Interview Under Fire Podcast

In today’s episode, we are excited to welcome back the talented Dutch singer-songwriter Charlotte Wessels. Since her last appearance in 2021, much has changed. With the release of two solo studio albums and growing recognition from fans worldwide, Charlotte has firmly established herself as a force in the jazz, classical, and hard rock genres. Her ability to seamlessly blend such diverse musical styles showcases her unmatched versatility and artistry.

We discuss her newfound passion, recent success, and the future, including the highly anticipated release of her third studio album, The Obsession. Charlotte also shares insights into her musical influences and the unwavering support of her devoted fanbase, which continues to fuel her journey. While she has collaborated with various acts in the past, Charlotte's current career trajectory is reaching new heights, and she remains both humble and grateful for her achievements.

With two decades in the industry, Charlotte’s sound continues to evolve—brutal, pure, and intimate, yet always maturing. This is an interview you won’t want to miss. Tune in and be sure to buy and stream The Obsession, available now worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Charlotte, visit: https://charlottewessels.bandcamp.com/album/the-obsession, https://www.instagram.com/charlottewessels/ and https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCharlotteWessels/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

We are joined by Damon Tate, guitarist and founder of the Michigan-based metalcore band Of Virtue. The band has been gaining significant attention recently, and with their new album "Omen" receiving positive recognition, Damon shares the major personal and professional strides he has taken. Each step has led to significant improvements, fueled by his passion and dedication to his craft. We also reflect on the band's early days. Sixteen years may seem long, but when you're growing through life's stages and enjoying the journey, it can pass in the blink of an eye. A key milestone during this period is Damon's sobriety, which has almost paralleled the band's existence. As we celebrate this achievement, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Of Virtue, as they approach the most significant phase of their creative career. Tune in now to our conversation with Damon, and don't forget to buy and stream their new album "Omen," available worldwide via Arising Empire.

Stay connected with Of Virtue, visit: https://ofvirtueband.com/, https://www.instagram.com/ofvirtue and https://www.facebook.com/ofvirtue

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Time for some Canadian Power Metal. Juno Award-winning heavy metal band Unleash The Archers returns with their sixth studio album, "Phantoma," continuing the momentum from their 2020 release. We recently had the pleasure of welcoming back the band's prolific frontwoman, Brittney Slayes, to the podcast to discuss the past four eventful years for this rising group. From navigating the pandemic and adding new members to the lineup, to personal milestones, winning awards, and releasing one of 2024’s most anticipated heavy metal albums, Brittney and the band have embraced every opportunity with gratitude.

With a growing, passionate fanbase, the future looks increasingly bright for Unleash The Archers. In our conversation, Brittney also shares her musical and personal influences, highlighting the dynamic range and powerful presence that distinguish her in the metal scene. There's much more to discover in this episode.

Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream "Phantoma," the latest epic from Unleash The Archers, available worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Unleash The Archers, visit: https://unleashthearchers.com/, https://www.instagram.com/unleashthearchers/, and https://www.facebook.com/UnleashTheArchers/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Transience – the fleeting nature of existence, lasting only for a short time. For the German-based post-metal band Venues, this concept has profound meaning. Their latest album is a testament to their seamless transition into new chapters of their lives, both individually and collectively, a journey that is evident in their music. I had the pleasure of sitting down with members Lela, Robin, and Valentin to discuss "Transience" and the band's evolution over the past three years, both on and off the stage. Following the success of their previous album, "Solace," which firmly established Venues in the contemporary post-metal scene, the band has continued to push boundaries with "Transience," despite lineup changes. Their songwriting has never been more fluid, with each track brimming with significant passages and verses. As we kick off season 17, Venues remain driven by their passion for their craft. "Transience" is now available worldwide, showcasing Venues at their finest.

Stay connected with Venues visit: https://arising-empire.com/artists/venues, https://www.facebook.com/VENUESofficial/ and https://www.instagram.com/venuesofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Nestled in central Massachusetts, the post-hardcore band Wind Walkers has carved out a niche in the scene with their blend of heavy, intricate guitar work, melodic hooks, and poignant lyrics. While these elements may echo those of other bands in the genre, Wind Walkers have managed to carve out their own identity since forming in 2017, quickly setting themselves apart. Frontman Trevor Borg sat down with us recently to discuss the band's journey and their second studio album, "What If I Break?," which has already garnered half a million streams. Trevor also opens up about stepping into the role of frontman and balancing his life as a father, a role he embraces despite its challenges. Prior to this interview, Trevor made the bold decision to leave his job to focus more on his creative pursuits and family life. Tune in now and don't forget to check out "What If I Break?," available worldwide. 

