Metalheads

Terry speaks with Sammy of Lost Society about the creation of “Hell Is a State of Mind,” the orchestral elements introduced across the album, and the writing partnership behind more than forty songs shaped into the final record. Sammy discusses recording with live instruments, the narrative thread that runs through the album, the role of music videos in presenting the band’s artistic vision, and the influence of artists ranging from Iron Maiden to Nine Inch Nails. He talks about extensive touring plans, vocal‑warmup routines, and advice for younger musicians focused on persistence and self‑belief.

Terry also speaks with John Joe and Jimmy of Rave in Fire about their album “Square One,” their self‑produced approach to writing and recording, and releasing the record with sold‑out hometown shows. They discuss working through different composition methods, balancing riffs with complete song structures, and collaborating on lyrics drawn from personal experiences. They talk about the Spanish heavy metal scene, the importance of artistic honesty, their musical inspirations from traditional heavy metal to classical and electronic music, and their plans to expand live performances following the album’s release.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Jared Gomes of (Hed)PE about returning to New Zealand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Broke,” performing the full album live, and the process of creating new versions of “Bartender” and “Raise Hell.” Jared discusses the original era of the record, the shift in his vocal and recording approach, working with global collaborators from his home studio, and his ongoing writing habits. He reflects on early inspirations, current touring plans, vocal routines, and the importance of strong songwriting and self‑belief for younger musicians.

Terry also speaks with Vagelis from Full House Brew Crew about the album “Glasgow Grin,” the band’s move toward a heavier direction, and releasing the record alongside their hometown show in Athens. Vagelis discusses composing around new influences, shaping songs during an intensive writing retreat, and recording guitars, bass, vocals, and production work from their own studio spaces. He talks about creating high‑energy performance‑style videos, touring in Europe while performing with multiple bands, the formative influence of Metallica, Pantera, and Zakk Wylde, and the challenges and strengths of the Greek metal scene.

The episode concludes with a feature on Fear Factory ahead of their upcoming New Zealand appearance, highlighting tracks from across their catalogue.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Ben of Locust Noir about the debut album “Shadow Sun,” discussing its gothic metal foundations, the influence of bands such as Type O Negative, Paradise Lost, Fields of the Nephilim, and The Cure, and the decision to record the album with a largely analogue workflow. Ben explains the writing approach behind tracks like “Cemetery Earth,” working with Ben Christo, incorporating female backing vocals, and creating a cover of “Marry the Night.” He discusses composing through instinctive songwriting, rebuilding instrumental skills, assembling a full live lineup, and plans for taking Locust Noir on the road.

Terry also speaks with Philly Bibiano of Fortress about the analogue‑driven production of their latest album, including recording through Neve preamps, outboard compressors, and vintage microphones. Philly talks about handling bass, synths, and most of the guitars himself, building and performing with his own custom instruments, and writing music through vivid internal soundscapes. He describes the influence of early gaming soundtracks and classic metal, upcoming live plans, and the importance of self‑belief and musical education for younger artists.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Jay of the Jay Solo Project about the 15‑year retrospective release “La Porte del Inferno,” a collection spanning key tracks, rarities, and live recordings. Jay discusses the evolution of the project, the impact of lineup changes, the legacy of the Valhalla performance, and the personal journeys that shaped the material. He talks through his process of composing, programming drums, tracking all instruments, and shifting from amps to digital modelling. He reflects on running Studio Sinisterra, the challenges of the COVID era, future plans for a new Dunedin studio, the importance of the mask to his stage persona, early musical influences, and the persistence required for artists navigating the New Zealand scene.

Terry also speaks with Alex and Lucas from Zepter about crafting their traditional metal sound, writing guitar‑driven songs, and recording live through tube amps to capture authenticity and energy. They discuss their influences from classic heavy metal and the vibrant Austrian scene, the role of small venues in building atmosphere, working within limited analogue recording setups, and their upcoming shows including festival appearances. Alex and Lucas reflect on early musical inspirations, their connection to vinyl and physical formats, and share guidance for young musicians focused on curiosity, collaboration, and staying true to their artistic voice.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry features new music from Megadeth ahead of their upcoming album, including “I Don’t Care,” “Let There Be Shred,” “Tipping Point,” and classics such as “Tornado of Souls” and “In My Darkest Hour.” He then highlights Archspire’s return to New Zealand with a set of tracks from across their catalogue, including “Carrying Ladder,” “Limb of Leviticus,” “Bleed the Future,” “Drone Corpse Aviator,” “Golden Mouth of Ruin,” and “Involuntary Doppelgänger.”

Terry continues with selections from the reissue of Danzig’s early catalogue, playing “Long Way Back from Hell,” “Snakes of Christ,” “Twist of Cain,” “She Rides,” and “Stalker Song.”

