a decade of live shows and four album releases, band members went off to explore other types of music in the bands Shiner, Roman Numerals, Violenteer, and many other recording projects. But Season To Risk never disbanded, and continue to play live shows when their schedules align, sometimes touring when an appealing offer comes along. Singer Steve Tulipana has a captivating stage presence in the lineage of Iggy, Nick Cave and David Yow. He stays excessively busy running several venues in Kansas City, Missouri.
For Record Store Day 2025 (April 12), Season to Risk will release 1-800-MELTDOWN on Init Records. The glow-in-the-dark album art invokes 80s horror VHS, and the record includes new songs engineered by guitarist Duane Trower at his Weights and Measures Soundlab, compiled with unreleased songs, including Undone, the music in their industrial punk scene in the film Strange Days.
HEAVY spoke with frontman Steve Tulipana to get the full story, starting by asking if 1-800-MELTDOWN is a retrospective Best Of for Season To Risk.
"It's actually a lot of material that was either was non-released or was released on seven inch," he corrected. "So that's the bulk of the album. Things that are pretty obscure and hard to find in our collection. And then there's two songs that have been… one that's brand new and one that was recorded in this century. That's a good start."
We mention that it is a bold move for the band having not released new music in 25 years.
"I think we always wanted to…," he measured. "We never really cared too much about being mainstream. We always wanted to be a little more experimental and really wanted to show people that side of what we're doing because it's informing the stuff that we're currently working on. So I think that's what we were wanting to get out. We have been reissuing our old records on vinyl and remastered here in the States over the last few years so that's kind of it's kind of a lead up to that."
In the full interview, Steve discussed 1-800-MELTDOWN in greater detail, expressing excitement about the album which includes a mix of unreleased tracks and a new song, emphasizing its focus on artistic expression rather than mainstream appeal. He shared insights into the challenges of cohesively arranging diverse songs and recounted a story about the track Undone, which was initially considered too noisy for a film soundtrack.
The conversation highlighted the inclusion of past and present band members in the album, the new song Echo Chamber addressing social media's negative impact, and the band's ongoing creative journey, including plans for reissuing previous records.


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