Stay connected with Wind Walkers, visit: https://windwalkersofficial.com/, https://www.facebook.com/windwalkersofficial/ and https://www.instagram.com/windwalkersofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Today, we are delighted to have frontwoman Britta Görtz from the German-based metal band Hiraes joining us. Britta, known for her work with other music acts like Chaos Rising and Critical Mess, founded Hiraes in the challenging year of 2020. Despite the difficulties, the chemistry she developed with her bandmates was immediate and profound. Following their signing with Napalm Records, Hiraes has released two albums, pushing the boundaries of melodic death metal. Now in their fifth year, Hiraes has garnered a dedicated fan base and has a packed tour schedule for 2024. We also delve into Britta's influences, both as an artist and as an individual, with her citing Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) as a significant inspiration. With her impressive vocal range, Britta continues to grow artistically, aided by her work with Hiraes. Tune in now and make sure to listen to their new album, "Dormant," available worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Hiraes, visit: https://www.hiraes.com/, https://www.facebook.com/hiraes.official/ and https://www.instagram.com/hiraes.official/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Over the span of a decade, time can seem interminable, especially for music acts attempting to resume their careers after a long hiatus. However, fan-favorite death metal band Job For A Cowboy has managed to make a seamless transition back into the spotlight. Joining us in this episode is bassist Nick Schendzielos, who discusses the band's decade-long break and the release of their highly anticipated album, "Moon Healer." During their hiatus, Nick shares insights into the personal growth and pursuits of him and his bandmates, including obtaining educational degrees and exploring various aspects of life. After this much-needed break, Job For A Cowboy is back and better than ever, showcasing their comeback with "Moon Healer," now available via Metal Blade Records. Tune in to our conversation with Nick Schendzielos to learn more.

Stay connected with Job For A Cowboy, visit: https://www.metalblade.com/jobforacowboy/, https://www.facebook.com/jobforacowboy/ and https://www.instagram.com/jfacofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

“Cult Classic” has become a classic. The newest EP from LA-based duo Holy Wars showcases unique genre blending in the elements of hard rock and heavy metal, and they do it well. We welcome that duo, Kat Leon and Nick Perez on today's podcast to talk about this new album and what the future holds as they continue to trend upward on their musical journey together. Whether it's alternative rock, nu metal, hip hop, punk, or pop, Holy Wars have cemented an identity on “Cult Classic” that has captured the eyes of renowned outlets like Revolver and Knotfest, all the while racking 10 millions global streams in the process. They've been at this for several years, but Kat dives inside her personal experiences that also helped shape everything into what it is today, for herself and for Nick. Additionally, the experiences these two have gained together, as a couple and as bandmates, can be felt and heard inside the messages of their songs. Holy Wars is a testament to their love for the music, and they pull no punches on “Cult Classic.” Have we mentioned they've been at this for years? Well, make no mistake, they've found their stride and they're only warming up. Sit back, tune in, and buy and stream “Cult Classic” out now worldwide via Pale Chord.

Stay connected with Holy Wars, visit: https://www.holywarsmusic.com/, https://www.instagram.com/holywarsmusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/HolyWarsMusic/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

Brooklyn's finest have never looked better. We are of course, talking about rising metalcore group VRSTY (pronounced Varsity). We are joined by the uniquely talented frontman Joey Tyler. Joey is a Puerto Rican singer raised on R&B, pop, and Spanish music, which makes it that much more impressive due to him taking the route to heavy metal. Equally inspired by metallic hardcore as a kid, Joey talks about his influences, musical and personal, that have shaped his repertoire into what it is today. Spoiler alert: It's amazing. Joey also dives into VRSTY's history from the last 10 years, and now, while outlets like SiriusXM, Blabbermouth, Outburn, and Kerrang are praising their work, it's a humbling yet rewarding feeling for Joey and company. And quite honestly, it's something to take note of. “I feel like I was even more just myself on this record,” says Joey about the new album “Levitate.” Many twists and turns are heard on this record, from post-metal, nu-metal, and to melodic metalcore. VRSTY have fused elements effortlessly, which will have other music acts turn their heads in their direction. Ending the year on a high note, it's time for VRSTY to grab hold of the momentum in 2024. Tune in now to our conversation with Joey and be sure to buy and stream another album-of-the-year contender in “Levitate,” out now worldwide via Spinefarm Records.

Stay connected with VRSTY, visit: https://www.vrsty.nyc/, https://www.instagram.com/vrsty.nyc/ and https://www.facebook.com/vrsty.nyc/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

The amazing Sharon den Adel has made her long-awaited return, and not just on IUF, but with a brand new album from Within Temptation, titled “Bleed Out.” We last spoke with Sharon during the early days of the pandemic, and boy oh boy, times have changed since then. 3 years have gone by in a blink, and it's been a breath of fresh air getting the chance to speak to a renowned voice in heavy metal in today's age. Nearly 3 decades in, Sharon and her bandmates continue to refine the sound of symphonic metal, and it serves as a testament on “Bleed Out.” It's their first album since 2019's “Resist,” and it was more than worth the wait. We also dive into her solo project, called My Indigo, and what the future holds for that avenue from here on out. Within Temptation have routinely been credited as this powerhouse in the symphonic metal movement; The fans and even the new up-and-coming bands have cited them as influential to what they do. Sharon has been one of the most humble people we've ever had the privilege of speaking to, and we also want to thank her for her positive impact on the community. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream this newest epic from the Dutch giants. “Bleed Out” is out now worldwide.

Stay connected with Within Temptation, visit: https://www.within-temptation.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wtofficial/ and https://www.facebook.com/wtofficial/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/