The episode concludes with a showcase of Christchurch metal from the 2014–2018 compilation, including tracks from Blindfolded and Led to the Woods, Bow Messiah, Menintol, Organectomy, Place of Skulls, and Stoned Angels.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Mille Petrozza of Kreator about their upcoming album “Satanic Anarchy,” the writing process behind the record, and the influence of recent projects including a documentary and autobiography. Mille discusses the album’s varied singles, the contributions from guest musicians such as Britta Görtz and a Swedish choir, and the ongoing collaboration with Francesco Ferrini. He reflects on maintaining Kreator’s intensity across decades, the role of early musical influences, the practical realities of songwriting, and the band’s plans to tour internationally with an eye toward returning to New Zealand.

Terry also talks with Elias Soriano of Nonpoint about the band’s first‑ever trip to New Zealand, their approach to touring culture, operating their independent label, and balancing creativity with the business side of modern music distribution. Elias explains the collaborative writing style within the band, his vocal techniques and recording tools, the influence of long‑form travel on songwriting, and the broad spectrum of artists who shaped his musical identity.

Terry then speaks with Daniel Moilanen of Katatonia about the evolution of their album “Nightmares and Extensions of Waking Life,” performing new material on tour, and recording drums in a converted church to shape the album’s atmosphere. Daniel describes the band’s writing workflow, how songs transform as they move from studio to stage, and the balance between structure and improvisation. He discusses his early musical inspirations, the guitarists and drummers who influenced his playing, his warm‑up routines, and advice for younger musicians seeking range and depth in their craft.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Sam Sheppard of Imperial Slave about the band’s recent New Zealand shows, their upcoming European dates, and the energy of events like Dunedin Deathfest and touring alongside Massacre. Sam reflects on his history in Eight Foot Sativa and Sinate, the experience of hearing younger bands cover their material, and the growth of New Zealand’s extreme metal scene. He discusses the practicalities of touring overseas, the resurgence of vinyl, writing for the band’s third album, and the collaborative direction of the new material.

Terry also speaks with Daniel Löble of Helloween about the creation of “Giants and Monsters,” the band’s experience recording at multiple studios, and the decision to use varied drum kits and live amps to shape the album’s sound. Daniel explains the open songwriting approach within the current seven‑member lineup, the band’s chemistry on stage, and Helloween’s touring plans for Europe, Asia, North America, and a hoped‑for return to Australia.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Udo and Sven Dirkschneider about the 40th‑anniversary re‑recording of “Balls to the Wall,” the guest‑driven concept behind the project, and assembling contributions from vocalists including Dee Snider, Doro Pesch, Michael Kiske, Mille Petrozza, and Ripper Owens. They discuss the challenge of coordinating recordings across continents, working again with original drummer Stefan Kaufmann, and bringing new energy to each track while preserving the core character of the album. Udo and Sven reflect on performing together, the influence of younger musicians on new U.D.O. material, and plans for touring the complete album live.

Terry also speaks with Nils Molin of Dynazty about recent work, including vocal collaborations and touring, and the band’s ongoing development. The episode concludes with a selection of Kiwi metal.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Richie Cavalera of Incite about their album “Savage New Times,” the writing process behind its short, hard‑hitting tracks, and the band’s shift toward a more organic recording approach. Richie discusses lineup changes, lyrical themes drawn from personal challenges, and the freedom of creating outside imposed constraints. He talks through vocal approach, inspirations, recording with Steve Evetts, and plans for touring following runs with Hatebreed and Six Feet Under.

Terry also speaks with Gregor Mackintosh of Paradise Lost about the band’s 17th album “Ascension,” its musical direction, and the influence of revisiting “Icon.” Gregor explains the selection of early singles, working with visual artists on videos and album art, and recording across multiple studios including the church‑based NBS facility. He discusses using his Hapás guitars and signature pickups, producing the album himself, touring with King Diamond, and the future of his projects Strigoi and Host. The episode also includes a selection of Kiwi metal.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.

Terry speaks with Tommy Gunn about his single “Cyborgs Rise,” the lyric video, and the influence of "The Terminator" and emerging AI themes on his songwriting. He discusses collaborating with guest vocalist Clayton Mitchell, the development of his upcoming "The Cyborg" EP, and the role of his service background in shaping tracks such as “Devil and Angel.” Tommy outlines his recording and writing process, guitar choices, upcoming touring plans, and the broad mix of influences that inform his music.

Terry also speaks with Stu Marshall of Death Dealer about the forthcoming album "Reign of Steel", their move to Massacre Records, and the remote collaboration process used by the band’s international lineup. Stu discusses the single “Blast the Highway,” the animated videos created for the new material, and artwork by Dusan Markovic. He talks about gear choices, digital recording, his extensive guitar collection, and creative partnership with Ross the Boss. Stu also reflects on touring possibilities, broader musical inspirations, and the discipline and persistence required of younger musicians.

The episode features Kiwi metal from Blindfolded and Led to the Woods, Beastwars, and Shepherds of Cassini.

Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of NZ On Air.